The First British Player to Compete in the NBA, Founder of APS Intelligence Ltd, Professor of Leadership at the University of Exeter Business School, Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health & New York Times Bestselling Author

John Amaechi OBE is a respected organisational psychologist, author and former NBA player who has become one of the UK’s leading voices on leadership, inclusion and the future of work. Founder of APS Intelligence Ltd, he advises some of the world’s top organisations on building inclusive cultures, maximising productivity and shaping high-performing teams. With a decorated career spanning sport, psychology and business, John combines lived experience with academic expertise to deliver thought-provoking insights. As a speaker, he is renowned for his ability to inspire audiences with practical strategies for leadership, equity and organisational change.

John’s career began on the basketball court, where in 1995 he made history as the first British player to compete in the NBA. Playing for teams including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets, he built an international profile before turning to psychology and consultancy. In 2002, he launched his first consultancy business, later founding APS Intelligence in 2007, which focuses on leadership, culture and performance. His expertise has been recognised through fellowships with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the Science Council and the Royal Society for Public Health.

Alongside his consultancy work, John has contributed to the boards and advisory panels of leading organisations, including KPMG UK, Tesco, Sanofi, Greater Manchester Police and the London 2012 Olympic Games. He also holds non-executive director roles with Greencore and the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, and serves as a trustee for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. A Research Fellow at the University of East London and contributing writer for the British Psychological Society, he combines academic rigour with corporate insight. Appointed OBE in 2011 and named one of HR Magazine’s Most Influential Thinkers, John is widely recognised for his thought leadership on diversity, inclusion and the future of work.

John is the author of ‘Man in the Middle’, a memoir reflecting on his journey from the NBA to psychology, and ‘The Promises of Giants: How You Can Fill the Leadership Void’, which offers guidance on inclusive leadership and building stronger organisations. In addition to his books, he has written extensively for professional bodies such as the British Psychological Society, sharing insights on organisational behaviour, equity and human thriving. His published work underscores his reputation as a leading thinker on leadership, inclusion and the future of work.

Why Hire John Amaechi?

Audiences book John because he combines a remarkable personal story with world-class expertise in organisational psychology. His journey from becoming the first British player in the NBA to leading one of the UK’s most respected leadership consultancies makes him uniquely relatable and inspiring. Through APS Intelligence, he has worked with FTSE 100 companies across sectors, including technology, law, retail and finance, advising on culture, change management and inclusive leadership. He has also delivered a TEDx talk titled “You Can’t Be Part-Time” on Equality, where he challenged organisations and individuals to commit fully to diversity and inclusion.

Beyond business, John’s influence spans public service, with roles advising the NHS, Greater Manchester Police and the London 2012 Olympics on ethics and inclusion. Recognised with an OBE, as well as awards such as HR Magazine’s Most Influential Thinkers, he is known for challenging audiences to think differently about leadership and equity. With a warm yet uncompromising style, John leaves audiences equipped with both inspiration and practical strategies to thrive in a changing world.

To book John to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.