Gihan Perera is a futurist, conference speaker, author and consultant who gives you a glimpse into what’s ahead - and how you can become fit for the future, in your professional and personal life.
Since 1997, he has worked with business leaders, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and other change agents - helping them with their strategy for thriving in a fast-changing world.
He has clients throughout Australia, as well as in New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the USA and Canada.
Current work
He is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), the only internationally recognised designation for professional speakers.
Previous experience
Author: He is the author of “The Future of Leadership”, “Disruption By Design”, and 10 other books.
Web: He has always taken the lead in embracing emerging technologies and trends, from his university thesis in robotics and artificial intelligence, to leading a software development team building the infrastructure for the early Internet, founding one of Australia’s first Web development companies in 1996, teaching thought leaders how to engage in e-learning platforms, and helping business leaders build their personal brand and online influence.
Because innovation is everybody’s business, and the best ideas can come from anywhere, he has worked with a number of industries - including healthcare, financial services, mining and resources, property, local government, education, and technology.
Recognition: Forbes magazine rated him the #5 social media influencer in the world (and #1 in Australia) in his area of expertise.
Education: His formal background is in science and technology, with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Western Australia. But he’s always been interested in people and the way they communicate - and how to become fit for the future, so they embrace change, act on opportunities, and live happier lives.
Talking Points
Fit for the Future
COVID-19 has transformed our world - at home, at work, and in society at large. We know it will continue to change, but we don’t know how “the next normal” will look and feel. We all need to learn how to navigate an uncertain and volatile future, but we also have the opportunity to shape that future. Explore future scenarios for your industry, learn practical tools for clearer decision-making, and develop the new skills you need to thrive in a fast-changing world.Fit for the Future
(Gihan customises this presentation for your industry - with a focus on the trends and future scenarios that most apply to you)
Key Messages:
- The short-term and long-term post-pandemic trends shaping your industry
- Take more control of your own future
- Engage three key stakeholder groups in creating the future
Format:
This 45-60 minute keynote (in person or online) is Gihan’s most-booked presentation and is suitable for all audiences. Use this for a high-impact opening keynote, an inspiring closing keynote, or the opening session the morning after the Gala Dinner.
Accelerating Digital Transformation
High-Tech Meets High-TouchAccelerating Digital Transformation
COVID-19 has accelerated digital transformation, and 2020 will be remembered as the year so much fringe technology became mainstream - such as contactless payments, the shift to working from home, online entertainment and the exponential growth of artificial intelligence (AI).
Even before the pandemic, employer demand for AI in the workplace had more than doubled over the last three years, and most leaders expected their employees and machines to work as “integrated teams”. The good news is that people and machines together are better than either alone. For smart, savvy organisations and leaders, this is a real game-changer - because digital transformation can boost productivity, enhance customer service, and create a competitive advantage in a fast-moving world.
Key Messages:
- The hype and the truth about the impact of AI
- How AI and robots will transform the future workplace
- Wise leadership in an age of AI, automation, and digital transformation
Format:
This presentation is ideal for people at all levels in an organisation. Available as a 45-60 minute keynote or a more interactive 90-minute presentation.
Reimagining the Workplace
A New Vision for The Future of WorkReimagining the Workplace
For millions of office workers around the world, COVID-19 changed - perhaps forever - their concept of the workplace. The pandemic transformed when, where, and how we work - with social distancing, more people working from home, online meetings, and virtual collaboration. The future workplace will never be the same, and smart leaders and savvy organisations are already building a better way of working - with more flexible work, greater collaboration, diverse teams, and better work-life integration. In a future where it will be even more difficult to attract the smart, talented, savvy people with the skills you need for future-proofing your organisation, your future workplace will give you a competitive advantage.
Key Messages:
- Understand how COVID-19 has changed workplace priorities forever
- Discover the five things the best employees want from their workplace
- Know what it takes to create the best workplace on Earth
Format:
This 45-60 minute keynote is one of Gihan’s most-booked presentations, and is particularly suitable for leadership groups. Use this for a high-impact opening keynote, an inspiring closing keynote, or the opening session the morning after the Gala Dinner.
Customers On Your Side
Engaging The New CustomerCustomers On Your Side
COVID-19 has changed the way customers engage with businesses - with more cashless payments, online orders, home delivery, and new products and services. The new customer has different wants and needs, and the organisations that succeed understand the five key trends shaping the new customer. When you get customers on your side, you understand the new customer journey, discover how to solve the problems that really matter, and future-proof your business in a fast-changing world.
