Jim Harris is a world-renowned keynote speaker, recognised globally for his expertise in disruptive innovation, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. As TEC Canada’s Speaker of the Year in 2024 and an international bestselling author, Jim captivates audiences with his profound insights into navigating the accelerating pace of technological change. With over three decades of experience, he has become one of the most sought-after thought leaders, delivering more than 60 keynote speeches annually to some of the world’s leading organisations.
Originally from Canada, Jim’s journey began with his studies at the prestigious Queen’s University, where he earned a BA in English and Politics. These formative academic experiences sharpened his analytical abilities and passion for understanding complex global trends. Early in his career, Jim represented the Covey Leadership Centre, teaching Dr Stephen Covey’s globally acclaimed methodology, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. This role significantly influenced his approach to leadership, strategy, and personal development, laying a strong foundation for his later work as a consultant and keynote speaker.
Over the years, Jim has held numerous distinguished roles that reflect his deep expertise and thought leadership. He has served as Program Director for the Schulich School of Business, Faculty Member for the Schulich Executive Education Centre, and Advisory Board Member for Green Living Enterprises. His book ‘Blindsided!’ became an international bestseller, published in 80 countries and recognised by Soundview Executive Summaries as one of the year’s best business books. He also authored ‘The Learning Paradox’, which appeared on multiple bestseller lists.
Today, Jim continues to be a highly influential author, having recently published his magazine ‘Disruption’, the only Canadian magazine dedicated to disruptive innovation. Jim has also contributed to the National Post Disruption Magazine Canada, and served as the Disruptive Innovation, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Columnist for EZ Exchange.
Jim’s keynote presentations empower organisations to future-proof their businesses, offering cutting-edge insights on artificial intelligence, digital adoption, business strategy, change management, creativity, and innovation. His dynamic, research-driven approach resonates with global clients such as IBM, Walmart, SAP, Barclays Bank, Deloitte, Zurich Insurance, the UK Cabinet Office, and MasterCard. By translating complex topics into actionable strategies, Jim helps leaders navigate disruption, capitalise on emerging opportunities, and build resilience in today’s fast-changing world.
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:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data & Edge (IoT) – Are You Ready?
- Blockchain & Crypto Currencies: The Intersection of Money and Data
- Business Strategy
- Change & Disruption
- Creativity & Innovation
- Definitely Disruptive! How COVID has Driven a Decade of Digital Transformation
- Digital Adoption
- Disruption, Turbo-Charging Innovation
- Exponential Organisations: Grow 10X Faster Than Your Competitor
- Innovate or Die! Disruptive Innovation is Accelerating the Rate of Change
- Leading in Turbulent Times: VUCA Building Agility & Resilience
- Re-imagining Healthcare: Lessons from the Pandemic
- Sustainable Practices: Key Competitive Advantage in Attracting Customers & Employees
- The AI Revolution
- The Great Resignation: The Future of Work, Hybrid Work & Remote
- The Metaverse, NFTs, Web 3.0: Hype or Will It Impact Business
- AI and automation (GenAI, job loss fears)
- Cybersecurity & ransomware
- The AI Revolution
- Leading in Turbulent Times: VUCA Building Agility & Resilience
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
Feedback from In-Person 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 Merchant, 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 DeVries, 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 organization. - Lorella DePieri, 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 Balsillie, 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.
