Mark McCrindle

Mark McCrindle's Biography

Mark McCrindle is a social researcher with an international following. He is recognised as a thought leader in tracking emerging issues and researching social trends. Having developed his reputation across two decades as an award-winning social researcher, best-selling author and social commentator, Mark has appeared across all major television networks, radio and print media, and been twice invited to speak at TEDx. He has presented thousands of keynotes and workshops in all major industries including finance, technology, health, mining, energy and education for top global brands and organisations. His advisory, communications and research company, McCrindle, count among its clients more than 100 of the largest companies and leading international brands.

Mark’s highly valued research and reports, presented through infographics, data visualisations, videos, media input, resources, and blogs, have developed his regard as an expert demographer, futurist and social commentator. Mark brings a fresh approach to his boardroom briefings, executive workshops, strategy sessions and keynotes. He speaks with expert authority on topics including future trends, leadership, customer engagement, generational change and business insights. Armed with the latest findings and presented in a customised and innovative way, Mark is an in-demand communicator.

Mark McCrindle, BSc (Psychology), MA, is the author of five books on emerging trends and social change. Generation Alpha, Work Wellbeing: Leading Thriving Teams in Rapidly Changing Times, The ABC of XYZ: Understanding the Global Generations, Word Up: A Lexicon and Guide to Communication in the 21st Century and The Power of Good.

Speaking Topics Include

The 2020’s: Changing times, emerging trends

Only occasionally in history do massive technological trends combine with rapid demographic shifts and huge social change and ongoing generational transitions so that within the span of a few decades, society altogether alters. Today we are living amid one such transformation. While such change impacts everyone and every organisation, the leaders that will future proof their organisations are those who understand the times, influence the trends and shape the future.

In this session, we will navigate the megatrends transforming Australia and your sector to deliver a snapshot of the 2020’s. We will also give insights into what defines our communities today, from cultural diversity to changing household structures, from increased geographical mobility to new ways of engaging with the global, social, mobile, digital and visual generation. We will review the key implications of these changes and how, through collaboration, innovation and adaptation, your organisation can thrive in these times of change.

Top trends transforming the education sector

For universities, TAFEs, private colleges, and independent catholic and public schools, education is undergoing seismic shifts. This session will give an overview of the technological, global, financial, generational, and social shifts in the education sector today.

Never before have the generational changes, social trends, and demographic shifts combined to impact schools in such significant ways. Parents are now like customers with their independent schooling expectations, while social media and digital integration is transforming learning spaces, places, and styles.

Generational shifts and leadership transitions are emerging through educational forecasts, changing life-stages, new expectations, and emergent careers.  Generation X are the emerging leaders and school-parents, Generation Y are the new teachers and Generation Z comprise today’s students, the most global, visual, and technological generation ever. In addition, workforce trends such as teleworking, tenure shifts, multi-career expectations, and emerging attraction, retention, and engagement factors are all affecting and informing the changing face of education in the 21st century.

Understanding and engaging with the ever-changing customer

The Australian consumer kaleidoscope is both challenging and forever changing. Organisational leaders are increasingly seeing the importance of business intelligence and social analysis in driving growth.

But to increase sales and develop product innovations to attract younger generations, a deeper understanding of these new customers and their expectations is imperative. How do the younger cohort of consumers, Gen Y and Gen Z, pockets lined with their hefty purchasing power, influence the way companies behave? Do they want convenience or experience? Will they buy ethically/sustainably or go for the more cost effective option?

In this session, Mark will examine who they are and what defines the new generations; what drives and motivates them; how best to communicate with them and where it is all heading.

How big data analytics can transform your business

The emergence of the technological age has seen our society create and collate data like never before. There are more than 2.5 trillion bytes of information generated everyday through our electronic devices. 90% of the data available in the world today has been created in the last two years. The average company stores approximately 23.1 billion files of which 14.3 billion are unused dark files, meaning between 50% – 80% of files fall into the category of ‘dark data’. What can be done with all this information? This is where big data analytics comes into the picture.

In this session you will discover how big data analytics can be harnessed to uncover information, hidden patterns, unknown correlations, market trends and customer preferences. This will help organizations make informed business decisions, identify opportunities to improve processes and enhance efficiency. You will also learn how reducing dark data can reduce storage costs, increase revenue.

Join us as we delve into the four types of data analytics – descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, prescriptive – and guide you through the five ways your organization can benefit:

1. New revenue opportunities
2. More effective marketing
3. Better customer service
4. Improved operational efficiency
5. Competitive advantage