WORLD BUSINESS FORUM SPEAKERS 2025
Jacob Javits Convention Center
5 & 6 November 2025

Leadership
Brené Brown
Research Professor and Author

Talent
Adam Grant
Groundbreaking organizational psychologist and top-rated professor at Wharton

Performance
Simone Biles
The most decorated gymnast of all time

Strategy
Scott Galloway
Serial entrepreneur, award-winning podcaster and professor at NYU Stern

Self-Management
James Clear
Best-selling author of Atomic Habits

AI Strategy
Ayanna Howard
Pioneering innovator, entrepreneur and inventor of robotic technologies and AI for industry

Customer Experience Strategy
Renée Richardson Gosline
Globally recognized expert in customer experience and AI at MIT Sloan

Creativity
Seth Godin
One of today’s most influential management thinkers and serial entrepreneur

Innovation
James Patterson & Patrick Leddin
Bestselling co-authors of Disrupt Everything
WORLD BUSINESS FORUM SPEAKERS 2025
Jacob Javits Convention Center
5 & 6 November 2025
ABOUT WORLD BUSINESS FORUM
Since 2004, the World Business Forum New York gathers thousands of senior executives to learn from a program of world-class business thought leaders.
The Forum focuses on the most relevant management topics for today’s business leaders as they face the challenge of steering their teams and organizations.
Why Join?
Learning
Absorb wisdom from world renowned business thought leaders.
A curated program that tackles today’s most pressing leadership challenges head-on.
Inspiration
Superchange your organization.
Walk away with transformative ideas and the inspiration to turn them into reality.
Networking
Expand your inner circle.
Rub shoulders with over 2,000 decision-makers, innovators, and industry leaders.
ABOUT WORLD BUSINESS FORUM
Since 2004, the World Business Forum New York gathers thousands of senior executives to learn from a program of world-class business thought leaders.
The Forum focuses on the most relevant management topics for today’s business leaders as they face the challenge of steering their teams and organizations.
Why Join?
Learning
Absorb wisdom from world renowned business thought leaders.
A curated program that tackles today’s most pressing leadership challenges head-on.
Inspiration
Superchange your organization.
Walk away with transformative ideas and the inspiration to turn them into reality.
Networking
Expand your inner circle.
Rub shoulders with over 2,000 decision-makers, innovators, and industry leaders.
Register for World Business Forum
and become part of WOBI
In addition to two incredible days at the World Business Forum, your registration also includes year-round access to the world’s best management content and a global community of senior executives.
Ticket to World Business Forum New York 2025
All World Business Forums worldwide on-demand
Year-round access to the best management content
Networking opportunities and global executive community
Join WOBI

Gold
$3,090USD
$3,990+USD
Offer Valid Until May 16th
What’s Included
Access to World Business Forum NYC 2025
Complimentary Coffee Breaks
Official certificate of attendance
Watch World Business Forums Worldwide On Demand
300+ hours of WOBI’s digital content
Year-Round Networking Opportunities
Global Community of Executives
Lunch with Speaker During World Business Forum
Preferential Seating
Access to Platinum Lounge
Dedicated Registration
Deluxe Catering

PLATINUM
$4,290USD
$4,990+USD
Offer Valid Until May 16th
What’s Included
Access to World Business Forum NYC 2025
Complimentary Coffee Breaks
Official certificate of attendance
Watch World Business Forums Worldwide On Demand
300+ hours of WOBI’s digital content
Year-Round Networking Opportunities
Global Community of Executives
Lunch with Speaker During World Business Forum
Preferential Seating
Access to Platinum Lounge
Dedicated Registration
Deluxe Catering

Gold
Per access $2,778USD
$3,990 +USD
Offer Valid Until May 16th
What’s Included
Access to World Business Forum NYC 2025
Complimentary Coffee Breaks
Official certificate of attendance
Watch World Business Forums Worldwide On Demand
300+ hours of WOBI’s digital content
Year-Round Networking Opportunities
Global Community of Executives
Lunch with Speaker During World Business Forum
Preferential Seating
Access to Platinum Lounge
Dedicated Registration
Deluxe Catering

