INNOVATION | BUSINESS

Gihan Perera

Business futurist, AI researcher and bestselling author helping organisations lead confidently through disruption

Overview

Gihan Perera has spent more than 25 years helping leaders navigate uncertainty — but his expertise in emerging technology isn't secondhand commentary. His Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Western Australia is formally grounded in science and AI, and he continues active work as an AI researcher, chairing real-world AI adoption panels as recently as March 2026. That technical grounding shapes everything he speaks about: not hype, not fear, but practical clarity on where AI is actually delivering value today.

Recognised in 2025 as a Top 30 Global Futurist, and rated by Forbes as the #5 social media influencer in the world (and #1 in Australia) in his field, Gihan is a Certified Speaking Professional and 2024 Educator of the Year with Professional Speakers Australia. He's the author of Disrupted, Disruption By Design, The Future of Leadership and ten other books, and has delivered keynotes across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, North America and South Africa.

Career Highlights

  • Formal academic background in science and AI (BSc, University of Western Australia)

  • Recognised as a Top 30 Global Futurist (2025)

  • Rated by Forbes as the world's #5 social media influencer in his field (#1 in Australia)

  • Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) — the only internationally recognised designation for professional speakers

  • 2024 Educator of the Year, Professional Speakers Australia

  • Author of 13 books including Disrupted, Disruption By Design and The Future of Leadership

  • Chaired a live AI adoption panel at Marinas26 (March 2026)

  • International speaker across Australia, NZ, Europe, Asia, North America and South Africa

Key Speaking Themes

  • Artificial intelligence: practical adoption, not hype

  • Leading through disruption and uncertainty

  • Future-ready leadership

  • The future of work and workplace transformation

  • Building resilience and confidence in changing environments

Signature Talks

  • Leveraging AI: Humans and Machines — Better Together — how the AI revolution is genuinely reshaping work, and how people and machines succeed together

  • AI Practical Applications: What's Working Right Now — cutting through the hype to show where AI is already delivering measurable value

  • Thriving, Not Just Surviving, in a Fast-Changing World — future trends, the skills and mindset needed now, and how to move from chaos to clarity

What Your Audience Will Gain

Audiences leave with practical clarity on AI and disruption — grounded in genuine technical background, not just futurist commentary. Gihan's delivery combines humour, interaction and real research to leave people feeling optimistic and equipped, rather than overwhelmed by change.

Ideal For

  • AI and technology adoption conferences

  • Leadership and executive conferences

  • Future-of-work and workplace transformation events

  • Industry conferences seeking practical, non-hype AI insight

Testimonials

"I have worked with Gihan over two countries and several industries, bringing him in as keynote speaker, trainer and workshop facilitator. He listens, understands where your organization and team is at, and tailors his content accordingly." — Siemens Healthineers

"Gihan forces us to break out of our existing paradigms to think of how we can lead our organisation into the future." — BASF

"Our delegates at the Engineers Australia WA leaders conference this year were enthralled by Gihan Perera's keynote address. His energy and enthusiasm engaged the audience and set the scene for the rest of the day." — General Manager, Energy Queensland