Alex Azar
Alex Azar has extensive healthcare experience in the senior-most levels of the U.S. government and the private sector that gives him a unique perspective and background. He has committed his professional career to protecting and enhancing the health of all Americans.
Azar served as the 24th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2018-2021), leading over 85,000 employees with a budget of over $1.4 trillion, the largest budget of any cabinet department on Earth. He was the architect of Operation Warp Speed, delivering COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics in record time. He led the historic transformation of the healthcare system in the United States and HHS’s response to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. He drove U.S. Government efforts to tackle the opioid crisis, increase private insurance options, bring transparency of price and quality information to healthcare, expand telehealth, give patients ownership of…
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Operation Warp Speed: Lessons From Business – Lessons For Business
Hear from the architect of Operation Warp Speed how Secretary Azar combined his extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry with his deep understanding of government programs to create and co-chair the largest and most successful biomedical development program in world history, delivering vaccines and therapeutics for COVID-19 within months. Almost everyone said it couldn’t be done. But seven months later, thanks to OWS, the United States had two remarkably safe and effective vaccines with tens of millions of doses and authorized therapeutics to treat COVID. Many attribute its success to good fortune or a “miracle,” but he knows the truth. The success of OWS was a function of exceptional leadership and teamwork, an insightful strategy, and exacting execution. As a result of the vision he articulated and the incredible OWS team he and his co-chair Secretary of Defense Mark Esper assembled, and the efforts of the biopharmaceutical industry, hundreds of millions of Americans were already vaccinated less than one year after OWS was announced.
A gripping raconteur, Azar will:
•Tell the story of how Operation Warp Speed came to be.
•Discuss how learnings from his time at HHS leading medical countermeasures programs and pandemic preparedness and his comprehensive knowledge of the drug development process and how drug companies function enabled him to build OWS to solve the critical problems standing in the way of development, approval, and commercial-scale manufacturing within months of the pandemic’s hitting our shores.
•Describe how OWS cut through the normal bureaucratic barriers associated with the federal government and the unprecedented relationship he established with DOD.
•Reflect on the lessons learned from OWS for future government Manhattan Projects and lessons for business leaders who need to lead teams and organizations to do the “impossible.”Healthcare in America: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going
During Alex Azar’s tenure as Secretary of Health and Human Services, some of the most consequential changes in modern history to how healthcare is delivered and financed in America were put in place. Learn how Secretary Azar worked to change the rules of the road in healthcare to enable a system that puts the patient at the center, removed regulatory distortions in the delivery of healthcare, and for the first time in 55 years created the preconditions for a competitive market for healthcare in which prices go down and quality improves, rather than the other way around.
You will hear:
•Why the patient/consumer, rather than the government regulator or the current value chain participants, will be the most potent force for disruptive and positive change.
•How Azar crafted and implemented his vision of healthcare in the face of internal and external resistance.
How he introduced a much more sophisticated stakeholder analysis process (Ron Adner’s The Wide Lens) to align obstructive forces behind positive change.
•Why American healthcare will be fundamentally different and better a decade from now because of the transparency of prices, enablement of coordinated care delivery, payment for total cost of care, portability of a patient’s health records, and deregulation/right-regulation of healthcare delivery that Azar delivered during his tenure.
•Why these changes will endure regardless of who is in political power.Purpose Driven Leadership: How to Lead Complex Organizations Through Times of Change and Uncertainty
Gain insight from a business and government leader who has led some of the most complex and largest organizations on earth through transformational change. Secretary Azar most recently led the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the COVID pandemic and the fundamental restructuring of the American health system. He did so with his learnings and experiences as the longest-serving President of Eli Lilly and Company’s U.S. business. At Lilly, Azar steered the affiliate through the largest relative losses of exclusivity of drugs that any pharmaceutical company had experienced, repeatedly reorganizing and resizing the structure of the entire organization to meet strategic needs, operating goals, and a changing portfolio, reinventing Lilly’s commercial model, even while delivering on the existing model, all while increasing employee engagement to a whopping 88% top-two box score, gaining often industry-leading customer loyalty scores, and delivering above-plan profit, revenue, and operating expense performance each year.
You will hear:
•Azar’s experiences embedding Purpose-Driven Leadership into Lilly and HHS and how a focused alignment of Mission, Vision, Strategy, and Values within an execution framework (Franklin Covey’s Four Disciplines of Execution) that creates and empowers a team of winners leads to exceptional employee engagement and teamwork, customer loyalty, and business performance even in times of disruption, uncertainty, and transformation.
•How Azar builds resilience and confidence in teams, even as they are asked to do things differently and even as they may face uncertainty regarding their own futures.
•How he applied these lessons and learnings to the U.S. Government’s response to the COVID pandemic and delivered transformational change to the U.S. testing system, reinvented the Strategic National Stockpile, created the first real-time public health data system, and architected Operation Warp Speed, all in the face of significant institutional and cultural resistance to change.Lessons and Stories from the Front Lines of Global Public Health
Alex Azar led the Department of Health and Human Services during some of the most impactful years in the history of public health. Join Secretary Azar as he takes you on a tour of the world through the lens of global public health.
A vivid narrator, Azar will:
•Walk you through the global dimensions of the COVID pandemic, including his leadership of the G7 health ministerial throughout 2020.
•Take you to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, where he worked with the Presidents of each country and the Director General of the WHO to contain successfully one of the most dangerous Ebola outbreaks ever, a historic public health risk and accomplishment that was overshadowed by the COVID pandemic.
•Tell you how he assembled the health ministers of South, Central, and North America on an ongoing basis to tackle the Venezuelan refugee crisis.
•Recount how he worked to ban flavored e-cigarettes, overcame the forces of opposition to those efforts, and helped deliver an unprecedented one-third reduction in youth tobacco use in one year.
•Explain how Azar harnessed the vision of the nation’s top public health leaders to craft, sell, and implement the historic campaign to end the HIV epidemic in America.
•Discuss the struggle against the opioid crisis in America, the transformation in thinking about the nature of drug addiction, and the successes and defeats in this struggle that has touched so many lives in America.
How can I check Alex Azar's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Alex Azar's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.
What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.
Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.
How do I book Alex Azar for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps:
- Contact Key Speakers to confirm the speaker's availability, fees, and any unique requirements. We can also help negotiate fees and terms.
- Submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker. These details will be used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts.
- All parties coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions.
- Confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.
What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.
How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors:
- The speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry.
- Their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages.
- Past client testimonials, reviews, or references.
- The speaker's availability and fee within your budget.
What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.
How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.
Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.
Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.
Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.
Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.
How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.
Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help them improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.
Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.
Why book Alex Azar though Key Speakers?
- We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker—from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We work closely with you from speaker selection to post-event success and always ensure that your needs are addressed first.
- We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. Leave the fine print to us so you can focus on other aspects of your event. Key Speakers mediates and absorbs some of the contractual risks that inherently come with booking a keynote speaker.
- With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. We pride ourselves on speedy response time and always keep you updated on all new developments relating to your event. Our experienced agents are personable (after our morning coffee!) and always eager to do whatever it takes to secure a fantastic speaker for your event.
To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event. We do the heavy lifting for you. Our dedicated and knowledgeable advisors ensure that your speaker's message and personal brand perfectly align to your event objectives.
Remember that the specific details and offerings may vary among different speakers, so it's always recommended to consult with your Key Speakers representative for accurate information and assistance.
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