Salim Ismail: Future Strategist
Salim Ismail explores the challenge of disruptive innovation within organizations and society.
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: Keynote, Strategy Lab, Executive Workshop, Virtual
- Audiences: Leadership teams (25–200); Conferences (150–2,500)
- Outcomes:
- Create an exponential thinking playbook for leadership.
- Identify structural shifts to scale faster than competitors.
- Design experiments to validate disruptive business models.
- Travels from: Miami, FL
- **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
Exponential Organizations
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.
Disruptive Convergence
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 Future of Entrepreneurship
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.
Exponential Finance
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.
Exponential Medicine
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.
Talent Short Bio
Salim Ismail is a globally recognized futurist, bestselling author of Exponential Organizations, and the founding Executive Director of Singularity University. He has advised Fortune 500 companies, startups, and governments on harnessing exponential technologies to drive innovation while overcoming institutional resistance to change.
As founder of the Fast Track Institute, Salim helps cities and organizations design agile solutions to complex challenges, positioning them for success in an era of rapid disruption.
Read Full Bio
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 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.
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 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.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
Talent Videos
How do we fix civilization? | Salim Ismail | TEDxToronto
Salim Ismail explores the challenge of disruptive innovation within organizations and society. He introduces the idea of the “immune system problem”—the tendency of institutions to resist change and attack new ideas.
Video Summary & Key Moments
Salim Ismail explores a central challenge of disruptive innovation: the immune system problem. When new ideas are introduced into large organizations or even into society they’re often attacked, resisted, or shut down by entrenched structures built for stability, not transformation.
Drawing on his experience at Yahoo, Salim describes how bureaucracy and rigid systems stifle innovation. He contrasts this with Apple’s unique ability to isolate small teams, shield them from the “immune system,” and unleash them to disrupt entire industries—music, phones, tablets, payments, and more.
Salim expands this analogy beyond corporations to our social and public institutions. Democracies, unions, and even marriage are outdated structures, built for a slower-moving world. With exponential technologies from AI and neuroscience to solar, drones, and biotech accelerating at unprecedented speeds, these rigid institutions are struggling, breaking, or outright collapsing under pressure.
His solution: an ExO Sprint framework a methodology pioneered at Singularity University and tested with corporations like Procter & Gamble, as well as cities like Medellín, Colombia. The approach:
Shock and awe — show leaders the exponential disruption that’s already here.
Edge + core teams — young leaders design disruptive solutions while incumbents redesign the core.
Immune suppression — create awareness so incumbents don’t attack new initiatives.
Layered innovation — combine technology, design, funding, and social policy before disruption hits.
This is, he argues, like giving a transplant patient immune-suppressing drugs allowing “new organs” of innovation to take root.
Salim calls for open-sourcing this process through the Fast Track Institute to help governments, organizations, and communities fix broken institutions and adapt civilization to a future defined by rapid, exponential change.
Key Moments
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
Overview of User Reviews for Salim Ismail's Keynote
Strengths:
- Salim Ismail's keynote was highly praised for its transformative impact on leadership teams.
- Attendees highlighted his insights into exponential technologies as a fresh and valuable perspective that significantly influenced their business strategies.
Weaknesses:
- No notable weaknesses were mentioned in the reviews.
Overall, Salim Ismail's keynote is regarded as a powerful and enlightening experience, particularly beneficial for leaders looking to enhance their strategic approach through innovative technological insights.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
You may be interested in...
- (13)
- (5)
Eric O’Neill is a renowned cybersecurity expert, former FBI counterintelligence operative, attorney, and entrepreneur dedicated to protecting organizations against the ever-evolving threat of cybercrime. With a career that blends real-world espionage with cutting-edge cybersecurity strategies, O’Neill’s expertise is unmatched in identifying and neutralizing threats before they strike. As the founder of The Georgetown Group and […]
- Travels from: Washington, DC
- Cybersecurity Speakers
- (17)
Considered one of the top voices in AI and the future of work, Ian Beacraft is a trusted advisor to the world’s most innovative companies. The founder and Chief Futurist of Signal and Cipher, Ian leads a change management firm advising clients how to turn AI form a tech initiative into Augmented Individuals that multiply […]
- Travels from: Chicago, IL
- Artificial Intelligence
- (14)
- (2)
Best known as a creator of Siri, Apple’s AI assistant, Adam Cheyer is a visionary pioneer in artificial intelligence and computer-human interaction. With a career spanning decades at the forefront of technological innovation, he has helped shape the evolution of AI, voice interfaces, and the future of human-computer collaboration. As an inventor with 39 patents, […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Innovation Speakers
- (28)
Dr. Gabrielle Pelicci is a trailblazing expert at the intersection of blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, and decentralized innovation. Known as a “Crypto Native,” she empowers audiences to embrace the transformative potential of Web3 and blockchain ecosystems. With her unique blend of academic rigor and real-world expertise, Dr. Pelicci demystifies complex topics, making them accessible and actionable […]
- Travels from: West Palm Beach, FL
- Digital Speakers
- (11)
Lital Marom challenges current and future leaders to develop a bolder vision for human potential. She believes that from human potential springs business potential, and it should be used to create a more sustainable, inclusive future. Lital Marom got her start building computer systems for companies in Israel and Europe, before advancing to lead global […]
- Travels from: Toronto, ON
- Artificial Intelligence
- (6)
Brandeis Marshall is a trailblazing figure in the realm of data ethics and education, passionately bridging the gap between technology, ethics, and social impact. As the Founder and CEO of the DataedX Group, she has redefined how organizations and individuals engage with data, championing ethical practices that align with inclusivity and fairness. Brandeis’s compelling vision […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Artificial Intelligence
- (18)
- Featured
David Schulhof is an American entrepreneur and technology innovator focused on artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics. Known for operating at the intersection of technology, data, and emerging industries, he is building platforms designed to reshape how humans interact with intelligent machines. Schulhof’s current work centers on the development of advanced AI systems and humanoid robotics […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Artificial Intelligence
- (12)
Pablos Holman is a notorious hacker, inventor, entrepreneur and technology futurist who looks at the world differently than most, and is on a quest to solve the world’s problems through the innovation of technology. At the Intellectual Ventures Lab, he has worked on a brain surgery tool, a machine to suppress hurricanes, a self-sterilizing elevator button, […]
- Travels from: Washington, DC
- Futurists Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
