How to Thrive in the Age of AI
We’re living in the most transformative era in history, where machines and humans converge like never before. And as AI continues to reshape every industry and workforce, the need for visionary leaders who can harness its power and unlock new opportunities has never been greater.
Join me, Dr Mark van Rijmenam, as we dive into the fascinating world of synthetic media, data, and biology and explore the seven key principles of leading in a synthetic world.
From embracing your synthetic self to adopting an exponential mindset and long-term thinking, I’ll equip you with the tools and insights you need to thrive in this age of AI.
In this exciting and thought-provoking keynote, we’ll explore how to prepare for the synthetic future and apply cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation, growth, and transformation.
So, get ready to ignite your imagination, unlock your potential, and become a true leader in the era of synthetic reality!
Leadership in a World Driven by Exponential Change
As a leader, staying ahead of the curve and understanding how the world around us is rapidly evolving, fuelled by exponential growth in technologies like AI, is critical.
But in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, missing the train can mean the end of your organisation, no matter how big or old your company is.
Together, we’ll explore the critical skills and competencies essential for success in a world driven by exponential change, from embracing an exponential mindset to developing a long-term strategic vision that will guide your organisation into the future.
In this inspiring keynote, I’ll take you on a journey into the future and equip you with the tools and insights you need to stay ahead of the curve.
So, get ready to embrace the future of leadership and become a true leader in the age of exponential change with me, Dr Mark van Rijmenam.
In this mind-bending keynote, we will explore what is real and what is fake in a world driven by synthetic data and media. In an algorithmic post-truth world, the lines between reality and fiction are becoming increasingly blurred, and it’s essential to understand how to navigate this new landscape.
As Morpheus said in The Matrix, “What is real? How do you define real?” But even his definition is no longer true in today’s world.
That’s why I’m excited to bring my digital twin to this talk and take the audience on a journey into the unknown, exploring the latest trends and emerging technologies that are reshaping our world and our perception of reality.
Together, we’ll explore the implications of this new world, from the challenges and opportunities of synthetic data and media to the ethical considerations of using these technologies.
So, get ready to challenge your assumptions and redefine your understanding of what is real and what is fake.
Dr Mark van Rijmenam is a strategic futurist, author, and advisor who helps organizations navigate the intersection of AI, blockchain, data and the future of work. He researches emerging technologies and translates their implications into clear business scenarios and practical recommendations.
Mark’s work focuses on how leaders can build resilient, ethical, and innovation-ready organizations in the face of rapid technological change. He writes, consults and speaks globally, using case studies and frameworks to help audiences evaluate opportunities, mitigate risks, and design experiments that move strategy forward. His presentations blend research with clear playbooks for governance, product strategy, and workforce transformation so leaders can make informed decisions instead of reacting to hype.
Mark is regularly booked for conferences, executive offsites, and industry summits where attendees need both a broad view of what’s coming and steps they can implement immediately.
Dr. Mark van Rijmenam is a globally recognized strategic futurist, keynote speaker, and thought leader on artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the future of work. As an in-demand speaker, he equips organizations with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate digital disruption, drive innovation, and prepare for the rapidly changing technological landscape. His ability to translate complex digital trends into actionable strategies makes him a sought-after expert for global enterprises, governments, and forward-thinking leaders.
With a PhD in Management from the University of Technology Sydney and years of experience advising Fortune 500 companies, Dr. van Rijmenam has positioned himself at the forefront of digital transformation. His engaging and informative presentations empower audiences to embrace emerging technologies, leverage data-driven decision-making, and future-proof their businesses in an age of exponential change.
With a deep understanding of (generative) AI, blockchain, the metaverse, and other emerging technologies, Dr Van Rijmenam is the trusted advisor to leading companies and governments seeking to innovate and thrive in the digital age.
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. Dr Mark van Rijmenam is a respected voice in the technology community and a member of the Professional Speaker Australia association and the Global Speakers Federation.
Dr. van Rijmenam is an authority on the impact of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data on business and society. Through his research and consulting work, he provides strategic guidance to executives and policymakers, helping them understand how disruptive technologies are reshaping industries and redefining competitive advantage. His expertise spans a wide range of fields, including digital ethics, the metaverse, and the role of decentralized technologies in shaping the future economy.
As the founder of Datafloq, a global media platform dedicated to big data and AI, he has been instrumental in educating professionals on data-driven innovation and emerging technology trends. His books, including The Organisation of Tomorrow and Step into the Metaverse, explore how businesses can adapt to digital change and harness new technologies to create value. His research-based insights and hands-on approach make him a trusted advisor to leaders seeking to stay ahead of the curve.
