Omar Johnson
Marketing and Branding Expert, Founder at ØPUS United, Former CMO at Beats by Dre, and Former VP Marketing at Apple
Biography
Omar Johnson is a marketing and branding keynote speaker, entrepreneur, former CMO at Beats by Dre, and former VP Marketing at Apple. At Beats Electronics, Johnson was responsible for brand development, advertising, retail experience, entertainment / sports marketing, and digital marketing for all global brand marketing and advertising efforts.Adweek named Johnson a “Brand Genius” in 2013, and Business Insider named him one of the “Most Innovative CMOs” in 2016. Under Johnson’s tenure, Beats grew from $180 million to a $1.1 billion dollar global icon and category leader, becoming the #1 premium headphone in North America, UK, France, Germany, South Korea and Singapore. Johnson drove explosive growth in the headphone category through groundbreaking campaigns including #ShowYourColor Solo Campaign, Powerbeats starring LeBron James and The Pills featuring Chris Rock and Eminem. He used “ambush marketing” and influencers to expand the brand—giving athletes and musicians free headphones at private company parties—which helped turn Beats into the headphone of choice for the best musicians and athletes in the world. Previously, Johnson led innovative marketing programs for international brands such as Nike, Coca-Cola, Kraft Foods, and Campbell Soup. As an advertising lead at Nike, Johnson produced some of Nike’s most memorable TV commercials including “Rise,” starring LeBron James, “All Together Now,” featuring Kobe Bryant, and “The Most Valuable Puppets”. Johnson also built the Nike+ sports music platform, establishing Nike’s first revenue-generating relationship with record labels. Johnson and his team created an industry-first sports music program with Universal, Interscope, Sony, Capitol, Def Jam and more than 25 independent labels. This collaboration sold +5 Million tracks and deepened the connection between music and sports. Johnson founded ØPUS United, a modern professional services firm and multi-disciplined collective of award-winning executives, athletes, strategists, data scientists, and musicians, who understand the anatomy of world-class brands. The company is built on his proprietary approach, Culture-Centric Analytics and ØPUS Score which quantifies how brands partner consumers and celebrities to drive value and audience exchange. Johnson is from Brooklyn, NY. He received a BS in Biology and Chemistry from Georgia State University and an MBA from Goizueta Business School at Emory University.
Speech Topics
Building Tech Companies From the Group up and Harnessing AI
From Beats to AI: Disrupting Tech and SAAS With Vision and Leadership, Omar Johnson, the visionary marketing leader who transformed Beats by Dre into a cultural phenomenon, takes the stage to ignite your imagination about founding and growing tech companies. Now a successful tech entrepreneur and AI expert at Opus Intelligence, Omar will share his unique insights on harnessing the power of technology to disrupt industries and create groundbreaking experiences. His most recent success is Opus Intelligence, a tech company that is revolutionizing marketing, brands and the use of AI in the marketplace. In this thought-provoking keynote, you’ll discover: • Marketing secrets: Uncover the unconventional strategies Omar used to propel Beats to global success, and learn how they can be applied to your own brand. • The AI revolution: Explore the cutting-edge world of artificial intelligence and its potential to reshape industries from marketing to product development. • Building the future: Gain actionable insights on how to leverage technology to innovate, connect with customers on a deeper level, and stay ahead of the curve. • From passion to purpose: Omar’s inspiring journey, from Brooklyn prodigy to industry leader, will leave you empowered to pursue your own vision and make a lasting impact. • Omar Johnson is not just a speaker, he’s a catalyst. He will challenge your perspectives, ignite your creativity, and equip you with the tools to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and marketing. This keynote is ideal for: • Businesses looking to innovate and embrace new technologies • Marketing professionals seeking inspiration and fresh perspectives • Leaders navigating the changing landscape of the digital age • Anyone who wants to be inspired by a visionary thinker and doer • Capitalize on this opportunity to gain insights from a true game-changer.
The Beats Story: Building a Winning Company Culture and International Brand
When Omar Johnson left marketing giant Nike to become employee #3 at a small, niche headphones company, no one could have imagined the phenomenal success story that was about to take place. Within four short years, Beats by Dre rose from $20 million to $2 billion in sales, beating out Bose to become #1 in the category worldwide before being acquired by Apple for $3 billion. Along the way, Omar expanded the headphone market way beyond male audiophiles on airplanes to women, athletes, musicians, fashionistas, and celebrities. What’s more, he created his unconventional, breakthrough marketing on a comparatively shoestring budget. He also built a winning company culture that personified diversity, leading a flat organizational structure where ideas, creativity and innovation flourished. In this entertaining and illuminating talk, Omar tells the inside story behind the Beats worldwide phenomenon—sharing lessons and insights for any organization aspiring to reinvigorate their culture, reinvent their industry, and activate their employees to reach for the stars.
