Ginni Rometty: Former CEO of IBM
Quick Facts:
- 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
- Travels from: Washington, DC
- **Fee range: On Request
Keynote Topics
'Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World'
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.
DEI: Diversity is a Fact, Inclusion is a Choice
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.
Good Tech: How Every Company Can Steward Trust, Security, and Ethics in Tech
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.
Women in Leadership: You Can’t Be What You Can’t See
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.
Read Full Bio
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
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
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.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
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.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
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 and other costs
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.
Deposits and securing a booking
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.
Additional tips and takeaways
- 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
- (34)
Alli Webb is the co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Drybar, the nation’s leading blow dry bar offering customers no hair cuts and no hair color, just professional blow outs at an affordable price. After leaving the hair care workforce in 2005 to start a family, Alli looked for an opportunity to continue pursuing the […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Business Speakers
- (11)
- (4)
Lt. Col. Waldo Waldman is known as the The Wingman and a Hall of Fame leadership speaker, executive coach, and author of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller Never Fly Solo. He teaches organizations how to build trusting, revenue producing relationships with their employees, partners, and customers while sharing his experiences as a combat decorated F-16 […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Leadership Speakers
- (37)
Cory Almeida is an electrifying presence in the world of entertainment, known for his unmatched charisma, sharp wit, and ability to connect with diverse audiences. As a seasoned keynote speaker and event host, Cory’s professional expertise spans across television, live events, and corporate engagements, making him a go-to choice for organizations and event planners seeking […]
- Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
- Event Emcee
- (66)
For Inky Johnson, though, the game changed everything. A routine tackle turned into a life-threatening injury, and nothing has been normal for Inky ever since. Not with a paralyzed right arm. Not with daily pain. Not with constant physical challenges. September 9, 2006. It started as a normal college football game in Neyland Stadium. If […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Motivational Speakers
- (13)
Lital Marom challenges current and future leaders to develop a bolder vision for human potential. She believes that from human potential springs business potential, and it should be used to create a more sustainable, inclusive future. Lital Marom got her start building computer systems for companies in Israel and Europe, before advancing to lead global […]
- Travels from: Toronto, ON
- Artificial Intelligence
- (20)
- (6)
Juan Bendana is the best-selling author of Confident By Choice, a highly sought-after speaker, and a trusted advisor to the world’s top performers—from Olympic athletes and Grammy-winning artists to top CEOs and Fortune 100 leaders. Over his 10+ year career advising top performers across every industry, Juan’s work has been featured by Harvard Business Review, […]
- Travels from: Miami, FL
- Leadership Speakers
- (19)
Carme Artigas is a global expert in Big Data, AI, and technological innovations with over 25 years of experience in management, executive, and technological positions. She is the co-founder and former CEO of Synergic Partners, which was acquired by Telefonica in 2015. She is currently a Senior Fellow at Harvard’s Belfer Centre and an Ambassador for ‘Women in […]
- Travels from: Madrid, Spain
- Artificial Intelligence
- (15)
- (4)
Patricia Velásquez is an award-winning actress, humanitarian, entrepreneur, transformational keynote speaker, author, and mother. Best known for her iconic roles in “The Mummy”, “The Mummy Returns”, “Arrested Development”, and “The Curse of La Llorona”, Patricia also became the first Latina supermodel gracing the covers of major fashion magazines like ‘Vogue”, “Elle”, and “Harper’s Bazaar”. She […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Humanitarian Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.