UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 2025

Autumn is not far away, bringing with it the excitement and anticipation of a busy season of events! In this edition of the Update, we bring you the latest developments at JLA from the world of Speakers, Presenters, and Performers beginning with a review of our highly successful, inaugural Festival of Speech.

SIX WORLD-CLASS SPEAKERS, ONE UNFORGETTABLE EVENT

What an evening!

Last week we had the pleasure of hosting our first ever Festival of Speech, an event which brought together six fantastic speakers to discuss some of the most important issues of today.

Former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon and Shadow Housing Secretary James Cleverly put aside their political differences to talk through the state of the current political landscape and its implications for the future. They also spoke candidly to the pressures they each face working in the public sphere, exploring the similarities and differences between their respective experiences in political roles.

Jamie Laing reflected on the lessons he's learned throughout the varied chapters of his career: from starring in 'Made in Chelsea' to co-founding his confectionery business 'Candy Kittens', and exploring the perspectives on entrepreneurship that defined his shift from one to the other. Beyond his work-life, Jamie also spoke about his experience completing five ultramarathons in five consecutive days, sharing the methods and mindset that kept him moving towards the finish line.

Digital Anthropologist Rahaf Harfoush unpacked the momentous scope of AI's impact on both our professional and personal lives, urging us to confront the technology with an awareness and understanding of its influence on our thought patterns and belief systems.

The event as a whole couldn't have been what it was without the wonderful Louise Minchin as our host, who wove a golden thread between each of the sessions.

We want to extend an enormous 'thank you' not only to our wonderful speakers who made the stage at Kings Place shine, but to all our clients who came along. We hope you enjoyed the evening as much as we did.

Planning a Black History Month Event? Here’s What You Need to Know

October’s rolling around again, which importantly means one thing: Black History Month is almost here. Up and down the UK, companies and councils will be turning their attention to celebrating the incredible contributions Black people have made to business, politics, music, literature, social justice, and academia. Read more here.

Why AI Demands a New Kind of Leadership

I’ve spent my career building and backing ideas that seemed impossible at the time. From the early days of Shazam, before smartphones even existed, to investing in founders who are now shaping the frontier of AI, one pattern keeps emerging: the world doesn’t stand still. And neither can leadership. Read full article here by Dhiraj Mukherjee

For more information on any of the keynote speakers above or for insight into how JLA Speakers can help bring expert conversations to your next event, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us!

JLA Speakers Ltd, 14 Berners Street, London, W1T 3LJ

Tel: 020 7907 2800 | Web: www.jla.co.uk | Email: talk@jla.co.uk