20 World Leading Futurist Speakers Trending in 2024 - Official List

2 months ago |
Futurism & Future Trends
Director

minute read

As the world and workplace continue to evolve, it is crucially important that you do too. Defined as the concern for events of the future or anticipation of the future, futurism encompasses all aspects of life – from the future of technology to the future of healthcare.

What is a Futurist?

A futurist is a person who both studies and predicts the trends of the future, and how such changes will emerge from the current trends of the present day.

Source: Accenture

Why is Futurism Important?

Futurism is important throughout a variety of industries, as it helps businesses to predict changes that can make or break their success. Futurists predict changes that will shape how businesses operate, whether that be technological changes or industry-wide changes, ensuring that they stay ahead of the curve and cope with monumental change. With 75% of businesses expecting to increase the type of change initiatives they will undertake in the next three years, it is highly important that such businesses look to futurists to see how changes will affect the future of their business. 

Our expert futurism speakers predict and detail the future, from advancements in technology to economic forecasts and social scenarios.

Who is the Best Futurist/Futurologist in the World? 

With over 20 years of experience working with the World's best futurists in 52 countries over 1200 events, Champions Speakers have compiled the official selection of the 20 World Leading Futurist Speakers Trending in 2024, below:

1. Jonathan Brill

Former Global Futurist & Research Director of HP, Executive Chairman & Head of Strategic Innovation for the Center for Radical Change

Jonathan Brill stands at the forefront of future trends, renowned for his profound insight into strategic foresight and technological innovation. As a best-selling author of 'Rogue Waves' and a seasoned expert who has shaped strategies for industry giants like HP and CCD Innovation, Jonathan commands a unique position in the realm of change management. His role as Head of Strategic Innovation and Decision Science at the Center for Radical Change, coupled with his academic contributions at Singularity University, cements his reputation as an eminent thought leader. His experience as a Global Futurist and Research Director at HP, where he steered pioneers towards novel growth avenues, and his impactful keynote deliveries at prestigious platforms such as TED Women and Harvard, underline his exceptional oratory prowess. Jonathan's voice resonates globally, shaping the discourse on the future of business. For those seeking a speaker who can truly illuminate the path forward in an era of relentless innovation, Jonathan Brill is the quintessential choice.

Official Testimonial for Jonathan Brill:

"His rigorous, unifying message drives results." - Doug, Head of Innovation, Amazon

2. Gerd Leonhard

CEO of The Futures Agency, Co-Author of The Future of Music & Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts

Named as one of the top futurist keynote speakers in the world, Gerd Leonhard has dedicated his career to preparing the world for the future. CEO of The Futures Agency, Gerd sits at the helm of a global network of over 30 leading futurists, predicting how the world will change as we know it. Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts and named as one of the Leading Media Futurists in the World by The Wall Street Journal, Gerd prepares clients for the near future with insights on media, business, society, humanity, commerce, technology and communications. Having formerly spoken for Fortune 500 Companies and the likes of Sony, Nokia, Google, The Financial Times and Lloyds Bank to name but a few, don't miss out on accelerating your business with an insightful speech from Gerd Leonhard.

Official Testimonial for Gerd Leonhard: 

"Gerd provided amazing collaboration and partnership during our recent futurist-focused client event in Southern California… Our client was thrilled and the attendees took away a great wealth of information that will surely help them increase revenues and surpass their competitors using the technology-focused information provided during his presentation" - IfOnly

3. Ray Kurzweil

Chief Futurist of Google, Awarded the National Medal of Technology & Innovation

Ray Kurzweil stands as a colossus in the realm of technology and futurism. Garnering the prestigious Grace Murray Hopper Award in 1978 and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 1999, his inventions - ranging from the first CCD flatbed scanner to advanced musical synthesisers - have revolutionised how we interact with the world. But it's his clairvoyance in predicting the digital age, the rise of AI and the obsolescence of fossil fuels that cements his status as a premier futurist. Recognised by three U.S. presidents and hailed as a "revolutionary" by PBS, Ray's insights at global conferences like TEDx and SXSW are not merely speeches but glimpses into tomorrow, shaped by a lifetime at the vanguard of the tech frontier. His vision extends to AI, robotics and the tantalising prospect of human longevity, making him an unparalleled guide to the possibilities that lie ahead.

