Adah Parris is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, polymath, anti-disciplinary artist, tech futurist, and activist who is dedicated to inspiring individuals and organisations to embrace new ways of thinking and doing. She has a unique blend of expertise in multiple fields, including living systems, technologies (digital and ecological) and systems design. Her perspective on innovation, transformation, and technology is both empathetic and subversive, challenging the status quo and helping people to recognise and bridge the gap between their external stories and internal behaviours.
Adah is the Chair of Mental Health First Aid England and the advisory group for the Centre for Cultural Value, and she has also been recognised as a TED Talks Global Emerging Innovator. Her work explores the anatomy of transformation and innovation, and she focuses on changing how we experience the world by asking the question, “What type of Ancestor do you want to be?” Her cutting-edge philosophy, Cyborg Shamanism™, merges ancient wisdom, living systems, indigenous community practices, and digital technologies, and she provides individuals with the tools and practices to bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be through her consulting and her Ancestors Retreats.
Adah Parris has over 20 years of experience in transforming cultures to nurture decentralised innovation environments and has worked with some of the world’s leading organisations and institutions, including Natwest Bank, Google, Unilever, Sainsbury’s, Oath, Ogilvy Labs, The British Council, The EU Council, The Tate Modern, the British Film Institute (BFI), The Union Chapel, Burning Man Camp: Playground, ArabNet Dubai, Innovate Finance, Wayra UK, The Friday Club, The University of The Underground, and Shambala Festival to name a few.
Her work with individuals and organisations helps them to expand their perspectives, develop a deeper understanding, and take action towards a more sustainable future. Adah encourages businesses to embrace the idea of being a good ancestor, prioritise long-term thinking, inclusivity, and sustainability, and to create immersive experiences that prioritise well-being and ethical responsibility. By adopting this holistic approach, businesses can foster deeper connections with their employees and customers, drive innovation, and leave a positive legacy.
Adah Parris is a visionary and catalyst for change, inspiring individuals and organisations to create a more sustainable future based on community, kinship, and living ecosystems. With her unique blend of expertise, she helps businesses embrace new ways of thinking and doing and encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. By considering the impact of our actions on future generations, adopting sustainable practices, and creating inclusive environments, businesses can drive innovation, foster deeper connections and leave a positive legacy.
ChatGPT says that she’s “the tech shaman who channels ancient wisdom and makes immersive and wearable art on the side”.
How Embracing Long-Term Thinking Can Drive Innovation and Creativity in Business
This talk explores how the concept of being a good ancestor can have a transformative impact on businesses, inspiring leaders to think beyond short-term profits and embrace a culture of long-term thinking. By considering the impact of our actions on future generations, we can create a sense of purpose and drive innovation and creativity in pursuit of sustainable practices. The talk also delves into how fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging can lead to diverse perspectives and innovative solutions. By adopting the mindset of being a good ancestor, we can create a better future for ourselves, our businesses, and future generations.
Audience Takeaways:
This talk explores the concept of belonging in an increasingly digitally connected world and suggests an alternative approach to understanding it through the lens of “relational ecology,” which emphasises sustainable relationships with others and the world around us. The talk also raises important questions about the role of artificial intelligence in facilitating these relationships, the need for inclusivity and respect for diversity in fostering kinship, and the importance of a Long-Now mindset in creating cultures and ecosystems that promote growth and transformation. Ultimately, the talk suggests that focusing on connections with others and the world may be the key to creating a sense of belonging and well-being.
Audience Takeaways:
This talk explores the concept of “peace as radical justice” and the importance of considering the perspectives and experiences of marginalised and “othered” groups in defining what peace means. As humans, we are a small part of the interconnected and complex system of life on this planet, and peace must reflect and value the fluid and organic nature of all living things, including nature. Business leaders can learn from this message by taking a holistic approach to innovation that considers the impact on planetary resources and the legacy they will leave behind for future generations. By including the voices and experiences of all those affected, we can hope to achieve true peace and justice.
Audience Takeaways:
This talk discusses the importance of being aware of the potential positive and negative impact of immersive experiences on participants, particularly in the context of business and entrepreneurship. As immersive experience designers, it is our responsibility to prioritise the well-being of participants and provide support and resources after the experience has ended. By creating transformative immersive experiences that consider the emotional and psychological impact on participants, businesses can foster deeper connections and increase engagement and loyalty. It is also important to use the power dynamics of immersive experiences ethically and responsibly, mitigating any negative effects. By taking a holistic approach to design and prioritising the well-being of participants, businesses can create meaningful connections and positive change.
Audience Takeaways:
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