Speechwriter, Ghostwriter & Executive Communications Expert
Ian Griffin
Fripp Associate Ian Griffin is an experienced speechwriter and ghostwriter with ten years experience in Silicon Valley technology companies. His clients include Scott McNealy and Jonathan Schwartz, past CEOs at Sun Microsystems. He has also written speeches for EVPs and SVPs at Hewlett-Packard in Software and Services; Human Resources; Global Operations and R&D and at Cisco Systems. Other clients include senior leaders in Venture Capital, Insurance and Philanthropy.
Ian has written speeches for conferences and meetings in the United States, Canada, Germany, Great Britain, Australia and Singapore. He has written keynote speeches, created PowerPoint slides and developed scripts for corporate video, panel discussions and media interviews. He has ghostwritten books, magazines, and technical trade publications. Ian also specializes in high-level strategic overviews and vision pitches.
Ian is a unique example of a speechwiter who is also an accomplished public speaker. He has presented over 200 strategic overviews at the Corporate Briefing Centers at both Sun Microsystems and HP to senior managers from Fortune 100 companies and government delegations from Africa, Europe and Asia. He was 2008-09 President of the Northern California Chapter of the National Speakers Association. He knows what it takes to stand on the podium and deliver a powerful speech. He writes for the heart as well as the head. He translates technical, product-centered or financial data into a speech that informs, entertains and enthralls an audience.
Ian previously worked as an Executive Communications Manager at Sun Microsystems and Hewlett-Packard and Cisco Systems.
Ian graduated from Leicester University, UK with an Honors degree in Sociology. He has conducted post-graduate studies at Tufts University, Medford, MA.
Topics & Services offered by Ian Griffin
What Clients Are Saying...
Ian was able to summarize the complexities of Global Operations at HP and write speeches which moved audiences to action.
Gilles Bouchard, EVP, Global Operations
Hewlett-Packard
Ian blends analytical skills with unusually strong people and communication skills. Along with being a great speechwriter, he's able to work with people on all levels, up to the CEO, and connect with other managers across the corporation.
Mark Ivey, Executive Speech Writer
Sun Microsystems
Ian provided valuable advice with regard to my company's entrance into the US market. Ian also provided a number of very useful insights into product development and marketing strategies.
Raphe Patmore, CEO
Buzka, Perth, Australia
As Executive Editor of a business magazine attached to The Institute of Directors in the UK, I worked with Ian to produce a story about international trade in San Francisco. Ian's help was instrumental in the delivery of a great article.
Stephen Harvard Davis, Managing Partner
Business Relationship Consultancy, UK
Ian's assistance in putting together my company's US presentation led to an award for the hottest company at the ANZA Technology Showcase and multiple offers from partners and investors. His ability to communicate complex technical ideas succinctly and convincingly is second to none. Ask him to explain TCP/IP without using any technical terms and be amazed!
David Evans, CEO
In The Chair, Adelaide, Australia
Ian's work was recognized and respected throughout Sun Microsystems as creative and insightful. He has authored many influential and impactful executive speeches and presentations.
John Castaldi, Senior Manager
Symantec
I can't thank Ian enough for his help and coaching for my presentation on 'Cloud Computing' to the WITI (Women in Technology International) meeting in Houston in August 2008. I was very proud to represent our company, and the response to our content was extremely positive. I could not have done this without his assistance. The slides and speaker notes he created are one thing, but talking through the material, potential questions and a few confusing points (to someone new to the topic) was just what I needed. I give Ian my highest recommendation.
Sherry Walshak, Sales Manager
Hewlett-Packard
Ian is an incredibly eloquent writer with a wonderful facility with words. In our working together, he has shown time and again how well he can translate an experience into gifted prose.
Angelika Blendstrup, Ph.D., Author
"They Made It!"
Ian is both very creative with, and thoroughly grounded in, the content of what he is writing about. A valued and valuable professional.
Bob Sakakeeny, Corporate Analyst Relations
Hewlett- Packard
Ian brought a refreshing and eclectic set of skills to bear on many training issues at Sun Microsystems. From hosting a business TV show to facilitating classroom training, Ian proved to be a masterful communicator and excellent project manager.
Jeff McMeekin, Solaris Product Marketing
Sun Microsystems
It was a great pleasure for me to work with Ian at Hewlett-Packard, whom I considered a true professional. He created a keynote speech for my presentation to UNESCO in Paris in November 2006 which was the basis for HP's University Relations messaging at a number of other events. His work had great and significant impact across HP Labs and the company.
Bob Sakakeeny, Corporate Analyst Relations
Hewlett- Packard
Ian is a superb wordsmith. His speeches have the ring of authenticity.
John Whitmarsh, Corporate Analyst Relations Manager, Hewlett-Packard
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