Salim Ismail: Future Strategist

Author and exponential organizations expert who shows leaders how to design scalable, networked companies that capitalize on emergent technologies and rapid change.

Quick Facts:

Highlights:
  • Salim Ismail is a renowned strategist and technology entrepreneur who built and sold his company to Google.
  • Founding Executive Director of Singularity University and author of Exponential Organizations.
  • Sought-after for his expertise in exponential technologies, innovation, and digital transformation.
  • Known for translating complex technological concepts into actionable strategies.

Formats Available: Keynote, Strategy Lab, Executive Workshop, Virtual
Preferred Audience Sizes: Leadership teams (25–200); Conferences (150–2,500)
Outcomes:
  1. Create an exponential thinking playbook for leadership.
  2. Identify structural shifts to scale faster than competitors.
  3. Design experiments to validate disruptive business models.

Keynote Topics

As a result of accelerating change, a new breed of businesses is scaling 10 times faster than established organizational structures.

Salim Ismail calls these exponential organizations.

This talk describes the characteristics and attributes of these organizations and finishes with how to implement these ideas into established companies.

He looks at today’s fastest growing technologies and the social impact they will have on our organizational, political, legal, educational, and medical systems.

From artificial intelligence to biotech, these disruptive technologies are changing the face of many disparate industries and creating new innovations and opportunities.

Audiences walk away with a tailored action plan for moving forward that utilizes five internal and five external strategies to spur astounding growth – like partnering with an incubator and transforming their organization’s leadership team.

As a result of accelerating change, a new breed of businesses is scaling 10 times faster than established organizational structures. Salim Ismail calls these exponential organizations.

This talk describes the characteristics and attributes of these organizations and finishes with how to implement these ideas into established companies.

He looks at today’s fastest growing technologies and the social impact they will have on our organizational, political, legal, educational, and medical systems.

From artificial intelligence to biotech, these disruptive technologies are changing the face of many disparate industries and creating new innovations and opportunities.

Audiences walk away with a tailored action plan for moving forward that utilizes five internal and five external strategies to spur astounding growth – like partnering with an incubator and transforming their organization’s leadership team.

The confluence of new developments makes today the best time ever to be an entrepreneur.

Salim talks about how accelerating technologies, crowd funding, incubators, fablabs, and cloud computing have made it faster, better, and cheaper to be an entrepreneur.

This talk also covers the steps needed to create entrepreneurial ecosystems and start-up communities in different regions.

Today there are 8 billion internet-connected devices in the world. By 2020 Salim Ismail predicts there will be 50 billion.

Will computer driven cars be a reality in three years? Will we see a dramatically lengthened lifespan and delayed retirements in a matter of 1-2 decades? What does this mean for investment, growth, and contraction in key industries?

As the world becomes more digital, advancements in technology are skyrocketing. Technology strategist Salim Ismail knows the trajectory of fascinating projects that are sure to change our lives and challenge societal norms as we know them. His take on the impact to the financial services sector will have you thinking twice about where to put money and how much is needed for the future.

The fastest technological improvement today is being seen in biotechnology. According to technology strategist Salim Ismail, by the year 2020 it will be cheaper to sequence your genome than to flush your toilet. What will this mean for personalized therapies?

Will we eradicate allergies? Or grow replacement organs? Will artificial intelligence make better, more accurate diagnoses than human doctors?

Could a computer be your future surgeon? Ismail tells incredible stories of the research and development he’s seen first-hand and the potential for next-generation disruptive technologies.

He weighs the benefits with the sinister side and calls on society to prepare our systems for running the world (legal, political, medical) to meet the realities of the very near future.

Salim Ismail is a visionary strategist and a renowned technology entrepreneur who has profoundly impacted the global business landscape. As the founding executive director of Singularity University and the author of the best-selling book Exponential Organizations, Salim has become a leading authority on disruptive innovation and exponential technologies. 

As a speaker, Salim’s influence extends far beyond the confines of the stage. His insights have sparked new ways of thinking about business, innovation, and leadership. His keynote presentations are known for their clarity, depth, and ability to catalyze change within organizations. Whether speaking to Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, or non-profits, Salim’s message resonates with leaders and decision-makers across industries, making him a go-to expert for those looking to future-proof their organizations.

As the founding executive director of Singularity University, Salim has played a pivotal role in shaping the institution into a global hub for innovation and thought leadership. Under his leadership, Singularity University has grown into a world-renowned institution that brings together some of the brightest minds in technology, business, and academia to solve humanity’s most pressing challenges. Salim’s work at Singularity University has cemented his reputation as a thought leader who is at the forefront of technological and societal change.

Salim Ismail’s influence as a keynote speaker is reflected in the impact he has had on audiences worldwide. He is known for his ability to articulate the complexities of exponential technologies in a way that is both accessible and actionable. His presentations often focus on the concept of exponential organizations, which he describes as companies that leverage technology to achieve massive growth and impact. Salim’s insights have helped countless organizations rethink their strategies and embrace the opportunities presented by the digital age.

In addition to his work at Singularity University, Salim Ismail is also the author of the best-selling book Exponential Organizations. In this book, he explores how companies can achieve exponential growth by leveraging technology, culture, and leadership. 

Salim Ismail’s expertise extends beyond technology and entrepreneurship; he is also a thought leader in the fields of leadership and organizational culture. He believes that the key to thriving in the digital age is to create organizations that are agile, innovative, and purpose-driven. 

Salim Ismail is a visionary leader and a catalyst for change in the world of technology and business. His entrepreneurial success, combined with his deep understanding of exponential technologies, makes him a powerful voice in the conversation about the future of industries and organizations. As a keynote speaker, Salim Ismail’s ability to inspire and challenge audiences is unmatched, making him a top choice for events around the world.

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Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: Miami
  • **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000

Talent FAQ's

A: Yes — frameworks paired with implementation steps and examples.

A: 6–10 weeks for custom strategic engagements.

A: Templates, playbooks, and workshop materials are available.

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