Simon Waller

Simon Waller's Biography

Simon Waller is a keynote speaker, event host, and somewhat philosophical futurist based in Melbourne, Australia.

Simon explores topics such as the unfolding ethics of AI, the evolving nature of work, and the importance of leadership and culture in a rapidly changing workscape. But if his content is what makes his keynotes thought-provoking, it’s the experience he creates that makes them truly special.

Perhaps more than any time in recent history, people need opportunities to reconnect. And not just reconnect with each other, but to reconnect with their organisations, their shared purpose, and their collective future.

As a keynote speaker, Simon Waller is privileged to create these opportunities for connection. To craft shared experiences that encourage people to look up, look out and see the world around them in new and exciting ways.

With post-graduate qualifications in futures thinking and a Master of Business Leadership, Simon was a founding member of Rio Tinto Iron Ore's scenario planning team in 2007. Since then, he has supported organisations of all sizes, from small businesses to large corporations, delivered hundreds of keynotes, and spoken to thousands of CEOs and business leaders on using scenario planning and foresight techniques to prepare for the future. Simon has also authored several books, including his latest, The Scenario Planning Guide, released this year.

For Simon, futurism is not just about wowing audiences with the latest selfie drone or Wi-Fi-connected suitcase. More than anything, it’s an opportunity to engage with people through visions of the future and in doing so, empower them to make smarter decisions in the present.

Inspired by the live music acts and its ability to bring an audience together, Simon seeks to create a multi-sensory experience that the audience will never forget. Through the use of cutting-edge video and sound mixing tools used by the world’s biggest live acts and sprinkling in little moments of joy (such as home-baked, AI-designed biscuits), Simon aims to create immersive and unique experiences that are impossible to replicate in a virtual world.

Simon inspires and educates audiences to think more strategically and build future awareness. Whether you’re looking for a short-form keynote or an in-depth workshop, his topics are scalable, from boardrooms to auditoriums.

To enquire directly about Simon Waller for your event contact Helene Greenham – helene@platinumspeakers.com.au

Speaking Topics Include

The Art Of Future Thinking

Find Better Answers To Big Problems By Thinking Like A Futurist

If being able to see what’s coming is the ultimate competitive advantage, then cultivating future thinking skills is essential for every modern organisation. In today's world of increasing uncertainty and rapid change, futurism offers the best defense against reactive thinking, enabling organisations to prosper by anticipating challenges, discovering new opportunities and building adaptive capacity.

In this keynote, Simon Waller unveils the secrets of how futurists are trained to think beyond the present. With nearly two decades of experience as a futurist, Simon shares the proven mindsets, practical tools, and effective techniques that he and other futurists use to develop, explore, and engage others in their visions for the future.

This transformative keynote, also offered as a longer workshop, is ideal for upskilling leaders at board retreats, team offsites, or strategy days, equipping them to navigate the complexities of tomorrow by building the skills they need today.

The Science of Decisions

Making decisions in complex and dynamic environments is challenging. Leaders are often required to work with incomplete information, competing needs and changing expectations. So how can people make sound decisions, prioritise the right work and avoid the trap of ‘analysis paralysis’ in the face of these challenges?

Much like good science, good decisions are underpinned by a clear and consistent process (and the bigger the stakes the better that process needs to be). In this session Simon shows how a science backed approach to decisions can improve governance, increase transparency, enable effective delegation and build trust within boards, local councils and other decision making groups.

If you want to understand how to overcome the cognitive biases that undermine good decisions, how to openly and fairly prioritise (and de-priortise) projects and how to stop decision conversations going around in circles then this session is a brilliant first step.

Welcome To Generation AI

How Will Generative AI Impact The Future Of Us?

Before we get swept away with the hype (and hyperbole) surrounding generative AI, now is the perfect time to take a pause and reflect.

Although there is clear potential for generative AI tools such as Chat GPT to transform our lives and our work, they bring with them almost as many questions as they have provided answers. This session has been developed to support decision makers and leaders navigate this tricky technology landscape through unbiased and independent insights. Simon directly confronts the key ethical and operational considerations: algorithmic biases, output efficacy, environmental impact, the need for operational shifts and the opportunities for employee upskilling. Emphasising adaptability and strategic agility, he provides actionable strategies for maximising long term value, mitigating short term risks and ensuring AI remains a human-centric tool.

The Power of Being Strategic

Do you find that your team is often scrambling to keep up? What if you could spot challenges and opportunities early, plan a course of action, and align your collective efforts in response?

Strategic awareness is an essential skill for leadership teams and boards, but it’s also valuable for anyone with decision-making responsibilities. Yet, the demands of day-to-day work mean we don’t spend enough time on strategic thinking. Without this awareness, teams can miss emerging threats and opportunities, finding themselves in a constant cycle of reaction.

Improving Strategic Awareness

The Power of Being Strategic workshop allows individuals and teams to lift their gaze, make sense of the bigger picture, and refocus their actions. It teaches the skills futurists use to make sense of the future, and then gets teams working together to identify, understand, and prioritise the trends that are impacting their work.

Navigating Uncertainty

Creating a Culture - That Prospers in Unpredictability

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of his one and only Sydney to Hobart yacht race, Simon shares a gripping personal story of how a ragtag crew of amateur sailors won their division against all odds.

Through the use of dynamic visuals and interactive technology, he shares his story of the race culminating in a pivotal moment that tested the crew's leadership, resilience, and resolve. Using this as a foundation Simon shares compelling and nuanced insights into the role of teamwork and leadership for organisations navigating uncertain times. This is not a story of heroic survival, it’s a story about how average people doing common sense things can win at the game of life and work.

Blurring the boundaries between keynote and workshop, Navigating Uncertainty is a unique participant experience. Seamlessly blending powerful storytelling with actionable insights, this session will help foster a culture that embraces the unpredictable and helps your people find joy and fulfilment on their voyage together.