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Mark van Rijmenam

Award-Winning Futurist & AI Thought Leader, Recognized Among the World's Best
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About

Gender: Male
Nationality: Australia
Languages: English
Travels from: Australia

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Biography Highlights

  • Leading Futurist & AI Thought Leader: Globally recognized as a top futurist and AI expert, Dr. van Rijmenam has spoken in 30+ countries, authored six books, and is a LinkedIn Top Voice.
  • Pioneer in AI, VR & Digital Innovation: From the first TEDx Talk in VR to a digital twin speaking 29 languages, he pushes tech boundaries in AI, blockchain, and the metaverse.
  • Engaging Speaker & Corporate Educator: A Certified Speaking Professional, he empowers Fortune 500s and governments through dynamic keynotes, workshops, and his Futurwise platform.

Biography

Mark van Rijmenam: A Trailblazing Strategic Futurist and Keynote Speaker

Dr. Mark van Rijmenam is a strategic futurist and award-winning keynote speaker, known for living at the sharp edge of tomorrow. He is globally ranked as the world’s best futurist and Salesforce recognized him as a leading voice in AI (one of 16 globally).

Having pioneered virtual reality keynotes and TEDx talks, explored AI breakthroughs through a digital twin of himself, and cycled across the harsh Australian outback to raise funds for children’s cancer research, he is on a lifelong mission to empower others with a mindset that doesn’t merely predict the future but actively sculpts it. He is a LinkedIn Top Voice and the author of six books on emerging technologies and he is celebrated for offering a balanced perspective on the future and turning abstract ideas into tangible concepts.

Architect of Tomorrow

Formerly describing himself as an Optimistic Dystopian, Dr. van Rijmenam has evolved into an Architect of Tomorrow—equipping Fortune 500 companies, governments, and changemakers to navigate the complexities of emerging technologies with vision, resilience, and purpose.

As a Certified Speaking Professional, Global Speaking Fellow, LinkedIn Top Voice, and 6-time author, he has captivated audiences in over 30 countries, blending academic rigor with cutting-edge innovation. His expertise spans AI, blockchain, the metaverse, and other transformative technologies, making him a trusted voice in digital transformation and innovation.

Academic and Professional Background

Dr Van Rijmenam holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, a Master of Science in Marketing Management, and a PhD in Management from the University of Technology Sydney. His research focuses on how organisations should navigate big data analytics, blockchain, and AI. He is a respected voice in the technology community and a member of the Professional Speaker Australia association and the Global Speakers Federation.

Dynamic Presentations and Corporate Education

Through his platform, Futurwise, Dr. Van Rijmenam brings hyper-personalized wisdom to people and organizations across the globe, blending deep technological insight with human-centric principles. Known as The Digital Speaker, he has spoken in over thirty countries, motivating leaders to embrace complexity, question assumptions, and guide their industries with ethical foresight. His engaging and thought-provoking presentations, webinars, workshops, and podcasts empower audiences to embrace the future and stay ahead of the curve in today’s rapidly changing digital world.

Cutting-edge Innovations

Dr. van Rijmenam’s pioneering contributions include delivering the world’s first TEDx Talk in VR (2020) and presenting a TEDx Talk in Athens alongside his digital twin (2023). In 2024, he launched a digital twin offering on-demand conversations in 29 languages, bridging the gap between digital and physical worlds—once again redefining engagement and thought leadership.

As a visionary thinker who understands that technology’s power must be harnessed responsibly, Dr. Van Rijmenam’s mission transcends mere analysis: he builds “futurists” capable of thriving in a landscape defined by AI, quantum computing, and ever-accelerating change. Whether advising Fortune 500 executives, inspiring government bodies, or connecting with local grassroots movements, he frames each step as part of an unfolding story, one in which we can all become architects of tomorrow and build a future that honors our highest aspirations together.

Dr Van Rijmenam has received over 80 references and >320 reviews, and if you are still in doubt, here are ten reasons to hire The Digital Speaker.

Videos

Popular Talks

How to thrive in the age of AI.

We are living in the most transformative era in history, where machines and humans converge like never before. As emerging technologies, such as (Generative) AI, the metaverse or quantum computing, continue to reshape every industry and workforce, the need for visionary leaders who can harness its exponential power and unlock new opportunities has never been greater.

In this impactful and inspirational keynote, Dr Mark van Rijmenam, a renowned expert in technological leadership, reveals how visionary leaders can harness the power of emerging technologies to shape their businesses and prepare for tomorrow.

