Gerd Leonhard: Technology Futurist
Technology futurist keynote speaker Gerd Leonhard delivers provocative foresight on humanity, AI, digital ethics and exponential change, equipping global leaders to navigate disruption while protecting human values.
- Highlights:
- Ranked among the top futurist keynote speakers worldwide
- Listed by Wired as a Top 100 Most Influential Person in Europe
- Described by The Wall Street Journal as a leading global media futurist
- Delivered 2,000+ keynotes in 60+ countries to more than 2.5 million people
- Formats:
Keynote speaker, futurist, advisory leader and workshop facilitator
- Audiences:
Global executives, government leaders, innovation teams, digital transformation stakeholders and organizations navigating exponential technological change.
- Outcomes:
- Clear foresight on AI, automation and the future of human machine relationships.
- Ethical frameworks and leadership mindsets for navigating exponential technological shifts.
- Actionable strategic insights to reduce future shock and guide responsible innovation.
- Travels from: Zurich
- **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000
Keynote Topics
THE GOOD FUTURE
Amidst the fears and everyday realities of wars and pandemics, the urgency to address global warming and the societal challenges of technological hyper-transformation the world continues to change at a mind-boggling pace.
Radical and once unthinkable climate-emergency measures like new carbon taxes (such as for airline tickets or for buying meat) are becoming increasingly likely as consumers and concerned citizens around the world push for real and unheard-of change.
At the same time, Company CEO’s are touting their new commitments to stakeholder values, not just shareholder values. So how can we make The Good Future a reality?
CHAT GPT AND THE FUTURE OF AI
Investors and the media is buzzing with excitement as businesses and individuals alike are starting to tap into Generative AI models like Dalle2, ChatGPT and many others. ChatGPT churns out unique texts that often have a disturbingly human-like quality.
Already being utilized in customer service, content production, paper-writing, coding and so on, it appears that generative AI is getting ready to transform the internet as we know it – with Google entering into ‘Red Alert’ mode and Microsoft investing 10 Billion US Dollars into OpenAI. But their impacts on society could be just as vast, in many good ways and in many quite worrisome ways.
How can these tools – and AI in general – help us to achieve what I call ‘The Good Future‘?
Here’s what’s so exciting about ChatGPT: It’s a state-of-the-art language model that can generate human-like text. This makes it useful for a number of natural language processing tasks. Because it is based on OpenAI’s GPT architecture, it can also be fine-tuned to specific tasks and domains.
On the other hand, ChatGPT‘s potential to perpetuate bias has sparked concern as it is trained on ‘random’ internet texts that may include biased or deceptive information.
This raises worries about its use in education, employment, law enforcement, and healthcare. ChatGPT can also to be used to generate deep fake texts, so it could be used to spread misinformation and disinformation, influencing public opinion and elections.
THE METAVERSE – OR THE METAPERVERSE?
It could be heaven or it could be hell – how to get it right
“The metaverse is a hypothesized iteration of the internet, supporting persistent online 3-D virtual environments through conventional personal computing, as well as virtual and augmented reality headsets” (Wikipedia).
“The metaverse will feel like a hybrid of today’s online social experiences expanded into three dimensions or projected into the physical world” (Facebook’s Meta briefing).
On the one hand, the Metaverse could be ‘the Internet we’ve always wanted’: Immersive, real-time/feel, 3D… and that could be great for business, commerce, retail and of course technology companies:)
On the other hand, it could end up to be more of a MetaPERverse, replacing human relationships and experiences with deep surveillance and a bizarrely monetized simulations, reducing complex human life to data feeds, fancy graphics and AI-fuelled convenience: Consensual hallucinations sold as ‘human empowerment’?
Imagine social media’s aberrations and abuse – but x 1000!
In this talk, I outline both the ‘heavenly’ possibilities of the Metaverse as well as the more troubling aspects while depicting possible ways forward, based on my motto of ‘embracing technology but not becoming it‘
Further Topics
- GREEN IS THE NEW DIGITAL: THE SUSTAINABILITY REVOLUTION
- EXPONENTIAL CHANGE: DIGITIZATION, DECARBONISATION, REFORMATION
- THE NEXT 10 YEARS (BEYOND THE PANDEMIC)
- THE 10 MEGASHIFTS OF EXPONENTIAL TRANSFORMATION
- AWESOME HUMANS AND AMAZING TECHNOLOGY: WORK & EDUCATION
- WHY AND HOW THE FUTURE IS BETTER THAN WE THINK
Talent Short Bio
Gerd Leonhard is one of the world’s top futurist keynote speakers, known for two decades of influential work on the future of humanity, technology, artificial intelligence and digital ethics. Ranked by Wired among Europe’s Top 100 Most Influential People and described by The Wall Street Journal as one of the leading media futurists globally, he has delivered more than 2,000 engagements across 60 countries to an audience exceeding 2.5 million people.
Gerd’s keynotes are recognized for their bold, immersive style that blends hard hitting insights with cutting edge visual motion design. His presentations challenge assumptions, demystify complex technological shifts and inspire leaders to rethink the relationship between humans and intelligent machines.
