Description
Stephen Yarwood leadership speaker sessions come from a renowned futurist, urbanist and the former Lord Mayor of Adelaide. His passion extends beyond envisioning the future. He educates, motivates and empowers people to shape it. Stephen brings a strong skill set in strategic foresight. He is deeply fascinated by the dynamic interplay between people, places, technology and change. Today, he has become an international thought leader on “the future citizen.”
Stephen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Planning, Graduate Diplomas in Regional and Urban Planning and Environmental Studies, and an MBA from Adelaide University. He is also an award-winning Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia. Over his career, he has worked across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East and North America. In addition, he sits on a global advisory board for Airbnb and has worked on mega projects in Saudi Arabia. As Adelaide’s Lord Mayor from 2010 to 2014, his focus on collaboration helped the city earn international recognition from Lonely Planet, National Geographic and The New York Times.
Keynote Topics
Strategic Courage & Leading Through Uncertainty
In a world defined by rapid change and increasing complexity, leadership requires more than careful planning – it demands strategic courage. In this keynote, Stephen explores how leaders can confidently navigate uncertainty while still making bold, future-focused decisions. Drawing on global examples and practical experience, Stephen challenges leaders to rethink traditional approaches to risk, embrace innovation, and foster cultures that support experimentation and learning.
Future Citizens, Tomorrow’s Cities & Urban Transformation
What will our cities look like in 20, 30, or even 50 years, and who will be living in them? In this thought-provoking keynote, urban futurist Stephen Yarwood examines the changing expectations of future citizens and how these shifts are transforming the way we plan, design, and manage our cities. From sustainability and technology to changing lifestyles and community values, Stephen explores the forces shaping urban environments worldwide.
AI & the Future of Local Government
Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from concept to reality in the way cities and governments operate. In this keynote, Stephen explores how AI is transforming local government services, decision-making, and community engagement. He highlights the opportunities for councils to harness data and automation to deliver smarter, more responsive services, while also addressing the ethical, governance, and trust challenges that come with emerging technologies.
Town Centres & CBD Renewal
Across the world, town centres and CBDs are being reshaped by changing retail patterns, new ways of working, and evolving community expectations. In this keynote, Stephen explores how cities can reimagine these spaces as vibrant, multifunctional hubs for living, working, culture, and connection. Drawing on global case studies and urban innovation trends, Stephen outlines strategies for revitalising central areas through mixed-use development, placemaking, improved public spaces, and stronger community activation.
Dy Currie, President of the Commonwealth Association of Planners, called Stephen a big picture thinker with an outstanding understanding of how cities work. Similarly, Bronwyn Masters of RDNS praised his energy and insights at the Silver Chain National Leadership Forum. As a result, both clients noted the lasting impact his sessions had on their teams.
