Biography

Book Doug Manuel through The Keynote Curators.

Doug Manuel is a speaker and performer specialising in fostering purpose driven engagement and collaboration. He has performed at TED Global and with Oprah, and for 3 decades he has been delivering interactive virtual and in-person programs for Fortune 500 companies and leading business schools around the globe.

Doug Manuel’s clients include HBS, The World Economic Forum, LVMH, Google and literally hundreds of others. The foundation of his work draws on the timeless wisdom of rural Africa where he has traveled and lived for more than 25 years pursuing his passion for West African music and culture.

Doug Manuel is the creator of ‘Do You Speak Djembe?’ an award-nominated stage show (Chicago JEFF Awards). An ex-BBC documentary producer of 8 years, he has recently returned to film-making to produce a documentary for Netflix (BEATS AS ONE) about the cure to the loneliness and isolation epidemic. His not for profit ‘Lighting Up Lives’, encourages partnerships with rural villagers across West Africa inspiring and supporting local action to solve local problems putting words into action.

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Beats As One – The Solo


A keynote for any event where you want to engage, energise and unite your audience from the outset. The Solo is dynamic, interactive and fun, using the BEATS framework (Breath, Energy, Agency, Trust and Soul) to spark individual leadership and collective awareness.

Beats As One – The Drums


Perfect for when you want your people to truly feel what it means to collaborate, listen, and co-create. Everyone gets a drum or percussion instrument and is guided to move from chaos to cohesion, from hearing their own beat to playing… as one.

Beats As One – The Show


An uplifting and unforgettable experience that brings everyone together through music, rhythm, and storytelling. Featuring live musicians from West Africa and Europe, this show is about celebration, diversity, and collective expression—ideal for gala evenings or conference finales.

Testimonials

Doug is one of those rare people who can immediately create a space where people feel safe, open and able to connect. His energy is infectious and his message is powerful.
– Tanya Accone, UNICEF Innovation
Doug helped our team find a common language – not through words, but through rhythm, energy and shared emotion. A truly transformational experience
– Thierry Muller, Country President, Novartis Switzerland
Doug’s keynote was one of the highlights of our event. He brought energy, insight and a depth of humanity that resonated across the entire audience.
– Katja Schipperheijn, Learning Strategist & Author

Blog Posts

Keep Climbing: Resilience and Grit in the Face of Adversity

In this newsletter, learn how intentional growth, resilience, and grit empower you to keep climbing despite adversity.

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Nurturing Growth: Intentional Steps to a Flourishing Life

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Experts on Change Management: How to Turn Disruption into Opportunity

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Blog Posts

 

Keep Climbing: Resilience and Grit in the Face of Adversity

There’s a moment in every climb when the summit seems too far, the air too...

Read More

Mastering Negotiation To Get Anything You Want with Alexandra Carter

Negotiation isn’t about winning—it’s about understanding. In a world where meaningful communication and true empowerment...

Read More

Top Keynote Speakers on Building Resilience: Expert Strategies to Overcome Challenges and Thrive

Why are speakers on building resilience so important? Well, did you know only 19% of...

Read More

Nurturing Growth: Intentional Steps to a Flourishing Life

"The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are." – Carl Jung...

Read More

Experts on Change Management: How to Turn Disruption into Opportunity

Change is no longer a season. It’s the climate. And we know the top experts...

Read More

Secrets To Designing Powerful Events With Wendy Porter

Great events don’t just happen—they’re designed for impact. In today’s fast-paced world, where companies compete...

Read More