Learn from Disruption & Innovation Speakers and Spark Change

We are living in an era of disruption. Companies are being displaced at an alarming rate by new technologies that are disrupting entire business models. In today's world, where the new corporate model is "disrupt or be disrupted," the key to success is innovation, and an innovation keynote speaker can bring your organization the insight it needs. Whether your group is looking for a keynote speech on disruptive new ideas, the keys to creating a culture of innovation, or ways to incentivize breakthroughs, our innovation speakers know what works and why. Take a look at our top disruption and innovation speakers before your next event.

Let us know if you are interested in one of our speakers for your event.

World-Renowned Futurist; Founder & CEO of the Future Today Institute and Professor, Strategic Foresight at New York University Stern School of Business

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Amy Webb may not be a superhero – but she does have a powerful ability to anticipate trends and emerging technology that will disrupt tomorrow. And she can envision and help prepare for the impact they’ll have on business and society. Now she’s teaching others, including corporate leaders, innovators and governments, to do the same. Founder of the Future Today Institute, Webb is a renowned futurist and strategist. For her, it’s not simply an interest; it’s a profession and a passion. Nor is “forecasting the future” about creating fantastical scenarios. Webb doesn’t simply make speculations or predictions; her work is evidence based, drawn from mapping and modeling quantitative and qualitative data collected in the present to understand what’s coming (5-20 years from now). Named to the 2017 Thinkers50 Radar list of management thinkers most likely to shape the future – and winner of its 2017 Distinguished Achievement Award – Webb is already making an impact on today’s Fortune 500 and Global 1000 companies, government agencies, large nonprofits, universities and startups worldwide. Focusing on the intersection of technology, business and society, she takes a purposefully broad lens to her work. When thinking about the future, most only look at their industry and direct competitors. Webb is adamant about looking at multiple, adjacent landscapes. “You have to be able to see the top of the forest in order to see where all the trees are and how they connect,” she says.

Former President and COO of Nintendo of America Inc.

Fees
  • Local: $55,001 - $75,000*
  • US East: $75,001 and up*
  • US West: $75,001 and up*
  • Europe: $75,001 and up*
  • Asia: $75,001 and up*

An award-winning innovator and disruptor, Reggie Fils-Aimé is a top innovation speaker and proven expert on transforming companies, re-vitalizing brands, and reshaping industries to solve daunting challenges and achieve ‘the impossible.’ Most recently, he was the president and chief operating officer of Nintendo of America – the first American and African-American to hold this position. Internationally recognized and revered by business leaders and gaming fans alike, Fils-Aimé helped bring Nintendo’s greatest successes – including the Nintendo DS, the Wii, the Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, and the Nintendo Switch – to the global marketplace. Using his personal story of a leading futurist as an example, he shares with audiences his principles for effective and innovative leadership, including defining a vision, courage in decision-making, and “irrefutable integrity.”

Leading AI Innovator & Practitioner, Founder & Chief AI Officer at AI Leadership Institute

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  • Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
  • US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • Asia: $55,001 - $75,000*
With a profound passion for technology and its potential to transform business and society, Noelle Russell has dedicated her career to helping organizations uncover the possibilities artificial intelligence presents to their businesses, and guiding them through the intricacies of AI adoption. In her daily work Russell advises companies across industries on how to integrate emerging technologies — including AI, Web3, and the Cloud — into their operations and workplace strategies. She is an award-winning technologist with an entrepreneurial spirit who has led innovative tech teams at Accenture, NPR, Microsoft, IBM, AWS, and Amazon Alexa, and is among the world’s leading voices on data and AI literacy.

CEO of Uncharted, Innovator and Social Entrepreneur, Trailblazing Energy Advocate

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  • Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US East: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • Asia: $55,001 - $75,000*

Jessica O. Matthews is the Founder & CEO of Uncharted, an award-winning energy and data technology company that develops infrastructure solutions for communities, facilities, and Internet of Things. The company was founded by Jessica when she was only 22 years old, relying on innovation and creativity. Jessica’s research and career centers around the intersection of disruptive technology, renewable energy, innovative ideas, human behavior, and the psychology of self-actualization. A dual citizen of Nigeria & the U.S. and Founder and CEO of her own company, Jessica has a degree in Psychology and Economics from Harvard University, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and is listed on over 10 patents and patents pending—including her first invention of the SOCCKET, an energy generating soccer ball, at the age of 19. One of the best speakers on innovation, Jessica is one of our most requested speakers and one of the top innovation keynote speakers.

