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David Rowan is a leading keynote speaker on artificial intelligence, the future of work, and how emerging technologies are reshaping business тАФ and how leaders can stay competitive in an age of disruption. He has delivered more than 700 keynotes globally and remains in high demand, giving over 50 talks this year alone across cities including London, New York, Cape Town, Stockholm and Dubai. His recent clients include senior audiences at Boston Consulting Group, Brunello Cucinelli and Phenom, where he explores both the opportunities and human impact of AI.
As founding Editor-in-Chief of WIRED UK, David Rowan gained unparalleled access to the founders of companies such as WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Google, Didi, Spotify and Twitter, tracking the rise of the worldтАЩs most influential tech businesses. He is the author of the bestselling book Non-Bullshit Innovation: 17 Proven Ways To Transform How You Work (Penguin), based on a 20-country journey to uncover how organisations can adapt and thrive in the face of technological change.
An active investor in more than 180 early-stage technology companies тАФ including eight that have become billion-dollar тАЬunicornsтАЭ тАФ David Rowan brings a rare combination of journalist insight and real-world operator experience. He also runs venture funds focused on health-tech and climate-tech, and has created his own innovation platforms, including the health-tech festival THE FIX and energy-tech festival THE HEAT, convening founders, investors and business leaders to explore the technologies shaping the future.
Today, his work focuses increasingly on the intersection of AI and human potential. As automation and generative AI transform industries, David argues that competitive advantage will come not just from adopting technology, but from how organisations define their culture, communicate their purpose, and tell compelling human stories. He is currently researching a new book, The Leader As Editor-In-Chief, exploring how leaders can build resilient organisations by shaping authentic narratives in an AI-driven world.
David Rowan is a former technology columnist for The Times, GQ, Cond├й Nast Traveller and The Sunday Times, and has built conference and advisory businesses alongside his media career. He has also moderated major global events including the 230,000-attendee GITEX technology conference.
As a speaker and moderator, David is known for making complex technological shifts clear, relevant and actionable. His keynotes explore artificial intelligence, innovation, changing business models, and the future of work, helping organisations understand not just whatтАЩs coming next, but how to respond. Blending real-world case studies, global insights and a strong narrative style, he equips leaders with practical strategies to navigate disruption and build future-ready businesses.
тАв How to think about human talent in the AI era
тАв How to understand the impact of generative AI
тАв What exponential technologies mean for the next five years in retail/real estate/finance/media/healthcare, etc
тАв What a 20-country quest taught me about building an authentic culture of innovation
тАв What AI agents tell us about the future of the workplace
тАв Why culture is the true business differentiator in a world of exponential tech
тАв What talent wants in the new world of work
