René Carayol

René is quite simply one of the world’s leading executive coaches, working with some of the Fortune 500’s and FTSE 100’s top Chief Executive Officers (CEO’s) and their executive teams.

He speaks with the authority and confidence of the expert practitioner who has seen and experienced it all before. René draws much from his own unique experiences as managing director at IPC Magazines and serving on a variety of boards including Pepsi, IPC Media and the Inland Revenue.

The only position in the business that has no preparatory training or development whatsoever is the CEO. The most important and probably the most challenging job in the business, and on Day One, it is all brand new to the new incumbent, and there is no one around to show them what needs to be done.

It is the role that rarely has an appropriate job description and even rarer is there any form of handover. Far too often the opportunity presents itself rather suddenly and for whoever is approached, it is very hard to turn down.

René has acquired a reputation for providing first hand advice and support for a series of successful CEOs in the Fortune 500, FTSE 100 and all around the world. Many may claim to have worked at the ‘sharp end’ with many CEOs, but in actual fact very few have. He has worked closely with Jim Yong Kim – President of The World Bank, Antony Jenkins – CEO Barclays Bank, Mario Greco – CEO Generali and Maria Ramos – CEO Absa Bank, and hardly any can match his sustained track record of success.

There is no universal solution or approach for supporting a CEO, as each one is as individual as their fingerprints. It is without a doubt, the toughest job in the world, but it is also the best job in the world.

René acquires case studies and stories from the frontline and first hand. There are exciting adventures, emotional anecdotes and enough drama to excite any audience. René delivers learning wrapped up as never to be forgotten stories told by a master storyteller. You will want to hear them again and again.

René specialises in delivering performances that show precisely how contemporary leaders can electrify an audience through a powerful and authentic emotional connection. He demonstrates just how compelling an emotionally intelligent approach can be. He is never about theory - it is all practical and pragmatic leadership insights and tips. No one ever forgets being at one of his sessions.

René is an accomplished visiting professor at Cass Business School. His critically acclaimed latest book, Spike – What are you great at? enables all of us to unleash our inherent strengths and realise our true potential. As René says, “If you accept your limitations you go beyond them”.