Chartwell’s Leaders in Critical Decision-Making
In an age of rapid change and constant disruption, decision-making has become both more critical and more complex. Chartwell is privileged to represent speakers whose careers have been shaped by high-stakes choices—on the battlefield, in the markets, at the helm of businesses, and in cutting-edge innovation.
These leaders offer not only compelling stories but also practical frameworks for navigating risk, leading with clarity, and acting decisively under pressure. Their insights help today’s decision-makers turn uncertainty into opportunity—and bring lasting value to any stage.
Decision-making in Cabinet:
UK Chancellor of the Exchequer (2022–24)
Jeremy Hunt is a British politician. As well as Chancellor of the Exchequer, he served as Foreign Secretary (2018–19) and Health Secretary (2012–18). In 2025, he published Can We Be Great Again? exploring Britain’s global role.
Deputy Prime Minister of Netherlands (2017-19)
Kajsa Ollongren led the Netherlands’ defense ministry (2022–2024), advancing NATO readiness and spearheading military aid to Ukraine including €2 billion in support.
Prime Minister of Singapore (1990-2004)
Goh Chok Tong served as Singapore’s second Prime Minister succeeding Lee Kuan Yew. Known for his consultative leadership, he introduced reforms like the Non-Constituency Member of Parliament scheme.
Decision-making in the Boardroom:
Chairman of John Lewis Partnership (2020-24)
Dame Sharon White led John Lewis Partnership (2020–24), steering it through the pandemic and a major turnaround. Previously Ofcom CEO (2015–19), she became CDPQ’s Head of Europe in 2025. She also chairs Frontier Economics.
Deputy Governor of the Bank of England (2014-17)
Minouche Shafik is a globally respected economist and author of What We Owe Each Other (2021). Following her role at the Bank of England, she led the London School of Economics (2017–23) and Columbia University (2023–24).
Most influential woman in the mining industry
Cynthia Carroll is a mining executive who was CEO of Anglo American (2007-13), becoming the first woman and first non-South African to hold the role. She now serves on the boards of Glencore, Baker Hughes, and Pembina Pipeline.
Decision-making on the Battlefield:
US Navy SEAL officer (1990-2010)
Jocko Willink is a retired US Navy SEAL officer, author and leadership consultant. He served 20 years in the Navy SEALs, including as commander during the Iraq War, where he earned the Silver Star and Bronze Star Medal for his service.
Head of the British Army (2022-24)
General Sir Patrick Sanders led the British Army as Chief of the General Staff (2022–24), advocating for modernization amid global instability. Within this role he created the UK Strategic Command unifying special forces.
Chair of NATO Military Committee
Admiral Rob Bauer has chaired NATO’s Military Committee since 2021, leading strategic shifts amid the Ukraine conflict. Previously, he served as Chief of Defence for the Netherlands (2017–21) and commanded key naval missions.
Decision-making in change and transformation:
Head of Innovation in UK Ministry of Defence (2015-18)
Susie Braam is a corporate innovation leader and was Head of Innovation in UK National Security (2015–18). She co-founded Yellow Cat Innovation and advises at Change Logic, guiding organisations through transformation.
Chief Business Officer at Google X (2013-18)
Mo Gawdat was the Chief Business Officer at Google X where he led breakthrough innovations. Following the tragic loss of his son in 2014, he authored the international bestseller Solve for Happy, presenting a formula for joy grounded in logic.
Behavioural design expert and bestselling author
Nir Eyal is a behavioural design expert, renowned for his books Hooked and Indistractable. He has taught at Stanford University and advises companies how to create products that positively shape user behaviour.
Decision-making in financial markets:
Businessman who predicted the 2008 financial crisis
Steve Eisman is a renowned investor best known for predicting the 2008 crash, a story chronicled in Michael Lewis’s The Big Short. In 2025, he launched The Eisman Playbook, offering insights into investment strategies.
Value investor and Manager of Aquamarine Fund
Guy Spier is an investor and author of The Education of a Value Investor (2014). Since 1997, he has managed the Aquamarine Fund, inspired by Warren Buffett’s original partnerships.
CEO of Lloyd’s of London (2013-18)
Dame Inga Beale was CEO of Lloyd’s of London, the first woman to be appointed this position in the company’s history. During her time in the role she led the company through a period of significant digital modernisation.