Gerd Leonhard: Humanist Futurist
Navigating exponential change while keeping humanity at the center
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A Voice for the Human Future
The Core Question in AI:
"Just because we can, does that mean we should?"
For over two decades, Gerd Leonhard has been asking the questions that matter most. As technology accelerates exponentially, he challenges leaders worldwide to pause and reflect: How do we harness innovation without losing our humanity? His work isn't just about predicting the future—it's about shaping one that serves people, not just progress.
With a sharp blend of strategic foresight and humanistic values, Gerd bridges the gap between technological possibility and ethical responsibility.
Global Impact, Local Insight
60+
Countries Reached
Delivering keynotes across six continents
20+
Years of Expertise
Two decades advising leaders on exponential change
100s
Keynotes Delivered
Transforming complexity into clarity for diverse audiences
Core Focus Areas
Gerd's work spans the most pressing challenges and opportunities at the intersection of technology, business, and humanity. His insights help leaders navigate uncertainty with purpose and foresight.
Artificial Intelligence
Exploring how AI reshapes work, creativity, and decision-making—while ensuring human values remain central to its design and deployment.
Digital Ethics
Addressing the moral implications of emerging technologies, from data privacy to algorithmic bias and the governance of innovation.
Sustainability
Championing technology's role in building regenerative systems that protect the planet while driving economic and social progress.
Future of Leadership
Redefining what it means to lead in an age of disruption—where empathy, agility, and purpose matter more than ever.
The Futures Agency
Building Future-Ready Organizations
As founder and CEO of The Futures Agency in Zurich, Switzerland, Gerd partners with organizations to anticipate disruption and rethink traditional business models. His approach is grounded in purpose, responsibility, and strategic clarity—helping companies move from reactive to visionary.
Whether guiding global brands, advising governments, or collaborating with innovation teams, Gerd delivers insights that translate complexity into actionable strategy. His agency empowers leaders to not just survive change, but to lead it with confidence and integrity.
A Speaker Who Transforms
Gerd's keynotes are more than presentations—they're experiences. Known for dynamic delivery, visual storytelling, and tailored content, he meets each audience where they are and takes them somewhere new.
01
Sharp Insight
Cutting through noise to reveal what truly matters for the future of business and society
02
Strategic Foresight
Anticipating trends and disruptions with precision, helping leaders prepare for what's next
03
Engaging Storytelling
Transforming data and theory into compelling narratives that inspire action and imagination
Beyond Hype and Fear
Technology should serve humanity, not the other way around.
In a world swinging between utopian hype and dystopian fear, Gerd offers a third way: informed optimism paired with critical thinking. He challenges audiences to move past simplistic narratives and engage with the nuanced realities of technological change.
His message is clear: we must design a future that is innovative and sustainable, yes—but above all, deeply human. This means asking hard questions, making ethical choices, and ensuring that progress aligns with values that matter.
Who Gerd Speaks To
CEOs & Executives
Leaders navigating disruption and seeking strategic clarity for their organizations
Policymakers
Government officials shaping regulations and governance for emerging technologies
Global Conferences
Audiences at major events seeking thought leadership on innovation and society
Innovation Teams
Forward-thinking professionals building tomorrow's solutions with purpose and responsibility
The Philosophy Behind the Work
Human-Centered Technology
Innovation must enhance, not replace, human capabilities and connection
Ethical Leadership
Success in the future requires moral courage and values-driven decision-making
Purposeful Progress
Speed and efficiency matter, but direction and meaning matter more
Ready to Shape the Future?
Whether you're planning a conference, leading organizational transformation, or seeking strategic guidance on technology and humanity, Gerd Leonhard brings the insight, foresight, and inspiration to help you navigate what's next with clarity and purpose.
Engaging Audiences Worldwide
Gerd Leonhard is a sought-after speaker for global conferences, corporate events, and executive summits. His presentations are renowned for their ability to captivate diverse audiences, blending profound insights with engaging delivery. He transforms complex topics into clear, actionable understanding, leaving attendees inspired and equipped for the future.
Gerd on stage
Videos & Media
Explore Gerd Leonhard's most recent and impactful discussions on the future of technology, humanity, and society. These videos offer a glimpse into his compelling presentations and thought-provoking analysis.

23:08

YouTube

Taking Back Tomorrow: Power, AI, and the Future of Humanity: Powerful Keynote #futuristgerd

Thanks to @elpais for inviting me -- this was a great event, see https://futuristgerd.com/elpais for more details NEW: Spanish Overdub using @Rask_ai https://youtu.be/y1FWXWdlskY?si=LrXtcFkqd2TGrJsj NEW: Italian AI Overdub via @Descript https://youtu.be/xvg1MyJf2x0?si=4Lj2XnsVEZ6zMU7W We’re standing at a historic pivot point where mind-boggling scientific breakthroughs collide with geopolitical chaos, and autocratic tendencies. We are facing a tough fork in the road: a future of unlimited cl

30:23

YouTube

Beyond AI: What really matters for The Good Future?

We are standing at a crossroads unlike any before — between humans and machines, optimism and fear, heaven and hell. In this energizing keynote, futurist Gerd Leonhard challenges the doom-and-gloom narrative surrounding artificial intelligence, climate change, and global politics. Instead of asking “What will the future do to us?”, he asks the better question: “What kind of future do we want to create?” Gerd explores seven powerful game-changers — from quantum computing to synthetic biology — s

Siemens Xcelerator Community

The Good Future of AI is Human Augmentation, Not Replacement: An Interview with Futurist Gerd Leonhard - Blog | Siemens Xcelerator Community

In an exclusive interview for the Siemens Xcelerator Community, David Erhard and Bill Johnston speak with Gerd Leonhard, futurist and CEO of The Futures Agency, to discuss why industrial leaders are overemphasizing automation when AI's greater value lies in human augmentation, and why "embrace technology, but don't become technology" should guide every implementation decision.

Goodreads

Technology vs. Humanity: The coming clash between man a…

Futurist Gerd Leonhard breaks new ground again by bring…

futuristgerd.dropmark.com

Gerd Leonhard in the News: Media Coverage

Links to recent media coverage Futurist Gerd Leonhard

Neue Zürcher Zeitung

KI-Entwicklung und Regulation: Experteninterview mit Gerd Leonhard

Der Futurist und Autor Gerd Leonhard über neue Technologien, deren Gefahren und was sich dagegen tun lässt. Von Felix E. Müller

Technology vs. Humanity: The Coming Clash Between Man and Machine
Navigating the Future at the Human-Technology Crossroads
In his seminal work, Gerd Leonhard confronts the most urgent question of our time: how do we retain our humanity in an age of unprecedented technological advancement? This book is a powerful manifesto for balancing innovation with human values, exploring topics like artificial intelligence, digital ethics, and the future of work.
Gerd provides critical insights and a compelling vision for shaping a future where technology serves humanity's highest aspirations, rather than diminishing them.