“Thought-provoking and inspired us to think differently” – White and Case

In this insightful & strategic keynote, audiences discover:

  • How to achieve an EXPONENTIAL MINDSET to harness, adapt and guide transformative technologies RESPONSIBLY.
  • How to ELEVATE DIGITAL AWARENESS within your organisation to ensure a thriving digital future for all your stakeholders.
  • The secrets to THINK LONG-TERM, especially with AI, as decisions made today have long-lasting impacts that define your digital legacy

Delegates will leave equipped with the strategies, insights, and foresight to navigate the complex terrain of Leadership 4.0, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the digital revolution.

Leadership 4.0 is an essential conference keynote for any forward-thinking leadership event or an immersive half-day workshop.

Available: Virtually

How the metaverse will change business forever.

As the boundary between digital and physical continues to blur, businesses and individuals must ready themselves to operate seamlessly across both realms. In this cutting-edge keynote, Dr Mark van Rijmenam, a digital innovation trailblazer, unveils the metaverse’s transformative potential for business, work, and daily interactions.

The metaverse can be seen as the next iteration of the internet: a version that supports immersive, interactive, and persistent online digital experiences. It is not a single place, let alone one specific virtual world, but it will affect every industry and every organisation.

“This was an awe-inspiring session […] sparking curiosity and sharing a glimpse of what the metaverse entails” – Nestlé

In this futuristic & engaging keynote, audiences discover:

  • The profound implications of the METAVERSE for BRAND IDENTITY, CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT, and NEW MARKET OPPORTUNITIES.
  • How to cultivate a METAVESE-FIRST mindset, ensuring adaptability in this rapidly-evolving digital era.
  • Navigating challenges in ETHICS, PRIVACY, and SECURITY within immersive digital experiences.

Participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of the metaverse’s role in shaping the business world and the tools to master it.

Metaverse Mastery is the perfect keynote for tech summits, business conferences, or an extensive half-day seminar.

Available: Virtually

Why embracing AI is no longer optional but a necessity.

Generative AI has taken the world by storm, but within the next decade, only organisations that embrace AI at all levels within their organisation will survive. Embracing AI, digital twins and robotics within your business will result in human-machine collaboration, creating a bionic business ready for tomorrow.

In this fast-paced and inspiring keynote, Dr Mark van Rijmenam demystifies the journey of transforming organisations through generative AI, digital twins and robotics, illustrating both its profound benefits and inherent challenges.

“Mark brought great perspectives and was thought-provoking about possible future scenarios” – Commonwealth Bank Australia.

In this futuristic keynote presentation, audiences will discover:

  • The unparalleled ADVANTAGES of AI in ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY, DRIVING INNOVATION, and CREATING COMPETITIVE EDGE using AI, robotics and digital twins.
  • Strategies to integrate AI while ensuring ETHICAL USAGE, TRANSPARENCY, and EMPLOYEE INCLUSION.
  • Overcoming common roadblocks in ADOPTION, SCALABILITY, and TRUST.

Attendees will walk away with a roadmap for creating a bionic organisation, ready to face the future confidently.

Building a Bionic Business is an indispensable session for business leaders and tech enthusiasts or can be tailored to a detailed half-day workshop.

Available: Virtually

Why the future of work demands reinvention in the face of digital transformation.

The future of work revolves around three megatrends with significant implications for the employee experience: data, decentralisation, and automation. As we experience a digital renaissance, how we work and what we do will forever change.

In this enlightening keynote, renowned futurist Dr Mark van Rijmenam charts the course of work and collaboration in a world where decentralised systems, autonomous agents and the metaverse are becoming the norm, disrupting the future of work and collaboration.

“Dr Mark is a fantastic and engaging speaker.” – EY

In this insightful and highly-relevant keynote, audiences discover:

  • The DRIVING FORCES reshaping WORKPLACE DYNAMICS, TEAM COLLABORATION, and LEADERSHIP.
  • How to foster a culture of INNOVATION, FLEXIBILITY, and INCLUSIVITY in a decentralised work environment.
  • How to attract GEN Z to your organisation, be it as an EMPLOYEE or CUSTOMER

Participants will depart with a blueprint to reshape their organisations, ensuring they remain competitive in the Digital Renaissance.

The Digital Renaissance is a tailor-made keynote or half-day workshop for professionals and business leaders that want to prepare their businesses for tomorrow.

Available: Virtually

Why understanding generative AI’s dual-edged sword is crucial.

Generative AI is a form of AI that can create original content, such as text, images, and entire virtual worlds. In the coming years, technologies such as large language models or machine learning will disrupt entire industries and societies.

In this captivating keynote, Dr Mark van Rijmenam delves into the ground-breaking realm of generative AI, exploring its potential and the cautionary tales it brings. He might even bring his digital twin to the stage to energise your audience.

