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 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Ian Pearson Video
Ian Pearson Speaker Showreel - Click play to watch a short sample video clip of Ian Pearson. For more information on Ian Pearson please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Ian Pearson News
A selection of relevant news related to Ian Pearson, After Dinner Speakers and Keynote Speakers, Business Speakers, Futurists, Innovation Speakers, Sustainability Speakers and Technology 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 7607 7070 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.
Innovative Speakers Gather at TED 2012
28th June 2012
California is once again the sunny location for TED, the most innovative and exciting conference on the planet, where speakers with ‘ideas worth spreading’ gather to share their thoughts on technology, design, science, media, politics, the arts, and other insights on how to shape a better word.
Thinkers50 Nominees Announced
29th July 2011
As the 2011 Thinkers50 Summit approaches, Speakers Corner proudly presents a varied catalogue of the highest caliber corporate speakers shortlisted for the prestigious accolade. Amongst the crème de la crème of management personalities are conductor Benjamin Zander, economics expert Kjell Nordstrom and entrepreneur Lucy Marcus.
Top Speakers Corner Talent at TED Global
14th July 2011
Speakers Corner’s varied and rich catalogue of unique and inspirational personalities is well represented at this year’s TED Global Summer conference in Edinburgh. Speakers in the Scottish capital include Nic Marks - Founder of the award winning centre for well-being; author and thinker Charles Leadbeater; percussionist Evelyn Glennie and TV scientist Brian Cox.
Bill Gates Amongst Hosts at TED 2011
3rd March 2011
Bill Gates, technology pioneer, businessman and philanthropist, is amongst the acclaimed hosts at this year’s TED Conference in California.
Time’s Best Inventions of the Year 2012
27th December 2012
Time Magazine has released its list of the best inventions of 2012.
Tim Smit To Open College For New Construction Techniques
11th June 2012
Co-founder & Chief Executive of the amazing Eden Project, Tim Smit, spoke to the i magazine about a new technical college based at the Eden Project and opening in 2013.
California Hosts TED 2012 – The Full Spectrum
1st March 2012
Speakers Corner boasts a vast selection of TED speakers, including Dr. Rachel Armstrong, Chris Anderson, Rory Bremner, Tim Harford, Magnus Lindkvist, Charles Hazlewood and Nic Marks.
Big Ideas - Christian Majgaard, Lucy P. Marcus and Rachel Armstrong
18th October 2011
Corporate speakers and lauded innovation thinkers Christian Majgaard, Lucy P. Marcus and Rachel Armstrong grace The Big Ideas Factory in York for an evening of thought provoking debate and networking in Ron Cooke Hub's purpose built innovation space.
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)20 7607 7070 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.
Ian was extremely knowledgeable and provided great insight for our report and was great with the media interviews.
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)20 7607 7070 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.
For further information or to book Ian Pearson, call us on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
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