Future Trends Expert, and VP of Technology Group Skills Vitality & Enablement at IBM

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  • Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
  • US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
Paul Zikopoulos is changing the way audiences are looking at their businesses in terms of sales, obstacles, and potential for growth - and the key ingredient is data! He’s been named an expert on big data by publications such as Big Data Republic, Technopedia, and Analytics Week. He is also included on multiple "experts to follow" lists around the world - including SAP’s “50 Big Data Twitter Influencers”. Paul has been consulted on this topic by “60 Minutes” and advises various universities as they develop their curriculums to match market needs. Paul has won multiple awards for his speaking in part because he has a unique ability to take the often complex world of analytics, big data, AI, data science, machine learning, etc. and reach audiences of all ages and skills levels with the right message. Paul is a Fortune 35 (IBM) Vice President focused on Analytics, an award winning writer (who has published more than 19 books and over 350 articles on various topics) and sits on the advisory board of Women 2.0 - a for profit company committed to close the gender gaps in founding, investing, and workplace leadership.

Expert in Technology-Driven Innovation & Human Evolution; Stanford University Adjunct Professor; Futurist; Neuroscientist; and Technologist

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Poppy Crum works to bridge the gap between technology and insightful, effective human interaction. As an innovative strategist and a multi-dimensional advocate of empathetic technology, she builds technologies that best leverage human physiology to enhance our experiences and how we interact with the world. Poppy serves as the Chief Scientist at Dolby Laboratories and as an Adjunct Professor at Stanford University in the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics and Program in Symbolic Systems. As a tech entrepreneur, business strategist, and one of the top innovators and innovation experts, Poppy is dedicated to the development of immersive technologies that leverage human physiology and perceptual realities to enhance our experiences and interactions in the world. She is a frequent speaker/author on topics related to the intersection of human experience, artificial intelligence, sensory data-science, and immersive technologies that will change the world.

Founder of OpenExO & ExO Works

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A globally recognized technology entrepreneur and renowned futurist, Salim Ismail is a sought-after exponential strategist who advises organizations of all sizes and across industries, as well as heads of state, on how they can turn cutting-edge ideas into viable business opportunities and apply inventive thinking to drive innovation and achieve their desired futures sooner. He is the Founder and Chair of OpenExO, a team of innovation experts who create customized solutions for corporations and organizations seeking to emulate the world’s fastest growing organizations.

Renowned Business Leader, Former CEO of EXOS the Performance Coaching Company, Former President of Equinox, Former Global President of Gatorade, Former Marketing Director at Nike and the Virgin Group

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Described by the media as everything from “Superwoman undercover” to “The Pied Piper of potential,” Sarah Robb O’Hagan is an executive, activist, entrepreneur, and founder of Extreme Living — a content platform designed to help individuals, teams, and organizations play to their highest potential. As the former CEO of EXOS, the leading human performance coaching company serving 30 percent of the Fortune 100, Sarah and her team worked with clients ranging from C-suite leaders to pro athletes to enhance their performance in work and life. Drawing on her decades experience at some of the world's most influential brands, she shares practical takeaways including how to make failure your fuel, discover your most competitive playing field, get out of line rather than always following conventional wisdom, and bring out the “extreme" in others.

Legendary Tech Pioneer & Operating Executive; Founding Executive Director, Stanford Program for Disruptive Technology & Innovation

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  • Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US East: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
Michael (Mike) Steep is the founder and former executive director of Stanford Engineering School's Center for Disruptive Technology and Digital Cities and the former senior vice president of global business operations at innovation mega-hub, PARC Xerox. He draws on first-hand experience and anecdotes from time spent with the biggest names in Silicon Valley to instruct audiences on how to get ahead of disruptive innovation. Viewing new technology as opportunity, Mike highlights the importance of allowing innovation to trump company culture and legacies—and not the other way around.

Forbes CMO Hall of Fame Marketer; C-Suite Executive at JCPenney, United Parks & Resorts, Lowe’s, Taco Bell, and The Estee Lauder Companies

Fees
  • Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • Asia: $55,001 - $75,000*
A globally recognized brand-building innovator and a champion both of creativity and challenging the status quo in the workplace, Marisa Thalberg is 1 of only 18 to be inducted into the Forbes CMO Hall of Fame. She is considered one of the most dynamic and versatile marketing executives in the field, displaying versatility and adaptability that has led to her being an exceedingly successful leader in a diverse portfolio of industries, ranging from luxury beauty (The Estée Lauder Companies) and fast food (Taco Bell) to big box retail (Lowe’s Home Improvement) and theme parks and entertainment (SeaWorld/Busch Gardens). She has most recently taken on the title of consulting Chief Marketing Officer at JCPenney. Her passionate advocacy for women at work led her on the path to social entrepreneurship as the founder of Executive Moms, an organization created to connect and support accomplished women who are both professionals and moms. In this capacity, Thalberg became an early leading voice and supporter for women, and particularly mothers, in the workplace, appearing across a range of media outlets including The TODAY Show, FOX, CNN, NBC News, and many more.

