Inspire Innovation. Ignite Change. Drive Results.
Dr Jo North, founder of The Big Bang Partnership and author of Leading Sustainable Innovation, delivers engaging, practical and energising keynotes that leave audiences thinking differently—and acting with intent.
With deep expertise in innovation strategy, commercialisation and creative facilitation, Jo brings clarity to complex topics and sparks new thinking with every talk. Her style is accessible, thought-provoking and always tailored to the context and audience in the room.
What Makes Jo Different?
- Real Insight – Grounded in practice, backed by a PhD, and shaped by years working across corporate, public sector and entrepreneurial settings.
- Clear Impact – Talks that move beyond inspiration to practical tools, sharp models and proven techniques that stick.
- Tailored Content – Every keynote is built around your event’s themes, goals and audience priorities.
- Natural Connection – Jo engages audiences with warmth, energy and clarity—whether on stage or on screen.
Five Signature Keynotes
1. Think Like an Innovator
How to build innovation into everyday decisions, habits and culture—without needing to overhaul your entire organisation.
- Shift from talking innovation to doing it
- Build momentum through everyday wins
- Make innovation everyone’s job (and opportunity)
2. Lead for the Long Game
Sustainable innovation is strategic, not separate. This talk repositions sustainability as a source of competitive advantage—not a cost.
- Rethink sustainability as fuel for performance
- Balance impact, pace and value
- Lead in a way that outlasts the next trend
3. Break the Pattern
When organisations stall, it’s rarely due to a lack of ideas—it’s the weight of what’s always been done. This talk is about moving beyond that.
- Challenge the comfort zone (without causing chaos)
- Spot the friction points slowing progress
- Build the case—and appetite—for change
4. Decide with Confidence
Leaders don’t need perfect information. They need clarity and courage. This keynote explores how to lead innovation when things are uncertain and fast-moving.
- Navigate ambiguity with more focus and less fear
- Align people around bold, fast decisions
- Keep moving forward even when the path is foggy
5. Make Collaboration Count
Too much collaboration wastes time. This keynote strips it back to what really works—when you need to bring people together to move fast.
- Design collaborations with purpose and edge
- Cut through complexity and perform together
- Turn good intentions into shared action
Innovation Philosophy
Jo’s approach to innovation is rooted in real-world delivery and informed by deep practical experience. Her philosophy is shaped by years of working in high-stakes, complex environments where innovation has to deliver—not just inspire.
She believes innovation is:
- A strategic act – not a side project. It should be embedded in how decisions are made, resources are allocated and progress is measured.
- A mindset and a muscle – built through practical tools, confidence and consistency—not personality or job titles.
- A culture of movement – where teams are encouraged to act, iterate and learn, not wait for perfect conditions.
- A responsibility – to think ahead, work sustainably and create value for the long term.
It’s this blend of action, relevance and long-view thinking that drives every keynote Jo delivers.
Booking Information
Jo speaks at leadership events, innovation festivals, industry conferences, in-house offsites and more—both in person and online.
All talks are designed in collaboration with you to match your goals and audience.
Contact us to enquire about availability and explore what will work best for your next event.
