John was the first Brit to play at the top level of US basketball, once declining a $17m transfer fee to stay with the team that supported him. He’s now a respected cognitive psychologist, performance expert, activist and founder of a community sport initiative. John brings his research and his personal and sporting experiences to bear on management challenges such as improving resilience, reducing stress and turning managers into coaches. His personal and professional backgrounds have also seen him become a leading voice on issues around race and diversity, tackling challenges from institutional bias to role models and aspiration.


Biography

John Amaechi is a psychologist and performance expert. Prior to undertaking his PhD he enjoyed a successful career in the NBA, one of the first Brits to play professionally at the top level of the sport. After a seven-year contract with the most successful team in American sport, he was duly inducted into the US Basketball Hall of Fame.

John now helps individuals and organisations to improve communication, leadership and culture. In doing so he helps them uncover new methods of growth, improvement and achievement. His psychological insight helps individuals and teams understand the barriers to achievement and to overcome them. Transforming and inspiring, he draws together concepts of motivation, personal development and the roots of success and enables these traits to flourish. He also considers the nature of competition, the importance of diversity in group achievement, and aligning personal and business values and ethics. John’s experience is immense and his formula applies to anyone, in any walk of life, personally and professionally.

Whilst playing, John won widespread respect for his ability to overcome adversity, including life-threatening injury. He was described by one commentator as ‘a player with little innate physical talent, who rose to remarkable heights on the back of terrific will and a tremendous strategy.’ Despite never having picked up a basketball until the age of 17, John went on to a starting five position with the Cleveland Cavaliers in just six years. He puts this down to drive, planning and perseverance as much as physical skill. Characteristics he now seeks to instil in others using both academic research and his own inspiring personal story.

After retiring from professional basketball, John pursued a PhD in psychology, co-authoring a paper on self-esteem and goal setting, and becoming a leadership and performance expert. He has also founded the ABC Foundation, which seeks to increase physical activity amongst young people and encourage community cohesion.

John has also combined his personal, professional and academic experience with the wider social and political landscape to become a prominant voice on issues of race and diversity. He has spoken and written extensively about bias, role models, activism and structural racism and how to tackle some of the most critical problems faced by individuals and organisations.

 

Videos

JLA Speakers Breakfast

More Details

Book

Book written by John Amaechi OBE

Contact

We’re on hand to help you find the perfect speaker, presenter or performer for your events. Call or email our London office and use our agents' experience to expertly match you with the right person for your programme!


From time to time we send out emails announcing new speakers and free tickets to our showcase events including Speakers Breakfasts and the JLA Real Variety Show. Please tick the box below if you would like to receive these emails.

Don't miss anything!

We will never share the data you submit here with a third party. Information is stored in a database in order to service your enquiry, but is deleted once it is no longer required. You may request to have this data removed at any time.

JLA Presents


Event - 30/04/2024 - 9:00 am

Speakers Breakfast

Understanding AI Now

Speakers
Priya Lakhani and Anne-Marie Imafidon

We were joined at 87 Barts Close by three brilliant speakers on a panel that delved into the complex world of Artificial Intelligence. Over the hour our panellists de-mystified AI, speaking about AI’s immense promise for enhancing our lives, alongside the apprehension it has generated regarding job security, privacy infringement, and ethical considerations.

Location

87 Barts Close, 87 Bartholomew Close, London, EC1A 7EB

WATCH

Event - 06/02/2024 - 9:00 am

Speakers Breakfast

Looking Ahead to International Women’s Day

Speakers
Samira Ahmed, Eniola Aluko, Julia Gillard, and Alex Mahon

We were joined by four fantastic speakers to look ahead at International Women’s Day. With the theme of this year’s event being #InspireInclusion, we were lucky enough to hear from four women who have each blazed a trail in their respective fields: CEO of Channel 4, Alex Mahon; the former Australian Prime Minister and Chair of Kings’ Global Institute of Women’s Leadership, Julia Gillard; one of the leading voices in football, Eniola Aluko MBE; and broadcaster and journalist, Samira Ahmed.

Location

Bishopsgate Institute, London

WATCH