Why Neil?

As The Near Futurist, Neil Redding helps business leaders bridge emerging technological possibilities with immediate, practical business value. He delivers this through visionary keynotes, executive partnerships, C-suite advisory, workshops, and custom engagements tailored to enterprise needs.

In today’s moment of rapid technological acceleration—particularly as AI emerges as an active, participatory force—Neil’s work enables organizations to evolve from rigid, mechanistic systems into adaptive, thriving ecosystems. His approach centers on integrating AI thoughtfully and responsibly, grounded in trust, identity, and strategic alignment.

Relevant Experience:

• Delivered private keynotes for leadership teams at Microsoft, Meta, Edelman, and Omnicom
• Featured speaker at major global events including SXSW, Dubai Future Forum, Universo TOTVS, Building the Future, and IAB Summit
• Recent keynote to Edelman’s leadership team on The Near Future of Trust received highly enthusiastic feedback
• Former Innovation Architect at Mediacom, Gensler, and Thoughtworks—leading future-focused strategy and transformation
• Founder of Redding Futures, advising world-class brands including Visa, Nike, Apple, and Verizon
• Creator of the Near Future Framework, which translates emerging tech into practical business impact through ecosystem-centered design

Recommended Keynotes:

• The Auto-Evolving Near Future of Business
  
  The world is shifting at an exponential pace — AI is no longer just a tool but an active participant in the evolution of business. We are entering the Agentic Era, where businesses will automatically adapt in real time to changes in supply chains, markets, regulation, trust levels, and technology itself.In this transformative keynote, Near Futurist Neil Redding demonstrates how businesses can shift from static machines to living, self-adjusting ecosystems. AI agents will play an essential role — co-creating business realities, shaping strategy, automating decisions, and executing increasingly complex agendas.Attendees will leave with a new, actionable paradigm: AI as an active participant in our teams, workflows, and businesses. The near future of business is not merely efficient but continuously evolving — leveraging AI to drive sustainable growth and a resilient, thriving business.
• Designing for Trust: AI Agents, Ecosystem Intelligence, and the Near Future of Identity
  
  As identity becomes both more fragmented and more critical in an increasingly digitized economy, this keynote envisions how AI and ecosystem intelligence can redefine the foundations of trust. Neil will show how businesses like Middesk can lead the way by shaping the standards and frameworks for trustworthy AI-enabled identity—especially in regulated industries. It’s a future-forward lens on the intersection of innovation and institutional integrity.
• Participation as the Near Future: Unlocking Innovation Within Constraints
  
  Innovation doesn’t require the absence of constraints—it flourishes within them. In this talk, Neil introduces the concept of participatory reality, where businesses thrive by designing systems that adapt in real time to compliance needs, market shifts, and customer signals. This is a call to action for leaders to see themselves as ecosystem participants, not just operators—empowered by agentic AI to evolve how they lead and grow their organizations.

"Neil brings an exciting new lens to business model evolution and to solving humanity-scale challenges." - Karel Golta, CEO,  Indeed Innovation

“Neil Redding's session on spatial computing offered a profound philosophical journey into the nature of reality, suggesting that our perceptions are more malleable than we might think. By comparing augmented reality (AR) to lucid dreaming, Redding proposed that AR allows us to construct and experience our own realities, blending the digital and physical worlds in unprecedented ways.” - Justin Westcott, Edelman

Why Erica?

• Deep expertise in near-future forecasting, aligning perfectly with Middesk’s forward-looking theme around trust, identity, and innovation
• Has worked with clients across finance, compliance, and tech, helping them navigate disruption with clarity and strategic insight
• Her keynote aligns with the event’s goal to leave attendees feeling empowered, informed, and ready to lead change inside complex organizations
• Excellent match for a main stage opening or closing slot, with an ability to connect big-picture trends to audience realities

Recommended Keynotes:

• The Trust Paradox‍
  In a world where misinformation spreads rapidly and authenticity is questioned, the future of trust and truth is more critical than ever. This keynote explores “The Trust Paradox” where reliance on digital platforms, algorithms, and AI blurs the line between reality and fiction, while highlighting opportunities to foster authenticity, transparency and honesty.

• Unleash Your Inner Futurist
  The future doesn’t just belong to those who learn – it belongs to those who can unlearn. It’s about challenging entrenched beliefs, embracing uncertainty, and reimagining what’s possible. This keynote will shift your mindset, helping you adopt a future-ready perspective that unlocks new opportunities for innovation, growth and transformation.

• AI + The New Human Frontier
  As AI reshapes the world, our uniquely human traits – curiosity, intuition, ingenuity, critical thinking and empathy – become our greatest assets. This keynote explores how the next generation of AI isn’t here to replace us, but to elevate us. Discover how to harness AI to amplify human intelligence, fuel creativity, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

"What makes Erica a very engaging and thoughtful speaker is her desire to understand the audience and then curate the session catering to specific needs." - Aazath Thamin, Senior Manager, Amazon

"Erica's ability to translate complex technologies using real -life scenarios provided valuable learnings that we can apply in our own work." - Sanjay Sehgal, Partner, Advisory Services - Head of Markets, KPMG

Why Shawn?