PLATINUM
Per access $3,858USD
$4,990 +USD
Offer Valid Until May 16th
What’s Included
Access to World Business Forum NYC 2025
Complimentary Coffee Breaks
Official certificate of attendance
Watch World Business Forums Worldwide On Demand
300+ hours of WOBI’s digital content
Year-Round Networking Opportunities
Global Community of Executives
Lunch with Speaker During World Business Forum
Preferential Seating
Access to Platinum Lounge
Dedicated Registration
Deluxe Catering

Gold
Per access $2,469USD
$3,990+USD
Offer Valid Until May 16th
What’s Included
Access to World Business Forum NYC 2025
Complimentary Coffee Breaks
Official certificate of attendance
Watch World Business Forums Worldwide On Demand
300+ hours of WOBI’s digital content
Year-Round Networking Opportunities
Global Community of Executives
Lunch with Speaker During World Business Forum
Preferential Seating
Access to Platinum Lounge
Dedicated Registration
Deluxe Catering

PLATINUM
Per access $3,429USD
$4,990 +USD
Offer Valid Until May 16th
What’s Included
Access to World Business Forum NYC 2025
Complimentary Coffee Breaks
Official certificate of attendance
Watch World Business Forums Worldwide On Demand
300+ hours of WOBI’s digital content
Year-Round Networking Opportunities
Global Community of Executives
Lunch with Speaker During World Business Forum
Preferential Seating
Access to Platinum Lounge
Dedicated Registration
Deluxe Catering

Gold
Per access $2,314USD
$3,990 +USD
Offer Valid Until May 16th
What’s Included
Access to World Business Forum NYC 2025
Complimentary Coffee Breaks
Official certificate of attendance
Watch World Business Forums Worldwide On Demand
300+ hours of WOBI’s digital content
Year-Round Networking Opportunities
Global Community of Executives
Lunch with Speaker During World Business Forum
Preferential Seating
Access to Platinum Lounge
Dedicated Registration
Deluxe Catering

PLATINUM
Per access $3,214USD
$4,990 +USD
Offer Valid Until May 16th
What’s Included
Access to World Business Forum NYC 2025
Complimentary Coffee Breaks
Official certificate of attendance
Watch World Business Forums Worldwide On Demand
300+ hours of WOBI’s digital content
Year-Round Networking Opportunities
Global Community of Executives
Lunch with Speaker During World Business Forum
Preferential Seating
Access to Platinum Lounge
Dedicated Registration
Deluxe Catering
Plan Your Stay at This Year's World Business Forum with One of Our Hotel Partners

The New Yorker
305 West 48th Street, New York City, New York, United States, 10036
1-646-692-8012

EVEN Hotel: New York - Times Square South
321 West 35th Street, New York City New York, United States, 10001
1-877-666-3243

