Speakers
Declan Curry has been a writer and broadcaster for more than twenty-five years covering business, the economy and politics. He contributes regularly on LBC News. He was the business presenter on BBC One’s breakfast TV for almost a decade. He presented BBC Two's Working Lunch, and his own programmes on BBC Radio 5 live and the BBC News TV channel.
He chairs conferences and speaks at events around the world, in person and virtually on Zoom or other digital platforms. He has won several awards for his broadcasting, and is an honorary doctor of Middlesex University.
David is a leadership advisor, executive coach, and former CEO with over 20 years of experience developing high-performing teams in both military and corporate environments. David works with senior leaders, boards, and leadership teams to help them navigate complexity, accelerate performance, and build cultures where people thrive.
David specialises in helping organisations lead multigenerational teams with confidence and clarity, with a particular focus on unlocking the potential of Gen Z in the workplace. His Gen Z leadership framework has been adopted by national and international clients seeking to reduce generational friction, improve engagement, and futureproof their leadership culture. He is frequently invited to speak on topics including unleashing the potential of Gen Z, sustainable performance, strategic communication, and leading in an AI-driven world.
A multi-award winning lawyer, public speaker, spoken word poet and social entrepreneur, Akil made history as the first student to win the Dean’s Award at Nottingham Law School for two consecutive years. He was awarded an Outstanding Alumni award by Nottingham Trent University, Excellence in Professional Services at the Black Talent Awards and Rising Star at the Legal 500 ESG Awards.
He is a popular keynote speaker and consultant, discussing law, social mobility, leadership, education and personal/professional development. He has worked with clients including General Counsel For Diversity & Inclusion, Baker Mckenzie, Stewarts, Clyde & Co, Bar Standards Board and CEL Solicitors. He is committed to equipping professionals with the tools to personally and professionally develop in their journeys, whilst authentically thriving in high-performance environments. Akil has delivered sessions across the UK and internationally, being praised for his earnestness, authenticity and relatability.
Jason was a manager with McKinsey & Co. serving clients across the US, Europe and Australia on various management topics, including organisational issues in acquiring, developing and retaining top talent.
While at McKinsey, Jason championed the firm’s recruiting efforts in the Australian offices. In addition, Jason has hands-on managerial experience in industry with Bloomberg LP. In this role, Jason also co-led the recruitment efforts in London.
Jason has an MBA from INSEAD, and undergraduate honour degrees in Computer Science, Economics and Mathematics.
Dr Giles Proctor qualified as a solicitor with Addleshaw Goddard in Manchester and practiced in corporate and commercial law before entering teaching and completing his PhD. Early in his legal education career, he designed and delivered commercial diploma courses and corporate training for ‘magic circle’ law firms, whilst at Nottingham Law School and the University of Law. Giles then co-founded Kaplan Law School and helped found Roehampton Law School.
He joined The College of Legal Practice as Chief Executive Officer in February 2020 and leads their business engagement, collaborating with firms and Universities to develop bespoke training programmes around the SQE. In December 2024, Giles was appointed as a Fellow of The College of Law Australia Group and he has recently been appointed to the Executive Committee of Heads of University Law Schools (CHULS).