The purpose of a keynote message?
To create change.

Part expert, part evangelist, I will get your audience to shift their perspective on recruiting and hiring. Net result? They change.

A keynote speaker is someone who takes hard-won experience and translates it into a memorable, valuable and actionable package.

And that's exactly what I do.

Learn more about "Becoming Choosable" Keynote Presentation
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What are you trying to achieve?

Maybe you need to get your teams excited about employer branding.
Or you need to bring teams together to become advocates.
Or you need to teach your hiring managers how to support TA.
Or you need to get leadership onboard a strategy shift.🔥
Or you need to train your recruiting teams.
Or you need to brainstorm employer brand activation.
Or you just need to make your CFO happy.📈

As a featured keynote at in-house events for Coca-Cola, Kohler, Concept Bureau, Alstom, Schlumberger, Deutsche Bahn Group, MOL Group, Twitter (RIP), Indeed, and many others, I've helped companies hire better by re-thinking the power of their employer brand and building creative recruitment strategies.

In short, I can get your people excited about what we do.

The intersection of experience and storytelling

Creating change isn't easy. It doesn't happen because you have better data. It doesn't happen because it helps the company. It doesn't happen because you're right.

People change and take action because you get them to enroll in your vision. You fire up their emotions, change their perspective, and give them the tools to make change.

I know you want your company or organization to achieve more through talent: attracting better people faster and easier, getting them to fall in love with your brand, and stay longer.

Whether it is getting executive buy-in, training TA teams, or turning different teams into employer brand advocates, I can help you make your vision real.

Keynote Overview

Get Choosable

Stop Playing the Attraction Game and Start Winning the Value Game

Welcome to the Employer Branding Revolution Your Leaders Need to Hear

For TA/HR Leaders and Event Managers seeking a keynote that transforms how organizations approach talent attraction

It's The Problem Every TA/HR Leader Recognizes

Your team is trapped in an expensive arms race of "attractiveness"—chasing awards, building prettier career sites, and creating slicker videos, just like every other company. Despite spending part of the $32 billion invested in recruiting tools this year, you're seeing costs rise without proportional increases in quality hires or hiring speed.

Meanwhile, leadership expects you to do more with less, and you're fighting for respect and a seat at the strategic table. The follow-the-leader approach isn't working, but you can't see a way out.

The Solution: From Cost Center to Value Generator

This keynote presentation introduces a revolutionary approach that transforms employer branding from an expensive necessity into a strategic value generator that supports hiring goals while actually saving money and strengthening company culture, retention, and even sales.

Evolve Your Recruiting Into a Business Growth Tool

What They'll Learn

The Decision Engine Framework
A proprietary methodology that helps candidates make informed choices by clearly communicating your differentiated value across three critical areas:
📌 Mission, Experience, and Reward
- The only three things candidates truly care about
📌 SADR Model (Specific, Attractive, Different, Real) - How to craft messages that actually stand out
📌 Exposure, Contrast, Meaning, and Proof - How candidates evaluate and choose between opportunities

Key Takeaways

Attendees will leave with:
📌 A complete shift in perspective on employer branding's role and potential
📌 Ready-to-implement frameworks for uncovering and communicating differentiated value
📌 A clear path to escape the "attractiveness arms race"
📌 Strategies that work for any company size or budget
📌Tools to demonstrate ROI and strategic value to leadership

Why This Matters Now

While everyone else focuses on looking good, companies using the "Get Choosable" approach attract the right people without the endless spending cycle. This isn't about being the prettiest option—it's about being the most valuable option to the talent you actually want.

Presentation Details

Available Formats: 30, 45, or 60-minute keynote presentations
Ideal For: TA/HR leadership conferences, employer branding summits, talent acquisition events
Audience: TA Directors, HR Leaders, Recruiting Managers, and their leadership teams
Perfect for organizations ready to:
Stop following industry trends and start leading them
Transform their approach from reactive to strategic
Build a sustainable competitive advantage

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Get a taste

"James is not only an expert in his field but also an exceptional storyteller and presenter. His session with our HRIT Connect community of HR system administrators was not only insightful and thought-provoking, but also hilarious!"

"It was amazing! I kept getting pings on teams from people saying “He’s so great! This is amazing!” Etc. The overall explanation of how we need to differentiate and then digging into their questions and real world examples got the creative juices flowing. You kept it engaging and fun and I got a lot of great feedback about that too."

"James is an event organizer's dream speaker. He is professional, personable, easy to communicate with, compes with great knowledge, and really understands how to engage an audience by expertyly blending information, inspiration, energy, and entertainment."

"If you want your organization to understand the value employer brand brings to your business (and the bottom line), look no further. You are up for the professional treat of a lifetime."

"I said this at the of our last call too, but it bears repeating, because how often do we get to say this after a call, really?! I feel smarter. THANK YOU for that invaluable reframe."

"James Ellis is BRILLIANT when it comes to leveraging content to recruit talent. If you want to attract the best talent, this is a must-listen."

"Seriously, I’ve never walked away from a conference session with so many action items that I can put to use tomorrow."

"You're going to get something different when you get James Ellis up on stage: Unique insight and unique delivery. If you need someone to wake the crowd up with expert insight and creative storytelling, James is your guy."

"This was time definitely well spent! And more important: it was really fun. Lots of food for thoughts and ideas on how to use the insights gained further."

"Engaging, and high-energy, he is a powerful voice and expert in employer brand. From bridging the gap between marketing and human resources, to developing a cohesive and effective employer brand outreach, he understands long-term goals."

"James’s energy and straight-talk approach is so appreciated."

"James combines brilliant storytelling and experience with his in depth knowledge of employer branding. Thanks James for bringing your energy and passion. It was certainly refreshing!"