Has disruption - from employee burnout, hybrid work, AI, global uncertainty, and more - shaken up your world? Are your people looking for clear leadership in this time of massive change? Do you want to be more confident in chaos and uncertainty?
Gihan Perera is a business futurist, conference speaker, AI researcher, and author who shows you how to be fit for the future in a fast-changing world.
For more than 25 years, he has worked with organisations and leaders throughout Australia and the world, helping them to lead in uncertainty, act with clarity and confidence, and thrive in a fast-changing world.
He is the author of "Disrupted", "Disruption By Design", "The Future of Leadership", and ten other books.
Through his keynote presentations, interactive masterclasses, and in-depth leadership programs, he shares future trends and thought-provoking insights - delivered with interaction, engagement, and humour - that leave people feeling positive, empowered, and optimistic about their future.
Forbes magazine rated him the #5 social media influencer in the world (and #1 in Australia) in his area of expertise.
He has always taken the lead in embracing emerging technologies and trends, from his university thesis in AI more than 30 years ago, to leading a software development team building the infrastructure for the early Internet, founding one of Australia's first Web development companies in 1996, teaching thought leaders how to create e-learning platforms, and helping business leaders with scenario planning to lead their teams into the future.
Gihan is one of Australia's leading online presenters, and has been delivering online presentations since 2009. Citrix (the company behind GoToWebinar) engaged him to teach their clients around the world how to run better online presentations. Garr Reynolds, author of the world-renowned bestseller "Presentation Zen", asked him to write the online presentations section for the book.
He is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), the only internationally recognised designation for professional speakers. His formal background is in science and AI, with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Western Australia. But he's always been interested in people and the way they communicate - and how to become fit for the future, so they embrace change, act on opportunities, and live happier lives.
Speaking topics
Fit For The Future
Thriving, Not Just Surviving, in a Fast-Changing World
The world is changing at breakneck speed, and we know there's more uncertainty and disruption - but also opportunity - in our future.
From digital expansion to climate action, from fresh faces in the office to new rules on how and where we work, and from social change to AI - these aren't just disruptions, they are your next big chance.
You might think the future is outside your control, but that's not true. We can't be future proof, but we can be future ready. We all have the opportunity to shape the future - and that starts now.
Let's explore the trends shaping our future, understand the skills and mindset we most need now, and learn how to thrive in a fast-changing world. Come ready to think, laugh, learn, and leave with a game plan for your own future.
Customers On Your Side
Engaging The Future Customer
The world is in flux, and so are your customers. Are you keeping up?
If you don't know what matters to them now, they will choose somebody else who does.
Many businesses start with a laser-focused view of their ideal customer, but over time, they drift apart. Far too often, the customer - your business's true north - is forgotten. And in a fast-changing world, it's easier than ever for competitors to swoop in.
The organisations that succeed adapt to the changing customer, with leaders who can lead in uncertainty, team members who put the customer first, and a culture that embraces change.
In this engaging and eye-opening presentation, we look at the modern customer: what captures their imagination, what drives their loyalty, and what you need to do to stay ahead of the game.
AI already plays a big part in our personal and professional lives, and will continue to shape the way we live and work. If you're not already engaging with AI in your organisation, you're falling behind. But it's not as simple as just switching it on and hoping for the best!
Disruption is more common than ever, and external pressures beyond our control can have a massive impact. We would love to have certainty about our future, but that's impossible. Instead, learn to think like a futurist, so you can think ahead to see what's around the corner and over the horizon.
Leveraging AI
Humans and Machines - Better Together
The robots are not coming - they are already here! AI has been simmering away in the background for decades, and ChatGPT was the tipping point that made it mainstream.
The AI revolution is here, and will continue to shape the way we live and work. If you're not already engaging with AI, you're falling behind. But it's not as simple as just switching it on and hoping for the best!
In this engaging and eye-opening presentation, you'll understand how to leverage AI - to enhance your customer experience, empower your team to collaborate with AI, and elevate productivity and performance to stay ahead of the game.
Future-Ready Leaders
From Chaos and Confusion to Clarity and Confidence
We have already faced years of change and uncertainty, and the real disruption is still to come. The future of work will be even more fluid - influenced by climate change, working from home, diversity and inclusion, generational shifts, AI and automation, changes in global economic power, and more.
If your people are burnt out, fed up, falling behind, and pushing back, you're not alone! More than ever, we need leaders to step up and lead the way - providing clarity and confidence when they face chaos and confusion.
The best people can - and will - choose where, when, how, and for whom they work. Will you create the sort of workplace that will attract and keep them? And are you the sort of leader they want to follow?
In this keynote presentation for leaders and managers, you will understand the essential components of the future of work, gain insights into the must-have skills for tomorrow, and learn what it takes to create the best workplace on earth.
Testimonials
Entertaining, informative and engaging. One of the better keynotes I've seen. I enjoyed the way Gihan linked the future to the industry! Well done, I would engage with you again.
Greg Brylski, Healthscope
Gihan is every event manager's dream speaker: professional, communicative and relevant. His tailored online presentation was engaging, delivering thoughtful and insightful content to our audience.
Kylie Hatcher, Cornerstone Events
Gihan exceeded our expectations in terms of professionalism, content and relevance. His approachable, energetic and entertaining presentation provided our organisation with a fresh perspective on innovation and how it can be embedded within our culture.
Libby Buick, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Gihan was outstanding. We have a very diverse team with varying degrees of seniority, and his message resonated with so many. He understood our brief perfectly. Thanks, Gihan for a perfect start to our conference!
Joseph Dabbous, Intrepid Group
Entertaining, thought-provoking and informative, perfectly setting the scene for the audience to become positive agents for change in their own communities. Your efforts throughout the day were instrumental to the success of the Conference.
Rob Leicester, WA Government
Gihan's engaging and thought provoking presentation was the perfect way to start our Strategic Planning Day. He had everyone energised, open-minded, and ready to think outside the box.
Richelle McIntyre, North Metropolitan TAFE
