Vanessa Thompson Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Vanessa Thompson is a dynamic innovation strategist, keynote speaker and thought leader whose work sits at the intersection of sustainability, disruption and business growth. With a foundation in finance and over a decade of advising Fortune 500 companies, venture capital firms and climate tech startups, Vanessa has become a go-to voice for organizations looking to turn sustainability from a compliance checkbox into a competitive advantage. Professional Journey Vanessa began her career in the realm of finance and environmental economics, blending rigorous analytical skills with a deep interest in sustainable systems. She has held roles at major global organizations including the United Nations Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, the World Bank and JLL Spark Ventures, as well as working alongside climate tech startups in Silicon Valley and beyond. Her leadership includes strategy, ESG reporting, product innovation and venture investment, equipping her to guide organizations through the complexity of change with clarity and actionable impact. Her profile on the Forbes Business Council describes how she has “demonstrated her proficiency in driving product strategy initiatives alongside her commitment to accelerating climate ventures and sustainability initiatives.” Key Accomplishments • Host of The Sustainability Experts podcast, where she brings leaders and innovators together to explore how sustainability drives business growth. • Author of numerous thought-leadership pieces on innovation and sustainability practices. • Her upcoming book, Inventive by Nature, features 60 in-depth case studies of companies that have transformed through innovation, showcasing how real-world insights can be distilled into strategic frameworks. • A recognized speaker on how organizations can integrate ESG, build innovation cultures and leverage disruption for advantage. What She Brings to Audiences Vanessa’s sessions are characterized by: • Strategic depth: She blends finance and economics with sustainability and innovation, making her insights both credible and practical. • Actionable frameworks: Her talks move beyond the “what” to the “how,” helping leaders deliver lasting change in culture, business models and performance. • Inspiring storytelling: She uses real case studies, transformational examples and bold questions to engage audiences and spark change. • Tailored relevance: Whether speaking to executives, innovation teams or nonprofit boards, she adapts her message to each audience’s specific needs and context. Signature Topics Vanessa speaks passionately on: • Disruptive Innovation: Why comfort is the enemy of progress • Purpose-Driven Profit: How sustainability and strategy align for scale • Innovation Culture: Building a business where new ideas thrive • Regenerative Business: Redesigning models to benefit people and planet • Women in Innovation: Navigating leadership, bias and bold ideas Why Invite Vanessa In today’s business climate where disruption, societal expectations and environmental imperatives converge, Vanessa offers a fresh perspective. She helps organizations and leaders uncover how sustainability is not just a risk to be managed but a source of innovation, growth and competitive differentiation. With her rich background, clear frameworks and engaging delivery, she empowers audiences to turn disruption into opportunity and build business models designed for the future.