James Barrood

James Barrood, global innovation leader, empowers organizations with strategies for entrepreneurship, AI, and growth, inspiring transformation through 25+ years of leadership and ecosystem impact.

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I had the pleasure of working with Jim as the emcee for NJBIA’s Business Mania in April. Jim brought energy, clarity, and a deep understanding of the topics—ranging from AI and energy to talent retention and regulatory risks. He kept the event running smoothly, engaged the audience throughout, and elevated every panel with insightful transitions and commentary. If you’re looking for a seasoned, thoughtful, and dynamic moderator or emcee, I highly recommend Jim.

Betty Boros

NJBIA

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Why book James Barrood for your next event

As CEO of TechUnited, one of the nation’s largest technology membership organizations, James shaped innovation policy and supported hundreds of growth companies. In his keynotes, he shares proven lessons on scaling businesses and thriving in competitive, tech-driven markets.
James Barrood built Innovation+ and INNOVATE100, connecting a global community of 10,000+ entrepreneurs and innovators. His keynote delivers insider knowledge from this thriving ecosystem, giving organizations strategies and connections to drive growth and transformation.
For over a decade, James directed Fairleigh Dickinson University’s highly ranked entrepreneurship center, mentoring thousands of entrepreneurs. His keynote distills this experience into practical frameworks organizations can immediately use to innovate, adapt, and grow sustainably.

Non-binding request for James Barrood

Driving Innovation and Growth in a Rapidly Changing World

Empower your organization with actionable strategies from a global innovation leader. With 25+ years shaping startups, AI initiatives, and top-ranked entrepreneurship programs, this acclaimed keynote speaker inspires growth, transformation, and future-ready leadership.

Keynote Speaker James Barrood is recognized as one of the most influential voices in entrepreneurship, innovation, and responsible technology leadership. With over 25 years of experience supporting startups, growth companies, and higher education institutions, he has become a trusted authority for organizations seeking to adapt, innovate, and thrive in today’s fast-changing business landscape.

As Founder and CEO of Innovation+ and INNOVATE100, James leads a global network of over 10,000 entrepreneurs and innovators. His leadership roles include serving as CEO of TechUnited, one of the nation’s largest technology membership organizations, and directing Fairleigh Dickinson University’s top-ranked entrepreneurship center, where he mentored thousands of leaders. James also advises global initiatives such as the AI for Good Foundation and Future World Alliance, helping organizations leverage AI responsibly for long-term success.

Beyond his executive roles, James is a two-time TEDx speaker, podcast host, and author of highly regarded books on innovation and entrepreneurship. His keynotes are known for blending real-world experience with actionable insights, empowering leaders to embrace disruption, scale effectively, and future-proof their organizations.

Book James Barrood for your event to inspire your teams with strategies that drive innovation, harness the power of AI, and unlock sustainable growth. With his global perspective and proven track record, James delivers transformative keynotes that equip organizations to succeed in the innovation economy.

Customer Reviews

Betty Boros NJBIA

I am delighted to recommend Jim, whom I have known for over a decade. He has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism and leadership in his field. Recently, Jim joined our Workforce and Labor Market Information Committee, where he delivered an insightful presentation on artificial intelligence, explaining how to effectively prompt AI to generate efficient and accurate responses. His ability to communicate complex ideas clearly not only educated our committee members but also inspired us to explore new possibilities in our work. Jim is a collaborative team player, always willing to share his expertise and support others, making him an invaluable asset to any organization.”

Dr. Nicol Nicola, DBA Director of Economic & Demographic Research at NJDOL | Adjunct Professor | Coach & Mentor | Leadership Training Facilitator

It was a pleasure having James join us as a panelist for ‘The Why, When, and How to Build Your Ideal Advisory & Governing Boards.’ His insights were strategic and deeply relevant for founders navigating board-building for the first time. James brought clarity to what can often feel like an intimidating topic, showing founders how the right board can fuel growth, unlock capital, and become a true strategic asset. We’re grateful for his thoughtful contribution and the energy he brought to the conversation!

Katrin de Haën Co-Founder at The Fourth Effect

I had the pleasure of working with James during a panel discussion focused on communication at the C-suite level and emerging trends in leadership at Wharton. James brought not only deep expertise but also a grounded presence that made his insights both relevant and actionable. He has a unique ability to distill complex communication dynamics into clear, strategic guidance that resonates with senior leaders. His contributions were thoughtful, forward-looking, and reflected a nuanced understanding of where executive communication is headed in today’s rapidly evolving environment. James is a fantastic collaborator and communicator: sharp, generous with his knowledge, and deeply attuned to the needs of his audience. I would gladly work with him again and highly recommend him to any organization seeking a strategic voice at the intersection of leadership and communication.

