Former Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Stephen Yarwood helps organizations harness AI and foresight to build innovative, sustainable, and future-ready communities.
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5.00 of 5
Top rated!A visionary futurist and former Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Stephen Yarwood empowers leaders to future-proof their organizations. With over 30 years’ expertise in innovation, AI, and urban transformation, he delivers inspiring, actionable keynotes that turn complex change into strategic advantage, helping businesses, governments, and communities thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Keynote Speaker Stephen Yarwood is an internationally recognized futurist, urbanist, and thought leader who inspires organizations to embrace innovation, adaptability, and long-term strategic thinking. As the former Lord Mayor of Adelaide and Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia, Stephen has dedicated his career to shaping sustainable, liveable, and intelligent communities that thrive in an age of rapid transformation.
With over 30 years of cross-sector experience spanning city planning, corporate strategy, education, and governance innovation, Stephen helps organizations understand and leverage the forces reshaping the future. His expertise in artificial intelligence, smart cities, and future leadership provides businesses and governments with practical insights to navigate complexity, foster creativity, and future-proof their strategies.
Known for his dynamic, engaging, and humorous presentation style, Stephen translates complex ideas into actionable strategies that inspire leaders and teams alike. His keynotes empower audiences to think beyond the present, anticipate disruption, and build resilient, future-ready organizations.
When you book Stephen Yarwood for your event, you gain more than a speaker, you gain a catalyst for innovation and transformation. His forward-thinking perspective equips organizations with the tools and mindset to lead confidently in a rapidly evolving world.
5 of 5
Stephen has a unique and distinguished background, genuine passion for his specialism, a hugely insightful mind, and a distinctive knowledge of the future challenges facing civilisation. His international experience is particularly useful in framing the discussion beyond a singular national context, which made his impact greater. Stephen set the tone of the event superbly. His insight into the future changes facing this generation of students brought strong context and direction to the whole conference. I appreciated his instinctive understanding of his part in making the event a success. Stephen engaged the students well with practical activities and an engaging, inclusive style. He knew his audience and they responded well to his words.
Dr John H NewtonPrincipal, Scotch College, Adelaide.
5 of 5
Stephen is a dynamic and thought provoking workshop facilitator and trainer with excellent communication skills and an extensive knowledge of how cities work and are governed. I was impressed with the way that Stephen seamlessly introduced ideas and different ways of thinking into the group dynamic.
Nigel McBrideCEO, Prospect Council
5 of 5
Stephen is a big picture thinker able to distill complex ideas into useful solutions and real outcomes. His understanding of how cities work is outstanding and his commitment to advancing the planning profession, in a time of rapid change, is highly regarded in Australia.
Dyann CurrieFormer Commonwealth Association of Planners & Past President, Planning Institute of Australia
5 of 5
Stephen is an extremely well respected innovative and creative urban expert that is visionary but practical. His knowledge and experience would be a valuable asset to cities preparing for the future.
Felicity-Ann LewisPast President, Australian Local Government Association & former Mayor of Marion
5 of 5
Stephen is a visionary urbanist. A strategic thinker with an intimate understanding of how cities work today and should work in the future. Any city would benefit from his ideas and efforts.
Lisa Scaffidi Former Lord Mayor of Perth, Australia
5 of 5
Stephen intimately understands cities and the role of innovation and technology in their evolution. He is a dynamic thinker, effective collaborator and articulate communicator.
Hon. Jay WetherillFormer Premier of South Australia
5 of 5
Stephen is a dynamic and thought-provoking keynote speaker who captivates audiences with his energy and insight. His ability to challenge perspectives and inspire fresh thinking made for an engaging and exciting presentation. Highly recommended for any event looking to spark innovation and forward-thinking discussion!
