World-Renowned Executive Coach and Best-Selling Author
London, England, United Kingdom
33K followers
500+ connections
33K followers
500+ connections
About
René Carayol works with FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 leaders whose organisations are going through fundamental change through online keynotes, retreats and coaching. Leaders are not only tasked with trying to stabilise their operations and drive growth, but they also know that in whatever form they seek to rebuild their organisation’s culture, it must be with a committed effort towards diversity, inclusion and equality. This requires inclusive leadership. René's mantra is "Everybody In - Nobody Out", believe in everyone.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER / FACILITATOR:
René Carayol is an internationally renowned executive coach and keynote speaker, specialising in business transformation and inspirational leadership - drawing on his experiences on the boards of top British and American companies.
He is regularly quoted, paraphrased and cited on these subjects in both the national and industry-specific press. René continues to facilitate and host conferences all over the world and provide board level mentoring and master classes to some of the largest global corporations.
Clients include: Google, World Bank Group, HSBC, Vodacom, Skanska, Barclays Africa, Bayer, IKEA, Blackline, IFDS, Camelot Group, Unilabs, ALPS Fund Services, DSM to name but a few.
To book René for your Leadership keynote or Retreat, please click on the following link: www.carayol.com/contact.
COMMENTATOR AND COLUMNIST:
The range of René’s audience is vast. He is a regular guest of BBC Radio 4 and Radio 5 Live, ITV, Sky, Channel 4 and BBC TV as a business commentator.
He is a regular contributor to various publications and broadsheets, including the prestigious Business Reporter and Leadership Magazine on the subjects of leadership and business transformation.
René writes a regular blog www.carayol.com/blog where he shares Leadership Stories, articles about his take on leadership issues globally and podcasts.
WRITER:
René is the author of the best selling business books Corporate Voodoo and My Voodoo. His latest best-selling book, SPIKE, is leading the ‘Strengths based Revolution’. You can download a free chapter here: www.carayol.com/spike-book/
Services
Articles by René
Activity
33K followers
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René Carayol MBE shared thisBig news — Inclusive Leadership and Employee Voice: Fostering an Open Organisational Culture is out today! 📚 I was invited by Hult International Business School to contribute as an author, and I couldn't be more proud to see it published by Palgrave Macmillan. As we look at what is currently wrong with the governing Labour party, despite their overwhelming majority, it clearly demonstrates what a more inclusive approach would bring. Never be so removed or distant that you can no longer hear the dissenting voices. The book tackles one of the most important questions in modern organisations: how do leaders create cultures where every voice is genuinely heard and valued — not just in theory, but in practice? Huge thanks to editors Professor Rea Prouska, Alexandros Psychogios, and Aidan McKearney, and to all the contributors who made this such a rich, global collection. The e-version of the book and the hardcopy version is available via the link below: https://lnkd.in/eJm3E-VZ
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René Carayol MBE shared thisHonoured to be featured among the Best Leadership Keynote Speakers for corporate events in London. Grateful to be included alongside such inspiring voices shaping leadership today—thank you to the team at Clash Creation for the recognition. https://lnkd.in/ey8qaTQ2Best Leadership Keynote Speakers in London for Corporate Events (2026) | Clash CreationBest Leadership Keynote Speakers in London for Corporate Events (2026) | Clash Creation
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René Carayol MBE shared thisI had the pleasure to meet David Czarny and Daniel Beck back in August. Blown away was an understatement but this wasn’t just about a great business this was about two brilliant founders who showed passion, determination and courage to build something special. The result was Alphora. David and Daniel are an incredible leadership team. They have complementary capabilities and they work incredibly well together. Whilst being thoughtful and thorough, they are decisive and have a natural sense of urgency. They are purpose led and performance driven. They are an energising force for good and growth. They have spotted and carefully capitalised upon an important ‘generational’ shift in both attitudes and behaviour towards technology partnerships. Alphora Holdings has built the next game changer in the IT MSP space. MSPs are about to go through the biggest roll-up and reinvention we’ve seen in 20 years. Alphora is leading that shift from provider to platform. → Consolidating capability, not just services → Moving from “IT support” to business performance infrastructure → Embedding AI, automation, and data into the core of client operations → Shifting MSPs from cost centres → growth engines This is where the market is heading. The winners won’t be the best technicians. They’ll be the ones who: • Own the client relationship at a strategic level • Drive measurable revenue impact • Operate like a platform, not a provider This isn’t just another IT services business. This is a leader in a new category.René Carayol MBE shared thisAfter months of hiding, here's what we've been building at Alphora. 