Hyatt Place Times Square
350 W 39th St, New York,
NY 10018 1-212-904-1811
Unique Sponsorship opportunities
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With your key target audience in a credible format.
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Every decision maker in the process through thought leadership and mind share.
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Acquire new customers and convert pipeline.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Benefits of WOBI & The World Business Forum: Year-Round Access with Your World Business Forum Ticket
What’s Included?
When you register for the World Business Forum, you don’t just get access to the two-day event—you unlock a full year of continuous learning, inspiration, and connection designed to support your leadership journey.
Your ticket includes:
– Admission to the World Business Forum—our flagship annual event
– On-demand access to all World Business Forum 2024 editions until December 31st, plus summaries and highlight reels from around the world
– Full access to WOBI’s Digital Library: 300+ hours of leadership content updated regularly with insights from global experts
– Fresh, relevant content added throughout the year
– Exclusive invitations to in-person and virtual networking events
– The opportunity to connect with a global executive community
Why does my ticket include year-round access?
We believe leadership doesn’t begin and end with a two-day event. That’s why every World Business Forum registration includes access to a full suite of digital content and experiences—so you can continue learning and connecting all year long.
How do I watch past events on demand?
Your ticket gives you access to stream full sessions from the 2024 World Business Forums until December 15th, plus highlight clips and curated segments from other global editions up to 30 days after each event.
How long can I watch full keynotes from World Business Forums?
You’ll have full access to keynotes through December 15th, 2024. After that, you’ll still be able to enjoy a curated selection of highlights and “The Best of World Business Forum Worldwide 2024.” If you purchase your ticket after that date, you’ll gain access to full 2025 content as it becomes available.
How often is the Digital Library updated?
The Digital Library is continuously refreshed with new insights and exclusive materials from WOBI’s global events and speakers
Are networking opportunities included?
Yes! In addition to what happens during the Forum itself, your access includes private invitations to local and virtual content + networking events—giving you the chance to connect with like-minded leaders throughout the year.
Can I access this experience from anywhere?
Yes, it’s all available globally—online and on demand. Whether you’re in the office or on the go, you can access the content and community anytime, from any device.
What if I can’t attend the Forum in person?
No problem. You’ll still enjoy the full digital experience—including streaming access to all sessions, the Digital Library, curated content, and networking invitations.
How do I access everything included?
You’ll receive login credentials that allow you to explore all features through:
The WOBI web platform here
The WOBI app (iOS and Android)
Once logged in, you’ll have instant access to everything your ticket includes.
How does access work for group purchases?
If you’ve purchased multiple tickets, your WOBI account manager will help assign access to selected individuals within your organization so your entire team can benefit.
Already bought your 2025 ticket?
Great news—you’re already covered! Your access will be activated shortly, and your account manager will help you get started with everything that’s included.
Subscription & Duration
Your access is automatically included when you purchase a ticket to the World Business Forum. No separate subscription or registration is needed—everything is unlocked as part of your ticket package.
If you’re purchasing for a team or through a corporate package, your account manager can assist with assigning access to each participant.
What payment methods are available?
We offer flexible payment options, including credit/debit card or direct debit. You can choose to pay annually or in installments, depending on what works best for you or your organization.
When does access begin?
Your access begins as soon as your World Business Forum ticket purchase is confirmed. If you buy during the presale period, you’ll receive immediate access to all available digital content and benefits. Event ticket nominations can be submitted later as the event date approaches.
How long will I have access?
Access is valid for one full year from the date of purchase and includes content from the current year’s World Business Forums, as well as other exclusive content and experiences released throughout the year.
Renewal & Cancellation
Your WOBI account manager will be in touch prior to the end of your access period to discuss renewal options. You’ll also receive a reminder 30 days before your annual access is set to expire.
Can I set up automatic renewal?
Yes, you can choose between a one-time purchase or automatic renewal to ensure continued access to leadership content and experiences. You’ll be notified before any renewal charges are processed and will have the opportunity to opt out if you choose not to continue.
Can I cancel?
Yes—cancellations are available at any time. If you cancel within 15 days of purchase, you’ll receive a full refund. After 15 days, we offer a pro-rated refund based on the time remaining in your annual access period.
Please note: Refunds are not available within 45 days of the World Business Forum or after you’ve attended the event.
Will I receive a refund if I cancel?
If you cancel more than 45 days before the World Business Forum and haven’t yet attended, you are eligible for a partial refund.
We calculate the refund by dividing the annual fee into 12 equal installments and multiplying that value by the number of full months remaining. Refunds will be processed within 30 calendar days of receiving your written cancellation request.
What if I can’t attend the World Business Forum?
Your ticket can be transferred to the following year’s event. If you choose to roll over your ticket, we’ll allow you to bring an additional guest—making it a shared experience at no extra cost. This benefit is available as long as your annual access is renewed for the next cycle.
When does my annual access renew?
Your access lasts for one full year from the date of purchase. For example, if you sign up in July and attend the Forum in November, your access won’t renew until the following July—ensuring you receive the full 12-month experience.
2025 AGENDA
WEDNESDAY
5
November
2025
SETH GODIN Creativity |
Coffee Break |
JAMES CLEAR Self-Management |
JAMES PATTERSON & PATRICK LEDDIN Innovation |
Lunch |
ADAM GRANT Leadership |
Coffee Break |
SIMONE BILES Performance |
THURSDAY
6
November
2025
AYANNA HOWARD AI Strategy |
Coffee Break |
BRENÉ BROWN Talent |
Lunch |
RENÉE RICHARDSON GOSLINE Customer Experience Strategy |
Coffee Break |
SCOTT GALLOWAY Strategy |
*Agenda is subject to change

