The U.S.’s former top Pentagon official on Russia relations, Evelyn Farkas, has been in the news recently commenting on the nerve agent attack in Salisbury earlier this month. Read this Atlantic Council blog to see why Farkas believes expelling Russians was a necessary move as they “represent the government that attacked British sovereignty, residents, and citizens.”

 

Paul Johnson, Director of the UK’s Institute for Fiscal Studies, was interviewed by The Guardian about the UK government’s spring economic statement and what he expects the rest of 2018 will bring in terms of budget cuts. “Chancellors always talk up the positive numbers,” he said, “but we’re not out of austerity; we’re nowhere near out of austerity. There are still big spending cuts and big social security cuts to come.” Read the interview here.

New Speakers
We’re always discovering and working with new speakers in every topic area. These 4 speakers are new to our roster and I wanted to shine a spotlight on them:
Daniel Murray, Co-Founder of e-commerce apps, Grabble and Mobula
Ben Ryan, Former Head Coach of Fiji 7's Rugby, Founder of Sleepandwater
Cecilia MoSze Tham, Co-Founder of FutureFunded, Entrepreneur, Activist, Singularity University Fellow and Ambassador
David Murrin, Hedge Fund and Private Equity expert, entrepreneur and author

 

What's Next
Did you hear about the Leading Authorities Speaker Showcase Event in London on 2 May? An excellent opportunity to meet and hear from four top speakers, this quick breakfast event will feature BBC former Europe editor Gavin Hewitt, innovation and leadership expert Nick Seneca Jankel, former head of online marketing for Virgin Group Alex Hunter, and “people hacker” Jenny Radcliffe. Email me if you’d like me to save you a seat or RSVP now.

 

Travel Updates
We know the travel costs can sometimes be a barrier to hiring US-based speakers. One thing I always try to do is keep you aware of opportunities to book US speakers travelling to Europe. These experts will be over  here soon and accepting engagements at reduced fees:

Wing-suit pilot and motivational speaker Joby Ogwyn will be in Europe this month
Former MetricStream CEO Shellye Archambeau will be in Europe in May and September
Technology and disruption expert Mike Steep will be in France and Germany in May and June – new update!
Political analyst David Wasserman will be in Europe in May – new update!
Former Trader Joe’s CEO Doug Rauch will be in Europe in May
World-famous co-pilot of the “Miracle on the Hudson” Jeff Skiles will be in Europe in May
Former President of Gatorade and Nike GM Sarah Robb O'Hagan will be in Europe in July