Leo Johnson

Leo Johnson is a distinguished authority on innovation and global megatrends, currently serving as a Visiting Business Fellow at the University of Oxford’s Smith School of Enterprise & Environment. With an extensive background in finance and sustainability, he co-founded the specialist advisory firm Sustainable Finance before its acquisition by PwC, where he subsequently led the Disruption & Innovation division. His expertise is grounded in a career that began as a Resource Economist at the World Bank following his studies at Oxford and INSEAD. As a prolific broadcaster, Leo presents several acclaimed series for BBC Radio 4 and BBC World, including FutureProofing, Hacking Capitalism and Down to Business. He is a regular contributor to the Financial Times and serves as a judge for the publication’s Boldness in Business Awards. His academic work currently focuses on the Paradox of Intent research project, which investigates the psychological and structural barriers that prevent organisations from successfully navigating seismic industry shifts and climate challenges. Leo offers audiences a sophisticated roadmap for understanding the convergence of generative AI, geopolitical instability and environmental change. He provides clear frameworks for overcoming the rigidity trap, enabling leaders to move beyond standard operations toward genuine organisational transformation. He is frequently booked for his ability to translate complex global risks into clear strategic advantages for the modern business landscape. On stage, Leo Johnson is best known for talks on Energy & Sustainability, Business Competitiveness, Risk & Risk Management, Esg & Social Responsibility and Strategy. Audiences leave with a clear, practical view of the subject rather than a generic overview — every keynote is shaped around the brief and the room. Leo Johnson is regularly booked for Business Speaker, adapting tone, length and format to suit the event — from a 20-minute opener to a full conference keynote with Q&A. Based in UK, Leo Johnson travels internationally for engagements. To check availability or request a tailored brief for your event, send an enquiry and we'll come back with fees, dates and a short summary of how Leo Johnson would approach your audience.