Adam Grant
Talent
Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist and bestselling author who explores the science of motivation, generosity, rethinking, and potential. Wharton’s top-rated professor for seven straight years, he is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of six books that have sold millions of copies and been translated into 45 languages: Hidden Potential, Think Again, Give and Take, Originals, Option B, and Power Moves. Grant earned tenure at Wharton while still in his twenties and he is a leading expert on how we can find motivation and meaning, rethink assumptions, and live more generous and creative lives.
Unlocking Hidden Potential for Exceptional Leadership
- A new framework for raising aspirations, exceeding expectations, and leveraging strengths for success
- How to build the character skills and motivational structures to develop your leadership potential
- Designing systems to create opportunities for those who have been underrated and overlooked
- Developing the competencies needed to respond to and find strength in adversity

Brené Brown
Leadership
Research Professor and Author
Dr. Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston, where she holds the Huffington Foundation Endowed Chair at the Graduate College of Social Work. She also holds the position of visiting professor in management at the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business. Brown has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. She is the author of six #1 New York Times bestsellers and is the host of two award-winning podcasts, Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead. Brown spends most of her time working in organizations around the world, helping develop braver leaders and more courageous cultures.
The Courage to Lead
- Building the Strength and Grounded Confidence to Lead
- Armored leadership vs. Daring leadership
- The Role of Curiosity and Humility in Mental Toughness

Scott Galloway
Strategy
Scott Galloway, an influential expert in brand strategy, is the clinical professor at the NYU Stern School of Business, a position he has held for more than twenty years. He is also a tech entrepreneur who founded several firms, including L2, Red Envelope, and Prophet Brand Strategy. Galloway is the author of several New York Times bestselling books, including The Four: The Hidden DNA of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google and Post Corona: From Crisis to Opportunity. Recognized by the World Economic Forum as one of the “Global Leaders of Tomorrow,” he has advised prominent brands and organizations such as Gateway Inc. and Urban Outfitters.
The Future of Strategy: Navigating Trends to Discover Creative Solutions
- Cuts through the noise: The products and trends that are receiving too much vs. too little attention and investment
- Creative solutions that will shape the future across various sectors over the next decade and beyond
- AI Strategy: Its rise, impact, driving innovation, and creating new opportunities
- What winning brands have in common and how to implement their strategies

Seth Godin
Creativity
Seth Godin is one of the most inspiring, influential, and creative business thinkers of our time. Author of 22 international bestselling books translated into 39 languages, Godin covers a wide range of topics from creativity and change processes to how ideas are transmitted. Notable works include Purple Cow and Linchpin, and his most recent book, This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans. A serial entrepreneur, Godin also writes one of the world’s most prestigious and widely read blogs, where he publishes daily insights on management and the digital world.
Leading Creativity through the Pursuit of the Unconventional
- The importance of “doing work that matters”: Creating value and impact rather than following trends
- Keys to embracing originality and breaking away from conventional norms
- The skills and characteristics needed to consistently and effectively push creative boundaries
- How to promote a mindset of lifelong learning and curiosity to keep ideas fresh and innovative
- How creativity connects with marketing and is the act of solving interesting problems

