René Carayol is a globally respected executive coach and leadership expert, renowned for his ability to transform how organisations approach leadership and performance. With a wealth of experience drawn from decades in senior corporate roles, René is frequently hired as a motivational speaker for corporate events across the world. Known for his passionate, insightful and practical approach, René shares thought-provoking strategies on inclusive leadership, collaboration, and strength-based leadership, making him a popular choice for businesses striving to inspire high-performing teams and inclusive cultures.
René's journey began at the London School of Economics, where he earned a degree in Sociology. His early career saw him step into influential roles, starting as a Senior IT Manager at Marks and Spencer before progressing to Systems Director at PepsiCo. His leadership capabilities quickly became evident, leading to further appointments as Board Director and eventually Managing Director of IPC Media (now Time Inc UK). These formative years in the corporate world shaped René’s deep understanding of leadership challenges and corporate culture, forming the bedrock of his future success as a coach and speaker.
Over the years, René has achieved numerous milestones that reinforce his status as a thought leader in business. In 2004, he was honoured with an MBE for his services to the business community. He became the CEO of the Inspired Leaders Network in 2006 and has served as a Visiting Professor at Cass Business School since 2012. More recently, he has taken on roles such as Executive Vice President for ESG at Medallia and Non-Executive Director at Computacenter. In addition to his leadership roles, René is a published author, with titles such as “Corporate Voodoo”, “My Voodoo”, and “SPIKE”, offering insights into personal strength and leadership excellence.
René is frequently hired as a motivational speaker due to his rare blend of first-hand corporate experience and the ability to connect with audiences on a human level. His speeches focus on cultural transformation, emotional intelligence, and the power of collaboration to build resilient and inclusive workplaces. With practical insights and authentic stories drawn from boardrooms around the globe, René helps organisations navigate change, lead with empathy, and unlock the full potential of their teams.