Emerging Technologies Expert; Former Communications Executive at SpaceX & Facebook

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With more than a decade working at the heart of the technology industry, Dex Hunter-Torricke has managed communications for some of the most-influential and admired Silicon Valley leaders and corporations of our day. In his daily work, Dex plays a critical role in writing the next chapter on science, tech, the economy, and society across the globe, and spearheads efforts to bring the stories of how the world is being moved forward to light. From 2012-2016, he led the executive communications team at Facebook and served as personal speechwriter for Mark Zuckerberg. He then went on to join SpaceX as senior director of communications. He later served as the VP Global Communications & Public Engagement for the Oversight Board for Meta, the independent body that makes decisions on Facebook and Instagram’s most challenging content issues. Dex takes audiences into Facebook’s boardroom, Musk’s open-concept cubicle, the famed Googleplex, and finally to the UN itself to share lessons on what it takes in today’s environment to build highly effective internal teams, how to use storytelling in modern communications, and what to make of the steady transition from local to global that’s unfolded over the past decade.

Transformative Big Brand C-Level Executive, Tech Leader & Influencer

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  • Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • Asia: $55,001 - $75,000*
With an unparalleled track record spanning more than two decades, Christy Tanner has led innovation and disruption at the world’s most recognizable brands, breathing new life into their business models, keeping them several steps ahead of the curve, and positioning them as market leaders and innovators for the long term. Widely regarded as a media visionary, Tanner spearheaded agile digital and cultural transformation initiatives as a C-level executive at top companies, including CBS Interactive and TV Guide Digital, where she leveraged emerging technologies and cutting-edge narrative skills to develop winning strategies and future-focused teams. She draws from her own experiences as a corporate leader, sought-after advisor, and board member to help organizations across industries break new ground and create value by unlocking new opportunities to challenge conventional wisdom, build diverse coalitions, and meet consumer needs.

Social Robotics Expert & MIT Media Lab Research Specialist

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  • Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
  • US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
A leading expert in robot ethics, Dr. Kate Darling is a research scientist at the MIT Media Lab, where she investigates social robotics and conducts experimental studies on human-robot interaction. Forever interested in how technology intersects with society, Kate has a background in law & economics and intellectual property, she explores the emotional connection between people and life-like machines, seeking to influence technology design and policy direction. Her writing and research anticipate difficult questions that lawmakers, engineers, and the wider public will need to address as human-robot relationships evolve in the coming decades. Dr. Darling’s work has been featured in international media, and she has authored multiple academic publications and contributed to industry publications from Vogue to Die Zeit to the BBC, and in 2017, the American Bar Association honored her legal work with the Mark T. Banner Award in Intellectual Property.

Technology and Innovation Expert & Best-Selling Author

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  • Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • Asia: $55,001 - $75,000*
When brands like Google, Starbucks, Shopify, and GE want to use technology to better connect with their consumers, they call Mitch Joel. He is the best-selling author of the award-winning business books, Six Pixels of Separation and CTRL ALT Delete, and the founder of Six Pixels Group. He's also the former president of Mirum, a global digital marketing agency operating in 25 countries with close to 3,000 employees. Mitch has been called “one of North America’s leading visionaries” and the “Rock Star of Digital Marketing” by Strategy Magazine, he was listed as one of the “Speakers Worth Catching” by Forbes, and he was recognized in the highly prestigious “Top 40 Under 40”… but he's much more than that. He is a charismatic and engaging storyteller, and takes audiences on an exciting ride that helps them understand not only adapt to but succeed in the new digital, hyper-connected business environment. His speaking style is big, engaging, entertaining, educating, and eyebrow raising. Your audience will leave informed and ready to tackle the future... today.

Award Winning Entrepreneur, Venture Capitalist, Best-Selling Author and 2x Emmy Nominated Media Visionary

Fees
  • Local: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • US East: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
Leonard Brody has been called “a controversial leader of the new world order” and was recently named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40. He is a highly respected entrepreneur, venture capitalist, best- selling author and a 2 time Emmy nominated media visionary. He has helped in raising millions of dollars for startup companies, been through one of the largest internet IPOs in history and has been involved in the building, financing and/or sale of five companies to date. In 2004, Leonard co-founded, and was CEO of, NowPublic.com which is a pioneer in the field of citizen journalism. Leonard also acts as an advisor to venture capital funds in the US, Europe and Asia.
What is Disruption in the Workplace?