90% of SMEs depend on their IT MSP to make technology actually work. Not the vendor. Not the consultant. The local IT MSP who picks up the phone, implements the technology, and fixes problems as they occur. But these technicians are buried in manual workflows: password resets, backup monitoring, ticket triage, user configurations, leaving almost no time for the strategic work their customers actually need. So we're building an AI-native MSP platform that eliminates that manual layer entirely. Why? Not just to save time. For most organisations, their MSP is their sole IT expert impacting 50B € worth of critical digitisation and infrastructure decisions across Europe every year. MSPs already manage the infrastructure. They already own the workflows. They're uniquely positioned to lead the next wave of AI implementation and agent management. They just need the spare capacity and the expertise. Alphora frees up that capacity, and helps MSPs become the AI-agent managers of tomorrow. If you're curious about how we're changing IT service delivery, how our forward-deployed engineers bring AI directly to customers, or if you want to help us build this: reach out.
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René Carayol MBE shared thisA fabulous appointment with so much more to come … Huge and heartfelt congratulations Erica. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾René Carayol MBE shared this294 days. The longest break I’ve ever taken away from the corporate world, including two maternity leaves. It was, in the most clichéd way of putting it, the best of times and the worst of times. But it was also, without question, the most valuable of times. Over those nine months, I got a ton of great advice, more support than I could imagine, and no shortage of suggestions on what I should do next. Like any good professional, I internalized it all. Some days it was motivating. Other days, it was paralyzing. Then one day, came clarity. An incredible mentor said: “Erica, whatever you do next, you need to work for a leader who is invested in you, not in what you can deliver for them.” Those twenty-five words suddenly quieted out all the others. A few months later, Chirantan "CJ" Desai called. We agreed to meet in NYC – my hometown and, as it happens, MongoDB headquarters. We sat down and the first thing he said was: “Erica, I think it’s time for you to be part of the ‘first team’. It’s the right next step for you.” He had me at hello. Since then, I’ve had a chance to learn more about MongoDB and the world of data platforms than I ever imagined. And what I found is a company that I can invest in, just as much as CJ is invested in me. Because MongoDB isn’t just a data platform. It’s a company that saw the future and had the courage to go after it. Building an architecture that developers love because it mirrors how data works in the real world. Creating a business model where customer value isn’t an afterthought – it’s the bottom line. And choosing a product-led CEO because, right now, that instinct at the top is what turns strategy into sustainability. I’m proudly stepping into the role of Chief Customer Officer at MongoDB after 294 days of reflection, consternation and at times, outright confusion, and here is what I know: I didn’t just find the right opportunity, I found the courage to go after it too. And in today's ever-changing world, that's no longer a nice-to-have. It's everything. https://lnkd.in/gbVK7sp7MongoDB, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2026 Financial Results | MongoDB, Inc.MongoDB, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2026 Financial Results | MongoDB, Inc.
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René Carayol MBE shared thisEverybody In and Nobody Out. At a time of dangerous division, it is no longer appropriate to remain quiet and give the floor to those who are not proud of who we are and what we can achieve together. We must speak out on what we believe in and for those who do not have a voice.
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René Carayol MBE shared thisIt is with the greatest sadness that we mourn the passing of an amazing and wonderful leader who found no barrier too high and no obstacle insurmountable. The Reverend Jesse Jackson took those challenging first steps to strive for the Presidency of America. Because he dared to try many more dared to try. Then came Barack Obama. Good leaders create followers. Great leaders create leaders.