Dr. Shawn DuBravac is a globally respected futurist and economist who helps organizations decode the future. As the former Chief Economist of the Consumer Technology Association and a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies, Shawn speaks on how emerging technologies—from AI to digital identity—are reshaping global markets, customer expectations, and regulatory environments.

A bestselling author and founder of Avrio Institute, Shawn delivers rich, data-driven insights with clarity and impact. His keynotes are especially valuable for audiences navigating uncertainty, technological disruption, and the need for strategic transformation.

• Brings deep expertise at the nexus of trust, data, and financial infrastructure—perfectly aligned with Middesk’s positioning
• Has worked with leading organizations including Visa, PwC, Deloitte, and the U.S. government, offering grounded insight for regulated sectors
• A compelling futurist voice who delivers big-picture clarity and practical strategy for navigating technological and regulatory transformation
• Can speak directly to audiences grappling with compliance, identity, and innovation, helping them contextualize risk and embrace change
• Ideal for setting the tone with an opening or closing keynote that inspires action and forward thinking

Recommended Keynotes:

• The Future of Trust: Navigating Risk, Identity, and Innovation in a Machine-Driven World or Trust by Design: How AI, Data, and Regulation Will Redefine Business Identity in the Years Ahead
  ‍Attendees will reimagine the future by exploring how trust, risk, and identity are being fundamentally reshaped. In a world where decision-making is increasingly delegated to machines, trust is no longer static, it’s programmable, embedded in code, APIs, and autonomous workflows. Compliance is shifting from a cost center to a strategic advantage, becoming a product that can be configured, tested, and scaled. At the same time, synthetic risk is rising fast, with AI enabling deepfakes, fake businesses, and fraud at unprecedented scale, pushing companies to operate in entirely new ways. As business identity shifts, the future lies in helping organizations understand how businesses operate, who they connect with, and how they behave over time. To lead this transformation, companies must rethink their role, not as rule enforcers, but as system architects who design adaptive, intelligent infrastructure. Shawn's message is clear: the next wave of industry leaders will be those who build trust at scale, make confident decisions in uncertainty, and lead from the future rather than react to the past.
  
  Shawn will focus on the nexus of trust, technology, and transformation. He will help executive audiences rethink how trust is built, maintained, and monetized in a digital-first economy.  
  
  Here are some reasons why Shawn is the right fit:
  1. A Futurist Who Grounds Big Ideas in Economic Reality: With a PhD in economics and a CFA charterholder, Shawn brings intellectual depth and market context to innovation discussions, helping leaders build strategies that are bold but grounded.
  2. Proven Track Record with Inaugural and Industry-Shaping Events: Shawn has helped launch and shape first-time summits, setting a tone of insight, ambition, and energy that lasts long after the event ends
  3. Deep Focus on the Second-Order Effects of Innovation: Unlike typical futurists who spotlight trends, Shawn shows how emerging shifts will reshape business infrastructure and trust frameworks.
  4. Frequent Keynote Speaker for Financial and Tech Audiences: Shawn has delivered keynotes for financial institutions, tech companies and global insurance groups.  
• Futurescape: A Journey into Tomorrow's Possibilities
  The future is unfolding faster than ever. Driven by technological advancements, shifting demographics, and evolving societal norms, understanding tomorrow’s possibilities has become essential for staying competitive and relevant. Navigating this uncertain terrain requires a bold vision and a willingness to explore the possibilities that lie ahead. Dr. DuBravac helps us pave the way.
  ‍
  In this session, futurist and bestselling author Dr. Shawn DuBravac takes audiences on a thought-provoking journey into tomorrow’s promises and possibilities. Drawing from cutting-edge research and a deep understanding of emerging trends, Shawn will explore the transformative forces shaping the future across industries, economies, and societies.
  ‍
  Attendees will gain insights into the megatrends poised to redefine the way we live, work, and interact. From artificial intelligence and automation to evolving consumer behaviors and demographic shifts, this session offers a glimpse into what the future holds and the opportunities it presents.
  ‍
  From business leaders, innovators, or those simply curious about what’s next, Futurescape will equip audiences from around the world with the foresight and strategies to prepare for an wildly unpredictable yet promising and 
exciting future.
  
  Key Takeaways:‍
  
  • Explore Tomorrow’s Megatrends: Gain a clear understanding of the key trends shaping the future and how they will impact industries, economies, and societies globally.
    
  • Identify Emerging Opportunities: Discover how to leverage these future trends to innovate, adapt, and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing world.
  • Navigate Uncertainty: Learn strategies to embrace uncertainty, fostering resilience and agility in the face of the unknown.
  • Future-Ready Leadership: Understand the leadership qualities necessary to guide organizations through tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities.
    
