Innovation | International Speakers | Business | Motivational Speakers

Gus Balbontin

Born and bred in wild Patagonia, Gus never allowed his small town and humble beginnings to get in the way of his big dreams. A healthy disregard for the status quo and a severe case of FOMO (fear of missing out) landed him in Australia at the young age of 17.

By the age of 22, he had dropped out of uni, hitchhiked South America, set up his first business and landed his dream job at Lonely Planet. Fast forward a few years and he was leading the company globally and working with companies such as Google X, Nokia and Amazon on the latest technology, creative cultures and high performing teams.

Seeking a change from corporate life as Executive Director and CTO of Lonely Planet, Gus moved back to his entrepreneurial roots, becoming an investor, founder and mentor. Today you will find Gus building robots, developing AI solutions, making 3D printed wheelchairs and investing in climate change technologies.

He loves sharing a story but he loves even more knowing those stories make a difference to people.

Gus crafts a transformative experience that energizes and empowers. By connecting deeply with the audience, he ensures that the lessons learned resonate on a personal level, equipping each participant with the confidence and tools needed to turn inspiration into tangible, meaningful action.

While Gus is happy to speculate about the future, he brings into focus what you can control right now, to make you ready for any future.

Gus has inspired audiences of 10 to 10,000 around the world. He has a profound impact on businesses creating language, practical models and analogies that drive action as well as a personal impact, with people driving change in their own lives.

"I will make you laugh hard and equally think deeply about the puzzles of running a business in today's world"

INNOVATION | INTERNATIONAL SPEAKERS | BUSINESS | MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS

Gus Balbontin

Born and bred in wild Patagonia, Gus never allowed his small town and humble beginnings to get in the way of his big dreams. A healthy disregard for the status quo and a severe case of FOMO (fear of missing out) landed him in Australia at the young age of 17.

By the age of 22, he had dropped out of uni, hitchhiked South America, set up his first business and landed his dream job at Lonely Planet. Fast forward a few years and he was leading the company globally and working with companies such as Google X, Nokia and Amazon on the latest technology, creative cultures and high performing teams.

Seeking a change from corporate life as Executive Director and CTO of Lonely Planet, Gus moved back to his entrepreneurial roots, becoming an investor, founder and mentor. Today you will find Gus building robots, developing AI solutions, making 3D printed wheelchairs and investing in climate change technologies.

He loves sharing a story but he loves even more knowing those stories make a difference to people.

Gus crafts a transformative experience that energizes and empowers. By connecting deeply with the audience, he ensures that the lessons learned resonate on a personal level, equipping each participant with the confidence and tools needed to turn inspiration into tangible, meaningful action.

While Gus is happy to speculate about the future, he brings into focus what you can control right now, to make you ready for any future.

Gus has inspired audiences of 10 to 10,000 around the world. He has a profound impact on businesses creating language, practical models and analogies that drive action as well as a personal impact, with people driving change in their own lives.

"I will make you laugh hard and equally think deeply about the puzzles of running a business in today's world"

Testimonials

Zendesk Keynote Attendee
Gus Balbontin is my hero! The best live speaker I've ever seen. I've never laughed & learnt so much. The BEST way to kick off the Zendesk Customer Showcase!

Coles People & Culture Manager
Loved what you had to say at our conference this week! Made me laugh. Made me think. Thanks for gracing us with your presence. Thanks for keeping it real!

Rob — MCG Keynote Attendee
I loved getting shaken up by you today at the MCG as you talked about leaning into the future. I have plenty of people in my life who aren't doing that and I need a voice like yours to keep challenging me.

Connective Conference Attendee
You were an absolute inspiration! Love your no-nonsense approach, honesty and lighthearted delivery. It really made an impact in the whole room and your energy was electric!

Meg — Keynote Attendee
You presented at the VTA conference and you inspired me to "simple, small, now". Look forward to following you and learning to move and jackhammer the concrete out to encourage change.