Generative AI is transforming industries, but with great power comes great responsibility.

“Brilliant and Intriguing” – Tecala

In this forward-looking & thought-provoking keynote, audiences discover:

  • The REVOLUTIONARY CAPABILITIES of generative AI in CREATIVITY, INNOVATION, and PROBLEM-SOLVING.
  • The ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS and potential pitfalls in deploying generative technologies.
  • How to balance INNOVATION with RESPONSIBILITY, ensuring generative AI serves humanity and not the other way.

Audience members will be equipped with the knowledge to navigate the promising yet perilous waters of generative AI.

Unleashing the Generative AI genie is a must-attend for tech innovators, and ethical thinkers, or can be turned into an immersive half-day workshop for executive leaders.

Available: Virtually

Why mastering the art of data is a prerequisite for success.

In a world awash with information, true leaders know how to decipher, harness, and act upon the tsunami of data coming their way. This requires digital awareness and digital literacy across the organisation.

In a world dominated by big data, leaders need to think exponentially. In this compelling keynote, data strategist Dr Mark van Rijmenam unravels the transformative power of data, showcasing how businesses can utilise it to innovate, optimise, transform, and lead.

“Highly relevant and very inspirational” – Dealer Tire

In this in-depth & strategic keynote, audiences discover:

  • The role of BIG DATA in shaping MARKET TRENDS, CUSTOMER BEHAVIORS, and BUSINESS STRATEGIES.
  • Techniques to extract MEANINGFUL INSIGHTS, ensure DATA INTEGRITY, and protect PRIVACY.
  • How to foster a CULTURE OF DATA LITERACY and drive decisions grounded in robust data analysis.

Participants will leave with the strategies and tools to truly harness the immense power of data in their respective domains.

Data-driven destiny is the go-to session for data enthusiasts, business strategists, or an expansive half-day seminar.

Available: Virtually

Books

Step into the Metaverse: How the Immersive Internet Will Unlock a Trillion-Dollar Social Economy

An incisive glimpse into the future of the internet In Step into the Metaverse: How the Immersive Internet Will Unlock a Trillion-Dollar Social Economy, future tech strategist, entrepreneur, and thought leader Dr. Mark van Rijmenam delivers a startlingly insightful discussion about how the world as we know it will fundamentally change as the physical and the digital worlds merge into the metaverse, impacting the everyday experiences of people, companies, and societies. The author maps out the extraordinary opportunities and challenges facing business leaders, consumers, regulators, policymakers, and other metaverse stakeholders trying to navigate the future of the Internet. In the metaverse, you can be who you want to be, where you want to be, and companies and consumers are only restricted by their own creativity how they can benefit from the immersive internet. With engaging commentary on issues ranging from avatars, identity and digital fashion to non-fungible tokens (NFTs), blockchain and the economics of the metaverse, this book also offers: ● Discussions on the importance of an open and interoperable metaverse build on the web 3.0 paradigm if we want to reign in the control of Big Tech over our identity, data and lives. ● Explorations of the enormous—and largely untapped—potential for metaverse entertainment, including gaming, music, media, and sports and how brands can engage with their customers in novel ways and how digital twins will change how we work and innovate. ● Considerations related to the dangers of an always-on, immersive internet, including data breaches, avatar imposters, mental health issues, corporate and state surveillance, and the need for metaverse law. A fascinating read you won’t be able to put down, Step into the Metaverse belongs in the hands of executives, managers, and other business leaders who play a role in digital transformation or execution. It’s also an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the future of technology, the internet, and social interaction.

Read more..

Step into the Metaverse: How the Immersive Internet Will Unlock a Trillion-Dollar Social Economy

An incisive glimpse into the future of the internet In Step into the Metaverse: How the Immersive Internet Will Unlock a Trillion-Dollar Social Economy, future tech strategist, entrepreneur, and thought leader Dr. Mark van Rijmenam delivers a startlingly insightful discussion about how the world as we know it will fundamentally change as the physical and the digital worlds merge into the metaverse, impacting the everyday experiences of people, companies, and societies. The author maps out the extraordinary opportunities and challenges facing business leaders, consumers, regulators, policymakers, and other metaverse stakeholders trying to navigate the future of the Internet. In the metaverse, you can be who you want to be, where you want to be, and companies and consumers are only restricted by their own creativity how they can benefit from the immersive internet. With engaging commentary on issues ranging from avatars, identity and digital fashion to non-fungible tokens (NFTs), blockchain and the economics of the metaverse, this book also offers: ● Discussions on the importance of an open and interoperable metaverse build on the web 3.0 paradigm if we want to reign in the control of Big Tech over our identity, data and lives. ● Explorations of the enormous—and largely untapped—potential for metaverse entertainment, including gaming, music, media, and sports and how brands can engage with their customers in novel ways and how digital twins will change how we work and innovate. ● Considerations related to the dangers of an always-on, immersive internet, including data breaches, avatar imposters, mental health issues, corporate and state surveillance, and the need for metaverse law. A fascinating read you won’t be able to put down, Step into the Metaverse belongs in the hands of executives, managers, and other business leaders who play a role in digital transformation or execution. It's also an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the future of technology, the internet, and social interaction.
Buy the book
Buy the book