    Join us for Futurescape and embark on a journey into tomorrow’s possibilities, where foresight meets innovation, and the future becomes your greatest opportunity.

"Shawn DuBravac works at the epicenter of technology and society...When he talks, I listen." - Doug Solomon, former Chief Strategy Officer at Apple

“We received lots of positive feedback to your presentation and have been thinking of other platforms at the Chamber to invite you back.” - Hilary Crow, Senior Director, Programs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

“...presentation was very well received by our attendees and many of our Informatica executives who were in the audience. I heard nothing but glowing remarks so huge “THANK YOU” for stepping in and working with us to customize your talking points to make it very relevant to our audience and Informatica’s brand.” - Jennifer Jawor, Senior Director, North America Regional Marketing, Informatica

Why Seth?

• Deep understanding of leadership transformation in industries undergoing systemic change—ideal for Middesk’s audience of internal champions navigating identity, trust, and compliance challenges
• Has worked with top-tier clients like Microsoft, Charles Schwab, Mastercard, and Intel, giving him direct insight into the demands of fintech, B2B services, and highly regulated sectors
• Brings a high-energy, audience-focused delivery that inspires both individual action and organizational alignment
• Offers actionable leadership frameworks that support Middesk’s goal of empowering attendees to become agents of change within their companies
• Speaks to the intersection of culture, innovation, and leadership, reinforcing Middesk’s positioning as a forward-thinking industry leader

Recommended Keynotes: ALL of Seth's Keynotes will be fully customized.

• The Human Advantage: Strategies for Winning In The Age of Machines
  As we find ourselves propelled into the age of artificial intelligence and hyper change, it's easy to think that tools will define our trades and machines will dominate our work. With jobs evolving faster than people, thriving in this era requires unlocking the power of both technology and human potential. While machines can replicate tasks, they can never replicate the heart and soul behind the work.
  
  As technology commodifies competitive advantages, organizations must innovate and shift from mere efficiency to true augmentation. By blending Al with human creativity, empathy, and complex problem-solving, businesses can achieve a synergy that drives unprecedented growth and engagement. Let's harness new tools to drive efficiency and scale while amplifying the human touch that makes us unique.Key Takeaways:
  
  • Embracing our Humanity: Tap into the irreplaceable aspects of human creativity, empathy, and emotional intelligence that drive meaningful work and innovation.‍
  • Differentiating Authentically: Stand out in the Al era by forging  genuine, human connections to create standout customer experiences that algorithms can't replicate.‍
    
  • Deepen Customer Connections: Go beyond digital to build personal  human touchpoints to create a bond that feels authentic and irreplaceable.‍
  • Unleashing Workforce Potential: Foster a culture where passion, purpose, and personal investment are at the forefront, making every task and interaction distinctly human and impactful.‍‍‍
    ‍
    This Program Is Perfect For Leaders And Teams: ‍
    
    • Navigating the challenges of Al adoption and workforce transformation
      
    • Seeking to leverage human creativity and emotional intelligence for competitive advantage
    • Aiming to create a culture of innovation, adaptability, and resilience
• The Future Ready: Strategies to Adapt and ThriveIn a world where change is the only constant, it’s easy to feel like we’re at the mercy of forces beyond our control. But what if, instead of resisting change, we embraced it? What if we saw the future not as something to fear, but as something to shape with our own hands? The truth is, the future doesn’t just happen to us—it’s something we create every day with our decisions, our actions, and our mindset.
  ‍
  Being future-ready isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about having the courage to ask the right questions, to lean into uncertainty, and to take ownership of our journey. It’s about recognizing that while technology can enhance our capabilities, it’s our humanity—our creativity, our empathy, our ability to connect—that truly sets us apart.
  ‍
  In this program, we’ll explore how to harness the power of both technology and human potential to not just adapt to change, but to drive it. We’ll discover how to turn challenges into opportunities, how to take bold actions in the face of uncertainty, and how to create a future that is not only successful but also meaningful.
  
  This program is perfect for Leaders and Teams:
  
  • Facing the unknown and needing to develop the resilience and agility to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
  • Looking to cultivate a culture where individual feels empowered to take initiative and make meaningful impact.
  • Seeking to build a future where innovation is dirven by values, and success is measured not just by what we achieve, but by how we achieve it.

“Seth's work with the agency has had a big impact. A number of leaders have continued to reference the session and how much of an impact the ideas have had on their thinking as it relates to leading digital transformation at the agency.” - Jane Datta, Chief Human Capital Officer, NASA

“As we navigated our own transformational journey, Seth’s research and insights provided a spot-on and powerful framework to help our executive team challenge the assumptions they've made and the beliefs they carry about who they are and how they're showing up in the world as leaders.” - Susan Cisco, Head of HR & Employee Experience, MassMutual‍