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René Carayol MBE shared thisAt the Tech.Emotion Summit 2025 in Milan, I spoke about something I believe deeply: while technology continues to reshape our world, leadership remains profoundly human. Culture is everything. It is shaped by the choices we make, the example we set, and how we show up for others — especially in times of change. My hope is that this talk encourages leaders to pause, reflect, and lead with greater clarity, courage, and care.René Carayol MBE shared thisIf you’re a CEO, this talk by René Carayol MBE may be of particular interest to you. An executive coach to some of the world’s leading business figures, René took the stage at the Tech.Emotion Summit 2025 to explore how the role of leadership is evolving in an age shaped by rapid technological change. The full talk is available on TechEmotion.com. *** Explore the two access levels for the upcoming Tech.Emotion Summit, taking place on May 27–28 at Triennale Milano, and immerse yourself in a network of leading Italian and international voices. 🚨 A dedicated early-bird rate is available through March 15! https://lnkd.in/eRVU8NKZ
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René Carayol MBE shared thisHere is what I've seen in 2026 so far.......there is a global leadership vacuum. Everyone is shit scared to say anything for fear of attack and condemnation. Leaving the stupid to dominate not because they’re brave but because they don’t care about offending anyone/everyone. We have the message and the language for those leaders wanting to drive their business forwards and make a positive difference this year.
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René Carayol MBE shared this“It’s the performance not the content! Most leaders obsess over what they say. The world’s most powerful leaders obsess over how they say it. I contributed to this CNBC piece on how the world’s most powerful leaders communicate to exert influence. My work with CEOs and presidents has shown this repeatedly: leadership performance beats leadership content — every time. I’ve always coached that ‘it’s not what you say but how you say it’. If you want to communicate more effectively as a leader read this. 👉 https://lnkd.in/ehSeuAhb Thank you to Sawdah B.How the world’s most powerful people communicate to get what they wantHow the world’s most powerful people communicate to get what they want
René Carayol MBE commented on a post
1d
Ashley, OUTSTANDING achievement. It’s rarely luck, this is the result of dedication, commitment and inspired leadership. It’s still only the beginning. We salute you and your first class team. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
René Carayol MBE commented on a post
1w
Dan you are leaving the most beautiful and unforgettable of legacies. Not just top notch first class art and craft, but much more the way you went about creating your very special magic. Integrity, humility and fun every day.
We shall not miss you as we will stay in touch and take the time to enjoy reminiscing.
Go well you wonderful man.
René 🙏🏾
René Carayol MBE commented on a post
1mo
Adam this is both an important and essential step that you have carefully and brilliantly brought to fruition. This also clearly demonstrates your leadership, innovation and determination.
We are all extremely proud of you and just know you will make the most of this for many who have yet to find their voice.
We salute you.
René 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
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René Carayol MBE liked thisRené Carayol MBE liked thisAfter three decades at ITN, including nearly four years as CEO, the time is right for me to step away and pursue my next chapter. ITN has been a huge part of my life and career - the company is in an exciting place as we transition from our cherished TV news heritage to an ambitious multimedia content powerhouse: ✳️ We’re making a record number of programmes and expanding our digital impact by the day – over 70 hours of live broadcast every week and approx. 1bn digital views a month. ✳️ We’re now producing Good Morning Britain and all of 5’s live Daytime shows as well as an expanded slate of programmes for all the PSBs, Netflix and other streamers, US broadcasters, podcasts, digital and social platforms. ✳️ We’re winning awards across the board from BAFTAs, Emmys and RTSs to digital, AI and innovation gongs. ✳️ We are proud champions of the UK’s public service media framework, sitting as a 5th pillar alongside the broadcasters and passionate advocates for ensuring audiences can continue to find content they can trust, wherever they choose to consume it. ✳️ We are innovating responsibly with industry-leading AI projects. ✳️ Our storytelling is second to none – high quality, fact based and impartial; eyewitness and people centred; relevant, relatable and human. ✳️ Our teams are simply outstanding. When I started as CEO, I was ambitious for how much further ITN could grow, both commercially