Roger Spitz is a globally recognised expert in strategic foresight, sustainability, and systems innovation. As the President of Techistential, a premier foresight advisory firm, Roger collaborates with CEOs, boards, and investors to help organisations navigate uncertainty and prepare for transformative change. He also chairs the Disruptive Futures Institute in San Francisco, leading discussions and frameworks on anticipatory governance, climate foresight, and the future of AI.
Roger comes from a distinguished background in finance and venture capital, having previously led Global Technology M&A at BNP Paribas, managing transactions worth over $25 billion. He built the bank's M&A practice in San Francisco and its European Technology & Digital Investment Banking divisions. His extensive investment expertise and commitment to sustainability have seen him serve as a venture partner at Vektor Partners and as an advisor to Berkeley SkyDeck’s fund.
Roger is the bestselling author of 'Disrupt With Impact: Achieve Business Success in an Unpredictable World', along with the four-volume 'The Definitive Guide to Thriving on Disruption'. His publications have become essential reading in fields like futures studies and sustainable business, with frameworks that have been adopted by organisations worldwide. Roger frequently contributes to leading publications, including the Journal of Futures Studies, MIT Technology Review, and Fast Company, and has lectured at top institutions globally.
A pioneer in climate foresight, Roger founded the DFI Sustainability & Climate Academy to equip leaders with the tools for the energy transition. He is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Foresight Network and an active board member of Lux Carbon Standard, Brazil’s first carbon credit certifier. Roger’s coined term, 'Techistentialism', reflects his exploration of the intersection of human and artificial intelligence, further solidifying his role as a thought leader in AI’s future.
Roger holds a Master’s in Finance from Durham University and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Bilingual in English and French, he has lived in ten cities across three continents, bridging cultures and disciplines in his approach to global challenges and systems innovation.
Roger Spitz highlights how disruption, far from being a threat, presents a unique opportunity for value creation in today’s fast-evolving business landscape. Roger presents practical strategies and proven frameworks to help leaders thrive amidst uncertainty. He addresses major challenges such as the energy transition, AI, cybersecurity, and geopolitics, exploring how these paradigm shifts are poised to redistribute trillions of dollars. By rethinking strategic decision-making, businesses can leverage disruption as a powerful springboard to drive innovation and growth while avoiding the risks of stagnation.
Roger Spitz delves into how decision-making is evolving in an increasingly complex world, shaped by rapid technological advancements and information overload. Exploring the shift from descriptive to prescriptive decision-making, Roger highlights the importance of distinguishing between complicated and complex systems. He discusses the risks of over-relying on machines and the impact of social media on our choices. Key to thriving in disruption is strategic and emergent agility, as well as building resilience and foresight capabilities to spot weak signals and navigate uncertainty effectively.
Roger Spitz explores how sustainability is rapidly becoming a central driver of business success, alongside or even beyond digital transformation. He examines how organisations can create value through sustainable practices, recognising the interconnectedness of climate action, technological innovation, and business model evolution. This session offers a foresight-driven approach to achieving growth and competitive advantage in a future where sustainability is integral to business strategy.
Roger Spitz explores the transformative role of science fiction in shaping our understanding of the future. He delves into how speculative scenarios—often seen as abstract or far-fetched—can serve as powerful tools for prototyping and preparing for disruptive change. With the accelerating convergence of technologies and the rapid pace of exponential growth, Roger reveals how humanity is already beginning to prototype tomorrow’s world. This session challenges leaders to embrace creative foresight, blending imagination with strategy to navigate the unknown.
Roger Spitz examines the evolving role of AI in strategic decision-making and the critical traits humans must cultivate to remain competitive. As machines increasingly take on complex decisions, the risk of being outpaced by rapidly learning AI grows. Roger introduces the AAA Framework—Antifragile, Anticipatory, and Agility—as essential qualities to strengthen human decision-making in the age of AI. By honing these skills, leaders can enhance their agency and harness the power of AI, ensuring they thrive amidst exponential technological advances.
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