John Amaechi OBE is an internationally respected diversity and inclusion expert, renowned motivational speaker, and former professional athlete who seamlessly bridges the gap between high-performance sport and organisational psychology. As the founder of APS Intelligence Ltd, John works closely with global leaders to drive inclusive culture, effective leadership, and sustainable workplace change. His remarkable personal journey from elite sport to psychology, combined with his evidence-based approach, makes him an ideal choice for organisations seeking to spark meaningful dialogue around equity, leadership, and team performance. He is regularly hired as a speaker not only for his deep expertise but also for his ability to engage and challenge audiences in a thought-provoking and authentic manner.
John's professional life began on an extraordinary path as the first British player to forge a career in the NBA, playing for teams including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, and Utah Jazz. His transition from the basketball court to organisational consulting is underpinned by a profound interest in human behaviour, performance, and motivation. After retiring from sport, John founded Amaechi Performance Systems in 2002 and APS Intelligence in 2007, committing himself fully to enhancing leadership development and workplace culture. His early career set the stage for a new life dedicated to psychological research, strategy consulting, and tackling systemic issues within organisations through a scientific lens.
In recent years, John has garnered wide recognition for his work, with high-profile appointments and accolades highlighting his impact. He has served on influential boards including the Diversity & Inclusion Board of Sanofi (2022), the Inclusion Advisory Panel for Tesco (2016), and the LOCOG Diversity Board for the London 2012 Olympic Games. In 2021, he published “The Promises of Giants”, a powerful exploration of leadership and responsibility, cementing his reputation as a leading voice on organisational behaviour. From his Chartered Fellow status with CIPD to his appointment as a Non-Executive Director at Greencore, John continues to influence policy and practice across multiple sectors.
Organisations hire John not only for his accolades or expertise but because of the rare combination of credibility, clarity, and compassion he brings to the stage. His sessions are not just informative – they are transformative. Whether speaking to senior executives or broader employee audiences, John uses his personal story and professional insight to challenge assumptions, spark introspection, and drive lasting change. His ability to make complex psychological and social issues accessible, relevant, and actionable makes him an invaluable asset to any event or leadership programme.