Mark van Rijmenam has delivered keynote speeches at high-profile events worldwide, including TEDx, global summits, and corporate conferences. His ability to distill complex concepts into compelling narratives allows him to engage audiences ranging from C-suite executives to technology enthusiasts. By blending academic rigor with real-world applications, he ensures that his presentations are not only insightful but also practical and actionable.
Dr. Mark van Rijmenam is the ideal choice for organizations looking to future-proof their strategies and embrace technological change with confidence. His ability to connect cutting-edge research with real-world applications ensures that audiences leave his sessions with clear, actionable insights. Whether addressing global corporations, governments, or tech-driven startups, he provides thought-provoking perspectives that challenge conventional thinking and inspire innovation.
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Dr Mark van Rijmenam introduces himself as a strategic futurist, someone who studies how emerging technologies will impact organizations and society. He emphasizes that we are entering a transformative era driven by technologies such as AI, blockchain, and big data analytics, all of which will converge to create powerful change.
He warns against a metaverse controlled by a single company, advocating instead for democratized creativity enabled by AI. He explains that the metaverse represents the merging of physical and digital worlds into a “phygital experience”, augmenting reality for decades to come.
Mark stresses the importance of building the metaverse responsibly, noting that computing power and quantum computing will only accelerate this transformation. The talk is described by attendees as highly immersive, engaging, and visionary, with clear explanations of complex topics.
00:00 — Introduction: Strategic futurism and emerging tech.
00:25 — AI, blockchain, and big data as catalysts of change.
01:00 — Risks of a centralized metaverse.
01:20 — The promise of democratized creativity through AI.
01:50 — Defining the metaverse as the convergence of physical and digital.
02:30 — Building technology for the next decades, not just years.
03:10 — The convergence of AI and the metaverse as “indistinguishable from magic.”
04:00 — Audience reflections: clarity, innovation, and impact.
04:40 — Closing thought: the future of the metaverse depends on us.
The video explains that generative AI is essentially synthetic content created by artificial intelligence. The creator demonstrates the process:
Step 1 — Used ChatGPT to generate a description of a “blue man.”
Step 2 — Entered that description into MidJourney to generate an AI-created image.
Step 3 — Took the image into D-ID to animate it and add text.
Step 4 — Within two minutes, the result was a short AI-generated video of a blue man.
The speaker emphasizes that creating this kind of content so quickly would not have been possible just a year ago, highlighting the rapid advancement of AI tools.
00:00 — Intro: generative AI explained as synthetic content.
00:20 — Demo begins: using ChatGPT for text prompts.
00:40 — Creating images with MidJourney.
01:00 — Animating with D-ID.
01:20 — Final result: a blue man video created in 2 minutes.
01:40 — Reflection on how recent AI advances made this possible.
Dr Mark van Rijmenam begins with a video clip from YouTuber Jason Silva, highlighting how words, imagination, and AI can merge to instantly create art. He explains that AI allows for the democratization of creativity, enabling anyone to bring their imagination to life.
Looking ahead, he argues that the convergence of generative AI and the metaverse will create magical experiences spaces where people can be whoever they want, in any environment they choose.
However, he cautions against dismissing emerging technologies too quickly. Quoting Clay Christensen, he reminds us that “the next big thing often starts off looking like a toy.” He uses the metaverse as an example, noting that while today it may appear rudimentary, it represents a new technological era with transformative potential.
00:00 — Opening with Jason Silva video on imagination and AI art.
00:40 — AI as a driver of democratized creativity.
01:10 — The fusion of generative AI and the metaverse as a “magical experience.”
01:40 — Future potential: identity and environment freedom in the metaverse.
02:10 — Warning: breakthrough technologies often appear trivial at first.
02:40 — Example: the metaverse looks basic now but holds massive long-term promise.
Dr Mark van Rijmenam highlights the trinity of technologies — blockchain, big data, and artificial intelligence — as the foundation for the organization of the future.
He explains that these technologies will:
He concludes that the integration of these technologies will enable seamless human-to-human, human-to-machine, and machine-to-machine interactions, resulting in organizations that are more competitive, efficient, and resilient.
00:00 — Identifying blockchain, big data, and AI as the “holy grail.”
00:20 — Role of data at the core of collaboration.
00:40 — How big data analytics provides insights.
01:00 — AI enabling smarter interactions and automation.
01:20 — Blockchain ensuring trust and security in collaboration.
01:40 — The convergence of the three technologies to create future-ready organizations.
A: Yes — examples and case studies cover multiple markets.
A: Yes — concise briefings for senior leaders.
A: High-level company context helps tailor examples.
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