FastCompany RSS

  • Technology
  • Designs
  • Ethonomics
  • Leadership
Magazine Newsletters Subscribe

Speaker For Hire

By: Fast Company StaffFebruary 1, 2008
Colin Powell’s speaking engagement at the International Franchise Association annual convention cost the organization at least $100,000.

  • Now February
  • Q&A: Mr. Fix-It
    Chrysler, Morrison Knudsen, Bethlehem Steel--in crisis, all called Steve Miller. In The Turnaround Kid, out February 5, the Delphi chairman writes about working for Lee Iacocca and saving some of the old economy's oldest companies.
  • The Journal-ist: Matters of Perception
    In this month's look at journals and academic reviews, studies on optimism in business, lucky execs, aesthetics in e-commerce, and smells and flavors online.
  • Infographic: Numerology:the Oscars
    The golden guy looks good for an octogenarian. Jon Stewart presides at the 80th Academy Awards on February 24. Here's a look at the business--and science--of the Oscars.

WHO: Colin Powell, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and ex-Secretary of State

WHAT: International Franchise Association annual convention

WHEN: February 9-12

WHERE: Orlando, Florida

WHY: Powell may seem an odd choice to lecture McDonald's owners and Pizza Hut operators. But IFA spokesman Terry Hill explains: "A franchise business is in essence a system... . So naturally [we] look to military people, who have been trained by one of the greatest systems in the world." And to Republicans: Recent IFA speakers include Newt Gingrich, Rudy Giuliani, and George H.W. and Barbara Bush--though, says Hill, "we'd love to have Bill Clinton speak as well."

HOW MUCH: At least $100,000

From Issue 122 | February 2008