The Organisation of Tomorrow: How AI, blockchain and analytics turn your business into a data organisation

The Organisation of Tomorrow presents a new model of doing business and explains how big data analytics, blockchain and artificial intelligence force us to rethink existing business models and develop organisations that will be ready for human-machine interactions. It also asks us to consider the impacts of these emerging information technologies on people and society. Big data analytics empowers consumers and employees. This can result in an open strategy and a better understanding of the changing environment. Blockchain enables peer-to-peer collaboration and trustless interactions governed by cryptography and smart contracts. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence allows for new and different levels of intensity and involvement among human and artificial actors. With that, new modes of organising are emerging: where technology facilitates collaboration between stakeholders; and where human-to-human interactions are increasingly replaced with human-to-machine and even machine-to-machine interactions. This book offers dozens of examples of industry leaders such as Walmart, Telstra, Alibaba, Microsoft and T-Mobile, before presenting the D2 + A2 model – a new model to help organisations datafy their business, distribute their data, analyse it for insights and automate processes and customer touchpoints to be ready for the data-driven and exponentially-changing society that is upon us This book offers governments, professional services, manufacturing, finance, retail and other industries a clear approach for how to develop products and services that are ready for the twenty-first century. It is a must-read for every organisation that wants to remain competitive in our fast-changing world.

Read more..

The Organisation of Tomorrow: How AI, blockchain and analytics turn your business into a data organisation

The Organisation of Tomorrow presents a new model of doing business and explains how big data analytics, blockchain and artificial intelligence force us to rethink existing business models and develop organisations that will be ready for human-machine interactions. It also asks us to consider the impacts of these emerging information technologies on people and society. Big data analytics empowers consumers and employees. This can result in an open strategy and a better understanding of the changing environment. Blockchain enables peer-to-peer collaboration and trustless interactions governed by cryptography and smart contracts. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence allows for new and different levels of intensity and involvement among human and artificial actors. With that, new modes of organising are emerging: where technology facilitates collaboration between stakeholders; and where human-to-human interactions are increasingly replaced with human-to-machine and even machine-to-machine interactions. This book offers dozens of examples of industry leaders such as Walmart, Telstra, Alibaba, Microsoft and T-Mobile, before presenting the D2 + A2 model – a new model to help organisations datafy their business, distribute their data, analyse it for insights and automate processes and customer touchpoints to be ready for the data-driven and exponentially-changing society that is upon us This book offers governments, professional services, manufacturing, finance, retail and other industries a clear approach for how to develop products and services that are ready for the twenty-first century. It is a must-read for every organisation that wants to remain competitive in our fast-changing world.
Buy the book
Buy the book

Future Visions: A human-machine collaboration on the potential of technology

In “Future Visions,” we take a unique approach to exploring the potential of technology that shapes our future. Written in a collaboration between AI and strategic futurist Dr. Mark van Rijmenam, also known as The Digital Speaker, this book offers a fascinating glimpse into the possibilities of technology and its potential to transform our world. From the metaverse, strong AI, quantum computing, and synthetic biology to the disruption of globalization and the creation of personalized and custom-fit products using 3D printing, “Future Visions” is a thought-provoking exploration of our future. Join us on a journey into the possibilities of technology, and discover how it could change our lives, societies, and world. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of technology and its impact on our lives.

Read more..

Future Visions: A human-machine collaboration on the potential of technology

In "Future Visions," we take a unique approach to exploring the potential of technology that shapes our future. Written in a collaboration between AI and strategic futurist Dr. Mark van Rijmenam, also known as The Digital Speaker, this book offers a fascinating glimpse into the possibilities of technology and its potential to transform our world. From the metaverse, strong AI, quantum computing, and synthetic biology to the disruption of globalization and the creation of personalized and custom-fit products using 3D printing, "Future Visions" is a thought-provoking exploration of our future. Join us on a journey into the possibilities of technology, and discover how it could change our lives, societies, and world. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of technology and its impact on our lives.
Buy the book
Buy the book

Speaker Bureaus and Talent Agencies

Mark van Rijmenam is available to book via these agencies
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