Official Testimonial for Ray Kurzweil:

"Ray came in and really inspired our employees. His presentation was extremely well received, and many people in the audience expressed their gratitude for being in the presence of one of their true heroes. My inbox has been filled with thanks and expressions of how their perspective on their jobs has really changed. I don't think we could have asked for much more than that!" - Dolby

4. April Rinne

Founder & Chief Change Navigator of April Worldwide, Named as a Forbes 50 Leading Female Futurist

April Rinne is a distinguished futurist, recognized as one of Forbes' "50 Leading Female Futurists" globally. A Harvard Law School alumna and a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, she's advised entities like the World Bank, Nike, and Airbnb. Rinne's expertise lies in easing the anxiety around change, helping individuals and organizations transform uncertainty into strategic advantage. Her experience spans prestigious roles, including advising for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and as Director for Water.org. With a track record of predicting market trends—from portfolio careers to the sharing economy—Rinne is also the author of "FLUX: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change" and a member of Thinkers50 Radar. Her insights guide organizations of all sizes to navigate and thrive amidst perpetual change.

Official Testimonial for April Rinne:

"I have worked with April on various in-country projects in developing countries over the past three years and have been impressed by her great professionality, punctuality and pleasant personality. She prepares her sessions with great attention and is extremely capable to present her topic/s in an interactive multicultural class. She knows how to transfer her enhusiasm to participants. She is also a lovely person to be with." - Satu, Programme Support Manager, International Development Law Organisation

5. Amelia Kallman

Futurist for The Big Reveal UK, Host of the XR Star Podcast & One of the Top 25 Women in the Metaverse

Amelia Kallman, a prominent London-based futurist, speaker and author, specialises in emerging technologies like XR, AI and IoT. She consults globally with clients like Unilever and the UK Government, offering insights into future trends, technology's impact and human rights issues. Recognised as a top influencer in the metaverse, she hosts 'XR Star' and writes for platforms like WIRED UK. With a theatrical background, Amelia brings a unique approach to technology communication. Her career includes leading roles in tech agencies, international speaking engagements and mentorship in responsible tech. She's also an acclaimed author and researcher, currently exploring the impact of AI in gaming.

Official Testimonial for Amelia Kallman:

"Amelia's hosting and presentation was phenomenal, insightful and inspiring." - Unilever

6. Amy Webb

Founder & CEO of the Future Today Institute & Professor of Strategic Foresight at NYU Stern School of Business

Amy Webb is an inspiration in the field of futurism, arming organisations with the foresight to navigate and pioneer the ever-evolving societal landscape. As a quantitative futurist and the Founder and CEO of the Future Today Institute, she delivers unrivalled strategic insight, helping businesses anticipate and harness future trends. A sought-after speaker, she delves into future trends, scenarios and strategic foresight with an acumen honed across a distinguished career spanning journalism, academia and advisory roles. Her contributions to the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and as a professor at New York University Stern School of Business, among others, underscore her expertise. Recognised by Thinkers50 and the BBC as an influential thought leader, Amy's best-selling books and viral TED talk reflect her profound impact on envisioning and shaping the future.

Official Testimonial for Amy Webb:

"Amy is an outstanding and dynamic speaker and an incredibly strategic thinker. She is a master at coming up with a smart, practical and unexpected solution to the toughest problems in digital communications. I would contract her again in a second and highly recommend her services" - Dawn, President, Wararay Communications

7. Jack Uldrich

Global futurist & Chief Unlearning Officer of The School of Unlearning, bestselling author of Foresight 2020

A preeminent authority on artificial intelligence, technology and digital disruption, Jack Uldrich is renowned for his industry-defining understanding of futurism. Providing experience-driven predictions for the future, Jack arms businesses with tools that they can use to adapt their practices and stay ahead of the curve. A bestselling author, Jack has published the titles The Best Big Thing is Really Small, Jump The Curve, Into The Unknown and Foresight 2020, in which he shares his predictions and insight on what is shaping tomorrow. Having also been published in The Wall Street Journal and The Futurist, don't miss out on an authoritative speech on what will make or break your industry from Jack Uldrich.

Official Testimonial for Jack Uldrich:

"Judging from the number of people that lingered to ask a question and the general 'post-meeting buzz', it's clear that your presentation had people thinking. In all honesty, this is one of the best programs that we've had in a long time and we've had plenty of excellent ones. Thank you for an entertaining and thought-provoking program." - Wells Fargo

8. Tony Seba

Co-Founder of RethinkX & Former Instructor of Entrepreneurship, Disruption & Clean Energy at Stanford University

Tony Seba is a leading Stanford University Lecturer, who is an Amazon no.1 bestselling author of Clean Disruption of Energy and Transportation: How Silicon Valley Will Make Oil, Nuclear, Natural Gas, Coal, Electric Utilities and Conventional Cars Obsolete by 2030. Awarded the Clean Energy Action’s Sunshine Award, Tony is a leading futurist forecasting what the future of our planet will look like if we do not pay attention to climate change. Featured in The New York Times and Bloomberg’s Forward Thinking: A Sustainable World, 2040, Tony has formerly spoken for companies including Google, Davos and J.P Morgan.

