BBC presenter turned screen actor bringing AI, sci-fi and real-world innovation together in engaging, thought-provoking talks.
5.00 of 5
Top rated!5 of 5
“..His warm and confident style has really connected with our audience making each session a huge success..”
Adam Giles, Owner
Cambridge FilmWorks
Waseem Mirza brings a rare and compelling mix of experience to the stage. With nearly two decades as a BBC News technology presenter and reporter, and a growing presence as a screen actor in major productions, he connects the worlds of science fiction and science fact in a way few speakers can. From the Whoniverse to real-world AI and financial technology, his talks explore how storytelling, data and innovation shape the future. Engaging, insightful and easy to follow, Waseem delivers content that resonates with both industry professionals and wider audiences.
Waseem Mirza is a British screen actor, television presenter and keynote speaker whose career sits at the intersection of media, technology and storytelling. With a background that spans nearly two decades in broadcast journalism at BBC News, he has reported extensively on emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and innovation shaping modern life.
Today, he combines that journalistic depth with a growing on-screen acting career. Waseem plays the UK Newsreader in The War Between the Land and the Sea, the Doctor Who spin-off created by Russell T Davies for BBC Studios and Disney. The series launched in the UK in December 2025 and is set for international release on Disney+ in 2026, placing him firmly inside one of the most recognisable science fiction universes in the world.
Waseem’s transition from newsroom to screen adds a distinctive dimension to his work. Alongside his role in the Doctor Who spin-off, he has appeared in ITV’s Emmerdale as a Border Officer and in Pennyworth: The Origin of Batman’s Butler, part of the DC Universe. These roles connect him to both one of the UK’s longest-running television dramas and a major Hollywood franchise.
This dual experience gives him a strong, authentic voice when speaking about the overlap between fictional storytelling and real technological progress. He understands how narratives shape public perception of innovation and how media influences the way we think about the future.
In addition to acting, Waseem is currently filming Connected With Experian, a YouTube web-series and companion podcast exploring money, credit and the technology behind people’s financial lives. The project builds on Experian’s established work around credit and data, bringing these topics to a wider audience in an accessible and engaging format.
His keynote talks draw on this breadth of experience. He speaks about:
Recent engagements include a keynote on AI and the future of entertainment at Solent Futurescape in Southampton, as well as an Inner Circle Speaker Showcase for The Closer Speakers’ Consultancy. Both appearances generated strong feedback, particularly for his ability to simplify complex ideas without losing depth or impact.
Waseem is as comfortable on stage as he is on screen. His background in live broadcasting makes him a confident and reliable host, moderator and panel chair. He is available for a wide range of events, including technology conferences, corporate events and Comic-Con style conventions.
He brings energy and structure to discussions, whether leading fan Q&As about the Whoniverse and DC Universe or guiding conversations on AI, data and innovation. His understanding of fan culture, supported by appearances on fan-produced podcasts, allows him to connect authentically with audiences in both entertainment and technology spaces.
Beyond industry audiences, Waseem also speaks to students and younger groups about careers that sit at the crossroads of media, technology and storytelling. He demonstrates how interests in science fiction, journalism or screen acting can translate into real opportunities in the modern job market.
His journey shows that career paths are no longer linear. By combining skills across industries, he offers a practical and inspiring perspective on how to navigate a future shaped by rapid technological change.
Booking Waseem Mirza means bringing a speaker who connects ideas across industries and makes them meaningful for your audience. His talks are engaging, relevant and grounded in real experience—from the BBC newsroom to global screen productions and emerging tech platforms.
Whether your event focuses on AI, media, finance, storytelling or future careers, Waseem delivers insights that inform, inspire and stay with audiences long after the session ends.
5 of 5
“..His warm and confident style has really connected with our audience making each session a huge success..”
Adam Giles, Owner Cambridge FilmWorks
5 of 5
“Thanks again Waseem Mirza you were brilliant, completely thorough during the whole process. Your attention to detail was admirable and I can’t recommend you highly enough.”
Bob Strange, Owner The Closer Speakers' Consultancy
5 of 5
“You've been such a fabulous person to work with Waseem Mirza. I'm so excited to work with you again - you're so kind, thoughtful and approachable - I'm so grateful.”
Maz Garside, Marketing Communications Officer Solent Growth Partnership
5 of 5
“Our great joy! Thank you so much!”
Russell T Davies, Showrunner Doctor Who & The War Between The Land And The Sea BBC/Disney
Keynote by Waseem Mirza:
Drawing on his role as the UK Newsreader in The War Between the Land and the Sea and his years as a BBC technology journalist, Waseem explores how science‑fiction stories influence the way we think about real‑world technology and risk.
He shows how themes seen in the Whoniverse - climate, data, AI, global crises, and in the DC Universe, surveillance networks – echo debates happening in boardrooms, labs and parliaments, and how organisations can use narrative to communicate change more honestly and effectively.
Ideal for: innovation summits, tech conferences, media and creative industries, leadership events.
Keynote by Waseem Mirza:
As host of Connected With Experian, Waseem sits at the intersection of finance, data and emerging technology. In this keynote he unpacks how AI and automation are reshaping credit, risk and everyday money decisions – and what that means for consumers, brands and regulators.
He translates complex concepts into human stories, explains where trust is being won or lost, and offers practical principles for building financial products and communications that people actually understand and feel safe using.
Ideal for: financial services, fintech, consumer brands, internal employee events, customer conferences.
Keynote by Waseem Mirza:
With nearly twenty years on screen at BBC News and now fronting content for Experian, whilst acting in some of the world’s biggest sci-fi franchises, Waseem knows how to turn intimidating topics like AI, data and emerging tech into compelling stories.
This session focuses on communication: how to brief leaders for media and build content that keeps attention in a short‑form, always‑on world.
He shares his lessons from live newsrooms, scripted drama and film and conferences – including his experience moving between BBC News, Emmerdale, superhero and sci-fi franchises and major tech events.
Ideal for: internal communications, marketing and PR teams, leadership offsites, media/tech organisations.
Keynote by Waseem Mirza:
Designed for education, youth and outreach audiences, and already tested at his own the University of Lincoln, this talk shows how a love of sci‑fi, TV drama and technology can become a real career path.
Waseem tells his story from BBC News to national and international drama and film to hosting a groundbreaking AI documentary, and a major financial‑tech series.
He breaks down the skills – curiosity, critical thinking, communication – that young people and students need to thrive in a world shaped by AI, data and media. The tone is lively and encouraging, with time for Q&A about working in TV, presenting and tech.
Ideal for: schools, colleges, universities, youth organisations, STEM outreach programmes.
Keynote by Waseem Mirza:
In this personal, behind‑the‑scenes talk, Waseem shares what he has learned moving between high‑pressure live broadcasting, fast‑turnaround soap opera shoots and big‑universe sci‑fi.
He talks about resilience, handling feedback, performing under time pressure and adapting your message for different audiences – lessons that apply just as much to leaders, founders and teams as they do to actors.
Ideal for: leadership events, team away‑days, creative and media companies, culture/mindset sessions.
Watch Waseem Mirza in action
