Biography

Book Doug Manuel through The Keynote Curators.

Doug Manuel doesn’t just talk about collaboration – he creates it live in real time. A speaker, performer, and documentary filmmaker, Doug has spent more than three decades inspiring Fortune 500 companies, global organizations, and leading business schools to unlock connection, innovation, and performance. He has performed at TED Global and with Oprah, and worked with clients including Google, LVMH, The World Economic Forum, and Harvard Business School. 
 
What sets Doug apart is his ability to merge storytelling, rhythm, and experiential learning into a format that transforms audiences from passive listeners into active participants. With a drum, a looping pedal, and the audience themselves, he demonstrates what it means to break down silos and operate as one. His work is deeply informed by more than 25 years living and collaborating in West Africa, where rhythm and community are at the heart of daily life. 
 
Doug is also an ex-BBC documentary producer and is currently producing Beats As One, a feature film exploring rhythm and community as a cure for loneliness and isolation. His non-profit Lighting Up Lives supports village-led initiatives across West Africa, translating inspiration into tangible action. 
 
Every keynote combines humor, energy, and interactive rhythm to create unforgettable moments of unity. Audiences don’t just learn about collaboration—they experience it, and they leave inspired to build cultures of connection, resilience, and purpose. 

Takeaways 

– Experience collaboration and unity in real time through rhythm. 

– Discover how rhythm transforms individuals into high-performing teams. 

– Learn to foster authentic connection in an age of digital acceleration and isolation. 

– Leave with renewed purpose and practical tools for resilient teamwork. 

Contact us for Doug Manuel fees and availability.

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Videos

Doug Manuel Showreel

Do You Speak Djembe? | Doug Manuel | TEDxHollywood

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Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

Beats As One – The Solo


With just a drum, a looping pedal, and the audience, Doug builds a performance layer by layer until everyone is part of the rhythm. Ideal for audiences where full drum distribution isn’t possible, this keynote brings the power of collaboration to life. Participants experience first-hand how listening, trust, and adaptability create harmony in both music and business.

- See collaboration emerge from silence to full synergy.

- Understand how individual roles combine to create collective excellence.

- Learn how agility and listening drive high-performance teamwork.

Beats As One – The Drums


Every participant receives a drum and becomes part of an electrifying collective rhythm. This keynote transforms audiences into a unified orchestra, breaking down silos and showing what’s possible when people move and think as one. Energy, engagement, and collaboration are felt in every beat.

- Break down barriers and feel the strength of one unified team.

- Experience how shared rhythm accelerates trust and empathy.

- Leave energized, connected, and ready to perform together.

Beats As One – The Show


Based on Doug’s award-nominated stage production, this keynote mixes storytelling, humor, and live music with full audience participation. It’s a high-energy spectacle where rhythm becomes the language of collaboration, culminating in a powerful finale that leaves audiences inspired and emotionally connected.

- Participate in an unforgettable live experience of unity.

- Discover how rhythm transforms connection and creativity.

- Leave with lasting inspiration to build collaborative cultures.

Don’t Miss A Beat

A fast-paced, energizing keynote designed to prime audiences for focus, learning, and collaboration. Blending science, rhythm, and humor, Doug shows how rhythm activates the brain and prepares teams to be fully present. Perfect as an opener or energizer for large events.

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

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