Bringing the timeless wisdom of an Indigenous culture to the Western Boardroom.
At a time when employee engagement and talent retention is at an all time low THE SOUL OF BUSINESS is a unique interactive keynote conceived and given by Doug Manuel that leads audiences to a renewed sense of vitality, purpose and passion.
Infused with music, rhythm and incredible imagery, through personal reflection, small group sharing, and collective music making (body percussion – and performance enhancing exercises when delivered virtually), with immediately actionable takeaways, audiences bring engagement and collaboration to life in new and dynamic ways.
YOUR AUDIENCE WILL LEARN:
With drums for each participant or audience member, this engaging, energetic musical experience breaks down silos and leaves groups emotionally connected and feeling that they are one.
An ideal breakout session for a conference or meeting.
Working with groups of up to 3000, this program shows how true collaboration builds the foundations for a high-performing team.
The program can be delivered in one block of time or as 3 or 4 shorter sessions during the course of a day.
Teams can also work in sub-groups learning complementary rhythms, before bringing all the participants together in a plenary session.
YOU WILL LEARN
Doug Manuel is a motivational speaker, workshop leader and musician with a deep understanding of business processes and dynamics and a special talent for bringing people together, fostering connections and establishing true collaboration.
To meet the challenges of our times, his impact talks and interactive experiences are designed to energize and keep people connected at both virtual or hybrid as well as live events.
He has an extraordinary ability to read and feel into his audiences and connect with them even from afar. With his natural empathy and deep understanding of the human being, he guides them to a place of active listening, building up emotions and energy: the ideal opener to any event format and the perfect re-energizer and connector throughout the programme.
As we continue with our hybrid ways of working, talent acquisition and retention has become our biggest challenge.
The lack of meaningful human connection remains the primary reason for disengaged and fragmented teams.
Teams need to be re-united, re-motivated with a renewed sense of purpose so that productivity can once again soar.
As someone who has been actively engaging audiences for nearly 3 decades through his keynotes, British speaker and trainer Doug Manuel can help you build a culture of purpose driven engagement and collaboration.
Delivering meaningful, energizing and motivating experiences that enhance collaboration, he will leave your team equipped with the tools they need to ensure more productivity, and better business results.
When you have the opportunity for your people to once again come together, there is a need to connect, interact, collaborate, learn and be inspired to act on the challenges of a changed world. Doug Manuel will enliven your audience with his unique style and combination of techniques covering topics from empathy and resilience to purpose and collaboration.
If you want to focus on Leadership Development and Team Building, look no further for experiences that inspire interaction – and action! Doug will help teams and leaders challenge preconceptions and break down barriers.
If you are looking for a unique and ground breaking experience, find out how Doug uses music to motivate, unite, and energise a whole audience.
Doug has collaborated with multinationals, sports teams, leading business schools and NGOs around the globe – not to mention TEDx, TED Global and Oprah Winfrey. In his keynote speeches, workshops and breakout sessions he uses stories, music, and rhythm to boost energy, break down barriers and create an interactive, multi-sensory experience.
Delivered in his native English or fluent French, Doug Manuel’s presentations have a lasting impact on audiences large or small. In 1995, Doug Manuel attended a drumming workshop and his love of Africa was born.
The following year he set off for the mother continent to film elephants for a BBC documentary, and to West Africa to study the music of the Djembe. Doug Manuel eventually gave up his career as a BBC documentary producer to pursue and share his passion for West African culture and the Djembe drum, and to focus on his personal development work and extensive coaching.
During this journey, he acquired the skills, insights and understanding which today enable him to empower people to connect with themselves, each other and their work. Although the process began with the Djembe, over the years it has evolved exponentially.
Doug’s keynote ‘The Soul of Business’ now focuses on the whole picture with a key focus on the values of West African culture and introduces key excerpts of his new documentary ‘Beats As One’. Through his extensive travels across Africa and his experience as a filmmaker, Doug has become an expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
With a strong focus on empathy, his topics range from resilience to help embrace change, enhancing purpose and collaboration to drive success, developing leadership and personal growth to expand careers, through to mindfulness and managing stress to overcome challenges.
Delivered in leading business schools and Fortune 500 companies, Leadership Development and Team Building are the focus of Doug’s much-praised interactive workshops and live learning laboratories.
Leading by example, he generously shares his expertise and personal techniques to bring out the best in teams and put leadership theory into action.
As well as running leadership retreats in West Africa Doug Manuel also leads his charity ‘Lighting Up Lives’, whose pilot project partners with the villagers of Abéné in Senegal, inspiring and supporting local action to solve local problems such as energy, health, sanitation and education.
The charity builds bridges between Africa and the occident, fostering collaboration and putting words into action.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
No reviews available for this post.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

Dr. Justin Cohen is a global keynote speaker, bestselling author and expert in human transformation who helps individuals and organizations unlock sustainable performance and cultural excellence. With a doctorate in human transformation from Middlesex University, London, he combines academic rigor with practical application to deliver measurable results. Over the past two decades, Dr. Cohen has […]

Trevor Noah is a globally celebrated comedian, television host, and author whose wit, charm, and insightful humor have made him one of the most influential entertainers of his generation. Born in South Africa during apartheid, Noah’s unique perspective on politics, culture, and human relationships is deeply informed by his experiences growing up as a mixed-race […]

Lisa Bodell is a globally recognized leader in organizational transformation, known for her groundbreaking work in simplification, collaboration, and innovation. As the founder and CEO of FutureThink, a leading innovation training firm, Lisa has empowered top organizations worldwide to rethink the way they work, replacing complexity with clarity and fostering a culture of innovation. Her […]

John Winsor is a globally recognized leader in the future of work and AI-driven workforce strategies. Recently appointed as an Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School’s Digital, Design, and Data Institute, he focuses on the evolving intersection of work, technology, and talent. John is dedicated to empowering leaders to confidently navigate digital disruption and harness […]

Jeff Salzenstein is a former Top 100 world-ranked tennis player, two-time Stanford All-American, national champion, and team captain turned sought-after leadership speaker and executive performance coach. He spent over a decade feeling the intense pressure of competing in the cutthroat world of professional tennis on the world’s biggest stages, including the US Open, Wimbledon, and […]

Mary Abbajay is a renowned figure in the realm of organizational management and leadership development, boasting over two decades of hands-on experience in the field. Armed with a master’s degree in organizational management and post-graduate certificates from prestigious institutions such as Georgetown University and the Coaches Training Institute, Mary’s expertise is deeply rooted in both […]

As a Corporate Culture Specialist, Greg Hawks shapes environments where everyone gets to contribute their best daily! For two decades he has mentored leaders, developed teams, crafted culture and empowered employees. As a Keynote Speaker, he is an enthusiastic character. His style, wit and energy consistently capture the attention and imagination of audiences. His forward […]

Pandit Dasa is a highly sought-after expert on mindful leadership, bringing a unique blend of personal insight, practical experience, and academic grounding to his audiences. With years of expertise in promoting mindful workplace culture, Pandit empowers leaders and employees to embrace appreciation, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence. As a former monk, motivational speaker, and author, Pandit […]
No results available
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Connecting you with the perfect speaker.
We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.
Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.
© All rights reserved 2026. Designed using Voxel