020 8914 8966
020 8914 8966
Karl is a brilliant blend of deep empathy, whole-self listening, wide experience, bravery in conversation, and application of huge expertise. He has a knack of transforming how people communicate by helping them see themselves and their audience (whether that be an individual, a team or a large group of people) more clearly, and he does it with great humour, and greater humanity. Conversations of all kinds are just richer, broader, and more meaningful whenever Karl is in the mix and he gets there standing shoulder to shoulder with those involved as a natural and forever welcome extension to the team. He is simply one of my go-to people.
Tom, Managing Director, Waitrose
Karl James – Expert in Dialogue, Founder of The Dialogue Project & Acclaimed Theatre Director
Karl James is a leading expert in dialogue, communication and human connection. As the Founder and Director of The Dialogue Project and a celebrated theatre director, Karl has spent over 25 years helping people have better conversations in the most challenging environments imaginable. From peace negotiators and surgeons to explorers and everyday people in extraordinary situations, his work reveals what happens when we truly listen. Drawing on insights from thousands of recorded conversations, Karl helps teams, leaders, and individuals develop empathy, trust and clarity through better dialogue.
Speaking Topics
- Braver Conversations – how to have the conversations that count
- Leadership – the art of enabling others through powerful conversations
- How to Listen Brilliantly – and the difference it makes
- Impact and Inspiration – the power of great speaking
- How to have Difficult Conversations – without destroying a relationship
- How to parent and communicate with Autistic children
- Why telling a great story matters – and 10 top tips to help you do it
- Why being human matters in an AI world
- Christmas Conversations – how to survive talking to your family
Credentials & Impact
Karl began his career as Co-Founder and Director of Trade Secrets in 1996 before founding The Dialogue Project in 2001, an organisation dedicated to improving communication across workplaces, schools and communities. His research and fieldwork have taken him into operating theatres, boardrooms and international peace talks, where he has studied dialogue in its most high-stakes moments. Commercial clients such as Google, Unilever, Tesco and TSB have sought his expertise to enhance leadership communication, trust and innovation. As a theatre director, Karl has worked with the Royal Court, National Theatre, National Theatre of Scotland and Royal Shakespeare Company, staging acclaimed productions in New York, Tokyo and Lisbon. His cross-disciplinary career blends storytelling, psychology and leadership, making him a rare and powerful voice on how authentic conversations drive performance and collaboration.
Publications & Media
Karl’s work has featured widely on BBC Radio 4, where he shares real-life recordings that explore resilience, conflict, reconciliation and empathy. His dialogue projects have been covered in national newspapers and business media, with his techniques now adopted by global brands and education systems. Through his podcast and speaking appearances, Karl continues to shape how organisations think about communication and connection in an era of division and automation.
Why Book Karl James?
Booking Karl James brings audiences an engaging, practical and emotionally resonant experience. He combines humour and humanity with powerful stories drawn from decades of research and lived experience. Karl equips leaders and teams with tools to handle complex conversations, strengthen relationships and foster more inclusive, innovative environments. His approach is both deeply human and highly actionable, leaving a lasting impact on every audience.
To book Karl James to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.
