Alex Edmans

Speech Topics

• Facts, Data, and Evidence: Knowing What To Trust

  One of the most dangerous phrases is “evidence shows that …”, because you can almost always find evidence to support any viewpoint.  Experts are similarly untrusted, because they may have motives other than the truth.  These problems are particularly severe in the digital age where people are bombarded with data and supposed expert opinions.  This talk will explain the common mistakes people make in interpreting data, and the biases that cause us to make them. It will provide a practical guide for how to discern whether a particular study or expert opinion is trustworthy – even if we’re pressed for time and don’t have specialist knowledge in the field – and how to create a culture that actively promotes a diversity of thinking.

• Bias-Free Investing

  Textbook finance theory assumes that investors are rational and markets are efficient. But real-world investors are human and prone to biases. This talk will highlight the main biases that distort our trading decisions, and explain how to address them to make better investments, as both individuals and teams. It will also illustrate how the biases of other investors cause markets to be inefficient – stocks and bonds can be overvalued or undervalued – and explain tried-and-tested investment strategies that take advantage of these mistakes.

• ESG: The Beginning, the End, and the Future

  ESG is at a peak. Companies are prioritising ESG issues, sometimes even more than mainstream business topics, and investors are selecting companies based on their ESG rather than financial performance. But is ESG an unnecessary distraction? Isn’t it enough for a company to focus exclusively on profit, as long as it it’s long-term profit? This talk will critically examine the case both for and against ESG, and set out of a vision for the future of ESG – how companies and investors can reap its benefits while avoiding the controversies and politics.

• Sustainable Investing: Does it Work and How to Do It?

  Interest in sustainable investing is at an all-time high, due to the promise of both financial returns and social impact. But criticism is also at a high, with concerns of “greenwashing” and false promises. This talk will use rigorous evidence and real-life examples to explain what sustainable investing can realistically achieve, and the best way to do so. It will explain how to do sustainable investing – how to handle controversial sectors such as energy and defence, how to overcome the challenges with unreliable data and inconsistent ESG ratings, and how to distinguish companies that are truly sustainable from those that simply claim it.

• The Power of Purposeful Business

  Purpose is the buzzword of today, with politicians, the public, and even shareholders calling on businesses to serve wider society. But purpose is also controversial, because companies need to make a profit. Is there a trade-off between purpose and profit, or can companies to achieve both? This talk will critically examine the case for purposeful business, using rigorous evidence and real-life examples to show what works – and, importantly, what doesn’t. It will discuss practical ways for companies of all sizes to put purpose into practice – to ensure it guides their day-to-day decisions, is embedded throughout the organisation, and enhances rather than jeopardises long-run returns.

• Time Management in the Digital Age

  Classic time management frameworks advise us to focus on the important rather than the urgent. But these frameworks seem not to be applicable to the 21st century, where technology means that we are constantly bombarded with deadlines, and it’s unrealistic to simply ignore the urgent. This talk will explain how to focus on important long-term goals but at the same time meet urgent short-term deadlines, how to use email as an effective communication tool without being overwhelmed with it, and how to instil superior time management practices within the teams that we lead. It will be based on insights from behavioural economics which demonstrate the most effective ways to develop new habits.

Books

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Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I check Alex Edmans's availability or request a quote?

  You can inquire about Alex Edmans's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.
• What is Alex Edmans's speaking fee?

  The typical range for Alex Edmans's speaking fee is $14,500–$40,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Alex Edmans to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.
• What factors influence the speaker's fee?

  Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.
• Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?

  Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.
• How do I book Alex Edmans for my event?

  The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Alex Edmans's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.
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  Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.
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  When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.
• What are the payment terms and conditions?

  A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.
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• Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?

  Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.
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  Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.
• Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?

  Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.
• Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?

  Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.
• How long is a typical keynote speech?

  The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.
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• Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?

  Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.
• Why book Alex Edmans through Key Speakers?

  We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.