Leadership: Meeting People Where They Are
The idea of the majority workplace culture is changing. Instead of expecting everyone to fall in line, employees are encouraged to bring their individuality to work, such as their culture, gender, or sexual orientation. While celebrating and encouraging individual differences is good for breaking groupthink and innovating, it is also hard to manage as a leader. In this engaging and thought-provoking talk, Omar Johnson discusses the challenges and benefits of meeting people where they are. Audiences will come away with an understanding of employee differences, which can provide for a better work environment that enriches the company culture and the bottom line.
B2H: Business to Human Marketing and Marketing 3.0 - What’s Next?
As the marketing mastermind behind Beats by Dre, Omar Johnson raised the bar on what it meant to go viral, elevated influencer marketing to a previously unimagined level, and turned Beats from a phenomenon into a movement. How? He believes that all marketing is B2H (Business to Human)–a human-centric approach to marketing that combines people, product, and storytelling to create amazing experiences and an authentic sense of purpose for your brand. Drawing from his experiences at Nike, Beats, Apple and several tech startups, Omar shares his inside tips and methods for delivering incredible experiences to customers and employees. As CEO of brand management firm ØPUS United and ØPUS Intelligence Lab, a software company that is revolutionizing marketing tech through the use of Artificial Intelligence and other tools, Omar is once again at the forefront of “what’s next,” leading strategists, creatives, and technologists developing the next generation of marketing breakthroughs and technologies. In this timely talk, Adweek “Brand Genius” proves that whether you call them consumers, clients, or customers, people are human beings first—and marketers must look beyond data and numbers for insights that activate them at this universal level. He also looks at the world of modern marketing and media, where the rules of customer engagement have changed, customer experience has lost its meaning, permission marketing rules, and customers themselves have become creators and social media influencers. Whether you’re a CEO, marketer, creative, or in the media, this enlightening talk will reveal what’s next—and give you actionable insights on preparing for a rapidly-changing future.
Leading Through AI: Navigating The New Frontier
Transforming Strategies for Modern Executives: At the heart of AI’s future, is the ability to operate intelligently and empathetically. As AI reshapes industries, companies and teams, it is crucial for today’s leaders to understand the strategic implications of AI. This happens with embracing human-centric AI to build and implement technologies that understand humanity. In this interactive keynote experience, Omar unpacks how executives can harness AI’s potential to enhance decision-making, optimize operations, and foster innovation. You’ll explore practical AI applications that drive efficiency and competitiveness and learn to lead not just alongside AI, but in harmony with it, to elevate your organization in a data-driven era. You’ll also learn how to develop and implement human-centric AI systems that are designed to understand and interact with humans effectively. As a leader, you will gain insights into AI use that respects privacy and enhances lives without sacrificing the personal touch. Discover how in the age of AI, leadership is not about controlling algorithms–rather it is about collaborating with technology and humanity. Your leaders will walk away knowing how they can augment their capabilities with AI, from enhancing their analytical skills to automating routine tasks. They will also understand the qualities that define a successful AI-augmented leader and how to cultivate them within your teams. Lastly, they will be able to embrace AI tools that assist in making more informed, data-backed decisions to lead your organization into a new digital epoch.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Omar Johnson's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Omar Johnson'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 Omar Johnson's speaking fee?
The typical range for Omar Johnson's speaking fee is $25,000–$50,000. 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 Omar Johnson 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 Omar Johnson for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Omar Johnson'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?
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Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Omar Johnson 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.
Speakers Like Omar Johnson
Mike Walsh
Mike Walsh is the CEO of Tomorrow, a global consultancy on designing business for the 21st century. He advises leaders on how to thrive in this era of disruptive technological change. Rather than focusing on the distant future, Mike focuses on the next five years – scanning the near horizon for disruptive technologies and consumer innovations on the verge of hitting critical mass – then translating these into usable business strategies. As a global nomad, speaker and consumer trend scout, Walsh brings a truly global perspective to every event.
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Tom Bilyeu
Tom Bilyeu is a filmmaker and serial entrepreneur who chased money HARD for nearly a decade and came up emotionally bankrupt. He realized that the struggle is guaranteed, but the money is not, so you’d damn-well better love the struggle. To that end, he and his partners founded Quest Nutrition – a company predicated not on money, but rather on creating value for people. The company mission was to end metabolic disease – one of two pandemics facing the planet. Quest exploded, becoming a billion dollar business in roughly 5 years, making it the 2nd fastest growing company in North America according to Inc. Magazine. After exiting Quest Bilyeu turned his attention to another pandemic facing society – the poverty of poor mindset. To solve the mindset problem at scale and help hundreds of millions of people adopt an empowering mindset he co-founded the media studio, Impact Theory with his wife, Lisa Bilyeu. Their aim is to influence the cultural subconscious by building a single-minded content creation machine that makes content that empowers people.
Fee Range: $44,000–$75,000
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