Disruption, according to The Balance Small Business, is innovation that radically changes the way something operates. Specifically, disruption in the workplace refers to innovation that enhances and improves the way things are typically done. Being able to identify anything from simple, everyday tasks to big-picture, future-focused ideas that have the possibility of being performed better, are good candidates for disruptive innovation. Disruption scares some people, especially those that have been involved in organizations for a long time and have the mindset “we’ve always done it this way and we will continue to do it this way.” Disruption in the workplace is not something to be feared, rather, it should be embraced.

Why are Innovation Speakers so Popular?

What are disruption and innovation speakers? They’re some of the most popular types of speakers—and interest among audiences is only growing as technology advances. Speakers on disruption and innovation talk about the impact of emerging technology on business models and how innovation can help you get ahead of it. Additionally these innovation keynote speakers can cover topics such as emotional intelligence, workplace culture, social innovation, business creativity, and how to lead, innovate, and disrupt in today's work environment.

Why are our keynote speakers on disruption and innovation the most qualified for this topic? Some are emerging technology, disruption, and innovation experts while others have led companies that needed to adapt to counterbalance the impact of technology on their business model.

Why are our Innovation Keynote Speakers the Best?

Consider how Apple pioneered the streaming music game, or how Buzzfeed built itself on the rise of social media’s role in news. Our speakers were a part of these innovative companies and more, including Gatorade, Nike, and Trader Joe’s. And these innovation keynote speakers can be a part of your event.

Tech Entrepreneurs

Tech entrepreneurs are paving the way in how the world operates. Rapidly improving technologies make day-to-day tasks easier and allow humans to focus on big-picture projects that technology can’t do. Although technology may be capable to do the things we want it to do in the future, we need tech entrepreneurs to visualize and make these ideas come to life. Additionally, lots of the technology that we have today is thanks to other projects that has evolved to benefit the greater human good.

Nichol Bradford, a futurist and the founder of Transformative Tech, ignites new ways to use technology to expand beyond our perceived limits and reach our fullest potential. Poppy Crum, an expert in technology-driven innovation and human evolution, builds innovative technologies that leverage human physiology to improve the ways we interact with the world. These tech entrepreneurs and innovators are challenging businesses and organizations to analyze their current relationships with technology and determine new ways to utilize everyday technology.

Workplace Innovation Experts and Business Strategists

Workplace and business innovation is what most people typically think of when they hear the word disruption. Workplace innovation experts are those that see the way their current work environment functions and believes that work can be done better or more efficiently through a different process. On a broader scale, business strategists look at an entire company or organization and see a way that business can be greatly improved by being performed a different way. Jessie Hayes-Stallings, a beauty industry leader and founder and CEO of Skinphorea Facial Bar, is a business disruptor. She noticed a gap in the market for the on-the-go client with limited time for professional skincare services and created an express service that offers women a faster, best-in-class facial spa experience. Another example of a business strategist is co-founder and former CEO of StockX, Josh Luber. Luber turned his passion for sneakers into a billion-dollar industry by creating the world’s first “Stock Market of Things."

Leadership Experts

Leadership experts are key to ensuring that disruption and innovation happens successfully. A good idea is only as strong as the way that it is executed. Leadership expert Reggie Fils-Aimé, former President and COO of Nintendo of America Inc., knows this better than anyone. As an award-winning innovator and disruptor, Reggie helped bring the Nintendo DS, the Wii, the Nintendo Switch, and other products to the global marketplace. Leadership experts within the world of disruption empower innovators and disruptors to come up with new ideas and trust that they can get the work down. A strong leader believes in its employees and trusts those within their organization.

Other key leadership experts that are beneficial in sparking change within an organization are Jessica O. Matthews, Innovator and CEO of Uncharted; and Sarah Robb O'Hagan, a legendary business leader and disruption expert known for shaking up legacy products at big brands. Both of these speakers saw current products and practices that had the potential to be done better, and executed on these beliefs.

Deliver Innovation With The Best Speakers On Disruption

With the experience and know-how of our team of industry experts, we’ll help you find disruption and innovation speakers that meet your budget, theme, goals, intended audience, and other key factors. We’ll also take care of bundling event extras into your packages as desired and handle your speaker’s logistics.

Explore our curated list of leading disruption and innovation keynote speakers above and click on any of the speaker's names to see their individual speaker profile pages, find out more about their expertise and speaking topics, and watch their speaker video footage to see them in action.

Contact us for more information about our disruption and innovation speakers or if you have any questions.

If you're interested in receiving a curated list of our top keynote speaker recommendations customized specifically for your event and audience, you can either email us, call 1-800-SPEAKER, or live chat with a member of our team right now.