Sam FielkeEvents Manager, Master Builders Association
5 of 5
A brilliantly innovative talk – clearly the best delivery for the last few years
Sir Bob HarveyFormer Mayor of Waitakere City, New Zealand
5 of 5
Stephen is a powerhouse presenter who can hold an audience on the edge of their seats with his fascinating insights into the world of tomorrow. His content is as entertaining as it is informative, it authentically challenge’s prevailing wisdom and invites us all to consider the reality of the velocity of change occurring around us. His presentations provide an insightful portal into the societal transformations across a range of disciplines and domains on our doorstep. He does it with his trademark enthusiasm and optimism, leaving his audiences inspired and better prepared for the inevitability of the tsunami of change.
Fairlie DelbridgeChair, Real Estate Institute of South Australia
Keynote by Stephen Yarwood:
Are you ready for the expectations of tomorrow’s citizen, one shaped by technology, diversity, and constant change? As demographics, innovation, and cultural values evolve, organizations risk falling behind if they fail to understand the people they serve and lead.
In his keynote The Future Citizen, Stephen Yarwood reveals how technological disruption, shifting demographics, and new social dynamics are redefining what communities, workplaces, and consumers demand. Drawing on decades of leadership and futurist expertise, he equips audiences with actionable insights to anticipate change, adapt strategy, and stay relevant.
Through dynamic storytelling and future-focused foresight, Stephen empowers leaders to design policies, workplaces, and business models aligned with the values of tomorrow. Book Stephen Yarwood for your event and gain the tools to thrive in a world built around the citizen of the future.
Keynote by Stephen Yarwood:
Are your leaders struggling to turn visionary ideas into tangible results? Many organizations know where they want to go but lack the strategy to bridge the gap between long-term goals and day-to-day decisions.
In his keynote Strategic Planning for Leaders, Stephen Yarwood empowers executives and decision-makers to transform vision into actionable strategy. Drawing on his experience as a futurist, urbanist, and former Lord Mayor of Adelaide, he demonstrates how to align foresight with practical execution, ensuring every decision supports long-term success.
Through engaging, evidence-based insights, Stephen helps leaders understand how governance, policy, and organizational design can drive sustainable transformation. His keynote equips audiences with frameworks to anticipate change, manage complexity, and lead with clarity.
Book Stephen Yarwood for your event to inspire your team to move from vision to action—and shape a future built on strategic, informed leadership.
Keynote by Stephen Yarwood:
Are you prepared for the uncertainty shaping your organization’s future? In a world defined by rapid technological change, shifting demographics, and global disruption, many leaders struggle to see what’s coming next, let alone plan for it.
In his keynote Futures 101: Navigating Tomorrow, Stephen Yarwood delivers an engaging and practical introduction to strategic foresight. He helps leaders understand megatrends, anticipate uncertainty, and develop the mindset and tools to design their preferred future rather than react to it.
Drawing on his global experience as a futurist, urbanist, and innovation strategist, Stephen empowers audiences to identify opportunities, challenge assumptions, and make confident long-term decisions in complex environments.
Book Stephen Yarwood for your event and give your team the foresight advantage, transforming uncertainty into clarity, and vision into meaningful action for tomorrow’s world.
Keynote by Stephen Yarwood:
Is your organization struggling to keep up with the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and understand what it truly means for people, strategy, and society? As AI transforms how we live, work, and lead, many organizations risk being left behind or misusing its potential.
In his keynote Artificial Intelligence & Human Futures, Stephen Yarwood demystifies AI and reveals how it can be harnessed ethically, strategically, and humanely. Drawing on decades of experience in innovation, governance, and urban foresight, he explores how technology reshapes cities, workplaces, and human behavior, offering leaders the clarity and tools to respond intelligently.
Stephen’s engaging and practical approach empowers audiences to embrace AI as an enabler of creativity, productivity, and better decision-making. Book Stephen Yarwood for your event to gain future-ready insights that balance technological progress with human purpose and ethical leadership.