Reima Shakeir Accelerating Leadership & Transforming Organizations | Scholar • Strategist • Storyteller • Author • Professor • Methodologist • Board Member | Founder of the Leadership Imaginarium™

Keynotes

Keynote by James Barrood:

Navigating AI with Confidence: From Misinformation to Workforce Readiness

Is your organization struggling to navigate the promises and pitfalls of AI?

From misinformation risks to workforce disruption and ethical challenges in education, many leaders feel overwhelmed by the pace of change. This is where keynote speaker James Barrood makes the difference. With decades of experience advising global organizations and serving as a trusted voice on responsible AI, James translates complex challenges into clear strategies your teams can act on immediately. His keynotes provide practical insights into building ethical frameworks, preparing your workforce for AI-driven transformation, and fostering innovation without sacrificing responsibility.

Book James Barrood for your event to equip your leaders with the tools to cut through the noise, embrace AI confidently, and future-proof your organization against disruption. His presentations inspire clarity, trust, and bold decision-making in an uncertain technological landscape.

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Keynote by James Barrood:

Igniting Entrepreneurial Mindsets to Drive Business Growth

Is your organization struggling to spark entrepreneurial thinking and drive sustainable growth? Many companies face stalled innovation, disengaged teams, and missed opportunities in today’s competitive markets. Keynote speaker James Barrood provides the solution. With over 25 years of experience mentoring startups, guiding growth companies, and leading top-ranked entrepreneurship programs, he knows what it takes to ignite an entrepreneurial mindset across organizations.

His keynotes are packed with actionable insights on scaling ventures, fostering creativity, and building resilience in uncertain times. Drawing on global case studies and his own experience leading large innovation ecosystems, James equips leaders and teams with proven frameworks to turn ideas into impact.

Book James Barrood for your event to inspire a culture of innovation, empower your people to think like entrepreneurs, and unlock new opportunities for long-term business success.

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Keynote by James Barrood:

Thriving in the Age of Disruption and Innovation

Are you struggling to keep pace with disruptive technologies and shifting future trends? Many organizations risk falling behind as innovation accelerates, customer expectations evolve, and markets transform. Keynote speaker James Barrood helps leaders and teams cut through uncertainty with clarity, foresight, and actionable strategies. With decades of experience advising startups, growth companies, and global organizations, he translates complex technological shifts into opportunities for innovation and growth.

His keynotes explore the critical future trends shaping business, AI, digital transformation, workforce evolution, and ethical innovation, arming your organization with the tools to stay competitive and future-ready. By blending global insights with proven leadership lessons, James inspires executives to embrace change, harness technology, and turn disruption into sustainable advantage.

Book James Barrood for your event to empower your teams with the vision, confidence, and strategies needed to lead in the innovation economy.

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Keynote by James Barrood:

Unlocking Innovation Through Talent, Diversity, and Inclusion

Is your organization struggling to attract top talent, adapt to remote work, and leverage diversity for real innovation? Many leaders face challenges in building inclusive, future-ready teams that can thrive in today’s global business environment. Keynote speaker James Barrood offers powerful solutions. With decades of experience leading innovation ecosystems and advising organizations worldwide, he highlights the transformative role of immigrants and diverse talent in driving entrepreneurship, creativity, and growth.

His keynotes reveal how remote work reshapes collaboration, how diversity fuels breakthrough ideas, and how companies can position themselves to compete in a borderless talent marketplace. Through inspiring stories, actionable strategies, and proven frameworks, James empowers leaders to embrace inclusion, maximize workforce potential, and create cultures of innovation.

Book James Barrood for your event to unlock the competitive advantage of talent, diversity, and global perspectives in the modern workplace.

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Keynote by James Barrood:

Leveraging Startup Ecosystems to Drive Corporate Innovation

Are you struggling to keep your organization relevant in today’s fast-moving startup-driven economy? Many companies fail to tap into innovation ecosystems, missing out on partnerships, fresh ideas, and growth opportunities. Keynote speaker James Barrood offers the solution. With over 25 years leading top-ranked entrepreneurship centers, guiding startup accelerators, and building one of the largest innovation communities in the U.S., he knows how to connect established organizations with thriving startup ecosystems.

His keynotes deliver actionable strategies on how to collaborate with startups, nurture internal intrapreneurship, and leverage global innovation networks for long-term success. Through powerful case studies and proven frameworks, James shows how to transform disruption into opportunity and turn ecosystems into engines of growth.

Book James Barrood for your event to equip your leaders with the tools, insights, and connections needed to drive innovation and thrive in the startup economy.

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