and in terms of impact, to accelerate our digital transition, to better represent the audiences we serve. I am delighted we have done that and more, at such a critical time for trusted news and content. It’s been a privilege to work alongside so many talented colleagues across the organisation, many of whom I am honoured to also call friends. I am also so pleased that Ian Rumsey will be the next CEO - he is ITN through and through, has led the stellar rise of ITN Productions and as a key member of my senior team cares deeply about the company. I wish him every success. I am really looking forward to what comes next for me and the various things I am working on - watch this space! And I will watch ITN's continued growth with pride for all we have achieved during my time and all that lies ahead. #journalism #publicservicemedia #production #storytelling #digital #broadcast #GenAI #policy #leadership
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René Carayol MBE liked thisRené Carayol MBE liked thisMy 3 year old was asking for coffee yesterday. It was actually hilarious because she was so serious about it. And she got really upset when I told her she'll have to wait at least another 11 years 😅 I ordered mine and the kind lady at the Costa drive through saw her upset at the back and gave her a baby chino. It got me thinking about how much our children learn from, and mirror, what we do. And I've been having lots of conversations with men recently about what we role model in our own homes. I want my daughter's to see me going to work. I want them to see me watching football. I want them to see me leaving the house to hang out with my mates. But I also want them to see me making packed lunch for the next day at school. I want them to see me cooking. I want them to see me cleaning the house and doing the food shop. I want them to see me in my best moments, when I'm feeling strong and confident. But I also want them to see me disappointed and sad. I want them to know, and see, that men can be provider and caregivers. That men can be strong and gentle. Resilient and sensitive. Protectors and nurturers. I want them to know that childcare isn't just women's work. And I want boys to know this too. Boys need to know this. The world is a scary place at the moment. And there are many influential people trying to take us back to the 1950s and recreate some version of the handmaid's tale. Bad faith politicians, the manosphere, it's all happening. And it can be easy to feel powerless. But one place we do have power is in our own homes and over what we model for our children. They are watching us (and clearly monitoring our coffee consumption 😅).
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René Carayol MBE liked thisRené Carayol MBE liked thisThis is Mental Health Awareness Week — and this year's theme is Action🟢 So here's your action: lace up your football boots. For the third year running, we're hosting Kick the Stigma — a 5-a-side football tournament bringing London businesses together to raise funds and awareness for frontline mental health services. Talking about mental health matters. But action changes lives. This year we've gone bigger — for the first time, we're opening the tournament to companies across London. And yes, it also happens to fall on the opening night of the World Cup. ⚽🌍 📅 Thursday 11th June 2026 13:00 - 16:00 (KO @14:00) 📍 Westway Sports & Fitness Centre, West London 💷 £300 per team (direct donation to Allkind Mental Health) Step away from the desk. Put on your boots. Stand (and compete) with businesses who believe open conversations and supportive workplaces can change lives. AND the winning team gets more than a trophy this year! Register your team here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eed9khNg If you can't make it but still want to donate click here 👇 https://lnkd.in/e4huF3_f Any questions give me a DM - will get it sorted. This is a reminder of how it all went down last year and what it's all about. Raisas Barbers Kick The Stigma #mentalhealthawarenesswekk
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René Carayol MBE liked thisRené Carayol MBE liked thisHad a fantastic last few days with our India GCC sales and business development team from Noida, Pune, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. We continue to strengthen the team after the acquisition of #AgreeYa. This presents a great opportunity to create value for the India GCCs of our global enterprise customers at scale, across Technology sourcing, Professional services and Managed services . #OneTeam #Computacenter #Computacenterindia #Customerfirst #ComputacenterGCCteam #Winningtogether #Cocreation
