James Whittaker

James Whittaker

Keynote Speaker: Distinguished Technical Evangelist & Bestselling Author

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  • Speaking Fee:
    Live Event Fee: $20,000 - $30,000
    Virtual Event Fee: Below $10,000
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James Whittaker Biography

James Whittaker's career, starting in 1986, has crossed the domains of academia, start-ups, and top tech companies.

He was the first computer science graduate to be hired by the FBI. He then moved on to freelancing during his graduate school days at the University of Tennessee, working for major tech companies such as IBM, Ericsson, SAP, and Cisco. His next venture was joining the faculty at Florida Institute of Technology where he not only obtained promotion to full professor but also won over $12m in sponsored research and built a research startup that Raytheon later acquired.

Whittaker's tenure at Microsoft began as an individual contributor working on Windows and Trustworthy Computing, followed by Visual Studio. He later joined Google as an engineering director, leading teams working on Chrome, Chrome OS, Maps, and Google+. In 2012, Whittaker returned to Microsoft to lead machine learning efforts on Bing and Cortana. His abilities as a speaker and storyteller led him to become Microsoft’s first Distinguished Technical Evangelist.

Known for being a creative and passionate leader, Whittaker is also a sought-after speaker and author. He has written five technical books, two of which are best-sellers and two have been Jolt Award finalists. He regularly speaks to technical, marketing, and advertising audiences on subjects like the future of man and machine. Whittaker has been a speaker at events such as ANA Disrupt at CES, IAB Engage UK, Advertising Week Europe, Digital Life Design, Business Insider Ignite, Pitch @The Palace, the CIO Summit, and SXSW.

After retiring in 2019, he began focusing on in-person experiences through his brewery and taproom enterprise on the east side of Seattle. He still maintains his connection to the tech world by collaborating with young founders and serving on the boards of interesting companies.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on James Whittaker and other top speakers and celebrities.

James Whittaker Speaking Topics

Thinking Strategically About The Future of Technology

AI, ML, Blockchain, Crypto, IoT, Web 3, the Metaverse ... Technology changes are coming fast and companies need to understand what is ahead so they aren't hampered by bad adoption decisions. This masterclass in understanding the future is based on James' experience at Google and Microsoft and teaching this material at top-rated MBA programs on two continents. Let James entertain and educate you in this funny, story-rich jaunt through how tech ate the world and continues to do so. You'll gain a new understanding of these technologies even if you aren't technical. You'll see how business and society is likely to change in the near and long-term. You'll understand what technologies are likely fads and which ones you need to plan for. The world is changing and this class will help you get ahead of those changes.

Supercharging Individual and Team Creativity

Creativity is the one universal ingredient of success. Creatives report higher job satisfaction and lead more fulfilling lives than any other class of people. And yet our school curriculum focuses on rote learning and test taking at the expense of creativity, problem-solving and higher-order thinking. Former Microsoft Distinguished Engineer James Whittaker shows you how to develop your creative mind and use it as the fulcrum of a lifestyle where creativity doesn’t just happen, it becomes the default case for everything you do in work and life. Come to this session and learn to supercharge your creativity to make your work more interesting and your life more exciting. Learn:

  • How to learn faster and retain knowledge better.
  • How to merge your passions with your day job.
  • How to discover and nurture your creative biorhythms.
  • How to become an expert in your field.
  • How to turn your creativity on at will.

Public Speaking and the Art of Storytelling

Boredom. Nowhere does it manifest more aggressively than in corporate conference rooms where speakers struggle to get an idea across in an engaging way. That boredom is killing those ideas, sapping audience energy and slowing down progress. Former Microsoft Distinguished Engineer James Whittaker has decoded the solution to engaging stage presence and cast it as a set of spells to be woven into the fabric of a presentation. Like actual spells, these techniques are activated by 1) what you say, 2) how you say it and 3) what you do while you are saying it. James presents these concepts, not by lecturing them, but by demonstrating them. Expect to be thoroughly entertained with authentic stories while you learn how to command a stage and turn an audience into a room full of believers. Whether you want to improve the story of your company, product or yourself, this course will turn you into a storytelling wizard.

Learn:

  • How to conceive and structure a presentation for proper flow and maximum impact.
  • How to prepare for your presentation to conquer stage fright and ensure recall.
  • How to make important points stick in the minds of your audience.
  • How to weave story, voice modulation and movement to spellbind your audience.
  • How to tell your own story to improve your career.

