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Keynote SpeakerAdah Parris

Futurist, Cultural Strategist & Creator of Innovation Model, Cyborg Shamanism

Topics

Popular Talks

The Power of Being a Good Ancestor
Belonging and kinship in the age of 1s and 0s
From Chaos to Growth: The Value of Embracing Turbulence in Business and Beyond
Designing Immersive Experiences: The Power and Responsibility of Transformation
Transformative tech

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Biography

Adah Parris is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, polymath, anti-disciplinary artist, tech futurist, and activist who is dedicated to inspiring individuals and organisations to embrace new ways of thinking and doing. She has a unique blend of expertise in multiple fields, including living systems, technologies (digital and ecological) and systems design. Her perspective on innovation, transformation, and technology is both empathetic and subversive, challenging the status quo and helping people to recognise and bridge the gap between their external stories and internal behaviours.

Adah is the Chair of Mental Health First Aid England and the advisory group for the Centre for Cultural Value, and she has also been recognised as a TED Talks Global Emerging Innovator. Her work explores the anatomy of transformation and innovation, and she focuses on changing how we experience the world by asking the question, “What type of Ancestor do you want to be?” Her cutting-edge philosophy, Cyborg Shamanism™, merges ancient wisdom, living systems, indigenous community practices, and digital technologies, and she provides individuals with the tools and practices to bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be through her consulting and her Ancestors Retreats.

Adah Parris has over 20 years of experience in transforming cultures to nurture decentralised innovation environments and has worked with some of the world’s leading organisations and institutions, including Natwest Bank, Google, Unilever, Sainsbury’s, Oath, Ogilvy Labs, The British Council, The EU Council, The Tate Modern, the British Film Institute (BFI), The Union Chapel, Burning Man Camp: Playground, ArabNet Dubai, Innovate Finance, Wayra UK, The Friday Club, The University of The Underground, and Shambala Festival to name a few.

Her work with individuals and organisations helps them to expand their perspectives, develop a deeper understanding, and take action towards a more sustainable future. Adah encourages businesses to embrace the idea of being a good ancestor, prioritise long-term thinking, inclusivity, and sustainability, and to create immersive experiences that prioritise well-being and ethical responsibility. By adopting this holistic approach, businesses can foster deeper connections with their employees and customers, drive innovation, and leave a positive legacy.

Adah Parris is a visionary and catalyst for change, inspiring individuals and organisations to create a more sustainable future based on community, kinship, and living ecosystems. With her unique blend of expertise, she helps businesses embrace new ways of thinking and doing and encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. By considering the impact of our actions on future generations, adopting sustainable practices, and creating inclusive environments, businesses can drive innovation, foster deeper connections and leave a positive legacy.

ChatGPT says that she’s “the tech shaman who channels ancient wisdom and makes immersive and wearable art on the side”.

“Adah pushed us all to uncover our values and made us reflect on what’s really important to us. Her exercises were truly thought-provoking and as a result we had lots of positive feedback from our team.” Barbara Ryl, Global Brand Manager, Core+ Unilever

“Adah impressed us with how she establishes connections across several topics to put together the bigger picture. This provided us with immediate actionable learnings but also lots of food for thought, which is invaluable to truly allow us all to grow.” Andy Posteret, DSBO Channel Sales & Activations, DACH at Google

“Adah challenged us all to question and to be more deliberate. She fired us all up to really appreciate the opportunity and responsibility we have as communication experts – and to continue to broaden the narratives being created and told.” Fiona Couper, Chief Marketing Officer, VCCP

Popular Talks by Adah Parris

The Power of Being a Good Ancestor
How Embracing Long-Term Thinking Can Drive Innovation and Creativity in Business This talk explores how the concept of being a good ancestor can have a transformative impact on businesses, inspiring leaders to think beyond short-term profits and embrace a culture of long-term thinking. By considering the impact of our actions...
How Embracing Long-Term Thinking Can Drive Innovation and Creativity in Business

This talk explores how the concept of being a good ancestor can have a transformative impact on businesses, inspiring leaders to think beyond short-term profits and embrace a culture of long-term thinking. By considering the impact of our actions on future generations, we can create a sense of purpose and drive innovation and creativity in pursuit of sustainable practices. The talk also delves into how fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging can lead to diverse perspectives and innovative solutions. By adopting the mindset of being a good ancestor, we can create a better future for ourselves, our businesses, and future generations.

