Stephen Yarwood
- Climate Change
- Futurist
- Globalisation / World Affairs
- Government / Politics
- Leadership
- Strategy and Planning
Stephen Yarwood is a futurist and urbanist, and the former Lord Mayor of Adelaide. He helps leaders, organisations and communities understand what’s coming and act on it, working where AI, technology, society and the future of how we live meet. His focus has moved from cities to the people in them: the future citizen, and what changes when AI reshapes how we live, work and lead.
What sets him apart is that he lives it. Stephen has gone agentic across his own work and life, running AI workflows through his business, smart home, health and travel, and he now coaches CEOs across Australia through the same shift. His message is simple: contemporary leadership is personal as well as professional, and the leaders who thrive will upgrade themselves, not just their organisations.
Through his consultancy city2050, he advises governments, boards and executives on AI, governance, strategy and the future citizen. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Planning, Graduate Diplomas in Regional and Urban Planning and in Environmental Studies, and an MBA, and is a Fellow and award-winning member of the Planning Institute of Australia. He is known for making complex change clear, practical and human, and for tailoring every session to the room.
- Leading in the Age of AI - The future of leadership is more human, not less.
- The Agentic Leader - Going agentic, personally and professionally.
- The Future Citizen - The people you’ll serve, employ and lead next.
- Strategic Foresight in an AI World - Turn uncertainty into your biggest advantage.
- Future-Ready Governance - Sharper decisions for boards and elected leaders.
- The Future of Cities - How technology and design are reshaping where we live and work.
Stephen intimately understands cities and the role of innovation and technology in their evolution. He is a dynamic thinker, effective collaborator and articulate communicator.
A dynamic and thought-provoking keynote speaker who captivates audiences with his energy and insight. Highly recommended for any event looking to spark innovation and forward-thinking discussion.
A powerhouse presenter who can hold an audience on the edge of their seats with his fascinating insights into the world of tomorrow.
An extremely well respected, innovative and creative urban expert who is visionary but practical.
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