Ian Pearson Biography
Ian Pearson is a leading futurist, keynote speaker and after dinner speaker. All over Europe Ian delivers provocative talks about the future of many aspects of our daily lives - from work to leisure, fashion to climate change.
Ian identifies and explains the key changes ahead in every sector of business and society that will arise as a result of rapidly changing technology, without use of jargon. He has a strong engineering background and uses that to interpret current R&D and drive his views on how fast things in each sector will change in the next 15 years. He explains often complex technological developments using ordinary everyday language, and shows why they are relevant to executives, in a provocative and entertaining style.
Background and Career
Ian graduated in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics from Queens University, Belfast. He has worked in most branches of engineering, with 4 years in missile design and 22 years with British Telecom doubling as their futurologist for the last decade before leaving and setting up Futurizon.
Speaking Topics
BT's former Futurologist for 15 years, Ian keeps track of developments across the whole field of technology.
- Futures
- Technology
- Business strategy
- Pace of change
- Innovation
- Environment and sustainability
- IT
For further information or to book Ian Pearson, call us on +44 (0) 20 8365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Outside of appearing and speaking at live corporate and private events Ian Pearson has a number of retail products available that can be purchased through Speakers Corner. For upcoming new book and product launches related to Ian Pearson then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 208 365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Ian Pearson Books
Ian Pearson DVDs
Barbie In The Nutcracker [DVD]Price: £19.99
Ian Pearson Music
Barbie In The Nutcracker [DVD]Price: £19.99
Beast Wars [DVD]Price: £5.99
Barbie in the Nutcracker [VHS]Price: £15.99
Ian Pearson News
A selection of relevant news related to Ian Pearson and Business Speakers stories. For more information on Ian Pearson or details as to how to book Ian Pearson for your corporate event, please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 20 8365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Ian Pearson Looks to the Future
23rd January 2012
The BBC website magazine has asked readers for their predictions of life in 100 years time, and has brought in futurist and keynote speaker Ian Pearson to comment.
“Back to the Futurist”: Melissa Sterry and Rachel Armstrong
20th January 2012
URBN FUTR, a website providing a narrative and peephole into the cities and society of tomorrow, is running a series on leading futurists from around the world. Some of the break-through generation of futurists participating include Melissa Sterry and Rachel Armstrong.
Google Zeitgeist 2010 gives us a snapshot of what the world is interested in
21st December 2010
As 2010 draws to a close, Speakers Corner would like to highlight Google's tool, Zeitgeist as a fascinating tool to check out what the world is searching on through Google - hopefully giving us a snapshot of trends and hot topics throughout the world in 2010
Futurist Richard Watson's predictions for 2010
31st December 2009
Richard Watson, the man who predicted the credit crunch has made his predictions for 2010. The British trends advisor who lives in Sydney successfully predicted the credit crunch and was spot on when last year he predicted 2009 to be a year dominated by loathsome bankers, comtempt for high-earning CEOs and campaigns to protect local businesses.
TED Speaker and Futurist Rachel Armstrong Holds Online Chat
11th September 2011
What does the future hold? This is the $64,000 question that cannot be answered but is open to informed and intelligent speculation, and is a frequently used tool, helping to motivate companies in the current climate of economic gloom.
Futurist Richard Watson releases his latest book - Future Minds
27th October 2010
The speaker and author of the acclaimed book Future Files, has published his latest book, Future Minds. Richard's latest offering explores the way that screen culture is shaping our future and Richard proposes his own thoughts on the dangers of our potential addiction to data!
The Rising Trend of Futurist Speakers at Speakers Corner
1st October 2010
The speed of change has brought an increasing level of uncertainty about future trends which are more immediate than ever. As a result Speakers Corner has seen a rise in demand for futurist speakers and the trend-spotting guidance they provide.
Futurology speaker, Ray Hammond, offers a glimpse into our future lives
27th October 2009
The world renowned futurologist, technology anaylist and commentator on the digital age offers some interesting insights into new technologies and developments that will shape our lives in the future. From self-cleaning keyboards, living heart patches to silent artificial muscles - it's a brave new world
Futurist Richard Watson shares a few snippets of his latest trend watching
7th October 2009
Richard Watson is a futurist, consultant and speaker who advises organisations on the future, focusing particularly on trends and on long term strategy. Richard's specific areas of expertise include retail banking, newspapers, airlines and supermarkets. He publishes the What's Next report on global trends and has shared a few of those trends with us at Speakers Corner.
Brian Cox Makes Economist Book of the Year 2011 List
22nd December 2011
The Quantum Universe: Everything That Can Happen Does Happen, by Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw has reached the Economist Book of the Year list. The book breaks all the rules of popular science-writing, by two of Britain’s best known physicists.
