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Steph McGovern
Presenter and Podcaster
JLA Presents
Festival of Speech 2026
Our clients were inspired at an unforgettable night.
EVENT INSIGHTS
What an incredible evening
Spanning everything from leadership and AI to F1 and space exploration, there were too many insights to list, but here are some of our favourites…
Major Tim Peake CMG reframed the importance of effective risk management, performance under pressure and teamwork with stories from above the stratosphere.
Through the high-stakes lens of F1, Claire Williams OBE stressed the importance of leading with kindness and decorum – both towards those you manage within an organisation, and towards yourself.
Tim Davie’s no-holds-barred Q&A revealed the secret to deep-seated resilience: striking the balance between taking your job seriously, and not taking yourself too seriously, at the same time.
Video Highlights
EVENT INSIGHTS
After the interval
Dr Laura Gilbert CBE and Ben Legg tackled AI’s toughest issues and biggest promises, exploring the continued impact these still developing technologies will have on jobs, business, education, and the next generation.
Finally, Sir Lenny Henry CBE advocated for the power of creative talent – as a tool to nurture connection in our increasingly digitised world, and to drive positive change propelled by genuine good will, with reference to his incredible achievements through Comic Relief.
The event was hosted by the ever-superb Steph McGovern, who tied the evening together seamlessly.
An enormous thank you to all our incredible clients who braved the blazing London heat and joined us yesterday. We can’t wait to see you again next year!
Video Highlights
More Highlights
Speakers Breakfast
The Politics of Technology: AI, Democracy and Power
We were delighted to host Matt Clifford, Sarah Wynn-Williams and Gordon Corera at One Moorgate Place for a brilliant conversation on the Politics of Technology – AI, Democracy and Power, and what it all means for businesses and societies navigating this rapidly shifting landscape.
From the US-China AI race, where Sarah highlighted the implications of Chinese AI models being six months behind those of the US but, importantly, free to use, to the question of whether companies or governments hold the balance of power, to Matt’s observation that we are in the Covid-style “February 2020 moment” of AI – on the precipice of something truly transformative without truly realising it.
An enormous thank you to our three brilliant speakers, to the JLA events team, and to all our clients who joined us for the morning.
Click here for a full write-up of the event and more video highlights.
Speakers Breakfast
Rory Stewart’s Insider Guide to 2026: Where do we go from here?
Hear Rory Stewart & Kirsty Wark discuss the key geopolitical forces shaping 2026 – from conflict and climate to AI and economics.
On the morning of Tuesday 10th February we gathered to hear geopolitical powerhouse Rory Stewart in conversation with award-winning journalist and broadcaster Kirsty Wark as they explored the big geopolitical themes, events and influences shaping our world in 2026. From conflict to climate, AI to economics, Rory delved into the key issues affecting policy and strategy today and what could be in store for the year to come.
Festival of Speech 2025
Six World-Class Speakers, One Unmissable Event
On the evening of Tuesday, 9th September, we hosted the very first JLA Festival of Speech – a new event where the leading speakers of today tackle the most pressing topics of our time.
The evening took place at Kings Place, London, and we were joined by six of the most exciting speakers in their respective fields today.
Nicola Sturgeon and Sir James Cleverly discussed the nuances and complexities of our current political landscape, whilst also bringing to light the pressures they each face working in the public sphere.
Jamie Laing reflected powerfully on the lessons in entrepreneurship that shaped his shift from starring on TV to running a successful business.
Rahaf Harfoush unpacked the momentous scope of AI’s impact on both our professional and personal lives.
Richard Ayoade reflected on his processes and perspectives as a cross-disciplinary creative.
The whole event was anchored by the fantastic Louise Minchin, who wove a golden thread between each of the sessions.
Speakers Breakfast
Racing to High Performance with Guenther Steiner and Jill Douglas
We had the honour of welcoming to the stage the incredible Guenther Steiner, former Team Principal of F1’s Haas team, and Jill Douglas MBE, renowned sports broadcaster, for our second Speakers Breakfast of 2025.
In conversation with Jill, Guenther brought the audience along on his journey from humble beginnings to leading the Haas team’s entry into Formula 1. From embedding and nurturing a shared vision within team environments, to always grasping opportunities with both hands, we were given a valuable glimpse into the principles, experiences and key lessons that got him over life’s finish lines, every step of the way.
Speakers Breakfast
Looking Ahead to International Women’s Day 2025
The Bishopsgate Institute was the venue for our latest Speakers Breakfast, Looking Ahead to International Women’s Day.
We had the privilege of hearing from four remarkable women, each making a significant impact in media, politics, sport, and groundbreaking research into online extremism. Their stories of breaking barriers in Diversity and Inclusion, treading new ground in male-dominated industries, uncovering the alarming rise of online misogynistic groups, and driving meaningful change were both eye-opening and empowering.
Alongside these insights, they also explored practical ways to support this year’s International Women’s Day theme: #AcceleratingAction.
A huge thank you to our brilliant keynote speakers:
- Penny Mordaunt spent 14 years in Parliament, where she held a number of Cabinet positions.
- Maggie Alphonsi is one of the most recognisable names in international sport.
- Dr Julia Ebner is a leading voice in the area of online extremism.
- Maryam Moshiri is one of the main anchors on BBC News Channel.
Speakers Breakfast
Navigating Risk and Chaos – Strategies For Coping With An Uncertain World.
On Tuesday 17th September we had the pleasure of hearing from a remarkable panel of keynote speakers, who shared their expertise on the challenges of managing Risk in a chaotic world.
The panel featured esteemed speakers, Dr. Sabrina Cohen-Hatton KFSM (Firefigter and Neuroscience researcher), Lord Parker of Minsmere (Andrew Parker, Former Director General of MI5), and Sir Robin Niblett (Former Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House). The event was hosted superbly by Mastermind and BBC News presenter Clive Myrie.
Over the hour, our panellists explored Risk on multiple levels, from global affairs to business environments and personal everyday challenges. They provided valuable insights into how we can better manage and mitigate Risk in today’s unpredictable world.
Speakers Breakfast
Understanding AI Now
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.
Speakers Breakfast
Looking Ahead to International Women's Day 2024
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.
Speakers Breakfast
Celebrating Black History Month
We had another great morning in the JLab at our Speaker Breakfast to celebrate Black History Month. We were privileged to hear from dedicated lawyer and activist Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu and Head of Creative Equity at Channel 4 Naomi Sesay FRSA, who both shared their insightful observations, ranging from the importance of seeing Black History Month as a call to action throughout the year, to what it means to bring your authentic self to work. The event was hosted superbly by award-winning journalist and broadcaster Marverine Cole. A huge thanks to all those who attended in person, joined us on the live stream and obviously to our 3 fantastic speakers, further highlights of each can be viewed on their individual profile pages.