Simone Biles
Performance
Widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time, Simone Biles has revolutionized the sport with her extraordinary skill, and in the process has become a symbol of resilience, humility, and advocacy for mental health. She has captured six All-Around World Championship titles, making her the most decorated gymnast in World Championships history with 30 medals, including 23 gold. An eleven-time Olympic medalist, Biles’ technical prowess has led to an unprecedented five gymnastic skills being named after her. Her autobiography, Courage to Soar, became a New York Times bestseller, and her remarkable story was brought to life in the Netflix series Simone Biles Rising. She also supports initiatives that help young people in foster care and adoption systems.
Rising Stronger: Well-Being, Performance, and the Road to Greatness
- Facing failure and self-doubt: Lessons learnt from when times were toughest
- The importance of raising awareness around mental health and personal wellbeing to sustain high performance
- Knowing when to step back, recover, and rise stronger: Keys to achieving greatness
- Managing pressure and prioritizing self-care while in the spotlight

James Clear
Self-Management
James Clear is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Atomic Habits, a transformative book that has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 60 languages. Clear’s work delves deeply into behavioral psychology, addressing the profound question, “How can we live better?” with actionable, research-based strategies that resonate across cultures and industries. He is also the creator of the 3-2-1 weekly newsletter, which reaches over 3 million email subscribers and offers distilled wisdom on habits, decision-making, and self-improvement.
Trust and Inspire: Unleashing Greatness in Others
- Research-based, proven strategies to build good habits and break bad ones
- The laws of behavior change: Key strategies for getting 1% better every day
- Overcome a lack of motivation and willpower: Building systems for success even when you’re not feeling motivated
- Identity-based habits: Shifting your mindset to create lasting change
- How to overcome procrastination and build consistency through small, daily actions

Ayanna Howard
AI Strategy
A former senior robotics researcher and Mars Exploration research engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Ayanna Howard is the current Dean of Engineering at The Ohio State University. She is the co-founder and board director of Zyrobotics, a STEM education and therapy company that designs products for children with special needs. Foremost authority on human emotion-centered robotic design, her work and accomplishments have been the subject of numerous articles and profiles, including in Time, USA Today and Black Enterprise. Howard is also the author of the best-selling audiobook Sex, Race, and Robots: How to Be Human in the Age of AI.
Make AI Work For Your Business
- How AI and robotics will define the future of businesses across industries: An optimistic approach
- Understanding and mitigating the unintended consequences and ethical challenges of AI
- How to generate a culture of trust and accountability among employees
- Leveraging AI for human-centered innovation: Strategies for enhancing productivity and connection
- Diverse teams in AI development: Keys to creating inclusive products

