Ian Leslie Keynote Speaker

Ian Leslie is a bestselling author, speaker and consultant whose work explores human behaviour, communication, creativity and relationships. He is the author of the critically acclaimed books Born Liars: Why We Can’t Live Without Deceit (2011), Curious: The Desire to Know and Why Your Future Depends On It (2014), Conflicted: How Productive Disagreements Lead to Better Outcomes (2021), and John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs (2025), a Sunday Times bestseller that examines the creative partnership between John Lennon and Paul McCartney and the lessons it offers about collaboration, innovation and human connection.

Ian began his career in advertising with JWT, rising to become the firm’s Global Planning Director in New York. Returning to London, he became Head of Brand Strategy and Insight at Channel 5 before founding his own consultancy, where he advises organisations on communication, culture and strategic thinking.

Alongside his advisory work, Ian has built a reputation as one of Britain’s most insightful writers on human nature. His books draw on psychology, behavioural science, economics and culture to explore how people think, learn, communicate and collaborate. Curious made the case for curiosity as a critical skill for success in a rapidly changing world, while Conflicted explored how productive disagreement can improve decision-making, strengthen relationships and drive innovation.

Ian writes regularly on psychology, business, technology and culture for publications including The New Statesman, The Economist, The Financial Times and The Guardian. He has also hosted podcasts and BBC radio programmes exploring politics, culture and human behaviour.

Today, Ian is a sought-after keynote speaker who helps audiences understand the forces that shape decision-making, creativity, communication and collaboration in an increasingly complex world.