Biography
• John Imah emerges as an influential and transformative figure within the technology industry, embodying the essence of innovation, leadership, and diversity. • John has led massive teams at scale and has been employed at some of the world's biggest tech companies, including Facebook/Instagram, Snapchat, Amazon, and Twitch, where he worked with top brands, agencies, celebrities, and influencers. • As Founder and CEO of SpreeAI, John is revolutionizing the fashion technology space by leveraging his expertise in Machine Learning and Generative AI. • He is also a tech advisor for start-ups and many of Hollywood's A-list celebrities, such as Kevin Hart, Martin Lawrence, The Boondocks' creator Aaron McGruder, and many more. John Imah emerges as an influential and transformative figure within the technology industry, embodying the essence of innovation, leadership, and diversity. As a Nigerian American and a first-generation immigrant, John brings a fresh perspective to a sector traditionally marked by uniformity. His remarkable ability to secure $70 million in funding for SpreeAI, a venture that revolutionizes the fashion technology space, highlights his exceptional skill set and visionary leadership. This achievement is not merely a reflection of his business acumen but a milestone that showcases the potential for technology to intersect innovatively with fashion. John's professional journey is characterized by significant roles across leading tech giants, including Samsung, Amazon (Twitch), Meta, and Snap Inc. His tenure as the Global Head of Partnerships & Business Development at Snap Inc. stands out, where he implemented disruptive strategies that significantly boosted revenue and user engagement. This role, among others, underscores John's capacity for fostering strategic partnerships and steering companies toward groundbreaking achievements. Beyond his corporate successes, John's entrepreneurial spirit shines through his founding and successful exit from two companies prior to assuming the role of CEO at SpreeAI. In this position, he leverages his expertise in Machine Learning and Generative AI, managing a team of 40 professionals and navigating through substantial capital raises. His leadership extends beyond mere business development; it encapsulates the essence of pioneering at the junction of technology and fashion. John's passion is not confined to technology; he has a profound interest in fashion, luxury, and gaming. These interests have seamlessly integrated into his professional pursuits, especially evident in his work with SpreeAI. His multifaceted approach, combining a discerning eye for style with a fervent engagement in gaming, highlights a unique blend of personal and professional interests. Apart from his business ventures, John is recognized for his advisory roles, participation on various company boards, and for his creativity that spans across technology, design, and music. His roles as a creative director, clothing designer, and musician, proficient in instruments like the French horn, trumpet, and piano, showcase his diverse talents and innovative spirit. Furthermore, John's advisory positions and co-ownership in ventures like The Dog Pound and Andes Mountain Water, along with his engaging talks at institutions like MIT and UT, underscore his broad influence across different sectors. John's journey from Dallas, Texas, to a revered position in San Francisco and Los Angeles, while maintaining a bi-coastal presence, exemplifies his dynamic career and profound impact on the tech industry. Despite a preference for privacy, his multifaceted career, spanning tech, design, and beyond, speaks volumes of his commitment to innovation, diversity, and leadership. John Imah not only challenges the status quo within the technology and business landscapes but also serves as a beacon of inspiration, particularly to the African American community, demonstrating the power of resilience, creativity, and innovation in paving the way for more inclusive representation and success in the highest echelons of technology and entrepreneurship.
Speech Topics
Aspire to Inspire Before You Expire
As first-generation Nigerian Americans, John Imah and his three siblings grew up with one common goal: to become doctors or lawyers. However, at the early age of six, John had a very different plan. Instead, he chose to follow his passion for technology and gaming. With the work ethic his parents instilled in him, he stayed true to his word, and by the time he was sixteen, John had started and sold two businesses. With a journey filled with working for tech industry leaders such as Samsung, Snapchat, and more, John shares his lessons learned — From starting a business from the ground up, to growing your business through creative partnerships and the importance of recruiting more people of color to enter the tech industry. But ultimately, John challenges you to think beyond business. He asks you to ask yourself: How will I be an inspiration?
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check John Imah's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about John Imah'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 John Imah's speaking fee?
The typical range for John Imah's speaking fee is $10,000–$20,000. 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 John Imah 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 John Imah for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm John Imah'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.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
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.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
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.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.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.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
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.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.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 John Imah 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.
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