Ginni Rometty: Former CEO of IBM

    Ginni Rometty
    • Highlights:
      • Former Chairman, President, and CEO of IBM
      • Co-Founder & Co-Chair of OneTen - a coalition committed to upskill, hire, and promote one million Black Americans by 2030
      • Author of WSJ Bestseller, 'Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World'
      • Named Fortune’s #1 Most Powerful Woman - three years in a row
    Reading time: 2 min
    Reviews: (0 reviews)
    • Travels from: Washington, DC
    • **Fee range: On Request

    Keynote Topics

    Former IBM CEO GINNI ROMETTY weaves personal stories with tactical leadership advice as she discusses her journey overcoming childhood struggles, rising from entry-level engineer to IBM’s first woman Chairman and CEO, transforming the iconic company’s foundation, advising global leaders, and advancing today’s SkillsFirst movement.

    In this inspiring discussion, Rometty offers a blueprint for how each of us can drive meaningful change in positive ways—Good Power—in our lives, our organizations, and society.

     

    Under GINNI ROMETTY’s global leadership as the first women Chairman and CEO of IBM, the company transformed its foundation while achieving record results in diversity and inclusion.

    Rometty is often asked if there was a silver bullet to IBM’s track record. Her answer: diversity is a number, but inclusion is a choice we make again and again.

    In this conversation, she shares new and proven approaches leaders can use to source new pools of talent and build more diverse and inclusive workforces. Why? Because it makes companies more competitive on the world stage, and is the right thing to do.

    Technology has become so pervasive that even companies that do not make or sell tech are considered technology companies. The onus is on leaders in every industry and country to practice good tech, because if societies are to flourish in our digital age, all people must believe technology will lead them to a brighter future, not a darker place.

    In this conversation, former IBM Chairman and CEO GINNI ROMETTY speaks from experience about how every leader can steward good tech by advocating for issues such as security, privacy, and diversity.

    From being one of a few women in engineering school, to becoming the first woman Chairman and CEO of IBM, to being No. 1 on Fortune magazine’s Most Powerful Women in Business list three years in a row, GINNI ROMETTY has paved new paths for women around the world in STEM, tech, and business.

    In this discussion, she talks about key moments that shaped her, as well as timeless truths that help elevate all women, from the need for role models to the responsibility all women have to be in service of each other.

    Ginni Rometty is a leader, innovator, and convener who believes that how we work and lead is as important as what we achieve. As the ninth Chairman, President, and CEO of IBM, Ginni transformed the 100-year-old company, reinventing 50 percent of its portfolio, building a $25B hybrid cloud business, and establishing IBM’s leadership in AI and quantum computing.

    She drove record results in diversity and inclusion and supported the explosive growth of an innovative high school program, P-TECH, to prepare the workforce of the future in more than twenty-eight countries. Ginni is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World (Harvard Business Review Press).

    In the book, as she does in sought-after events, Ginni shares milestones from her life and career while redefining power as a way to drive meaningful change in positive ways for ourselves, our organizations, and for the many, not just the few – a concept she calls “good power.”

    Through her work with the Business Roundtable, Rometty helped redefine the purpose of the corporation. She has been named Fortune’s #1 Most Powerful Woman three years in a row, is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, and has been honored with the designation of Officier in the French Légion d’Honneur.

    Today, Rometty serves on multiple boards including J.P. Morgan Chase, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and co-chairs OneTen, a coalition committed to upskilling, hiring, and promoting one million Black Americans without four-year degrees by 2030 into family-sustaining jobs and careers.

    She offers unparalleled insights on leadership, organizational and societal transformation, DEI, the future of work and education, and more, and is in-demand for events with groups including the World Economic Forum at Davos, The Milken Institute, Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit, the Consumer Electronics Show, and Grace Hopper, to name a few.

    Videos

    Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

    Speaker Contact Form

    Enquiry Form

    No reviews available for this post.

    Was this profile helpful?

    Talent FAQ's

    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.

    • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
    • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
    • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
    • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
    • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
    • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
    • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

    Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

    View further speakers

    • (9)
    Angela Garmon logo

    Angela Garmon is a dynamic and transformative thought leader, renowned for her ability to fortify audiences’ resilience and confidence amidst the tumult of change. With an innate understanding that during times of change, individuals navigate between the instinctual responses of fight, flight, or freeze, Angela empowers her audience to not only confront change head-on but […]

    • Travels from: Gilbert, AZ
    • Team Building
    • (25)
    Chris Hadfield - Image 07 (April 21, 2026)

    Colonel Chris Hadfield woke up the world (on Twitter) every day while living aboard the International Space Station for over five months with the words “Good morning, Earth.” Since blasting off from Kazakhstan in December 2012, Hadfield has become a worldwide sensation, harnessing the power of social media to make outer space accessible to millions […]

    • Travels from: Toronto, ON
    • Leadership Speakers
    • (19)
    Kina Hart

    Kina Hart’s professional journey is a powerful narrative of resilience, transformation, and unwavering commitment to workplace safety. The day that changed her life began unremarkably, much like any other workday. Yet, what unfolded was an unexpected workplace accident that left an indelible mark on her life. Now, Kina channels her experience into a potent message […]

    • Travels from: Ione, WA
    • Safety Speakers
    • (53)
    Peter Zeihan - Image 11 (January 23, 2026)

    Peter Zeihan is a geopolitical strategy speaker, renowned for his insightful analysis and compelling presentations. As a distinguished speaker, Zeihan offers invaluable perspectives on global affairs, helping audiences navigate the complexities of international relations and anticipate future trends. With a wealth of experience and expertise, he has earned widespread recognition for his ability to dissect […]

    • Travels from: Morrison, CO
    • Futurists Speakers
    • (2)

    Ryann Richardson is a tech marketer-turned-founder and Diversity & Inclusion leader spent 10 years building brands then made history when she became the 50th Anniversary Miss Black America Her work earned her a spot as the youngest honoree on Savoy Magazine’s list of Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America and set her on the […]

    • Travels from: New York, NY
    • Leadership Speakers
    • (10)
    Jim Davidson

    Jim Davidson is a resilience expert who has survived not just one epic mountain disaster, but two. From his real-world survival experiences, he distills hard-won lessons about forging the resilience to overcome change, challenge, and uncertainty. While climbing Mount Everest, Jim and his team survived massive earthquakes and avalanches on what became the mountain’s deadliest […]

    • Travels from: Fort Collins, CO
    • Adventure Speakers
    • (17)
    Mike Walsh - Image 11 (April 29, 2026)

    Mike Walsh occupies a unique niche focused on how AI and digital labor will redesign organizations, rather than simply explaining technology trends or shocking audiences about a dystopian future. His work centers on the idea that AI represents an economic reset, requiring companies to rethink leadership, culture, and operating models. Where many speakers talk about […]

    • Travels from: Sydney, NSW
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • (25)
    Andy Peeke - Image 01 (April 14, 2026)

    Andy Peeke, a multifaceted entertainer, has carved his niche in the realms of comedy, event hosting, auctioneering, and game show hosting. With a vibrant career spanning across various entertainment avenues, Andy brings an unparalleled zest and expertise to every stage he graces. From his humble beginnings in stand-up comedy in the bustling streets of New […]

    • Travels from: New York, NY
    • Event Emcee
    Disclaimer
    The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

    These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

    Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

    All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

    Speakers Inc.

    Connecting you with the perfect speaker.

    We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.

    Find the Perfect Speaker

    Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.

    © All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

    AI Assistant
    Speakers Inc Logo 2024
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.