Graham Norris
Organizational psychologist, futurist and leadership keynote speaker
About Dr. Graham Norris
Business Motivational Speaker | Futurist | Leadership Expert
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Imagine creating real strategic value by turning uncertainty into clarity and making decisions with confidence, even in the face of complexity.
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Graham Norris is an award-winning business motivational speaker and futurist who helps organizations transform how they think about the future. His work is grounded in practical frameworks that inspire leaders to navigate uncertainty with clarity, purpose and conviction.
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With over two decades of global experience, Graham has seen firsthand how “strategic whiplash” undermines organizational effectiveness — leaders becoming paralyzed by complexity while teams retreat into silos. His mission is to change that dynamic, equipping decision-makers with the foresight and adaptability they need to thrive in an unpredictable world.
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Graham’s background as a journalist with Dow Jones Newswires and the Financial Times taught him the power of clear communication. From editing 400-page policy reports to shaping narratives for global organizations, he knows how to take complex ideas and make them resonate with audiences. His TEDx talk, Be More Futurist, has inspired more than 50,000 viewers to break free from short-term thinking, and his daily newsletter, The DIY Futurist, continues to help leaders cultivate foresight as a competitive advantage.
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International Leadership Speaker
Graham’s international background makes him a trusted voice with audiences around the world. He spent 20 years working in rapidly changing Asian markets, including senior roles across Taiwan, Singapore, Japan and mainland China, where he advised multinational companies such as adidas, Intel, Microsoft, Lenovo, Canon, Molson Coors, Volkswagen and Novartis. In Europe, he has served as COO of the foresight-driven start-up Supertrends Institute and as trustee of an international charity supporting youth development.
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His academic credentials further strengthen his authority. Graham holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School and earned a doctorate researching change and adaptability in multinational corporations. He has also studied foresight at Oxford University and Singularity University. His current work with Shaping Tomorrow and past contributions to the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies ensure that his insights are always informed by the latest research and emerging trends.
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Graham is a member of the Association of Professional Futurists, the Association for Business Psychology, and the Royal Society of Arts, demonstrating his commitment to the highest standards of expertise and professionalism.
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Whether he is speaking on stage, facilitating strategic workshops, or coaching senior teams, Graham’s focus is always on delivering a seamless, high-impact experience that leaves audiences inspired, confident and ready to embrace the future.
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Let’s create a future you can feel excited about.
Where now?
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Watch his TEDx talk Be More Futurist
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Get daily tips and tricks in his micro-newsletter, The DIY Futurist​
Read his Fast Company article Why You Should Make Every an Away Day
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Check out his program topics
"He has a real passion for his field which made his speech incredibly meaningful and impactful to the audience."
Tricentis
Why event organizers choose Graham
Engaging & Practical Keynotes: Graham delivers keynote presentations that balance inspiration with real-world application. His talks are engaging, thought-provoking, and filled with practical tools leaders can use immediately to navigate uncertainty and make better decisions. Audiences often describe his sessions as both eye-opening and empowering, giving them the clarity and confidence to face the future with purpose.
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Tailored for Your Audience and Goals: No two events are alike, and Graham takes the time to ensure each keynote speaks directly to your audience’s challenges. From pre-event calls to in-depth research, he works closely with organizers to align his message with your theme, industry, and objectives — so every session feels custom-designed for maximum impact.
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Proven Expertise in Foresight & Leadership: With over 20 years of international experience — from leading teams in Asia to consulting for global brands like adidas, Intel, Microsoft, and Volkswagen — Graham brings a unique blend of strategic foresight, organizational psychology, and leadership insights to the stage. His TEDx talk, Be More Futurist, and his daily newsletter, The DIY Futurist, have made him a trusted voice for leaders who want to turn uncertainty into opportunity.
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Professional, Reliable, and Easy to Work With: Event organizers value Graham not just for his content, but for his professionalism and responsiveness. He’s collaborative, adaptable, and known as a “safe pair of hands” who makes the process seamless from start to finish. Whether speaking to hundreds or facilitating smaller strategy sessions, Graham’s focus is always on making your event a success and leaving your audience inspired.
Dr. Graham Norris is a highly sought-after business motivational speaker, known for his expertise in strategic foresight and leadership. His calendar often fills months in advance, so early booking is recommended to secure your date. Get in touch with Graham today to explore how his unique insights can inspire and empower your audience.
Why Graham's Keynotes Stand Out
Engagement: Graham’s compelling speaking style and thought-provoking storytelling captivate audiences from the very first moment, blending inspiration with clarity.
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Customization: Every event is unique, and Graham invests the time to tailor each keynote to the specific challenges and goals of your audience, ensuring maximum relevance and impact.
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Global Experience: With two decades of international leadership and consulting across Asia, Europe, and beyond, Graham brings deep, real-world insights and a global perspective to every stage.
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Actionable Strategies: Graham goes beyond inspiration, equipping audiences with practical frameworks and tools they can immediately apply to navigate uncertainty and lead with confidence.
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