Dr Robert Kay is the Co-founder of a strategic innovation and commercialisation consultancy, and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Technology Sydney.
An expert in the application of complexity science to organisational resilience, he was formerly the Head of Strategic Innovation at Westpac Banking Corporation. His experience of establishing an innovation capability within a large respected corporate led to the development of a unique set of tools and techniques for dealing with uncertainty; and a deep insight into what it takes to make innovation work in established businesses.
With a career that has continuously moved between industry and academia, Robert brings a rare combination of commercial experience and academic rigor to his thinking, presentations and facilitation. Much of his work is in bringing this understanding to helping diverse groups of stakeholders solve complex problems and gain strategic alignment. He has consulted to a range of public and private organisations including the CSIRO, Dairy Australia, the Attorney General's Department - Federal Government, Caltex, Cisco, PwC and TAFE NSW.
Robert holds a 1st Class Honours Degree in Systems Thinking and a PhD on biological systems approaches to organisational sustainability and resilience.
Popular keynote topics:
How to Innovate in a Large Mature Organisation
Innovating in a mature organisation presents managers with a unique challenge. This presentation what can be done when more of the same is not enough.
Building a Resilient Organisation
This presentation provides a framework for thinking about the practical challenges of building a resilient organisation and explains why it is so difficult to achieve in practice. The presentation provides practical tips on what to avoid and the different models that can be applied.
Engaging Stakeholders in the Change Process
Stakeholder engagement requires much more than simply asking what they think, it requires knowing what they think and building a strategy that's compatible with that.
Managing Strategic Risks
As the world gets more uncertain, our old modes of dealing with risk continue to show their shortcomings. This New uncertainty requires new tools and ways of thinking to maintain organisational resilience. This presentation provides a framework for dealing with the 'New Uncertainty'
Testimonials
The highlight of the day. Rob’s presentation was the perfect blend of solid content presented in an engaging style.
- The Future Forum
Robert certainly met up to my expectations and exceeded those of the audience; I received great feedback from the attendees (some 50 individuals) who commented on how they loved his style, his ability to get right to the real issues without messing around the edges and his dry humour.
- Knowledge Management Roundtable
Very interesting discussion on how to engage stakeholders in pursuit of resilience; Fabulous approach to the topic. Very insightful & helpful. A laid back speaker with a brilliant cutting edge presentation
- World Conference on Disaster Management
