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Keynote SpeakerGerd Leonhard

Futurist, Humanist & Author - CEO of The Future Agency

“People, Planet, Purpose and Prosperity.” That is Gerd Leonhard’s motto. And as one of the leading futurists worldwide, having presented at hundreds of leading conferences and events over the past 20 years and worked with the likes of Microsoft, NBC, Visa, Google, the European Commission, L’Oréal, Audi and IBM, just... Read more

Watch Gerd Leonhard in action

Popular Talks by Gerd Leonhard

  • Technology & Humanity, AI and HI

    Is AI the next chapter in the evolution of the internet, and does it bring a new era for humanity? Is AI not only the new general purpose technology but also the next technology platform shift (after mobile and the cloud)? In this constantly updated keynote, Futurist Gerd Leonhard probes into the…
  • The Good Future: How to design our preferred futures

    Amid geopolitical conflicts, climate emergencies, and the rapid pace of technological change, Gerd discusses how we can design a “Good Future.” With the urgency to address these challenges, he questions whether the current economic systems are fit for purpose. Gerd proposes a new economic logic beyond traditional capitalism, centered around…
  • The future of work, jobs and education

    In a world dominated by technology, Gerd argues that our humanness—our androrithms—should be our primary focus. As AI takes over routine tasks, the key to the future lies in becoming more human, not less. Gerd explores how we can use technology to enhance creativity, empathy, and purpose while preserving essential…

More talks

  • The Future of Europe: The USofE?
  • 3 Emergencies: Trump's USA, Climate, AGi - and what to do about them
  • Millennials and GenZ: why there is hope
  • Green is the new digital – and sustainable will be the new profitable
  • The next 10 years: What to understand about the future
  • Examining techno-optimism: Too much of a good thing can be a very bad thing

Biography

“People, Planet, Purpose and Prosperity.” That is Gerd Leonhard’s motto. And as one of the leading futurists worldwide, having presented at hundreds of leading conferences and events over the past 20 years and worked with the likes of Microsoft, NBC, Visa, Google, the European Commission, L’Oréal, Audi and IBM, just to name a few, Gerd Leonhard has had the opportunity to influence and inspire Millions to “imagine and create a better tomorrow” – which led to him being named to Wired UK’s 100 Most Influential Europeans in 2015.

As a leading voice on the dangers of unregulated ‘big tech’ and the bestselling author of Technology vs Humanity: The Coming Clash Between Man and Machine, Gerd Leonhard has built a storied reputation as the go-to keynote speaker and thought leader when it comes to digital ethics, human-centric technology, sustainability, and the need for a new form of capitalism.

In addition to being one of the top 10 virtual keynote presenters worldwide, Gerd Leonhard is also a former professional musician, a filmmaker, a former almost dotcom millionaire, a Forbes column contributor, a fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts (London), and a Visiting Professor at the Fundação Dom Cabral in Brazil.

As a highly sought after futurist, Gerd Leonhard is no stranger to media, frequently sharing his often controversial but always prescient views with pieces in The Guardian, Harvard Business Review, Business Insider, Wired UK, and interviews with the likes of BBC, CNN, Arirang TV, Swiss SRF, ZDF, ARD, ARTE, and inclusion as a special guest in over a dozen documentaries.

He is based in Zurich Switzerland.

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What clients say about Gerd Leonhard

“Working with Gerd was an excellent experience, and he definitely pushed our executives’ thinking forward. Not only did he outline major technological and societal trends affecting our business, he did so in a way that was engaging and personal.” Adam Carroll, Inter Public Group
“Gerd Leonhard distinguishes from other futurists trough his emphaisis on the human factor in the story between man and machine. While some focus on predicting what technology will bring soon, he actively searches a positive story for humanity and he clearly sets limits on technology.” Kristoff Vandermeersch, HR Expo
“Eye-opening, thought-provoking, brilliant... Gerd’s visionary speech challenges the very core of our beliefs, he can link seemingly unrelated trends and deliver a presentation in engaging and entertaining fashion.” Dana Kršaková, Michal Ivantyšyn, ITAPA
“Gerd allows the audience to travel to and from the future. The result remains long after the conference, when you rewind his presentations after a few years, and see it happening in front of your eyes. I had the pleasure to hire Gerd when I was at Pestana Hotel Group, and this specific event reached the highest score ever in 4 decades. Gerd is a pleasure to work with, and I highly recommend his services.” Nuno Ferreira Pires, SPORT.TV
“Your presentation was a huge success. You managed to scare delegates to death and give them hope at the same time – quite a feat and exactly what they needed! Thank you also for crafting your ideas so that it tied very directly into our business, rather than being just a rehash of a standard presentation.” Clive Viegas Bennett, MGI Worldwide
“Gerd really made a big difference to our event because when he speaks about the future changes, technology, behaviors, he worries about connecting all of these changes with the audience reality, showing that it is possible to succeed, as humans, in this new world. He connects to the audience in a way that we feel that there is space for both humans and technology to live together.” Patricia Bastos, Tetra Pak

How to book Gerd Leonhard as a keynote speaker

How do I book Gerd Leonhard for a keynote speech?

You can book Gerd Leonhard through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Gerd's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Gerd Leonhard's speaking fees?

Gerd Leonhard's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Gerd tailored to your event.

What topics does Gerd Leonhard speak about?

Gerd Leonhard speaks on Artificial Intelligence, Business & Management, Digital, Digital Trends, Future. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Gerd to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Gerd Leonhard available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Gerd Leonhard for events worldwide, subject to Gerd's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Gerd Leonhard deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Gerd Leonhard is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Gerd Leonhard?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Gerd can accommodate.

Can Gerd Leonhard tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Gerd Leonhard on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Gerd can offer.

What languages does Gerd Leonhard present in?

Gerd Leonhard delivers keynotes in English, German. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Gerd Leonhard a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Gerd Leonhard's areas of expertise include Artificial Intelligence, Business & Management, Digital, Digital Trends, Future. To get a clear sense of Gerd's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Gerd Leonhard speak at?

Gerd Leonhard can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Business & Management, Digital, Digital Trends, Future is relevant. Details of Gerd's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Gerd Leonhard offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Gerd Leonhard is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Gerd Leonhard?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Gerd Leonhard, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Gerd's current availability for your dates.