Ian Pearson Reviews
Ian Pearson has spoken and appeared at a number of recent corporate events. Please find some client speaker testimonials and reviews for Ian Pearson for a number of these events and conferences. If you would like some additional information as to how to book Ian Pearson for your corporate event, then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 208 365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
"We were very impressed with Ian's presentation and style. Please pass on our thanks."
"We found Ian's talk extremely interesting with plenty to think about! It was an unusual take on how life could look in 5, 10, 20 years' time and made us appreciate the speed with which we innovate. Ian's talk was humorous but it drove the message home. Would definitely consider using Ian again at a future event."
Q & A with Ian Pearson
Ian Pearson answered some probing questions for Speakers Corner. For speaking secrets revealed - read on! To book Ian Pearson for your event, please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 208 365 3200 or info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Speakers Corner: How did the corporate speaking start?
Ian Pearson: I started doing a job that people were interested in so requests started to come in for talks.
Speakers Corner: Can you remember your first speaking engagement?
Ian Pearson: Yes, it was the FITCE conference in 1993, where I did a talk on the future of social technology. I won first prize, so I will always remember it.
Speakers Corner: And your last event?
Ian Pearson: Yes, a talk to the US Army on future weapons of mass destruction. They gave me an Award for Excellence.
Speakers Corner: Which event has been your favourite and why?
Ian Pearson: It was an after dinner speech to the UK military. They were very receptive after a few drinks!
Speakers Corner: If you could speak at any event, past or future, what would it be?
Ian Pearson: I’d like to speak some day at the World Economic Forum. I’ve had a couple of invitations in the past but they have always conflicted with prior engagements.
Speakers Corner: Who would you most like to share a platform with?
Ian Pearson: Lady Gaga, she dresses in very futuristic ways sometimes.
Speakers Corner: On average, how many times a year do you speak at corporate events?
Ian Pearson: Typically 30-50
Speakers Corner: Are you as happy speaking to 50 as to 1,000 people?
Ian Pearson: I prefer small intimate groups where people are relaxed and it can be interactive. I mostly talk to groups between 20 and 600 people. I don’t really enjoy audiences any bigger than that.
Speakers Corner: How do you like to be introduced?
Ian Pearson: Simply as a futurologist working for Futurizon.
Speakers Corner: Do you always like to do a briefing call before the event?
Ian Pearson: I don’t mind. All I need to know is the type of audience, the subject area, how long I have, and any key goals the organisers have.
Speakers Corner: What are the most requested topics?
Ian Pearson: Marketing, environment, security, business strategy, retailing, future of the web and other media, and travel.
Speakers Corner: Is your speech interactive with audience participation?
Ian Pearson: I don’t have a single speech, I tailor to the type of event, but I generally prefer a straight talk with Q and A afterwards.
Speakers Corner: Do you have any funny/embarrassing speaking anecdotes to share?
Ian Pearson: Well, there was one big conference where I got mixed up with another one the same week, and I ended up doing a retailing talk to an IT security event. No-one seemed to notice my error so I just kept going. I still don’t think anyone noticed.
Speakers Corner: Your favourite film?
Ian Pearson: Blade Runner
Speakers Corner: Favourite book?
Ian Pearson: Freakonomics
Speakers Corner: Favourite holiday destination?
Ian Pearson: Orlando, I love escaping into what seems to be an alternative universe.
Speakers Corner: Country or townie?
Ian Pearson: I’ve lived all my life on the very boundary where they meet, so both really.
If you are interested in booking Ian Pearson for your live event or require any additional information regarding Ian Pearson then please fill in the enquiry form below and one of the Speakers Corner booking agents will contact you within 24 hours.
For further information or to book Ian Pearson, call us on +44 (0) 20 8365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Other speakers you might like
Lewis Gordon Pugh
Lewis Gordon Pugh is one of Great Britain's foremost swimmers. He is an explorer and environmentalist and a fantastic motivational and sustainability speaker.
Carlos Espinosa de los Monteros
Second Vice-President of Inditex (Zara), former CEO of Mercedes Benz & Iberia Airlines
Claire Young
Having shot to fame on The Apprentice and nicknamed 'the Rottweiler', entrepreneur Claire Young is one of the brightest young (no pun intended!) stars on the corporate speaking circuit
Saba Douglas-Hamilton
As presenter of Big Cat Diary and Wild, Saba is a well known face of natural history programmes. Her knowledge have made Saba one of the most popular documentary talents and fascinating speakers.
