John Sanei is a globally recognised South African futurist, AI strategist, bestselling author and keynote speaker who helps leaders and organisations understand disruption and prepare for an increasingly technology-driven future. His work sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, human behaviour, neuroscience, psychology, business strategy and future trends.
John has addressed audiences across five continents and worked with global organisations including Google, Mastercard, Coca-Cola, Visa, PwC, Dell, EY, Oracle and Autodesk. Rather than simply predicting future trends, his presentations focus on helping leaders translate change into practical decisions around strategy, culture, leadership and organisational adaptability.
Global Thought Leadership
John is a Global Expert at Singularity University, a faculty member at Duke Corporate Education, and an Associate Partner at the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies. He is also a four-time TEDx speaker. These roles have strengthened his international positioning around the future of work, leadership, technology and organisational transformation.
In 2026, his official profile lists him as a six-time bestselling author and notes his ranking as the #4 futurist globally by Global Gurus.
Author
John has written extensively about preparing individuals and businesses for exponential change. His books include What’s Your Moonshot?, FOREsight, Magnetiize, Who Do We Become? and FutureNEXT, the latter co-authored with economist Iraj Abedian.
He is also co-host of The Expansive podcast, which explores business, leadership, psychology, personal development and the forces reshaping our future.
Keynote Speaking
John’s current keynote work is particularly relevant to organisations dealing with AI disruption, rapid technological change and workforce transformation. His presentations include themes such as Leading Ahead, Human Intelligence Amplified, Future Ready, Rewiring the Workplace, The Energy Shift and Lift Off.
His more recent work centres strongly on Adaptable Intelligence™ – developing the human capacity to respond constructively when circumstances, technologies and established ways of working change faster than expected.
Speaking Topics: Artificial Intelligence & Business • Future of Work • Future Trends • Adaptability • Leadership • Organisational Transformation • Innovation • Human Behaviour • Disruption • Business Strategy • Workforce 2.0
Career Highlights: Global Expert at Singularity University • Duke Corporate Education Faculty • Associate Partner at Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies • Four-time TEDx speaker • Six-time bestselling author • Global Gurus #4 Futurist for 2026 • International corporate keynote speaker.
For your Africa’s Growth & Transformation / next-decade conference theme, John would be particularly strong for the future-facing component – looking at AI, technological disruption, adaptability and how African organisations and leaders need to think differently over the next 10 years.