Audience Takeaways:
- Embracing the concept of being a good ancestor and considering the impact of our actions on future generations can drive innovation and creativity within our businesses.
- Fostering a culture of “long-now” thinking can encourage employees to be more creative and take risks in pursuit of innovative solutions.
- Creating a culture of inclusivity and belonging can attract a diverse range of employees who bring different perspectives and ideas to the table, leading to more innovative solutions and better outcomes for all.
- Thinking beyond short-term profits and considering the long-term impact of our decisions can inspire us to explore new, innovative solutions that not only benefit our business but also have a positive impact on the world.
- By prioritising sustainability and responsibility, businesses can create a culture of long-term thinking that encourages innovation and supports a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
Belonging and kinship in the age of 1s and 0s
This talk explores the concept of belonging in an increasingly digitally connected world and suggests an alternative approach to understanding it through the lens of “relational ecology,” which emphasises sustainable relationships with others and the world around us. The talk also raises important questions about the role of artificial intelligence...
This talk explores the concept of belonging in an increasingly digitally connected world and suggests an alternative approach to understanding it through the lens of “relational ecology,” which emphasises sustainable relationships with others and the world around us. The talk also raises important questions about the role of artificial intelligence in facilitating these relationships, the need for inclusivity and respect for diversity in fostering kinship, and the importance of a Long-Now mindset in creating cultures and ecosystems that promote growth and transformation. Ultimately, the talk suggests that focusing on connections with others and the world may be the key to creating a sense of belonging and well-being.

Audience Takeaways:
- That belonging is a complex concept that can be approached from various angles, including through the lens of relational ecology.
- That relationships with others and with the world around us are crucial to our well-being and should be considered in the development of technology and artificial intelligence.
- The development of the metaverse brings up issues of elitism and democratisation, which should be carefully considered.
- That exploring new hierarchy of needs highlights the importance of intimacy and belonging in human life, but we should recognise and foster kinship in a way that is inclusive and respectful of diversity.
- That by taking a living systems approach to life, we can create cultures and ecosystems that are in a state of growth and transformation, and in which individuals feel inspired to contribute to the greater good.
From Chaos to Growth: The Value of Embracing Turbulence in Business and Beyond
This talk explores the concept of “peace as radical justice” and the importance of considering the perspectives and experiences of marginalised and “othered” groups in defining what peace means. As humans, we are a small part of the interconnected and complex system of life on this planet, and peace must...
This talk explores the concept of “peace as radical justice” and the importance of considering the perspectives and experiences of marginalised and “othered” groups in defining what peace means. As humans, we are a small part of the interconnected and complex system of life on this planet, and peace must reflect and value the fluid and organic nature of all living things, including nature. Business leaders can learn from this message by taking a holistic approach to innovation that considers the impact on planetary resources and the legacy they will leave behind for future generations. By including the voices and experiences of all those affected, we can hope to achieve true peace and justice.

Audience Takeaways:
- The importance of considering diverse perspectives: It is important to consider the perspectives, knowledge, wisdom, and lived experiences of marginalised and “othered” groups, including nature, in efforts to define and achieve peace. In business, this could mean considering the needs and experiences of diverse groups when developing products, services, and policies.
- To embrace chaos and disorder: Despite the overwhelming loss and pain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is much to be learned, adapted, and grown from chaos, disorder, and turbulence. In business, this could mean being open to new ideas and innovation, even in times of uncertainty.
- To consider impact on planetary resources: It is important to take into account the impact on planetary resources, not just those that affect humans directly. In business, this could mean adopting sustainable practices and considering the environmental impact of products and services.
- About the relationship between legacy and responsibility: As individuals and as business leaders, we have a responsibility to consider the legacy we will leave behind and the impact we will have on future generations. This could mean making decisions that prioritise the long-term well-being of society and the planet, rather than just short-term gains.
Designing Immersive Experiences: The Power and Responsibility of Transformation
This talk discusses the importance of being aware of the potential positive and negative impact of immersive experiences on participants, particularly in the context of business and entrepreneurship. As immersive experience designers, it is our responsibility to prioritise the well-being of participants and provide support and resources after the experience...
This talk discusses the importance of being aware of the potential positive and negative impact of immersive experiences on participants, particularly in the context of business and entrepreneurship. As immersive experience designers, it is our responsibility to prioritise the well-being of participants and provide support and resources after the experience has ended. By creating transformative immersive experiences that consider the emotional and psychological impact on participants, businesses can foster deeper connections and increase engagement and loyalty. It is also important to use the power dynamics of immersive experiences ethically and responsibly, mitigating any negative effects. By taking a holistic approach to design and prioritising the well-being of participants, businesses can create meaningful connections and positive change.

Audience Takeaways:
- As immersive experience designers, there is a responsibility to consider the potential impact of our designs on participants and provide support and resources for them after the experience has ended.
- Immersive experiences have the potential to bring about deep, subconscious transformation and connection for participants, but they can also trigger unresolved emotions and traumas.
- By taking a holistic approach to design and considering the emotional and psychological impact of our designs, we can create immersive experiences that leave a lasting, positive impression on participants.
- Immersive experiences can be a powerful tool for businesses to foster deeper connections with their customers and employees, leading to increased loyalty and engagement.
- Businesses should be aware of the power dynamics at play in immersive experiences and use this power ethically and responsibly, by being mindful of the potential impact of their designs and taking steps to mitigate any negative effects.
- Ultimately, by creating immersive experiences that prioritise the well-being of participants and use our power as designers ethically and responsibly, businesses can create meaningful connections with their audience and foster positive change.
Transformative tech
Overcoming the false duality of technology vs nature
The soft side of tech (building a future that is planet and all human centric)
Culture, art and climate change (intersection and opportunity for change)
Systems foresight
Systems change