Renée Richardson Gosline
Customer Experience Strategy
Globally recognized expert in customer experience and AI at MIT Sloan
A globally-recognized thinker on how AI affects human judgment, Renée Richardson Gosline is an award-winning Research Scientist and Senior Lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management, and the head of the Human-First AI group at MIT’s Initiative on The Digital Economy. Named a Digital Fellow at Stanford’s Digital Economy Lab, Gosline has also been recognized as one of the World’s Top 40 Professors under 40 by Poets and Quants, and as “one of the brightest minds in AI” by Inc. Magazine in 2024. Her research specializes in AI CX strategy, creating a culture of experimentation, and Responsible AI. She is the author of the forthcoming book, In Praise of Friction.
Human-Centered AI for a Breakthrough Customer Experience
- Key principles of a successful customer experience strategy: Balancing data-driven insights with human emotion
- Finding the friction sweet spot: Why friction can be good and how to harness its power for a seamless customer journey
- Ethical AI and inclusive leadership: Strategies to craft unbiased, customer-centric experiences that resonate with all clients
- Cultivating a culture of innovation through behavioral science and human-centered AI
A renowned expert on organizational learning and leadership and the world’s #1 ranked management thinker, Amy Edmondson has been studying psychological safety and workplace behaviors for more than 20 years. The Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School, Edmondson helps organizations identify barriers to success that are often hidden inside a workplace culture. Her work has helped major firms vastly improve performance by building an environment of psychological safety, transparency and collaborative teaming.
She is the bestselling author of The Fearless Organization, and the recently published Right Kind of Wrong, which won the Financial Times Business Book of the Year 2023.
Psychological Safety: Unlocking Growth Through Intelligent Failure
- How to nurture an environment where employees feel safe and empowered
- Improve learning, cooperation and performance by fostering a culture of psychological safety
- How leaders can transform their perspective on setbacks by embracing the intelligent failures that are vital to innovation
- Tailored practices, skills and mindsets for taking smart risks and using mistakes as springboards for profound learning and competitive differentiation
Musician and expert in entrepreneurship, innovation and virtuosity
With more than 25 years of entrepreneurial and senior management experience, Felipe Gómez has developed a powerful set of proven tools that helps leaders, teams and organizations to reach extraordinary performance. Leveraging his passion for music and with a grand piano on stage, Felipe will inspire his audience and provide tools to consistently aim for operational excellence, create meaningful connections and build effective cultures of innovation. Gómez is the author of the best-selling book, Attitude-E: The Method for Being Entrepreneurial and Fulfilling your Dreams.
The Power of Virtuosity
- What it means to be a virtuoso and why it’s a critical quality for organizations in today’s world
- Identifying the keys to be a virtuoso in everything we set out to do
- The mindsets and behaviors that leaders and companies should adopt to thrive
- The importance of perfecting our methods, being more aware of the attitudes we assume and doing everything we do with love and passion
Consistently recognized over the past decade as one of the world’s top global executives, Angela Ahrendts DBE is best known for her tenure as Senior Vice President at Apple Retail and for her nine years as CEO at Burberry. At Apple, Ahrendts was responsible for integrating Apple’s physical and digital businesses, creating a seamless customer journey for over a billion visitors a year and re-crafting roles for 70,000 employees globally. At Burberry she transformed the fortunes of the brand, tripling the business and quadrupling the share price with a focus on culture and values. Ahrendts is currently Chair of the Board of Save the Children and a member of the Board of Directors of Ralph Lauren Corp., Airbnb, WPP, and charity: water.
Leading Change with Humility, Humanity and Heart
- Connecting with people in a way that encourages everyone to shape the future of the organization
- How to convey complex ideas with clarity and authenticity to foster alignment and shared purpose within organizations
- Amplifying human attributes in an artificial world: A new paradigm of leadership to thrive in the age of AI
- Leveraging technology to unleash a new wave of creativity and innovation

James Patterson & Patrick Leddin
Innovation
Bestselling co-authors of Disrupt Everything
James Patterson and Patrick Leddin are the bestselling authors of the forthcoming book Disrupt Everything Together, they help leaders not only confront disruption, but also leverage it to build innovative, resilient, and high-performing teams and organizations.
Patterson is renowned as one of the world’s bestselling authors and the most popular storyteller of our time, having sold over 425 million books worldwide. He has been recognized with multiple awards, including ten Emmy Awards. Prior to becoming a bestselling author, Patterson rose to become CEO of J. Walter Thompson advertising group in North America.
Patrick Leddin is a renowned authority on leadership and culture. He served as a U.S. Army airborne ranger infantry officer, as a senior business consultant at KPMG Consulting and taught Corporate Strategy, Negotiation, and Crisis Leadership at Vanderbilt University. He is currently the Leadership and Culture Practice Leader at FranklinCovey. His book, The Five-Week Leadership Challenge, is a Wall Street Journal bestseller.
Turn Disruption into Your Greatest Advantage
- Grow, change, triumph: What every leader should know about disruption and how to harness its power
- Embracing sustained and meaningful change: Keys to transforming unexpected challenges into opportunities
- Practical strategies for navigating disruption, fostering innovation, and achieving extraordinary results
- Actionable insights for driving personal and organizational impact: The power of small changes for lasting outcomes
Offer Valid Until May 16
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