DOUG MANUEL
Oprah-Approved Expert in Belonging & Collaboration | Champion of Human Connection | Acclaimed Documentary Producer | Award-Nominated Theatre Producer | Humanitarian
MEET DOUG
Doug Manuel is a keynote speaker and performer who specializes in purpose-driven engagement, authentic collaboration, and fostering human connection. For over 30 years, he’s delivered dynamic in-person and virtual programs for Fortune 500 companies and top business schools worldwide. His impressive client list includes Harvard Business School, The World Economic Forum, LVMH, Google, Oprah, and many others. Doug’s work is deeply influenced by 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. He’s also the creator of Do You Speak Djembe?, an award-nominated stage show recognized by the Chicago JEFF Awards. With an eight-year background as a BBC documentary producer, Doug has recently returned to filmmaking to create a Netflix documentary titled Beats As One, exploring solutions to the global loneliness and isolation epidemic. His nonprofit, Lighting Up Lives, empowers partnerships with rural West African villages, inspiring grassroots action to solve local challenges. Doug’s mission is simple: to connect people. Through his experiential keynote, Beats As One, he invites audiences to break barriers, build relationships, and tap into the power of shared experiences.
TOPICS
Beats As One – The Solo
This keynote brings ancient philosophies to life in today’s boardrooms and is fully customizable to fit any audience, environment, or time slot. Infused with music, rhythm, and exclusive clips from Doug's documentary Beats As One, this experience takes participants on a transformative journey. Through personal reflection, small group discussions, and performance-enhancing exercises, your team will unlock new levels of connection and collaboration. Beats As One brings engagement and collaboration to life in dynamic, interactive ways. Participants will rediscover shared values, explore their personal purpose, and align it with their organization's mission. This keynote works for groups of any size, whether live, hybrid, or virtual. It’s perfect for short, interactive workshops or as part of a more in-depth exploration of togetherness and collaboration.
BEATS AS ONE — The Drums
In this engaging, energetic keynote, each participant gets a Djembe drum, transforming the room into an immersive musical experience. Your audience will rediscover the power of communication through one of humanity's most primal technologies—rhythm. Beats As One breaks down silos and leaves teams feeling emotionally connected and united as one. This experience paves the way for true collaboration and sets the foundation for high-performing teams. Perfect as a breakout session for conferences or meetings, this program works for groups of up to 3,000. Teams can collaborate in smaller sub-groups, learning complementary rhythms, before bringing everyone together for a powerful plenary session. It can be delivered in one block of time or split into shorter sessions throughout the day.
BEATS AS ONE — The Show
Chosen by Oprah to lead her 3rd SuperSoul Session and featured at TedX Hollywood, Beats as One (formerly Do You Speak Djembe?) is unlike any other live event. Through the power of rhythm and drumming, it transforms your audience into the stars of the show. Doug combines powerful storytelling with uplifting music from his diverse on-stage band, creating a customized experience aligned with your organization’s vision and themes. No matter their background or ability, participants will feel energized, inspired, and connected as they learn to play the djembe to their favorite songs. By exploring the roots of music and our shared ancestry, they’ll discover just how much we all have in common. This show creates audience-wide collaboration, inspiring and uniting teams of any size. It generates a positive vibe, strengthens a sense of purpose and brand, and gives your audience the chance to experience collaboration in real-time. Perfect for conferences or meetings, Beats as One brings a one-of-a-kind energy to your event.
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