Dr. Anthony Giannoumis is an internationally recognised expert on leadership, organisational culture, and inclusive innovation. Originally from the United States and now based in Norway, Anthony’s career path is unusually diverse. He began as a computer programmer, trained as an opera singer, became a university professor, and eventually built an international career working with organisations on leadership and innovation. Anthony has delivered keynote talks and leadership programmes in more than 30 countries and has worked with multinational companies, global conferences, universities, and international organisations.
His work has also been connected to initiatives within the United Nations and other global institutions. Alongside his speaking work, Anthony is a professor and researcher whose work on inclusive leadership and innovation has received international recognition and significant research funding. What makes Anthony’s talks distinctive is his ability to combine academic insight with powerful personal storytelling. Rather than presenting leadership as a set of abstract ideas, he explores real turning points where leadership goes wrong, and the lessons that follow. One moment with a student who challenged him directly led to one of his most quoted leadership insights: “Shut up so they don’t shut down.”
Through humour, honesty, and reflection, Anthony examines how ego, bias, and assumptions influence leadership decisions and how leaders grow by learning to listen, challenge their own thinking, and see perspectives beyond their own. Anthony is also the author of several books on leadership and inclusion, including the thought-leadership series The Sins and Wins of Inclusivity, and The Big F#cking Book on How to Be a Decent Guy, which explores leadership, masculinity, and responsibility through
real stories of failure, vulnerability, and growth.