Nikolas Badminton

Chief Futurist at futurist.com

Nikolas is a world-renowned futurist that mentors leaders to create more connected, curious and creative teams that embrace futures design to imagine desirable futures, anticipate unforeseen risks, and strengthen strategic planning. 

He has spent 30+ years working with leadership at over 300 leading organizations at the frontline of foresight, strategy and disruption – including NASA, United Nations, Google, Microsoft, Intel, WM, United Way, Bayer, Bank of Canada, Rolls Royce, Procter & Gamble, IDEO, UK Home Office and many more. 

In his new book ‘Facing Our Futures’ – released internationally on Bloomsbury Business in 2023 – showcases foresight methods and thinking that shift organizational mindsets from what is to what if… and aims to increase organizational vigilance, profitability and market capitalization.

Nikolas’ essential research has been featured by the BBC, VICE, The Atlantic, Fast Company, Business Insider, Forbes, Sunday Telegraph and many others.  He appears on SIRIUSXM and CTV regularly, was a key advisor to the ‘Age of AI’ series with Robert Downley Jr, and narrates the Franklin Institute’s series ‘2050’.

Facing Our Futures – looking to 2030 and beyond

Nikolas will deliver an energetic and inspiring keynote that ignites curiosity, shifts your mindset from what is to what if, and teaches you how to think like a futurist. He will share stories of cultural shifts, insights into new disruptive technologies, and rethink how you establish winning strategies in your organization by deploying foresight.

As always, the keynote is built in collaboration with clients to create the most impact possible and help you:

• • Understand the value of foresight – foresight is the missing link between strategic planning, disruption and our futures. See how it supercharges your organization by exploring positive and challenging futures.
  • Understand global megatrends shaping geopolitical dynamics – economic power, population growth, water-energy-food, waste, climate change and energy. 
  • Know the trends that will change your industry – Future of Work, Artificial Intelligence and automation, Smart Cities and Urban Planning, Metaverse and Web3, Privacy and Security, Agriculture, Aerospace, Engineering and Manufacturing, Transportation and Logistics, Finance and Insurance.
  • Unlock a sustainability mindset – ESG policy, United Nations SDGs, and circular economy
  • Learn how to explore futures and operationalize foresight – how we can write scenarios and tell stories of our futures

The Future of Artificial Intelligence 

This talk will ask what’s the big deal with AI and what it means for us in society, business, and personal life. It will also look at how startups can benefit and take advantage of open source AI in practical terms. Nikolas covers the birth of AI, its relevance to business and its roles in industry and everyday life. Nikolas also explores questions around ethics and equality in AI Applications.

The Future of Finance 

As exponential technology advances, we are seeing all industries revolutionized and disrupted. One of the most established industries to be greatly disrupted over the next 3 to 5 years will be the banking and finance industries. Nikolas talks about the opportunities and lessons that can be taken from Fintech companies and how innovation can be encouraged and pushed forward in traditional banking systems using artificial intelligence, the blockchain, and mobile devices.

The Farm of the Future 

Now, more than ever, we are seeing more innovation delivered across many industries. In the next few years, there will be huge opportunities to look at, and implement, technology innovations that advance the business of farming.

Nikolas touches on trends in key areas including the Internet of Agricultural Things (IofAT), apps to help with business management, access to design, engineering and admin resources online, open data, virtual and augmented reality, wearables and implantables, vertical and underground farming, automation in the field (robots), and quantified cattle.

The Future of Your Industry – Tailored Keynotes

Nik has built custom futurist talks for over 100 organizations. Whether through hosting/MCing, panel moderation and participation, or executive advisory, he digs deep, does his homework and offers his own unique research and insights for a memorable presentation.