CELEBRATED AND FEATURED AROUND THE WORLD

Hire someone as passionate about your work as you are

First and foremost I’m a writer, a techie and a strategist, and I’ve dedicated most of my life to helping develop meaningful and impactful social and environmental solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems. Despite a career spanning over two decades in the humanitarian and conservation sectors, my commitment to change has only accelerated over recent years, driven in large part by social upheaval, the vacuum in moral leadership, threats to democracy by big tech, the climate crisis, and a wider concern for the future of my young children.

But social impact isn’t all that I do. Today I remain as committed as ever to helping others bring their dreams to life, whatever they may be, and I do this through a mixture of life coaching, business mentoring and broader strategic and emotional support.

READ MORE ABOUT MY OWN JOURNEY

Working with me

Of course, it’s easy for me to say how great my work is or how amazing I am, 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 360 event at the LSE and he 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 mobile technologies across 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

Tap into a world of knowledge, passion and experience

Hi, and welcome.

I’m Ken Banks, a British award-winning social entrepreneur, anthropologist, explorer, innovator and global conservation and development expert.

I’m a Fellow at Cambridge Judge Business School, the recipient of a Silicon Valley Tech Award, and a Pop!Tech and Ashoka Fellow. I’ve been an Expert Guide for National Geographic Expeditions and became a National Geographic Explorer 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, contributor to major news sites, and the author of four books, the latest an Amazon best seller on finding purpose.

Panel with Archbishop Tutu

Today I spend my time working with other people, like you, looking to discover, design, develop and scale their own projects and organisations. If any of this piques your interest I’d love to chat and find out a little more about you, and how I can help.

So how might having a fixer work, exactly?

Well, sometimes even the best of us hit a brick wall, and often all we need is a little outside perspective to get a breakthrough. The trouble is the time it takes to tap the right kind of expertise for short bursts of work like this can be a real challenge, and it’s probably not worth the effort.

That’s where I come in.

If you’re grappling with a new strategy, why not have me on call over a one week period to help add some polish? Or, if you’re struggling to find the right words to articulate your vision, why not give me an hour and I can use my creative writing skills to make edits or suggestions? Perhaps you’re doing bigger pieces of work such as looking to inspire your staff to greater heights, or planning the next big thing. Whatever you’re doing, I’m happy to parachute in for however long it takes. It couldn’t be easier.

Mentoring with Unreasonable at Sea

These prices are for indication only.
Actual costs are based on individual needs and circumstances. Discounts are available for schools, colleges, groups or individual students or innovators. If you’re committed to social or environmental change and you need help, and cost is still a barrier, don’t worry. There’s a pro bono (free) option available, too. Just ask.

Prices start at £95

Hourly fix

  • For tasks needing just an hour or two
  • (Or anything up to a whole day)
  • Ideal for reviewing simple drafts
  • Most creative writing tasks
  • Checking out short presentations
  • Internal talks or workshops
  • Fully flexible - use any way you see fit

Prices start at £495

Monthly fix

  • An agreed number of hours
  • To tap into any time as needed
  • Spread over a one month period
  • Ideal for more engaging pieces of work
  • With higher levels of collaboration
  • Can include site visits as required
  • Fully flexible - use any way you see fit

Helping people and organisations discover, unlock and scale their impact for over twenty years

“You cannot solve problems with the same thinking you used to create them.”
Albert Einstein

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.

There’s so much we might be able to do together.

Innovative thinking

As a proven technologist and innovator, I can bring more creative and innovative thinking to your organisation.

Proven impact

I have a long and proven track record in creating and implementing projects that have a positive global impact.

Global perspective

If you operate internationally, my understanding of diverse communities, contexts and cultures could be an asset.

Entrepreneurship

If you value adaptability and a proactive approach to problem solving, my entrepreneurial background might help.

Creative mindset

I’m a creative thinker able to connect seemingly disparate concepts to find new and innovative ways forward.

Connecting

I have a well-established network that can help foster new opportunities for partnerships and collaborations.

Like what you see, but after something a little different?

Well, why not get away from it all and book a strategy day with me in the Cambridgeshire countryside? Kick off our time together in our beautiful garden meadow where we’ll set expectations for the day, before taking a gentle two hour walk through the Fens and along the River Great Ouse. Breathe in the fresh air, and let nature inspire you.

Fens river walk

Lunch awaits at a local riverside pub, before we head back and wrap up for the day.

Current activities

Logos

I currently work as a Venture Coach with beVisioneers, a Mercedes Benz-funded initiative, where I’m helping forty-five young climate innovators from around the world develop, build, launch and scale their locally-inspired climate solutions. I also mentor students in a London school taking part in the Social Action Accelerator Pilot, a programme run by The Diana Award, the only charity set up in memory of the Princess of Wales.

I’ve recently been a Competition Judge for the International Federation of the Red Cross Limitless Youth Innovation Academy, which empowers young innovators to tackle climate and environmental challenges, and act as a Student Mentor for the University of Cambridge Department of Engineering i-Teams initiative, which brings together the brightest students and ground-breaking university research to develop commercially viable (and in this case, socially-beneficial) products and services.

In a previous life I’ve worked as a Faculty Member, Judge and Mentor for the likes of National Geographic, PopTech, Ashoka, Stanford University, Guinness, Ben & Jerry’s and more.

    Your very own fixer, just a click away

    If you're still unsure about what I can do for you, or if you have any other questions, I'm all ears.

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