Keynote Speaker
Futurist Ross Dawson delivers keynotes that give audiences a clear frame for the forces shaping their industry and their work, and the confidence to act on them.
Ross has delivered keynotes in 35 countries for clients including BCG, Coca-Cola, Deloitte, Google, NASA, Procter & Gamble, PwC, Toyota and Visa (see clients). He is the Founder of Advanced Human Technologies Group, whose ventures include the Humans + AI product suite and Fraxios, the AI-augmented strategy platform, and the bestselling author of Thriving on Overload and Living Networks.
What sets his keynotes apart is that he builds what he speaks about. Ross’s frameworks come from three decades of strategy work with leading organizations and from founding ventures at the frontier of AI and strategy, not from observing at a distance.
Clients consistently point to two things: the keynote is built for their audience, and it leaves people with ideas they can use.
Keynote themes
Every keynote is designed for the specific audience and event. These themes show the range; the full list of keynote topics has more than forty.
AI and Humans + AI
The AI Inflection Point, Humans + AI: Infinite Potential, AI and the Future of Work, Building Humans + AI Organizations. Ross’s most requested territory, and the subject of his AI keynote speaker page.
The future of work and organizations
How work, leadership and organizational design change as AI and other forces reshape how value is created.
Your industry’s future
Sector keynotes on the future of financial services, banking and insurance, retail, health, media, food, mining, government, professional services, real estate, education and more, each built on Ross’s work in that sector. See industry keynotes
Accelerating change and strategic foresight
The next 25 years, embracing the future, and how leaders think and decide in a world of accelerating change.
Thriving on Overload
From Ross’s bestselling book: how individuals and organizations turn information abundance into performance and wellbeing.
Networks, platforms and connection
From Living Networks: how connectivity, platforms and relationships create value.
What clients say
“Ross’s opening keynote was a fantastic kick-off for the conference. His twin themes of the importance of networking and emerging technology trends set the scene for a great event. Feedback on his presentation was consistently excellent.”
– David Cannington, CEO, ANZA Technology Network
“Ross’ inspiring speech undoubtedly stood out as a highlight of the conference. It not only set the tone for the entire event but also provided attendees with a wealth of knowledge and motivation.”
– Kate Bazhan, Marketing Operations Director, Creatio
“Ross gave a presentation that was smack bang on brief. Absolutely perfect for our event requirements.”
– Danielle Bamford, National Marketing Projects Manager, Colonial First State Global Asset Management
“Just having his name alone on the programme was enough to command our potential delegates to attend. He is efficient and a pleasure to work with.”
– Tuttie Affandi, Executive Producer, APAC Summits, Marcus Evans
“You closed our event with a great session, full of fascinating insights and a focus on opportunity, which was a wonderful way to finish our conference.”
– Judith Fox, CEO, Stockbrokers and Investment Advisers Association
“The session was thought provoking and inspiring. The presentation was very clear with lots of great examples. Ross really kept the group engaged and was the focus of discussion for many days afterwards.”
– Lara Brans, Managing Director, Sara Lee Retail Coffee and Tea
Keynote formats
- Opening or closing keynote. 30 to 60 minutes, designed to set or consolidate the theme of the event, with Q&A or a moderated conversation where wanted.
- Keynote plus workshop. A keynote followed by a hands-on session with the same audience, often for leadership offsites and client events.
- Executive and board sessions. Keynote content adapted into briefings and facilitated sessions; see strategy advisor.
- Virtual keynote. Delivered from a professional studio setup, with interaction designed for the format.
- Panels, fireside conversations and MC roles. Often paired with a keynote at the same event.
Recent keynotes
- Creating the Future of Indonesian Financial Services, Visa, Bali, Indonesia
- Humans + AI in the Future of Banking, Finastra Summit, Sydney, Australia
- Maximizing Impact: Leading-Edge Insights for PMOs, Public Investment Fund, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- AI and the Future of Work, Asana Work Innovation Tour, Sydney, Australia
- Humans + AI: Infinite Potential, Futurists Summit, Dubai, UAE
- Creating Humans + AI Organisations, LinkedIn, Sydney, Australia
- Humans + AI: Infinite Potential, Human Tech Week, San Francisco, USA
- Strategic Foresight and Leadership, Northern Territory Government Senior Leaders Program, Darwin, Australia
- Creating the Future of Financial Services, F1Soft, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Creating the Future of Stockbroking and Investment Advice, Stockbrokers and Investment Advisers Association Conference, Sydney, Australia
Working with Ross
Ross speaks at conferences, executive and leadership offsites, client events and internal meetings, in person worldwide and virtually. He regularly speaks across Australia, Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe and the Middle East.
Every engagement starts with a briefing on the audience, objectives and context. The keynote is then shaped to the event, from the examples and industry framing through to how it connects with the program’s themes.
Frequently asked questions
What does Ross Dawson speak about?
AI and Humans + AI, the future of work and organizations, the future of specific industries, accelerating change and strategic foresight, and thriving on information overload. Every keynote is built for the audience and event.
Does Ross tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?
Yes. Every keynote is customized from a briefing on the audience, objectives and industry context, and clients consistently highlight the tailoring in their feedback.
Does Ross deliver virtual keynotes?
Yes, from a professional studio setup, with interaction designed for the format.
Where is Ross based, and where does he travel?
Ross is based in Sydney, Australia, and has delivered keynotes in 35 countries across six continents.
What formats are available beyond a keynote?
Workshops, executive briefings, board sessions, panels and fireside conversations, often paired with a keynote at the same event.
How do we check availability and fees?
Send the event date, location and audience through the enquiry form and Ross’s office will respond promptly.
Book Ross for your event
Tell us about your event and audience, and we will come back to you promptly on availability and fit.
Comparing speakers? See the 30 best AI keynote speakers. New to booking speakers? Read what a keynote speaker is and how to choose one.
