Ginni Rometty: Former CEO of IBM
- 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
- 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
- (62)
Carolyn Strauss is a powerful, compelling, effervescent, and entertaining presenter who speaks with audiences – not at them. Her programs are based on over 28 years of research and experience as a successful businesswoman in the marketplace. For over twenty years, Carolyn has passionately shared her strategies and business methods with audiences worldwide, teaching people […]
- Travels from: Denver, CO
- Sales Speakers
- (23)
- (2)
Best known as a creator of Siri, Apple’s AI assistant, Adam Cheyer is a visionary pioneer in artificial intelligence and computer-human interaction. With a career spanning decades at the forefront of technological innovation, he has helped shape the evolution of AI, voice interfaces, and the future of human-computer collaboration. As an inventor with 39 patents, […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Innovation Speakers
- (32)
Ghida Fakhry is an internationally recognized broadcast journalist, moderator, and corporate event host with over 25 years of experience in the global media landscape. Having worked for prominent news organizations such as Al Jazeera, Ghida has established herself as a trusted voice on international affairs, global politics, and media. As a dynamic moderator and opinion […]
- Travels from: Washington, DC
- Business Emcees
- (60)
Jean Marie DiGiovanna is an international keynote speaker, leadership development expert, certified executive coach and best-selling author. With her body of work on Renaissance Leadership and over 25 years of experience across the globe, she helps leaders and their teams shift the way they think, lead and communicate rapidly creating a culture of increased trust, […]
- Travels from: Denver, CO
- Leadership Speakers
- (36)
Lisa Ling is the executive producer and host of This is Life with Lisa Ling on CNN. Lisa explores the scourge prescription pill addiction in Utah, the recent influx of women in North Dakota’s boomtown and a town in the rural Midwest where young men aspire to be priests. For five seasons prior, Ling executive produced and […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Journalism Speakers
- (48)
Doug Dvorak is a luminary among keynote motivational speakers, renowned for his global reach and profound impact. With a sterling reputation, he stands tall in the motivational speaking hall of fame and proudly holds a place in the esteemed International Who’s Who of Professional Speaking. Doug’s journey as a speaker has traversed over one million […]
- Travels from: Palatine, IL
- Motivational Speakers
- (30)
- (4)
Chaunte Lowe, an extraordinary athlete and motivational speaker, is a four-time Olympian and the American record holder in the women’s high jump. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming an icon of resilience and determination is nothing short of inspiring. Known for her tenacity, Chaunte has not only excelled in athletics but also overcome significant […]
- Travels from: Orlando, FL
- Summer Olympians
- (47)
- (1)
Jamie Hess brings a fresh, engaging perspective to keynote speaking, combining her background as a top PR pro with her dynamic personal storytelling. Known for her gratitude framework, Gratitudeology™, Jamie empowers audiences to shift mindsets, boost performance, and deepen their sense of purpose. She also dives into branding with her talk The Magnetic Rebrand, helping […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Branding 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.
