A powerful brand
is just a story well told
I challenge the way people think about communication, because the way you connect with people determines everything.
Engaging & Entertaining

Actionable, Not Theoretical

Speaking
This talk isn’t about branding. It’s about creating a story so unforgettable, your brand won’t be forgotten.
“Ross delivers mind-explosions that change how you think about branding forever.” – Don Packett. COO, YOUKNOW
Logos change. Trends fade. Algorithms shift. But a powerful story? That lasts forever.
Ross doesn’t just teach branding. He activates it. Through electrifying storytelling, real-world examples, and actionable insights, he breaks down the psychology of why people remember some brands and forget others and gives your audience the tools to ensure they never get lost in the noise again.
70% of people feel more connected to brands with a strong narrative.
Ross Drakes Newest Talk

From passive to powerful
Activate Your Brand to Build Unstoppable Fans
In a crowded business landscape, your brand is either standing out or blending in. A Fully-Activated Brand breaks through the noise by turning passive audiences into loyal advocates and disengaged employees into motivated contributors.
Using the ACTIVE method—Alignment, Community, Trust, Identifiable, Value, and Entertain—this session offers a strategic approach to building a powerful brand that connects, inspires, and delivers lasting impact.
Actionable takeaways
- Understand the impact of an activated brand, with historical examples going back a century
- Identify and align your team around a shared brand purpose to drive clarity and action.
- Foster community with customers and employees, creating deeper loyalty and engagement.
- Build trust through authenticity, consistency, and value-driven messaging.
- Drive internal innovation to stay ahead of your competition.
- Engage your audience with storytelling that sparks curiosity and builds lasting connections.
Here’s what people are saying about this talk
“Ross equips his audience with frameworks they can use the moment they leave the room.”
Richard Walton
Founder of Outsell
Other talks that will make you rethink everything
Speak about value
Change your world by changing your words
Most people don’t realize it, but the way we communicate is fundamentally flawed. Every day, brands, leaders, and individuals make the same critical mistake when they speak, market, and connect. It’s not just a small oversight—, t’s the reason their message gets ignored.
In this electrifying 45-minute keynote, I’ll reveal the single most overlooked factor in human communication – the biological trigger that determines whether people listen, engage, and remember… or tune you out. And once you see it, you won’t be able to unsee it.
What you’ll take away
- The #1 shift that will instantly make your communication more powerful
- The science behind why we get it wrong, and how to fix it
- A simple, foolproof framework to filter every message and ensure it resonates

AI won’t replace you but someone using it will
AI isn’t coming for your job, but the person who knows how to use it better than you is.
We’re entering an era where your ability to command AI will determine your success. The real power isn’t in the machines, it’s in how you prompt them. Every brand, business, and leader must learn not just what AI can do, but how to use it effectively to stay ahead.
This talk isn’t about theory, it’s about real, practical strategies that will give you the edge. Because without a clear framework, AI can be a game-changer or a brand killer. Learn how to harness it without losing your authenticity, credibility, or control.
What You’ll Take Away
- Mastering the Art of Prompts. How to speak AI’s language and get better results
- AI Without the Hype. Understand what it can and can’t do for your brand
- The AI Toolkit. The most powerful tools (and when to use them vs. when to trust your gut)

Speaking
From passive to active
Activate your brand to build unstoppable fans
AI isn’t coming for your job, but the person who knows how to use it better than you is.
We’re entering an era where your ability to command AI will determine your success. The real power isn’t in the machines, it’s in how you prompt them. Every brand, business, and leader must learn not just what AI can do, but how to use it effectively to stay ahead.
This talk isn’t about theory, it’s about real, practical strategies that will give you the edge. Because without a clear framework, AI can be a game-changer or a brand killer. Learn how to harness it without losing your authenticity, credibility, or control.
Events and companies I’ve spoken at





