Accountabilty
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attitude
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employee engagement
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ethics
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Invictus
journalism
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Mandela
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Storytelling
John Carlin is an award-winning journalist, author, and speaker known for his ability to inspire and educate through compelling narratives. His book, *Playing the Enemy*, which inspired the film *Invictus* directed by Clint Eastwood, is a global touchstone for lessons on leadership and reconciliation. Carlin is a world authority on Nelson Mandela, whom he knew personally, and much of his work delves into Mandela’s exceptional leadership qualities, empathy, and strategic brilliance.
Carlin’s journalistic and literary contributions merge intellectual rigor with emotive storytelling, making him a sought-after speaker who captivates audiences worldwide.
John Carlin has built his career around exploring politics, leadership, and social dynamics in complex contexts. He covered South Africa’s democratic transition and wrote *Playing the Enemy*, a detailed account of how Mandela used rugby to unite a divided nation. The book earned praise from *The New York Times* and *Financial Times* as an intimate and insightful portrait of Mandela.
Carlin also produced the Emmy-nominated documentary *The Long Walk of Nelson Mandela* and the Emmy-winning *The 16th Man*. His journalism has been honored with awards such as the Ortega y Gasset Prize (2000), the Bancarella Prize in Italy (2010), and the Agustín Merello Communication Award (2014).
John Carlin’s conferences are deeply inspiring, rooted in real-life stories that blend practical leadership lessons with captivating anecdotes. Speaking without notes, he tailors each presentation to the specific needs of his audience, addressing business challenges, conflict resolution, or leadership inspiration. His talks evoke the qualities of Mandela—strategic generosity, empathy, perseverance, and moral integrity—delivering an emotional, educational, and memorable experience.
Timeless lessons on how Mandela’s empathy, wisdom, and integrity can be applied to modern leadership in any field, from business to public policy.
An analysis of managing conflicts and transforming challenges into opportunities, based on Carlin’s firsthand experiences during South Africa’s democratic transition.
Explores how strategic generosity combined with pragmatism can resolve conflicts, inspire trust, and build successful teams.
Key lessons on negotiation and conflict resolution from Mandela’s example in healing racial divides in South Africa.
Carlin shares his creative process, from his work on Mandela to collaborating with Clint Eastwood, highlighting how storytelling can influence and transform audiences.
If you’re looking for an inspiring talk on leadership, conflict resolution, or the legacy of Nelson Mandela, you can book John Carlin through Thinking Heads. As an expert in leadership and an exceptional storyteller, John offers unique perspectives to transform and inspire organizations and individuals. Contact Thinking Heads today for more information and to secure his participation in your next event.
1. Inquiry: Share your event goals and budget. We respond within 24 hours.
– Solid Contracts: Legal protection and clear clauses regarding cancellations.
– Plan B: Immediate backup support in case of unforeseen events.
– Fiscal Compliance: Proper invoicing and adherence to regulations.
– Keynotes: Main stage presentations (45-60 min).
– Fireside Chats: Dynamic, informal on-stage interviews.
– Panels: Expert roundtable discussions.
– Workshops: Executive sessions or private meetings.
– Virtual Events: High-quality webinars and online conferences.
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