(Gihan customises this presentation for your industry)
Key Messages:
- Understand the five key trends shaping the post-pandemic customer
- Map out the changes in your unique customer journey
- Create stronger ties and greater customer loyalty
Format:
This presentation is ideal for people at all levels in an organisation. Available as a 45-60 minute keynote or a more interactive 90-minute presentation.
Disruption By Design
Business as Unusual in a Fast-Changing World.Disruption By Design
COVID-19 has already shaken up every part of our lives, but the real disruption to your industry is yet to come. Every crisis creates opportunities, and with so much uncertainty about the future, it’s never been as important to innovate, think differently, scan wider, and look further - to future-proof your role, team, and organisation.
Key Messages:
- Foster a culture of innovation and action
- Engage clients and customers in innovation and change
- Make time for innovation in a busy workplace
- Use simple, practical techniques for generating ideas and taking action
Format:
Typically a 90-minute extended keynote, with interactive activities and processes that shift thinking, spark conversations, and generate practical ideas. Also available as a 45-60 minute high-impact keynote presentation.
The Future of Leadership
Leading The Change in an Uncertain Future.The Future of Leadership
When the future is uncertain, people look for real leaders to step up, and COVID-19 has amplified the best and worst of leadership. In a fast-changing world that has toppled icons, created new challenges and opportunities, and highlighted what really matters to us, we need a new kind of leadership. Successful leaders engage the minds and hearts of all their stakeholders, leverage the unique skills and talents of their team members, and provide confidence and clarity in an uncertain future.
Key Messages:
- Accelerating the experience curve in your team members
- Finding talent everywhere with virtual and distributed teams
- A personal brand that positions you as a future-ready leader
Format:
This presentation is ideal for leaders at all levels - including internal leaders in an organisation, emerging leaders, business owners, and entrepreneurs. Available as a 45-60 minute keynote or a more interactive 90-minute presentation.
Video
Gihan Perera | Futurist, Speaker, Author - Virtual Presentations | Saxton Speakers
Gihan is one of Australia’s leading online presenters, and has been running online presentations since 2009, when they were just in their infancy - and long before some people even had fast broadband Internet. His expertise in this area includes: - Teaching other thought leaders and presenters the art and science of online presentations, through his workshops, membership site, and his book Webinar Smarts. - Showing business professionals how to apply these same skills in their workplace and global teams. - Working with Citrix (the company behind GoToWebinar), teaching their clients in Australia, the UK, Europe, and the USA how to run better online presentations. - Being invited by Garr Reynolds, the author of the world-renowned bestseller Presentation Zen (widely considered the best book on presentation design), to write the online presentation section for the book.Gihan Perera | Futurist, Conference Speaker, Author | Saxton Speakers
Gihan Perera is a futurist, conference speaker, author and consultant who gives you a glimpse into what’s ahead - and how you can become fit for the future, in your professional and personal life. Since 1997, he has worked with business leaders, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and other change agents - helping them with their strategy for thriving in a fast-changing world. He has clients throughout Australia, as well as in New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the USA and Canada. He is the author of “The Future of Leadership”, “Disruption By Design”, and 10 other books. Forbes magazine rated him the #5 social media in?uencer in the world (and #1 in Australia) in his area of expertise.If you are serious about Social Media, Gihan is your man. He can keep even the most easily distracted person interested to his every word. He has new strategies to increase traffic and ultim ... keep reading Pittard Training Group
"Gihan’s professional, thorough and collaborative approach were evident in all our dealings with him. Framed by Gihan’s entertaining presentation style, his relevant knowledge of key issues in local and global context, practical tips and tools for the workplace, and his understanding of emerging trends resonated with the group and contributed to our leadership conference’s success. Overwhelmingly positive feedback and light-bulb moments from delegates.”
"Gihan’s candid style and humour won over the packed house from the moment he began speaking. It came as no surprise when he received the highest rating of all the guest speakers we had on the day. If you get a chance to bring him into your organisation or conference, I strongly recommend you do so before someone else books him."
"Gihan's presentation was a great opening session at our recent senior leaders forum. He cleverly integrated his knowledge and facts about technology evolution and other global disruptions into a compelling story about the change occurring in our working lives, and how we can best respond to it as leaders and individuals."
“We were extremely happy with Gihan as were our delegates for the Australian Association of Practice Management conference held in Perth 2017. Not only was I personally impressed with his professionalism and thoroughness but Gihan received an extremely high rating from the attendees (in fact one of the highest for our 4 day conference) and I would recommend him to anyone wanting to be informed, entertained and impressed! We need more Gihan’s in the world!”
