Business and technology visionary Leonard Brody has been called “a controversial leader of the new world order.” He is a highly respected entrepreneur, venture capitalist, bestselling author and two-time Emmy-nominated media visionary. A sought-after speaker, Leonard has lectured at leading institutions, such as Stanford, the Indian Institute of Technology in Mumbai, the G8, and the United Nations. We shine the spotlight on Leonard today:

What inspired you to want to be a speaker?

To be honest, I had never really considered being a speaker.  It sort of just happened.  I always really thought if I wasn’t an entrepreneur out building companies, I would have wanted to teach.  Speaking gives me the balance of the two.

Any advice for aspiring speakers?

Do stuff.  I think the content of your talks are directly correlated to the experience you have, both wins and failures.

What do you like to leave audiences with?

A sense of urgency.

How do you prepare before a talk? Any special rituals? A good luck talisman?

I am still always nervous…so, I try very hard to just remember to stay focused and calm.  I also have a small gerbil’s foot that I rub before I go on stage….okay, I don’t really.

Do you have an especially memorable event you can tell us about?

I once gave a talk while sick with H1N1.  The show had to go on!  Gladly there was no epidemic outbreak after I left.

Any funny or embarrassing situations you found yourself in as a speaker?

My parents repeatedly call my cell phone and I often leave it at the sound board.  I cannot tell you how many sound engineers have spoken to my folks.

Is there a charitable cause that you feel passionate about? Why?

I am really focused on young entrepreneurs.  I am big believer that the future of this country hangs on the balance of our ability to innovate at a sustainable pace.

If you had to choose a new career, what would it be?

Probably a teacher or a lawyer…oh wait, I am a lawyer, okay…teacher.

Desert island album?

Snap! by the Jam

Best subject in school?

Geography

Last book you read?

The Torah

Last film you saw?

The Attack – an Arab/Israeli film.  Would highly recommend.

Celebrity crush?

Well..I don’t know, but I think I heard Angelina Jolie had a little something for me…but I can’t verify that.  🙂