He advises governments, NGOs and Fortune 500 companies including Google, Microsoft, Deloitte, Mastercard, Unilever, Sony and the EU Commission. A dedicated humanist, Gerd champions the principles of People, Planet, Purpose and Prosperity, urging organizations to pursue progress that amplifies human flourishing.
Before entering the futurist field, Gerd worked as a professional musician, digital media entrepreneur and startup founder in San Francisco.
Read Full Bio
Over the past two decades, Gerd Leonhard has risen to one of the top 10 futurist keynote speakers worldwide, he focuses on the future of humanity and technology, digital ethics, artificial intelligence, future-leadership and foresights.
With over 2,000 engagements in 60+ countries since 2004, and a combined audience of over 2.5 million people.
Gerd has been listed by Wired magazine as one of the Top 100 Most-Influential People in Europe, and as ‘one of the leading media futurists in the World’ by The Wall Street Journal.
His keynotes, are renowned for their hard-hitting and provocative style – inspiring, humorous, motivational, and always personal.
Using cutting-edge creative motion design, Gerd’s performances have become a unique immersive experience on the big screen, reinventing the visual side of the conference industry.
Gerd is highly regarded as a global influencer and has advised many business leaders and government officials around the globe.
Gerd’s films on the future of technology and humanity, digital transformation and artificial intelligence have reached millions of viewers.
He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA, London) and an advisory board member of the Indian and Canadian Research Institutes.
Gerd Leonhard is a Futurist, Keynote Speaker, Author, Film-Maker and a Humanist. I strive to share foresights and practical wisdoms with my audiences and clients, and focus on actionable observations for the next 5-10 years, in humanity, technology, business and commerce, society and culture.
Since the beginning of the Covid19 crisis a lot of my work has zeroed-in on Post/With-Corona-Future scenarios i.e. the near-future impact of this global crisis on every aspect of our lives. Currently, almost all of my keynotes and conferences are held virtually. Watch my latest videos to see what that looks like, here (LinkedIn Latam event) and here (10 key foresights), and be sure to watch my latest ‘Best of Virtual Keynotes‘ compilation.
He speaks about a wide range of subjects, industries and sectors such as The Future with/after Corona and The Great Transformation, the Future of Technology, Artificial Intelligence (across all industries), Healthcare and Pharma, Banking and Insurance, Policy and Government, Work / Jobs, Learning and Education, Human Resources, Travel and Tourism, Transportation and Mobility.
Gerd Leonhard resides in Zürich, Switzerland and presents both in English and German.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
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!
View further speakers
- (7)
Josh Linkner is not your typical speaker. With over two decades of experience in igniting creativity and innovation, he stands as a beacon for leaders seeking to unlock their full potential. As an entrepreneur and CEO, Josh has left an indelible mark on the business world, having founded and led multiple tech companies that collectively […]
- Travels from: Detroit, MI
- Business Speakers
- (16)
A globally recognized keynote speaker, Tiffani is known for igniting stages and equipping audiences with actionable strategies that drive real business results. With more than 1,000 keynotes across six continents, she brings unmatched energy, credibility, and insight to every audience. She’s not just a speaker—she’s a force in the business world. A former Global Growth […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Culture Speakers
- (29)
Kim Lear is a leading expert on generational patterns, demographic shifts, and cultural change. She is the founder and content director of Inlay Insights, where she leads research that helps organizations understand how evolving values, behaviors, and expectations shape the future of work and consumer engagement. Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree, Kim Lear undergraduate research […]
- Travels from: Minneapolis, MN
- Futurists Speakers
- (16)
Ahmen Sivaloganathan is the Batman of Social Impact as a nonprofit leader by day and hip-hop artist by night, while never losing sight of his most important roles as father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He has built a reputation as a Troublemaker for the status quo, orchestrating sustainable transformation and systems change for education, […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Social Influencer
- (14)
Wendee Lee Curtis is a seasoned Broadway performer turned motivational keynote speaker, emcee, and moderator. With over a decade of experience captivating audiences, Curtis has brought her powerful stage presence, magnetic charisma, and expertise in corporate communications to Fortune 500 companies worldwide. A favorite among industry giants such as Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, and CrowdStrike, […]
- Travels from: Chicago, IL
- Communication Speakers
- (43)
Alli Webb is the co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Drybar, the nation’s leading blow dry bar offering customers no hair cuts and no hair color, just professional blow outs at an affordable price. After leaving the hair care workforce in 2005 to start a family, Alli looked for an opportunity to continue pursuing the […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Business Speakers
- (62)
For the more than over 50 million Hispanics in the United States, Julie Stav is not only a financial expert and educator, she is considered by many as a leader and inspirational role model, creating a following that now wishes to emulate her image and success. With a revolutionary multi-media communications platform, Julie inspires and […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Hispanic Speakers
- (14)
- (4)
Reed Barrett stands out as a multi-faceted powerhouse in the world of keynote speaking. An award-winning magician, seasoned Air Force fighter pilot, and psychology graduate, Reed brings a unique blend of talents to the stage. His career, which seamlessly combines the art of magic with the precision of military training, has positioned him as a […]
- Travels from: Alexandria, VA
- Aviation 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.
