Top 10 Trending Future of Work Speakers to Hire in 2025
The future of work encompasses emerging trends in technology, workplace culture and employee engagement. Predicting these trends is crucial for companies to adapt, innovate and remain competitive, with the anticipation of trends crucial for companies to align with evolving market demands.
What Does the Future of Work Mean?
“The future of work predicts upcoming trends in business, shaped by technological advancements and societal events. Specialists on the topic hail from a wide range of industries, from psychology to finance, and have each witnessed the evolution of their respective sectors.”
Source: Gartner
Why Should I Hire a Future of Work Speaker?
Hiring a future of work speaker is crucial as the workplace is rapidly evolving. By 2030, 1 in 16 workers may need to switch occupations, highlighting the necessity for businesses to adapt. A future of work keynote speaker provides insights into emerging trends, technology and workplace culture, helping companies to prepare for change.
Who are the Top 10 Trending Future of Work Speakers to Hire?
Vetted through rigorous scrutiny in our exclusive event surveys, official data from 211 future of work events between 2022 and 2024 was taken to form the below selection of the Top 10 Trending Future of Work Speakers to Hire!
1. Jonathan Brill
Former Global Futurist & Research Director for HP
Jonathan Brill is a highly sought-after expert on strategic foresight and technology innovation, making him an ideal speaker for future of work events - with Forbes acknowledging him as the "#1 Ranked Futurist in the World". As the author of the best-selling book ‘Rogue Waves’ and a leading authority at the Center for Radical Change and Singularity University, he brings unparalleled insights into managing and leveraging radical change. His extensive experience with top companies like HP and Frost & Sullivan, along with his engaging keynote speeches at renowned conferences such as TED and Harvard, make him a compelling and inspirational figure for audiences worldwide.
2. Sana Khareghani
Professor of Practice in AI at King's College London
3. Ray Kurzweil
Chief Futurist for Google & National Medal of Technology & Innovation Recipient
Ray Kurzweil is a highly regarded tech pioneer, recognised with prestigious awards such as the Grace Murray Hopper Award and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. He invented the image scanner, OCR and groundbreaking devices for the blind. Known for accurately predicting the World Wide Web and AI advancements, Ray's insights are based on deep research into AI and technology. He has been lauded by three US presidents and PBS as a revolutionary, and Inc. Magazine as one of the most fascinating entrepreneurs. A seasoned speaker at top conferences, he offers visionary perspectives on the future of work and technology.
4. Cecily Sommers
Founder & President of The Push Institute, Forbes Top 50 Female Futurist
Cecily Sommers is hired as a future of work speaker due to her extensive experience as an inspirational futurist and her impressive accolades, including being named one of the ‘World’s Top 50 Female Futurists’. As the former Founder and President of The Push Institute, Cecily has over 20 years of expertise in identifying growth opportunities and developing business strategies. She is celebrated for her practical guidance and passion for educating business leaders on fostering a futuristic mindset and resilience in the workplace. Highly respected, she has worked with top companies like Accenture, Google and American Express.
5. Azeem Azhar
Founder of Exponential View & Co-Chair of WEF Global Futures Council on Complex Risk
Azeem Azhar is hired as a future of work speaker due to his profound expertise in AI and exponential technologies, exemplified by his roles as Founder of Exponential View and PeerIndex. His comprehensive background, including an MA from Oxford and key positions at renowned organisations like The Guardian and BBC, showcases his strategic insight. As an acclaimed author and podcast host, Azeem's extensive research on AI’s societal impacts makes him a sought-after voice. Recognised as a top influencer and LinkedIn Top Voice, his compelling talks at global universities and conferences further solidify his standing as a leading expert on the future of work.
6. Elina Hiltunen
Founder of What's Next Consulting OY, Forbes Top 50 Leading Futurists in the World
Elina Hiltunen is a top choice for a future of work speaker due to her extensive expertise as a futurist and Founder of What’s Next Consulting Oy. With over 15 years in the industry, Elina has been recognised by Forbes as one of the Top 50 Leading Futurists Globally. Her academic background includes a Doctor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering. Elina has published 14 books, contributed to various media outlets and developed innovative tools like TrendWiki. Her engaging presentations and deep insights make her a perfect fit to inspire and prepare audiences for future corporate challenges.
7. Sheryl Connelly
Former Chief Futurist at Ford Motor Company
Sheryl Connelly, former Chief Futurist at Ford Motor Company and current Manager of Global Consumer Trends and Futuring, is a leading expert in corporate strategy, product development and design. Her extensive experience, including her role in creating Ford's Center of Excellence, positions her as an authority on global consumer trends. Sheryl's insights are frequently featured in top publications and media outlets. Recognised as one of Forbes' Top Female Futurists, her TEDx talks showcase her engaging presentation skills. Hiring Sheryl Connelly as a keynote speaker guarantees a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for any futurism-focused event.
8. Claire Nelson
Lead Futurist & VP of International Affairs at Morgan State University
Claire Nelson is a sought-after future of work speaker due to her extensive expertise in strategic foresight, sustainability engineering and international development. As the Chief Ideation Leader for The Futures Forum and Lead Futurist at Morgan State University, Claire helps organisations envision and create desired futures. With a strong engineering background and notable positions at prestigious institutions like the Inter American Development Bank and the Institute of Industrial Engineers, Claire's insights are highly valued. Recognised as one of Forbes' Top 50 Female Futurists, she is also an accomplished author and keynote speaker, making her an exceptional choice for events focused on the future of work.
9. Marina Gorbis
Executive Director of the Institute for the Future, Forbes Top 50 Female Futurists
Marina Gorbis is hired as a future of work speaker due to her extensive experience and foresight in the field. As the Executive Director of the Institute for the Future, she has led research on innovation at the intersection of technology and social organisation for 25 years. She launched key initiatives like the Workable Futures Initiative, aimed at understanding new work patterns. Her background includes a BA in Psychology and a Master's in Public Policy from UC Berkeley, and she has held influential roles at SRI International. Recognised as one of Forbes' 50 Leading Female Futurists, Marina is a distinguished keynote speaker on the future of work.
10. Nick Bostrom
Founding Director of the Future of Humanity Institute at the University of Oxford
Nick Bostrom is a sought-after speaker on the future of work due to his profound expertise in artificial intelligence and technology. As the founding Director of the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford, he examines the existential risks and benefits of AI. His insights into AI's potential for self-improvement and its impact on humanity are encapsulated in his best-selling book "Superintelligence". Recognised globally as a top thinker, Nick's unique combination of philosophical, mathematical and computational neuroscience credentials positions him as a leading authority on navigating the challenges and opportunities of AI in the workplace.
Hire Top Future of Work Speakers
With The Motivational Speakers Agency, it could not be easier to hire future of work speakers. Simply browse our selection of the best future of work keynote speakers available to hire, then use our online contact form to reach one of our dedicated booking agents. Alternatively, contact a booking agent directly by calling 0207 0787876 now!
This exclusive article on the Top 10 Trending Future of Work Speakers to Hire was authored by Louisa Mason-Hayes, using exclusive data from 211 future of work events between 2022 and 2024.
