Experience
With decades of award-winning work across tech, strategy and social impact, I’ve seen it all and know what works
Versatility
I’m a writer, strategist, mentor and troubleshooter. Your classic all-rounder. Whatever you need, I can bring it all to the table
Perspective
Sometimes all it takes is a fresh pair of eyes. Let me bus in, size up the challenge and help you find a way forward
Impact
I don’t just advise. I roll up my sleeves, get stuck in and help make things happen – with real, measurable results
A world of experience
right here on your doorstep
From Silicon Valley to the BBC, National Geographic and Financial Times, my work has been featured around the world. And now all of those hard-won insights, skills and connections are available right here, right now and right on your doorstep.
Proudly serving Cambridge
While I’m proud to have my work recognised around the world, there’s something special about having it celebrated here at home.
Cambridge Judge
Appointed Visiting Fellow at Cambridge Judge Business School in 2018
Cambridge Business
Awarded a Corporate Social Responsibility Award by Cambridge Business in 2012
Cambridge News
Featured in Cambridge Evening News a number of times over the years
HOW CAN I HELP YOU?
Rainmaker, mentor and troubleshooter. At your service.
Hi, I’m Ken Banks. I’m an anthropologist by training but over the years I’ve ended up wearing more than my fair share of hats – innovator, author, conservationist, humanitarian and occasional explorer. I’m glad you found your way here.
I’m a Fellow at Cambridge Judge Business School, and I’ve been lucky enough to pick up a few other awards including a Silicon Valley Tech Award, a Cambridge News Business Award, and Fellowships with Pop!Tech and Ashoka. I’ve also worked with National Geographic as an Expert Guide and became a National Geographic Explorer back in 2010. In 2013 I was nominated for the TED Prize, and a few years later received the prestigious Eugene L. Lawler Award for Humanitarian Contributions Within Computer Science..
I’m also a keynote speaker, a coach and mentor, former contributor to major news sites and the author of five books, the latest an Amazon bestseller on finding purpose.
All sectors great and small
Whether it’s academia, business, government or the third sector, over the years I’ve sat at many tables, rolled up my sleeves and delivered – and I’m ready to do the same for you.
Private sector
From finance and IT in Jersey to Google in Africa to delivering social purpose strategies for tech startups in London
Government
From sitting on government advisory panels to escorting the UK Prime Minister on overseas business delegations
Non-profit
From panel discussions with Desmond Tutu to product launches with David Attenborough to consulting with the UN
Academia
From Ambassador for International Development at Sussex to Visiting Fellow at RMIT University in Australia
Helping organisations discover, unlock and scale their impact for over twenty years
We could all use a little help sometimes. An injection of belief, a new perspective, a fresh pair of eyes – call it what you will. Many of today’s most successful entrepreneurs put down their success in large part to having access to someone ‘on the outside’ as they pursued their goals and dreams, whether that be a guide, a fixer, a confidant, a coach or a mentor.
Creative writing
I can help transform your ideas into compelling narrative that engages audiences and drives meaningful engagement
Social purpose
Let me help with your social purpose strategy so that it delivers clear, compelling actions that deliver real-world change
Communications
I can refine your social media messaging, or proof-read or sense-check documents, to showcase your work in new ways
Strategy
From blank page to bold plan, I’ll help you craft a strategy that transforms opportunity into meaningful, lasting action
Coaching and mentoring
I can teams grow by guiding them to think more clearly, communicate better, and lead with purpose
Inspiration
I’ can be your go-to source of inspiration and guidance, offering clarity, encouragement and new ways of thinking
Getting started is easier that you think
No lengthy contracts. No hidden fees. No risk. No hassle. No nasty surprises. Just the kind of flexibility you can only dream of.
By the hour
You can book me for as little as one hour any time, and with minimum notice. Helpful for very short bursts of focused, clearly-defined work
By the month
Book me for a set number of hours each month, and use them any way you like. Helpful when you have lots going on or things are a little fluid
By project
Book me for longer pieces of work or projects, up to a year in length. Helpful if you need ongoing help but don’t want to go through the hassle of hiring
Working with me
It would be easy for me to say how great my work is, so it’s lucky you don’t have to take my word for it. Here’s just a few reflections from clients over the years.
During his time as our Entrepreneur in Residence, Ken helped our people think in new ways about technology and innovation. He also helped us troubleshoot and create new products through people-centred design. Working with Ken lifted our game considerably on technology and innovation.
Laurie Lee
Former Chief Executive, CARE International UK
Ken was a panelist at the Social Entrepreneurship event at the LSE and was a dream to work with. His presentation was the perfect mix of inspiration, practicality and in-depth knowledge. The attendees were blown away and we look forward to working with him again.
Nadia Millington
Programme Director, Social Innovation at LSE
In my work over the years with Ken, I have valued his deep knowledge of how to effectively use mobiles to achieve social outcomes. He is an influential thought leader, bringing years of experience and entrepreneurial creativity combined with often surprising insights – and he’s great to work with.
David Edelstein
Former Senior VP Global Programmes, Grameen
Ken combines a paradoxical blend of humility and confidence. As a global pioneer and entrepreneur in technology in the developing world, he has the rare ability to transfer his knowledge through incredible story telling. It’s been a real pleasure having him work with us.
Daniel Epstein
Founder of the Unreasonable Group
Ken was more than just a speaker during his time on Semester at Sea. He was a mentor, a great motivator and facilitator, a role model and – most importantly – a valued community member. What resonated most with me was his genuine passion for his work.
Aparna Kothary
Semester at Sea Alumni Coordinator
I have met Ken, interviewed him for BBC Digital Planet and heard him speak at numerous events. He has such an impressive command of his subject and is full of insights into technology and its potential to improve lives in some of the most challenging corners of the world.
Gareth Mitchell
Lecturer at Imperial College London
Come on. Say hello.
Got a challenge, an idea or just a question? Drop me an email and I’ll get back to you in no time. And don’t worry – there’s no hard sell. Just an honest conversation about how I can help. Ideally over coffee.
hellocambridge@kiwanja.net