Official Testimonial for Tony Seba:

"Tony Seba is an unbelievably inspiring and passionate speaker and a terrific lecturer. He has a gift for reducing complex things to their very essence and making them accessible to everyone" - Williams Sonoma Inc.

9. Neal Stephenson

Coiner of the term ‘Metaverse’, New York Times Best-Selling Speculative Fiction Author & Recipient of the British Science Fiction Association Award

Neal Stephenson is a New York Times No.1 Bestseller author, who is famed for writing the title Snow Crash. In his book Snow Crash, Neal coined the term ‘Metaverse’, which has once again become popular with the social media platform Facebook adopting the name Meta. Coining a term that was way beyond its time, Neal is booked as a futurism speaker to share his thoughts on the exciting and futuristic concept of a metaverse.

10. Andreas Ekström

Journalist for Sydsvenskan, Winner of the Speaker of the Year Award in Sweden & TEDx Speaker

Andreas Ekström is a successful journalist, having worked as a reporter and columnist for Sydvenskan for the past two decades. Alongside his journalism, Andreas is also a passionate educator on the future of all things digital, speaking on digital humanities. Highly knowledgeable in the developing field of social technology, Andreas has helped thousands of organisations to futureproof their operations with technology. Formerly invited to deliver the TED talk The Moral Bias Behind Your Search Results and the TEDx talk Google Knowledge, Google Money, Google Power, Andreas is a seasoned futurism speaker.

Official Testimonial for Andreas Ekström:

"He is a big hit with our delegates so will definitely be coming back for some further bookings!" - Citywire

11. Richard Watson

Founder of www.nowandnext.com, Futurist in Residence at the Cambridge Judge Business School & Former Futurist in Residence of Foresight Practice at Imperial College London

A revered futurist, Richard Watson has enjoyed a career lecturing at The University of Cambridge, The Ministry of Defence and Imperial College London. Having also worked for the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Education and the Cabinet Office, Richard is an expert on the way that technology is shaping our future and how digitalisation will automate society. Regarded as one of the finest strategic forecasters and futurists in the UK, book Richard to help you accelerate your business and stay ahead of the curve.

Official Testimonial for Richard Watson:

"Well researched, really informative and well presented" - McDonald’s

12. Lars Thomsen

Chief Futurist of Future Matters, Member of the Future World Society Named one of the Most Influential Futurists in German-Speaking Countries

Regarded as one of the Most Influential Futurists in German-speaking countries, Lars Thomsen is widely known for his role as the Chief Futurist of Future Matters. Sharing his predictions for the future of energy, work, smart networks and mobility, Lars is also a member of The World Future Society. Sharing expert strategies for developing business models, Lars covers everything from the future of mobility to the future of work.

13. Werner Vogels

Vice President & Chief Technology Officer of Amazon Named on WIRED’s Top 10 Cloud Computing Leader in 2010

Werner Vogels is famed for his role as the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Amazon. Initially joining Amazon as the Director of Systems Research, Werner is now widely known for his work on Amazon’s Dynamo – the shopping cart feature used by millions of customers on a daily basis. Also the Co-Founder of Reliable Network Solutions and a member of the Cornell University Computer Science Department, Werner educates all with his expertise on the future of technology. Helping conference audiences to navigate the complexities of the digital world, book Werner to discover how you can future-proof your business with technology.

14. Alice Charles

Head of Cities & Urban Development for the World Economic Forum, Former Parliamentary Assistant & Researcher for MP at the Houses of Oireachtas

Alice Charles is the Head of Cities and Urban Development for the World Economic Forum, sharing her expertise on the future of smart cities. Involved in a range of projects that include urbanisation and future-proofing cities, Alice is on a mission to deliver the fourth industrial revolution. Having also worked as a Parliamentary Assistant and Researcher for MP in the House of Oireachtas, Alice has worked with some of the biggest leaders to accelerate a move towards more advanced and futuristic cities.

Official Testimonial for Alice Charles:

"Alice is a bright, passionate and professionally prepared individual. She is able to build successfully long lasting relationships with senior executives and thought leaders. She is at the same time very structured and diligent in turning innovative ideas into high impact programs. It is always a pleasure to be able to work with Alice" - Nicola, Executive Vice President of Strategic Growth, Mastercard

15. Michio Kaku

Professor of Theoretical Physics at the City College of New York, Science Populariser & Theoretical Physicist

A Professor in Physics at the City College of New York, Michio Kaku is a world-leading futurist renowned for his advancements in theoretical physics. The Co-Creator of string field theory, Michio has also achieved eight New York Times Bestseller books including the titles The Future of Humanity and Beyond Einstein. Sharing his intricate knowledge and research, Michio related his findings to the future of business and society as a leading futurist speaker.

