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Keynote SpeakerMark Stevenson

Expert on Global Trends and Innovation

‘Reluctant Futurist’ Mark Stevenson is a strategic advisor to governments, investors, NGOs and corporates and co-founder of Carbon Removals company CUR8. Though branded a ‘futurist’ by others Mark is more, as one client puts it, ‘Chief Annoying Question Asker’. He helps organisations change the way they feel, think, invest and operate... Read more

Watch Mark Stevenson in action

Popular Talks by Mark Stevenson

  • Building the post-Covid world

    Channelling Mark’s experience in helping governments, corporations and NGOs think through the implications and legacy of the pandemic, this talk explores the extraordinary moment the world finds itself in – and how the pandemic is, and will continue to be, a huge catalyst for long needed change. Those organisations that…
  • The Future and what to do about it

    Take a whistle stop tour of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of the next 20 years and why ‘business as usual’ is a recipe for disaster. How is the landscape of society going to change in terms of technology, energy, governance, health and commerce? What questions should smart…
  • The 8 principles of successful optimists

    Having spent 10 years working with and writing about some of the most innovative and extraordinary people and organisations in the world, Mark has distilled this learning down to his ‘eight principles for successful optimists’ that can be used at a personal, team and organisational level. What’s more, they can…
  • How to get people to change

    How do you talk truth to power and get away with it? What does it take for change to go beyond good intentions and turn into action? How do you take people out of their comfort zones and have them thank you for it? The answers are unexpected, but surprisingly…
  • Innovation in an age of chaos

    How can an organisation maintain any kind of innovative edge when chaos abounds? Our increasingly VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) world may seem almost impossible to navigate, and yet some organisations and individuals do, remaining relevant even as their competitors flail in the madness. While writing his last bestseller,…
  • The (really) big picture

    Where the world is, how it got there, the options open going forward and your organisation’s unique role in building a better future.

  • Systems change and how to do it

    Drawing on examples from his bestselling books and his own strategy work Mark explores why most attempts to battle the status quo fail, and how to approach change from the outset in a way much more likely to succeed.

  • The principles of successful optimism

    What are the key principles behind personal, team and organisational change? There are 8, and you can apply them tomorrow.

Biography

‘Reluctant Futurist’ Mark Stevenson is a strategic advisor to governments, investors, NGOs and corporates and co-founder of Carbon Removals company CUR8.

Though branded a ‘futurist’ by others Mark is more, as one client puts it, ‘Chief Annoying Question Asker’. He helps organisations change the way they feel, think, invest and operate in order to answer the intertwined questions the future is asking us – on climate change, inequality, the retreat of democracy and the failures of the markets to price risk properly (to name just four).

His two bestselling books, An Optimist’s Tour of the Future and the award-winning We Do Things Differently map out some existing and proven solutions to our current dilemmas.

He is Global Ambassador for both environmental law firm Client Earth and soil health pioneers Oath, as well as and former strategic advisor on peace, national security and climate change to the UK Ministry of Defence.

He also enjoys a successful side career as a comedy writer and songwriter, which he regards as essential for maintaining key skills needed in his strategy work. “The brain does the PR for what the heart has already decided, if you can’t speak to the heart any systems change is dead in the water.”

His hit podcast with comedian Jon Richardson and fellow systems change advocate Ed Gillespie is available on all major platforms.

Ready to invite Mark Stevenson to your event?

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What clients say about Mark Stevenson

“He came, he charmed, he conquered! When people you don’t know stop you in the bathroom or the food-court to tell you about ‘that guy’ who really shook things up you know you picked a winner. Or what about the group of IT developers who, after listening to Mark, decided to give up an entire weekend to come and work on apps that could change the trajectory of the company? How do you thank a man like Mark? You tell the whole world. Get yourself a little bit of him - and watch what happens next.” Annalie Killian, Director of Innovation & Social Business, AMP (Australia)
“Mark's approach to giving strategic advice is bold, unapologetic and consistently pushes you to examine your own instincts and the contributions of those around you. What makes Mark stand out? He truly cares. He invests himself in the journey and travels it with you. He helps to make big picture connections and has many times translated difficult challenges, questions and debates into language that we all (not just senior management - all staff) understand and can relate to. Mark's approach has brought the teams across our office together, and the outcomes of our work over the coming years will be far better because of it.” Melanie Stevenson, Medicines Sans Frontiers UK Strategic Planning Lead
“A spellbinding job. It was a tremendous speech met with a standing ovation. It is not often that you can hear a pin drop in a room that size – but the audience was enthralled. Wonderful!” Elliot Pullman, CEO, US Space Foundation
“The team were totally blown away, they thoroughly enjoyed it and loved the "no holds barred" approach - and Mark has become somewhat of a legend in our company now. Fantastic and on point - such precise and poignant delivery of crucial and motivational topics. Really inspiring & moving.” Thoughtworks UK
"Mark Stevenson’s energetic and provocative keynote address focusing on ‘the future and what to do about it’, left audience members with considerable food for thought on the transformational forces shaping industry, the economy, and society. By challenging old values and considering new ideas, Mark successfully opened minds as he delivered a highly-engaging and entertaining talk." Sean O’Brien, Skillnets

How to book Mark Stevenson as a keynote speaker

How do I book Mark Stevenson for a keynote speech?

You can book Mark Stevenson through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Mark's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Mark Stevenson's speaking fees?

Mark Stevenson's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Mark tailored to your event.

What topics does Mark Stevenson speak about?

Mark Stevenson speaks on Artificial Intelligence, Business & Management, Climate, Future, Future & Technology. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Mark to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Mark Stevenson available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Mark Stevenson for events worldwide, subject to Mark's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Mark Stevenson deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Mark Stevenson is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Mark Stevenson?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Mark can accommodate.

Can Mark Stevenson tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Mark Stevenson on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Mark can offer.

What languages does Mark Stevenson present in?

Mark Stevenson delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Mark Stevenson a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Mark Stevenson's areas of expertise include Artificial Intelligence, Business & Management, Climate, Future, Future & Technology. To get a clear sense of Mark's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Mark Stevenson speak at?

Mark Stevenson can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Business & Management, Climate, Future, Future & Technology is relevant. Details of Mark's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Mark Stevenson offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Mark Stevenson is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Mark Stevenson?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Mark Stevenson, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Mark's current availability for your dates.