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René Carayol MBE liked thisWhat a wonderful CCF Dinner and a real privilege being invited back to my old school as guest speaker for the event. Some great stories and achievements from the young leaders present. The CCF and the Royal Hospital School set me on the path to become the person I am today, and a lifetime’s worth of adventure and memories in the British Army. Cadet organisations are the backbone of youth resilience and resourcefulness in this country. We must ensure their success and support them in any way we can. Combined Cadet Force (CCF) | Official Combined Cadet Force Association (CCFA) Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK Army Cadets UK | OfficialRené Carayol MBE liked thisThe CCF Dinner was a wonderful celebration of the commitment, professionalism, and achievements of our cadets throughout the year. Our pupils attended in black tie, creating an atmosphere of formality and shared accomplishment. The evening provided an opportunity to reflect on a successful year, with a range of awards recognising individual and team achievements across the Contingent. Guest of honour, Lieutenant Colonel David Love MBE FIoL (Raleigh, 2003), was in attendance to present awards and speak with cadets throughout the evening, adding to the occasion’s sense of pride and achievement. Alongside celebrating what has already been achieved, the event also looked forward with optimism to the remainder of the year and the opportunities ahead, reinforcing the strong sense of community, aspiration, and purpose within the CCF. RHS Futures and Alumni Office #RHSHappy
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René Carayol MBE liked thisRené Carayol MBE liked thisKick The Stigma goes on tour………kind of. Working for René Carayol MBE has afforded me the opportunity to experience places I could only dream of - this time it is Seattle and it does not disappoint. Back to business I decided to wear my KTS t-shirt out to see if it garnered any attention. It didn’t lol. Would I do it again absolutely. You never know when an opportunity will arise and I wanted to be prepared or even create the opportunity to talk about the brand and the mission. Now two weeks in I’ve started to take onboard initial feedback from customers and make the adjustments to drive more sales. I’ve also tried to dabble with some SEO/AEO improvements and whilst I’m utterly baffled by the language and the implementation I have an agent that makes it seem much simpler. The best news of the week was we sold our first ‘The Ultimate KTS Care Package’ bundle to James Tarrant - what a guy🙌🏼 That means with this purchase we will donate £12 to a men’s mental health charity - it may seem a little but it goes a long way. This is why I started Kick The Stigma. We can make a difference with every purchase. I also got over my fear of stepping onto glass at 605ft in the air and looking down. I’m off to test out the Seattle fairways (ok probably rough). Enjoy the weekend and let’s kick the stigma✌🏼 Adam
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René Carayol MBE liked thisRené Carayol MBE liked thisOne month really does fly when you’re building a business. The best thing about the first month is that Kick The Stigma has been able to deliver on its mission. Thanks to the people that have bought the products, we have made our first donation #ANDYSMANCLUB#ANDYSMANCLUB - they run free peer-to-peer support groups every Monday at 7PM across the UK - no booking, no cost, no pressure to speak. 👉 In the background we've been working hard and are close to announcing our first charity partner. 👉 Thanks to Roei Samuel and his awesome company Connectd (they are growing rapidly). As the name suggests they have connected me with their network of incredible leaders to support the early stages of growth- PRO BONO! 👉 I’m getting to grips with more regular social media postings far from perfect with this but getting better as the community is as valuable as the customers. 👉 Got accepted onto the Searchable accelerator - an AI SEO/AEO tool built by one of the most well known UK entrepreneurs Chris Donnelly - I just know it'll be crucial for the future of business and get ahead of competition. 👉 I was fortunate to get the sound words of counsel from René Carayol MBE who told me simply “Don’t fret.” Seems simple but when you are finance, marketing, sales and operations all in one it sometimes takes a phrase like don't fret to step back. AND I traveled via two trains to film my first collab with a barber who’s following is over 2k on all platforms. During filming I shared far more than I thought but that’s exactly why the barber chair can be a safe space for so many men. More to come on that one… Onto month 2 people - appreciate the support. Let’s kick the stigma✌🏼 #kickthestigma #mensgrooming #mensmentalhealth
Experience
Education
Skills
Honors & Awards
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Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE)
HM Queen Elizabeth II
René was awarded an MBE for outstanding service to the business community.
Recommendations received
7 people have recommended René
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www.carayol.com
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https://www.carayol.com/contact
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