Official Testimonial for Michio Kaku:

"Audience was completely hooked up! His presentation was very informative, thought provoking and entertaining. And after the event, people were queuing for photos and autographs. Massive success" - Misys

16. Kathryn Parsons

Founder & Co-CEO of Decoded, Appointed MBE for Services to Education & Named on the 35 Women Under 35 list by Management Today

Kathryn Parsons is a leading futurist, famed as the Co-CEO of Decoded. Educating audiences on technological advancements, Kathryn is helping businesses to be ahead of the curve and accelerate their business to fit with the requirements of the future. Named as one of the 30 Most Important Women in Tech Under 30 and one of the 35 Women Under 35 by Management Today, Kathryn is on a mission to deliver technological education. Book Kathryn today to learn how your organisation can be a business of the future.

Official Testimonial for Kathryn Parsons:

"You have inspired our community, and have helped make the festival an unforgettable experience" - Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival

17. Nick Bostrom

Founding Director of the Future of Humanity Institute at the University of Oxford Named as one of Foreign Policy’s Top 100 Global Thinkers

Nick Bostrom is famed as the founding Director of the Future of Humanity Institute at the University of Oxford. Accelerating the development of technology to benefit humanity, Nick has twice been listed as one of the Top 100 Global Thinkers by FP and authored the New York Times Bestseller Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers and Strategies. When booked as a futurism speaker, Nick shares with audiences the technological advances that will futureproof businesses.

Official Testimonial for Nick Bostrom:

"Incredibly interesting, he helped us to understand the positive possibilities of artificial intelligence" - Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association

18. Barton Goldenberg

Founder & President of ISM Inc, Digital Transformation Strategist & President of The Rotary Club

Barton Goldenberg is a pioneering digital transformation strategist, famed as the Founder and President of ISM Inc. Also a credible author, writing the titles CRM Automation, CRM in Real Time and Definitive Guide to Social CRM. Throughout his career, Barton has driven digital transformation, and when booked as a futurism speaker he can help businesses to accelerate their business with technology that will make them stay ahead of the curve.

Official Testimonial for Barton Goldenberg:

"Barton is a dynamic and passionate speaker who understands today’s digital client and effectively drives home to corporate audiences the urgency to innovate and act." - Don, President, AAA Mid-Atlantic

19. Graeme Codrington

Director of The Future of Work Academy & Bestselling Author on the future of work

A preeminent authority on the future of work, Graeme Codrington helps businesses to anticipate disruption, remove surprises and choose better strategies. Director of The Future of Work Academy and a Researcher and Consultant for TomorrowToday Global, Graeme pioneers research into disruptive change, and helps prepare both businesses and individuals alike in coping with the changes of tomorrow, today. Also a bestselling author, Graeme has authored titles such as Leading in a Changing World, Future-Proof Your Child and Mind The Gap. Predicting and preparing clients for the future, Graeme paves the way for the future of the workplace.

Official Testimonial for Graeme Codrington:

"Thank you Graeme. It was indeed a wonderful session…. when we finished all were charged up and ready to work together to find our X factor and which was our ability to see the grey elephants for the whole of EY GDS. We got a lot of new thoughts from the group and we are ready for our next steps. Thanks again Graeme for this…. wouldn’t have been possible without your session.. We will engage with you again." - Manoj, Global Operations Enablement Leader, Ernst & Young

20. John Vary

Futurologist & former Innovation Manager for John Lewis Partnership, former Innovation Architect & Digital Solutions AV Strategy Lead for Burberry

With a career revolving around the prediction of the future, John Vary is renowned as a futurologist, who addresses changes that will make or break an industry. Currently, John works as a Futurologist for the John Lewis Partnership, and has formerly enjoyed roles of Innovation Manager for John Lewis and Innovation Architect for Burberry. With a decorated history in retail, John is a renowned thought leader in the field of retail disruption and explores alternative futures for the industry. Generating continued customer engagement for John Lewis Partnership, John is an expert on ensuring that businesses stay ahead of the curve and sustain success in the future.

Book a Futurism Speaker Today

If you are looking to hire one of our talented futurism speakers, get in touch by filling out our online contact form or by calling directly on 0207 1010 553

This exclusive article on the 20 World Leading Futurist Speakers Trending in 2024 was written by Jack Hayes.

 Director

Jack Hayes was appointed Director of the Champions Speakers agency in 2012 becoming one of the youngest Directors in the UK. A year later, Jack became a founding member of the European Association of Speakers Bureaux (EASB) collaborating with speaker...
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