keynotes and workshops
That inspire thinking, planning and action
As a futurist, strategist and keynote speaker, Simon inspires audiences to think more thoughtfully about the future. Most of Simon’s topics can be delivered in either a short form keynote or longer form workshop format and can be scaled from an intimate boardroom briefing to an auditorium size experience.
Take your time to peruse some of Simon’s topics below. Alternatively, get in touch with some details of your event and we will set up a time for you to talk directly to Simon so he can help guide your decision making and ensure your event is a success.
keynotes
The Art of Future Thinking
The perfect opening keynote or endnote for an industry conference, the Art of Future Thinking encourages audiences to look at the content and conversations from your event through fresh eyes. Simon shows the audience how to identify the ‘signals’ or change in the environment around them and use these to understand the drivers of change they need to be thinking about in their business.
Welcome to Generation Ai
How will generative AI impact the future of us? Part historical reflection, part futurist presentation, and part philosophical inquiry, this keynote provides a sophisticated and thoughtful exploration of generative AI and what we can learn from the past to make the most of our future. It is perfectly suited for organisational and industry events.
Can technology make us more human
This keynote explores the long-term relationship between humans and technology. Technological progress is more predictable than we think, and we CAN take steps to enhance our long-term relevance. By using technology wisely, we can become more human. Given the impact of digital disruption, this keynote appeals across all organisational levels and industry sectors.
The Science of Decisions
This unique keynote brings together the science of decisions, the art of storytelling, and the power of interactive experiences to show how good decision-makers can become great ones. Perfect for leadership teams, boards and government councillors aiming to develop next level decision-making and decision-advisory skills.
workshops
The Futurist's Toolkit
The Futurist’s Toolkit introduces the practical tools, techniques, and mindsets to help leaders prepare for what’s coming next. Drawing on nearly two decades of work as a business futurist, Simon demystifies how futurists approach uncertainty. He helps leaders strengthen strategic foresight, identify emerging opportunities, and build adaptive capacity within their organisations.
Choosing Tomorrow
Choosing Tomorrow is an immersive scenario workshop that helps leadership teams safely explore difficult and often divisive questions. Using the power of future scenarios, participants step into one of several possible futures to tackle complex issues like data privacy, business ethics and the impact of AI on the workplace. Along the way, they surface assumptions, build strategic awareness, and create a safe space for more informed, future-ready conversations.
How Better Decisions Get Made
How Better Decisions Get Made shows how leaders can make better decisions in complex, uncertain environments. It explores how sound judgement, clear process, and productive disagreement each contribute to effective decision-making. Participants gain practical approaches for counteracting bias, navigating disagreement, and making confident decisions when the way forward isn’t clear.
Strategic & Emerging Risks Workshop
Strategic awareness allows individuals and teams to lift their gaze, make sense of the bigger picture, and refocus their actions. It’s a skill that’s essential for leadership teams and boards, but it’s also valuable for anyone with decision-making responsibilities.
Leading in Uncertainty
Combining compelling storytelling with practical inquiry Leading in Uncertainty draws on Simon’s experience of the 2004 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. In a race where only half the fleet made it to the finish line, the story provides deep insights into leadership and teamwork in the face of literal headwinds and a perfect storm of uncertainty.
Some of the brands Simon has inspired
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From the moment we mind mashed I felt the energy and ideas coming to life. Your mentorship and experience allowed the event to land for the audience and your keynote and facilitation were both awesome. Gold plated work!
Courtney Smith
Event Owner, Forge Summit
Working with Simon was a wonderful experience. He gained trust and built rapport with our leadership team very quickly and his knowledge and process had us all deeply engaged. The outcome was also very powerful in reinforcing our future direction and the possible additional actions we need to be ready to take.
James Woodyatt
Managing Director, CDK Stone
The Scenario Planning Guide is great and even for someone who’s been doing scenarios for years, it prompted some serious thinking. I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the way you’ve made complex concepts accessible. I love the models and the layout. The whole book is exceptional!Â
Alex Hagan
Futurist
Simon thanks for your work, your sessions exceeded my expectations. These are incredibly useful structures and processes.
Tony Hallam
Director Zoos Victoria
Working with Simon is an incredibly enlightening and rewarding experience. His foresight and ability to distil complex information into an engaging story that resonates with the audience is exceptional. Every conversation with Simon takes you on a journey that has many forks in the road and it’s this skill that challenges and develops our strategic thinking. I highly recommend Simon Waller to any organisation.
Leanne Williams
CEO – My Community Library
The energy that Simon brings is infectious, and the different tools he used to get people to think strategically and understand the scenario development process meant that everyone could contribute.
Laura Jo Mellan
Director, Maribyrnong City Council
Simon did a brilliant job of finding the balance between challenging and reassuring us, enabling us to be comfortable with being uncomfortable – to rise to the task of leadership in times of high uncertainty.
Angela Savage
CEO, Public Libraries Victoria
I would happily recommend Simon if you are looking for someone who will encourage you to expand your imagination, to get you thinking on another level, to consider new ideas, to think outside the box. Simon is engaging, interactive, and challenges your way of thinking. He is professional and creative, down-to-earth, and a likeable character who will help you get to where you need to be.
Annemarie Mccabe
Chair, My Community Library
Mayor, Baw Baw Shire Council
Mayor, Baw Baw Shire Council