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AI strategist & #1 futurist

Jonathan Brill

Future-proof your business with Jonathan Brill, AI keynote speaker and Forbes #1 ranked futurist. Jonathan works with executives and leadership teams on AI strategy, business transformation, and disruption planning, recognized by Harvard Business Review as the world's leading transformation architect.

Trusted by JP Morgan, Microsoft, Samsung

Jonathan Brill, Speaker | Business Futurist
Jonathan Brill

Jonathan Brill

San Francisco, United States

Typical fee range

$26k–50k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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San Francisco, United States

Starting from

$26k–50k

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+44 203 835 2929

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Jonathan Brill's biography

At a glance

  • Forbes #1 ranked futurist globally
  • Futurist-in-Residence (Emeritus) at Amazon
  • Generated $27B+ for clients across industries
Jonathan Brill is a business futurist and AI strategist who helps executives turn the collision of AI, geopolitics, and economic change into competitive advantage. Ranked #1 futurist by Forbes globally, Jonathan serves as Futurist-in-Residence at Amazon (Emeritus) and has been described by Harvard Business Review as the world's leading transformation architect. He is Head of Invention at Deepinvent, Executive Chairman of the Center for Radical Change, and former Global Futurist and Research Director at HP. His best-selling book, AI and the Octopus Organization, translates his research into an actionable framework for building AI-native firms. He has appeared on CNN, CNBC, ABC, and spoken at Harvard, Stanford, and TED. Drawing on decades of innovation work across transportation, finance, cybersecurity, defense, and consumer electronics, Jonathan has generated over $27 billion for clients and brought more than 350 products from idea to market. His work with companies including Verizon, Samsung, PepsiCo, IBM, JP Morgan, and Microsoft shows how distributed intelligence and empowered teams consistently outperform traditional models when markets shift fast. To date, Jonathan has trained more than 27,000 leaders in the skills needed to turn disruption into opportunity. Audiences leave Jonathan's sessions with concrete tools: frameworks for sensing and responding to market disruption, science-backed approaches to strategic decision-making under uncertainty, and specific steps to begin organizational transformation before competitors do. If your audience needs to act on the future rather than react to it, Jonathan Brill delivers the tools to do exactly that.

Jonathan's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

AI And The Octopus Organization
Jonathan Brill opens by framing a challenge most leadership teams already feel but haven't named: the gap between organizations that integrate AI structurally and those that experiment at the edges is widening fast. Drawing on over a million workforce surveys and firsthand transformation work, Jonathan introduces the Octopus Organization model, a structure where decentralized, AI-augmented teams operate autonomously while a central brain holds strategy and oversight. Attendees come away with a practical architecture for redesigning their organizations around adaptability, and a clear picture of where to start.
Strategic Luck: The Science Of Thriving In Uncertainty
As principal investigator of one of the largest studies on luck ever conducted, Jonathan Brill makes a persuasive, data-backed case that luck is not a personality trait, it's a learnable skill. Blending research with personal experience, he walks audiences through four science-based methods that systematically turn uncertainty into opportunity. The session is structured to deliver immediate practical value, leaving participants with tools they can apply to strategic planning, risk decisions, and leadership challenges well beyond the event itself.
Architect Your Future
Jonathan Brill draws on his tenure as HP's Global Futurist and his record as a serial inventor to argue that the goal isn't to predict disruption, it's to design around it. Rather than presenting disruption as a threat to manage, Jonathan frames shifting societal, political, and technological landscapes as the raw material of competitive advantage. Audiences leave with the top ten trends shaping the next business cycle, a framework for embedding AI into leadership thinking, and three actionable tools for building an organization that creates the future rather than reacting to it.
Win The Next Five Years: Spot, Lead, Win
The central premise of this keynote is deceptively simple: one-year plans are too short to matter, ten-year plans are too far to action, but the five-year horizon is where smart organizations can genuinely compete. Jonathan Brill maps the collision of AI, geopolitics, economics, and social change into a coherent picture of where business is heading, then hands audiences the tools to navigate it. Participants leave with science-based frameworks for scenario planning, clarity on the decisions that will define their organization's position, and concrete actions to begin taking immediately.

Why we recommend booking Jonathan

Jonathan is a recognized authority on business futurism and transformation, experienced across Fortune 50 strategy, invention leadership, and advisory work with governments and global brands. His findings are drawn from more than a million workforce surveys, giving audiences data-backed, ready-to-apply insights on how AI, geopolitics, and economic shifts will reshape their industry, and how to lead that change before competitors do.

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Trusted by JP Morgan, Microsoft, Samsung

Testimonials

Our executives walked away changed.

Anne Devlin

J.P. Morgan

His rigorous, unifying message drives results.

Doug Warner

Amazon

Jonathan spreads practical wonder.

Niki Skene

TEDx

Featured Projects

Jonathan Brill - AI and the Octopus Organization book cover
Jonathan Brill - Rogue Waves book cover
Jonathan Brill - The Octopus Organization podcast cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Jonathan Brill for my next event?
Email jonathan.brill@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Jonathan's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.

What is Jonathan Brill's speaking style like?
Jonathan’s delivery is dynamic and practical, inspiring executives to embrace change. He unifies teams with actionable insights on AI and innovation, leaving audiences empowered and ready to drive results.

What topics does Jonathan Brill specialise in?
Jonathan Brill specialises in discussing AI strategy, business futurism, organizational transformation and more.

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

How do I book a speaker with PepTalk?

Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a booking?

Most bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker and are set out clearly in the contract before you confirm, so there are no surprises. PepTalk's team supports you through any change. Contact hello@getapeptalk.com as soon as plans shift.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.