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Keynote Speakers

Heather E. McGowan

Themes
  • Attitude & Change
  • Creativity/innovation
  • Digitalisation & Technology
  • Growth/development
  • Leadership
  • Society/future
Heather E. McGowan is a forward-thinking strategist shaping the future of work. She guides leaders in preparing individuals and organizations for the post-pandemic world of work. Recent years have seen fundamental shifts in where, who, how, and why we work, transforming the very essence of work itself. McGowan excels in connecting the dots, offering deep insights, and spotting patterns that others miss. Her insights empower individuals with clarity and courage for their journey ahead. She’s ushering in a new era where continuous learning takes precedence over traditional one-time learning for employment.  

“Heather was  the highlight of the conference. She gave my team a lot to think about in both the near and the far term.” –CHRO of Hess 

  Heather is frequently quoted by Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, who hails her as an insightful guide into the future of work. Forbes recognized her as a top 50 female futurist in 2020. Heather’s sessions equip both employees and leaders to thrive in roles that haven’t even emerged yet.    
Most sought-after keynotes:
  • The Empathy Advantage: Leading an Empowered Workforce
  •  THE HUMAN VALUE ERA
  •  Adaptation Advantage: Leading in a Post-Pandemic World
  •  Learning: The Real Future of Work
  •  Creating High Performing Teams without Burnout
  •  Leveraging the Power of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
  •  Do Not Fear ChatGPT: The Future of Work is Human
  •  The Future Company: Culture and Capacity
    Heather McGowan has addressed audiences spanning startups, government bodies, universities, and Fortune 100 companies like AMP Financial, SAP, Abbvie, and more. She tailors her talks to intimate C-suite summits and massive events with tens of thousands. Her virtual presentations reach hundreds of thousands. Media frequently seeks her insights, especially The New York Times. Heather also advises Sparks & Honey, a New York-based agency focused on future trends for brands.  

“Heather nailed it. She inspired my people. It was more than I had hoped for.”

  Heather’s academic journey includes roles at Rhode Island School of Design and Jefferson University. She was instrumental in conceiving the first undergraduate institution dedicated to innovation. In 2019, she became a faculty member at Swinburne University Centre For the New Workforce in Melbourne, Australia.  

“Thank you so much for all you did in making our 2023 Director’s Forum a success.  Heather’s presentation was AMAZING!  Truly mind-blowing.  So thought provoking and she is such a font of knowledge and so confident in her presenting.  It was a true pleasure to see her in action.”

  Recognizing her achievements, Heather received an honorary doctorate from Pennsylvania College of Art and Design in 2022. She holds an MBA from Babson College and a BFA in Industrial Design from Rhode Island School of Design. Heather co-edited “Disrupt Together: How Teams Consistently Innovate” and contributes to Forbes. Her debut book, “The Adaptation Advantage: Let Go, Learn Fast, and Thrive in the Future of Work,” was a hit, ranking third on Amazon’s business management books and earning acclaim from Soundview in 2021. Her latest work, “The Empathy Advantage: Leading the Empowered Workforce,” published in March 2023, is a finalist for the Next Big Idea Book Club and a top ten business book of 2023 according to Business Chief.       Teemat:  The Empathy Advantage: Leading an Empowered Workforce | THE HUMAN VALUE ERA | Adaptation Advantage: Leading in a Post-Pandemic World | Learning: The Real Future of Work | Creating High Performing Teams without Burnout | Leveraging the Power of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging | Do Not Fear ChatGPT: The Future of Work is Human | The Future Company: Culture and Capacity
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