James Kanagasooriam is one of Britain’s leading experts on political polling, behavioural data and geo-demographics, renowned for translating complex social trends into practical insights for governments, corporations and organisations worldwide. As the Chief Research Officer at Focaldata, an Honorary Professor at the University of Glasgow and an Advisory Board Member of Onward, James has established himself as a trusted authority on what drives people to act, vote and engage with change. Known for combining data science with compelling storytelling, he is hired as a motivational speaker for his ability to help audiences understand human behaviour, decision making and the future of politics, leadership and society.
After graduating from the University of Cambridge, James began his career in finance as an Investment Banking Strategist at Rothschild & Co before moving into strategy and consulting roles. James transitioned into political and behavioural research when he joined Populus, where he became Head of Analytics and Political Strategy. In this role, he led major projects for the Scottish Conservatives during the Scottish parliamentary elections and General Election campaigns, specialising in segmentation analysis, choice modelling and voter behaviour. He later worked as a management consultant at OC&C Strategy Consultants, building expertise in commercial strategy and analytics. He later became a Partner of Polling and Data Science at Hanbury Strategy before co-founding Stack Data Strategy in 2021.
Throughout his career, James has worked on more than ten national and international political campaigns across the UK, Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France and the Republic of Ireland. His expertise in geo-demographics and political action has made him a highly respected commentator on social and cultural trends. Alongside his consultancy work, he has contributed to The Times Red Box and appeared on BBC Newsnight and BBC Radio 3, where he shares insights into modern political behaviour and emerging societal shifts.
James is hired as a motivational speaker because he offers audiences a rare combination of intellectual depth, commercial awareness and real world political experience. His presentations explain how data shapes leadership, culture and public opinion, helping organisations better understand people in periods of uncertainty and change. Whether discussing behavioural science, electoral psychology or the future of social trends, James delivers thought provoking insights in a highly engaging and accessible style. His ability to connect advanced analytics with human motivation makes him an exceptional speaker for businesses, leadership teams and conferences seeking fresh perspectives on influence, resilience and decision making in a rapidly evolving world.
