Jim Harris is a leading keynote speaker on artificial intelligence, disruption and innovation. Named TEC Canada’s Speaker of the Year in 2024, he is known for helping executive teams navigate rapid change with confidence and clarity. Jim speaks at more than sixty international events each year and is a #1 international bestselling author, recognised as one of the top ten speakers in North America. His work bridges research, strategy and practical insight, making him one of the most respected voices on the future of business in an age of accelerating transformation.
Jim’s path began in Canada, where he studied at Queen’s University and earned a BA in English and Politics. His academic background honed his analytical skills and deepened his understanding of how global trends shape leadership and society. Early in his career, he represented the Covey Leadership Center, teaching Dr Stephen Covey’s influential work, ‘The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’. This role shaped Jim’s approach to leadership and change, combining strategic thinking with personal accountability. The experience was pivotal, giving him both the philosophical grounding and communication skills that later defined his work as a consultant and speaker.
Throughout his career, Jim has held numerous distinguished positions that reflect his expertise and influence. He served as Program Director at the Schulich School of Business, Faculty Member at the Schulich Executive Education Centre, and Advisory Board Member for Green Living Enterprises. His book ‘Blindsided!’ became a #1 international bestseller, published in eighty countries and recognised by Soundview Executive Summaries as one of the year’s best business books. Jim has also written ‘The Learning Paradox’, another title that achieved bestseller status. As a management consultant, he has worked with global leaders including American Express, IBM, Walmart, Barclays Bank, SAP, Zurich Insurance, Swiss Re, and the UK Cabinet Office. These achievements demonstrate his ability to bridge theory with action, helping organisations anticipate disruption and lead with purpose.
Jim’s keynotes challenge and inspire audiences to future-proof their businesses by understanding how technology reshapes strategy, innovation and leadership. He speaks on topics such as artificial intelligence, generative AI, digital transformation, and change management, offering practical tools for leaders who want to stay ahead of disruption. Organisations book Jim Harris because he equips teams with the mindset and strategies needed to thrive in uncertainty, turning disruption into opportunity and insight into action.
Social Media
Books
Blindsided: How To Spot The Next Breakthrough That Will Change Your Business Forever
The Learning Paradox: Gaining Success & Security In a World of Change
Jim Harris's official speaking topics are listed below:
- The AI Revolution
- Leading in Turbulent Times VUCA Building Agility & Resilience
- Artificial Intelligence
- Digital Adoption
- Business Strategy
- Change & Disruption
- Creativity & Innovation
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
“Jim’s session was one of the most highly rated and I am certain that we will work with him in the future. What was particularly noteworthy was the accessibility and relevance of his material. Jim’s friendly, open style is critical in encouraging participants to take the material on board and shift their thinking.”- Geoff, Centre for Management & Policy Studies, UK Cabinet Office
"Jim Harris did a great job! He knocked the ball out of the park talking to a crowd of 350 construction industry people here at the Ottawa Construction Association. I got a lot of great feedback that it was actionable items, something they were going to move on right away and they were going to pursue so you can't do better than what Jim did at our annual general meeting. Jim was a pleasure to work with him and his supporting team, easy to coordinate, did a great job of research in our group, researching with my board of directors. He really invested time and effort to deliver a A-Plus presentation. What Jim did for a construction crowd was bang on for the times. Everyone's questioning "What's the impact of AI in construction?" We're all on the same level of learning and Jim provided us that education and a path to go forward." - John, Executive Director, Ottawa Construction Association
"I launched the Center of Excellence for Sales Leadership at York University's Schulich Executive Education Centre with the 13-day Masters Certificate Program and the 5 day Executive Sales Management Program. Jim Harris was one of my faculty for both programs. He is exceptional. Jim engages the minds and hearts of participants with his informative content, style and humour. Jim is able to create a complete shift in participants' outlook in just a single session. I always learn something new every session I attend with Jim because it is never canned content. He is exceptional at refreshing and adding current and relevant content to his programs. In all my years in sales I've never met anyone who can create such a shift in such a short time. I would highly recommend him to any executive team looking to shift the outlook, behaviour and outcomes they are seeking from a sales team or sales organisation." - Lorella, Program Director, York University, Schulich School of Business
“Just as change is now a constant in business, the risk of being blindsided with disruptive forces is the ‘Russian Roulette’ of business. I recommend sharpening your radar against these risks!”- Jim, Chairman & Co-CEO, Research in Motion
"Jim Harris did a great job! He knocked the ball out of the park talking to a crowd of 350 construction industry people. I got a lot of great feedback that it was actionable items. Jim was a pleasure to work with." - John, Executive Director, Ottawa Construction Association
"Jim engages the minds and hearts of participants with his informative content, style and humour. He is exceptional at refreshing and adding current and relevant content to his programs." - Lorella, Program Director, York University, Schulich School of Business
- 2024 - Speaker of the Year, TEC Canada
- 2018 - Launched 'Disruption' Magazine
- 2014 - Awarded Canada’s Clean50
- 2007 - Advisory Board Member, Green Living Enterprises
- 2006 - National Advisory Board Member, Fair Vote Canada
- 2003 - Author of Blindsided! (#1 International Bestseller)
- 1998 - Author of The Learning Paradox
- 1992-1996 - Covey Leadership Center Representative, teaching The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
How to hire Jim Harris
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Jim Harris for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
