As we move further into the 21st century, the pace of technological change is accelerating at an unprecedented rate. Corporations face an array of complex challenges that demand forward-thinking solutions. In 2024 and 2025, booking a top futurist speaker isn’t just a trendy choice; it’s a strategic necessity. Futurist speakers can provide invaluable insights into emerging trends, technological advancements, and the future of work. They help businesses navigate uncertainty, foster innovation, and stay ahead of the competition.
Futurists can address key issues such as the impact of artificial intelligence, the evolution of the digital economy, sustainability and climate change, the future of healthcare, and shifts in consumer behavior. They equip leaders with the knowledge to make informed decisions, inspire transformative thinking, and cultivate a culture of agility and resilience. As we stand on the brink of significant societal shifts, engaging with the expertise of top futurist speakers is essential for any corporation aiming to thrive in the coming years.
How to Choose a Futurist Speaker
Choosing the right futurist speaker can be a game-changer for your event. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:
- Relevance to Your Industry: Ensure the speaker’s expertise aligns with your industry’s needs. A speaker well-versed in digital transformation might be ideal for a tech conference, while one focused on sustainability would be perfect for an environmental summit.
- Engagement Style: Consider the speaker’s presentation style. Do they captivate audiences with stories and visuals, or do they offer deep dives into complex data? Match their style to your audience’s preferences.
- Track Record: Look at the speaker’s previous engagements. Client testimonials and case studies can provide insight into their impact and reliability.
Top Futurist Speakers
1. Mike Walsh
Bio: Mike Walsh is a leading authority on digital transformation and disruptive innovation. As the CEO of Tomorrow, a global consultancy on designing companies for the 21st century, Mike has advised leaders from the world’s top companies, including Deloitte, Fujifilm, and HP. His work focuses on the intersection of technology, leadership, and the future of work.
Expertise: Mike Walsh brings a global perspective to his presentations, drawing on his extensive travels and research into the habits of high-performing organizations. He discusses how companies can leverage artificial intelligence, big data, and digital platforms to reinvent themselves. His engaging style and actionable insights make him a favorite among corporate audiences looking to stay ahead of technological disruption.
Client Testimonials:
“Great job trying to get us to think about people first before developing technology.”
Global Client Sales Director, Intel
2. Shawn Kanungo
Bio: Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized innovation strategist. He spent 12 years at Deloitte working closely with leaders to better plan for the opportunities associated with disruptive innovation. Shawn is a practitioner who has helped organizations adopt exponential technologies, develop innovative business models, and strategize for the future.
Expertise: Known for his dynamic and energetic presentations, Shawn Kanungo explores how emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and robotics are reshaping industries. He emphasizes the importance of experimentation and agility in the face of rapid change. His insights help companies understand and implement innovative strategies to stay competitive in a constantly evolving marketplace.
Client Testimonials:
“With compelling storytelling, counter-intuitive ideas and practical calls to action, there is a reason why Shawn is regarded as one of the top new thinkers in the world today.”
Ben Nemtim, #1 New York Times bestselling author
3. Andrew McAfee
Bio: Andrew McAfee is a principal research scientist at MIT and the co-founder of the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy. He is a renowned author and expert on how digital technologies are transforming business, the economy, and society. His influential books include “The Second Machine Age” and “Machine, Platform, Crowd.”
Expertise: Andrew McAfee’s research focuses on the profound impacts of digital technologies on the economy and the workforce. He provides deep dives into how AI, machine learning, and automation are changing the landscape of business. His talks are both thought-provoking and practical, offering a roadmap for leaders to harness digital technologies for growth and efficiency.
Client Testimonials:
“McAfee understands that we haven’t just been creating new technologies in Silicon Valley—we’ve also been creating new ways to run a company in a world permeated by tech.”
Eric Schmidt, Former CEO, Google
4. Tan Le
Bio: Tan Le is a technology innovator, entrepreneur, and founder of Emotiv, a neuroinformatics company advancing our understanding of the human brain. Recognized by Forbes as one of the Most Influential Women in Technology, Tan’s work bridges the gap between cutting-edge neuroscience and practical applications in technology and business.
Expertise: Tan Le’s presentations focus on the future of brain-computer interfaces and the potential for neurotechnology to revolutionize industries from healthcare to education. She provides fascinating insights into how understanding the human brain can lead to innovative products and services. Her visionary outlook inspires audiences to think differently about the future of human-computer interaction.
Client Testimonials:
“Tan Le’s story immediately captured the imagination of the audience, and the depth of her message proved so inspirational, that many were moved to share how Tan had impacted upon them emotionally.“
A.N.Z., Australian and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ)
5. Kevin Surace
Bio: Kevin Surace is a Silicon Valley innovator, entrepreneur, and CEO of Appvance. With over 85 patents, he has been at the forefront of technology development in AI, robotics, and automation. Kevin has been recognized as an Inc. Magazine Entrepreneur of the Year and was listed on CNBC’s Innovator of the Decade.
Expertise: Kevin Surace speaks on the transformative impact of AI and automation on industries and jobs. He delves into how these technologies can drive efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness. Kevin’s engaging presentations blend humor and deep technical knowledge, providing audiences with a clear understanding of how to leverage technology for business success.
Client Testimonials:
“Kevin you were a perfect combo of thought provoking information and entertainment. Very well done.“
Steve Furnary, Chairman Clarion Partners
6. Andreas Ekström
Bio: Andreas Ekström is a Swedish journalist, author, and futurist known for his work on the digital revolution and its impact on society. He writes for the daily newspaper Sydsvenskan and is the author of several books, including “The Google Code,” which examines the influence of Google on our lives.
Expertise: Andreas Ekström explores the ethical and societal implications of the digital revolution. His talks cover topics such as digital monopolies, data privacy, and the future of media. Andreas offers a nuanced perspective on how digital transformation is reshaping our world, challenging audiences to consider the broader impact of technology on society.
Client Testimonials:
“Magic, Ekström! Incredibly thought-provoking!”
Rolf Erik Hjulstad, at Atea Community, Norway
Conclusion
In an era where technological advancements are reshaping every aspect of business, booking a top futurist speaker can provide corporations with the insights needed to navigate the future successfully. The expertise of futurists like Mike Walsh, Shawn Kanungo, Andrew McAfee, Tan Le, Kevin Surace, and Andreas Ekström equips organizations with the knowledge and strategies to stay ahead of the curve. Whether addressing the future of work, digital transformation, or the ethical implications of technology, these speakers offer invaluable perspectives that can drive innovation and growth in 2024 and beyond.
Booking a top futurist speaker through our bureau ensures that your event is not only informative but also inspiring and engaging. With their profound insights and captivating presentations, these speakers will leave your audience with a clear vision of the future and the tools to thrive in it. So, why wait? Secure a top futurist speaker for your next corporate event and prepare to be amazed by the future!