Speaking
Keynotes from the wild
Stories from thirty years behind the camera, turned into lessons for leaders and teams.
Topics
Example keynotes
Adapt or perish
Lessons in resilience and adaptability from the animals that thrive in the harshest places on the planet, and what they mean for business.
- How the animals that thrive in the harshest places turn pressure into an advantage
- One habit from the natural world for responding to change instead of resisting it
- The animal that taught James the most about resilience, and what it means for business
Leading teams under extreme pressure
What a film crew stranded in a cave or a storm teaches us about trust, decision-making and keeping a team together when the plan falls apart.
- How trust is built before a crisis, so the team holds together.
- A simple way to make clear decisions when the information is incomplete
- What happened when a film crew’s plan fell apart and dangerous animals gave unexpected feedback!
Storytelling that sticks
The craft behind programmes watched by millions, and how to use it to make your own message land with customers, colleagues and investors.
- Why some stories are remembered and others are forgotten by the next morning
- A three-part structure to make your next presentation, pitch or update land
- How a few seconds of wildlife footage gets shaped into a story millions of people watch
Audiences
Who James speaks to
- Corporate keynotes
- Conferences
- Leadership offsites
- Award dinners
- Schools & colleges
Testimonials
What organisers say
Steve Backshall
Presenter"James is an exceptional public speaker, able to provide anecdotes on the most extraordinary wildlife encounters, and directing the very best (and I do mean David Attenborough rather than me!) but what James offers above others in this field is the lessons he has learnt. He is the best leader I’ve worked under, able to construct a weapons grade team, but also to make them all feel as if they going into battle together, all with a common aim rather than competing against each other. I know with his work ethic he’ll compose every event individually; bespoke, personal, perfect.."
Monty Halls
Full Circle Expeditions"James's talk was superb - he was informative, entertaining and his audio visual material was out of this world. He has some amazing stories from his time at the BBC NHU, but was able to engage on a personal level with all of our varied audience. We would happily recommend James to talk at any event - he was the highlight of our seminar and is a true professional."
Nick Ettery
Advanz Pharma“I have been lucky to have had the opportunity for James to work with my teams on several occasions. … His interactive approach … makes for a super engaging interactive experience and his ability to make applicable the challenges of natural history filming into simple learning and actions for each individual’s approach to work and life has been highly appreciated by his audience. … Highly recommended!”
Emma-Lou Goymer
Prior Park College"The presentation James gave was thoroughly enjoyed by a mixed audience of students, lecturers and some children that attended the event. James is an excellent speaker and really connected with the audience, he was quick witted with comments that were thrown his way and very natural with the way he came across. James obviously has a passion for his subject and he is a real pleasure to listen to."
Alexandra Haydon
Millfield School"An enormous thank you, for your amazing contribution to the Ultimate School trip. You were brilliant - hit exactly the right tone (particularly with the 'up the bum fish' at the start!) and the students absolutely loved it. We have had so many thank yous from schools across the UK. The coral reef section was the perfect blend of Biology and escapism and the perfect finish to our Australia trip."
Book James
Keynotes, conferences, leadership sessions and school talks across the UK and internationally. Share a few details and James will be in touch.
Reply within two working days
Watch
James on screen
The scoop on snakes | James Brickell
TEDx Talks
Behind the Scenes of the Over The Horizon film
Samsung Newsroom
Tales From Wildlife TV ft James Brickell
Wildlife Exposed TV
Bring the wild to your next event
Tell James about your audience and your date, and he’ll get back to you within two working days.