Keynote by Stephen Yarwood:
Are your leaders ready to inspire teams in an age of AI, hybrid workplaces, and constant change? Traditional leadership models are no longer enough to meet the expectations of tomorrow’s workforce and citizens. Organizations that fail to adapt risk losing engagement, innovation, and direction.
In his keynote The Future of Work & Leadership, Stephen Yarwood unpacks the new dynamics shaping how we lead, collaborate, and thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Combining insights from technology, urban design, and human behavior, he reveals how wellbeing, resilience, and adaptive thinking will define the next generation of leadership.
Through engaging stories and practical foresight, Stephen equips leaders with tools to inspire trust, creativity, and sustainable performance in the face of disruption. Book Stephen Yarwood for your event and prepare your organization to lead confidently in the future of work.
Keynote by Stephen Yarwood:
How can your organization or community stay agile in the face of rapid urban, technological, and societal change? Many leaders struggle to navigate complexity, align stakeholders, and deliver transformation that truly lasts.
In his keynote Transforming Cities & Organisations, Stephen Yarwood shares powerful lessons from leading both urban and corporate transformations. As a globally recognized futurist and former Lord Mayor of Adelaide, he reveals how strategic foresight, innovation, and human-centered leadership can turn disruption into opportunity.
Through compelling case studies and actionable frameworks, Stephen empowers audiences to rethink governance, culture, and strategy for the 21st century. His engaging keynotes provide the clarity and confidence leaders need to drive progress amid uncertainty.
Book Stephen Yarwood for your event and gain proven insights to transform your organization, or your city, into a dynamic, future-ready force for positive change.
Keynote by Stephen Yarwood:
How do we design cities that truly work for people, not just for growth or technology? Around the world, communities face challenges of congestion, disconnection, and declining wellbeing, demanding a new vision for urban life.
In his keynote Urbanism 101: Designing for People, Stephen Yarwood delivers a practical yet inspiring exploration of city-making for the modern age. Drawing on his experience as a futurist, urban planner, and former Lord Mayor of Adelaide, he shows how urban design, transport, and public spaces can create healthier, happier, and more connected communities.
Stephen’s engaging and insightful keynotes reveal how to balance innovation with humanity, combining data-driven planning with empathy and creativity. He equips leaders, planners, and policymakers with the foresight and tools to shape cities that enrich lives.
Book Stephen Yarwood for your event and discover how people-centered design builds better cities and brighter futures.
Keynote by Stephen Yarwood:
Why do some cities thrive while others struggle to attract talent, investment, and community pride? The difference often lies in the quality of their built environments, how well they are designed for people, purpose, and prosperity.
In his keynote High-Quality Urban Environments, Stephen Yarwood reveals why great design isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity for economic growth, sustainability, and social wellbeing. Drawing on his global experience as a futurist, urbanist, and former Lord Mayor of Adelaide, he shares how thoughtful planning and design can transform cities and organizations alike.
Stephen’s keynotes provide practical strategies for leaders, developers, and policymakers to create places where people want to live, work, and belong. Through powerful insights and real-world examples, he inspires audiences to invest in quality as the foundation of lasting success.
Book Stephen Yarwood for your event and learn how better design builds better futures.
Keynote by Stephen Yarwood:
What will homes and workplaces look like in a world defined by technology, mobility, and shifting lifestyles? As hybrid work, smart living, and digital connectivity reshape daily life, many organizations and cities are struggling to adapt to the new reality.
In his keynote CBDs & the Homes of the Future, Stephen Yarwood explores how technological innovation and cultural change are redefining where, and how, we live and work. Drawing on his expertise as a futurist and urban planner, he reveals what these transformations mean for business strategy, real estate, and community development.
Stephen’s engaging and insightful presentation helps leaders anticipate emerging trends, design smarter environments, and make decisions that align with the expectations of tomorrow’s citizens.
Book Stephen Yarwood for your event and discover how to harness innovation and foresight to build the cities, workplaces, and homes of the future.
Keynote by Stephen Yarwood