James Whittaker Videos

James Whittaker | Google, Microsoft, Future of Testing
James Whittaker on the Future of Technology | #ETS2019 - YouTube
James Whittaker - The Art of Storytelling

How do I book James Whittaker to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like James Whittaker for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for James Whittaker, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for James Whittaker or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book James Whittaker for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for James Whittaker, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book James Whittaker are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire James Whittaker, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does James Whittaker speak about?

James Whittaker is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Technology, Computer Science, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Creativity, Business, Marketing, Internet and Leadership.

Where does James Whittaker travel from?

James Whittaker generally travels from Seattle, WA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for James Whittaker?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like James Whittaker for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book James Whittaker for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host James Whittaker or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


James Whittaker is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Technology, Computer Science and Entrepreneurship. The estimated speaking fee range to book James Whittaker for live events is $20,000 - $30,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. James Whittaker generally travels from Seattle, WA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Erik Qualman, R "Ray" Wang and Josh Linkner. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling James Whittaker for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 05/09/2024.

James Whittaker Speaking Topics

  • Thinking Strategically About The Future of Technology

    AI, ML, Blockchain, Crypto, IoT, Web 3, the Metaverse ... Technology changes are coming fast and companies need to understand what is ahead so they aren't hampered by bad adoption decisions. This masterclass in understanding the future is based on James' experience at Google and Microsoft and teaching this material at top-rated MBA programs on two continents. Let James entertain and educate you in this funny, story-rich jaunt through how tech ate the world and continues to do so. You'll gain a new understanding of these technologies even if you aren't technical. You'll see how business and society is likely to change in the near and long-term. You'll understand what technologies are likely fads and which ones you need to plan for. The world is changing and this class will help you get ahead of those changes.

  • Supercharging Individual and Team Creativity

    Creativity is the one universal ingredient of success. Creatives report higher job satisfaction and lead more fulfilling lives than any other class of people. And yet our school curriculum focuses on rote learning and test taking at the expense of creativity, problem-solving and higher-order thinking. Former Microsoft Distinguished Engineer James Whittaker shows you how to develop your creative mind and use it as the fulcrum of a lifestyle where creativity doesn’t just happen, it becomes the default case for everything you do in work and life. Come to this session and learn to supercharge your creativity to make your work more interesting and your life more exciting. Learn:

    • How to learn faster and retain knowledge better.
    • How to merge your passions with your day job.
    • How to discover and nurture your creative biorhythms.
    • How to become an expert in your field.
    • How to turn your creativity on at will.

  • Public Speaking and the Art of Storytelling

    Boredom. Nowhere does it manifest more aggressively than in corporate conference rooms where speakers struggle to get an idea across in an engaging way. That boredom is killing those ideas, sapping audience energy and slowing down progress. Former Microsoft Distinguished Engineer James Whittaker has decoded the solution to engaging stage presence and cast it as a set of spells to be woven into the fabric of a presentation. Like actual spells, these techniques are activated by 1) what you say, 2) how you say it and 3) what you do while you are saying it. James presents these concepts, not by lecturing them, but by demonstrating them. Expect to be thoroughly entertained with authentic stories while you learn how to command a stage and turn an audience into a room full of believers. Whether you want to improve the story of your company, product or yourself, this course will turn you into a storytelling wizard.

    Learn:

    • How to conceive and structure a presentation for proper flow and maximum impact.
    • How to prepare for your presentation to conquer stage fright and ensure recall.
    • How to make important points stick in the minds of your audience.
    • How to weave story, voice modulation and movement to spellbind your audience.
    • How to tell your own story to improve your career.

James Whittaker Videos

James Whittaker | Google, Microsoft, Future of Testing
James Whittaker on the Future of Technology | #ETS2019 - YouTube
James Whittaker - The Art of Storytelling

James Whittaker Reviews

  • Great experience overall! James keynote was very well received and our group is still talking about it! Was so great to have your team to help.
    Hilton - May 22 2017

  • How do I book James Whittaker to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like James Whittaker for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for James Whittaker, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for James Whittaker or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book James Whittaker for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for James Whittaker, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book James Whittaker are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire James Whittaker, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does James Whittaker speak about?

    James Whittaker is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Technology, Computer Science, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Creativity, Business, Marketing, Internet and Leadership.
  • Where does James Whittaker travel from?

    James Whittaker generally travels from Seattle, WA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for James Whittaker?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like James Whittaker for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book James Whittaker for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host James Whittaker or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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