Richard van HooijdonkRichard van Hooijdonk
Trend watcher, futurist and keynote speaker on AI and technology, new leadership and the organisation of the future.
Richard van Hooijdonk is a trend watcher, futurist and international keynote speaker. Many trend watchers and futurists look at the future from a distance. Richard van Hooijdonk lives in it. His team consists of people and AI agents, and he has several chips implanted in his body. He speaks about AI and new technology, the organisation of the future and leadership in the AI era.
He takes you into a future you can barely picture today, and shows how you can steer it yourself.
Turning amazement into action
Richard van Hooijdonk brings the world of tomorrow into the room. He shows what AI and new technology can already do today, and how work, organisations and business models will change in the years ahead. No hype: just what is really coming your way and what you can do with it.
His team tracks the major technological shifts around the world: AI and agents, humanoid robots, quantum computing, biotech, brain-computer interfaces, autonomous systems and mixed reality. Richard gives keynotes, masterclasses and boardroom sessions. At a customer event, a staff day, a trade fair or a board meeting, he brings new ideas, insight and energy, tailored to the sector and the audience.
“Change is not about technology. It is about people, and their willingness to think differently, work differently and make different choices. That decides whether an organisation succeeds or not. He wants us to get the best out of it, for happiness, health, prosperity and a future we are ready for. That gives him drive and energy every single day.”
The technology is already here. The organisation isn't ready yet.
AI and new technology are changing how companies make money and how organisations work. A keynote shows what is already possible today and explores what the world could look like in 10, 20 or 30 years.
Start with a tool and you end up with a tool. Start with a vision and you build an organisation that grows with AI. Organisations around the world are now mapping their processes: which tasks can AI take on, and which belong with people? That is where the AI-first organisation starts in practice.
Those remarkable possibilities ask something of you too: a willingness to think differently and work differently. That touches on habits, jobs and who makes the decisions. So a keynote is also about how you adapt your organisation, and yourself. "It is often culture, rather than technology, that makes change so difficult."
What he speaks about
Six keynotes that can be tailored to your sector.
Versions are available for 20 sectors, including healthcare, government, logistics and education.
Masterclasses and boardroom sessions are also available.
On stage
A packed conference hall, a televised panel discussion, a police summit in Dubai.
Who he speaks for
Organisations that book Richard range from large global multinationals and international governments to large and small organisations, companies and institutions that hold events for customers, partners or employees. More than 400 brands have worked with him, including Microsoft, Google, IBM, Samsung, Huawei, Vodafone, KLM, Booking.com, Unilever, Heineken, Nike, G-Star RAW, PwC and Interpol.
What clients say
“Richard delivered an excellent presentation for the key clients we invited to Innovation Runway 2026. Engaging, interesting content, and thought-provoking statements made his presentation perfectly suited for our top relations.”Read the full review →
“We thank you once again for your inspiring contribution as the kickoff of the module. We found your lecture very valuable. The inspiration and answers to the questions have given the participants much to think about. As a result of this Top Defence Leadership Programme, we expect several new initiatives to emerge. And that is thanks in part to your inspiring kickoff.”Read the full review →
“An impressive and noteworthy presentation for our employees and customers. The rate at which change is happening, which you eloquently brought across in your energetic speech, requires a disruptive approach. To be continued!”Read the full review →
“With your presentation you awakened the customs organisation. At the end of the day it turned out that your presentation had made the biggest impression. You made sure the issues were put on Strategic Management’s radar.”Read the full review →
“Enthusiastic speaker, a good and versatile story. Everyone was ‘wowed’ by the lecture.”Read the full review →
Book, blog posts and media
How technology changes our work and daily lives.
On AI, technology and the future.
A regular guest as a futurist.
Richard van Hooijdonk at a glance
- Who
- Richard van Hooijdonk is a Dutch futurist, trend watcher and keynote speaker.
- Speaker
- He is a sought-after international speaker.
- Topics
- AI, new technology and the organisation and leadership of the future.
- Reach
- more than 3,000 keynotes for more than 650,000 participants in more than 30 countries.
- Languages
- Dutch and English, in person and online.
- Publications
- the bestseller De wereld van morgen (The World of Tomorrow) and more than 2,000 articles.
- Media
- a regular guest on radio and television.
- Clients
- from global multinationals and international governments to small organisations; more than 400 brands.
- Approach
- He works with a research team of people and AI agents.
- Personal
- he has several chips implanted in his body, which he uses to open doors and pay, among other things, and he is exploring the possibilities of a brain chip.
Biography and introduction
Free to use in your programme, on your website and in the announcement. Photos are on the photo page.
Short bio
Richard van Hooijdonk is a trend watcher, futurist and international keynote speaker. Many trend watchers and futurists look at the future from a distance. Richard van Hooijdonk lives in it. His team consists of people and AI agents, and he has several chips implanted in his body. He speaks about AI and new technology, the organisation of the future and leadership in the AI era. He has given more than 3,000 keynotes in more than 30 countries and is the author of the bestseller De wereld van morgen (The World of Tomorrow).
Introduction for the host
Our next speaker is a trend watcher, futurist and international keynote speaker. Many trend watchers and futurists look at the future from a distance. Richard van Hooijdonk lives in it. His team consists of people and AI agents, and he has several chips implanted in his body.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Richard van Hooijdonk?
A Dutch futurist, trend watcher and international keynote speaker. He speaks on AI, new technology and the organisation and leadership of the future, and has delivered more than 3,000 keynotes in more than 30 countries.
What does Richard van Hooijdonk speak about?
AI and new technology, the organisation of the future and leadership in the AI era. There are six keynotes: The AI Revolution, Agentic AI, The Organisation of the Future, Leadership and Management in the AI Era, Cybercrime in the AI Era and Trends 2040, with a version for each of 20 sectors. Every keynote also covers the criminal use of the same technology, from cloned voices to fake videos.
What experience does Richard van Hooijdonk have?
He has delivered more than 3,000 keynotes for more than 650,000 participants in more than 30 countries. He is a futurist, trend watcher and international keynote speaker, and a regular guest on radio and television. What clients such as the European Commission, the Dutch Police Union, Deloitte, Heineken and Atos say about his keynotes is on the reviews page.
Has he written a book?
Yes: the bestseller De wereld van morgen (The World of Tomorrow) (The World of Tomorrow; Bertram + de Leeuw), on how technology changes our work and daily lives. He has also written more than 2,000 articles on his blog about AI, technology and the future.
Does he speak in English?
Yes. He speaks in Dutch and English, in person and online.
How much does a keynote cost?
Fees for international keynotes are on request. Send your date and a short description of your event and target audience, and our proposal will give the fee for your event.
Can we use the biography and photos?
Yes. You are free to use the biography and introduction on this page, and the photos on the photos page, to promote your event.
Interested in a keynote?
Let's talk about your event. Leave your details and we'll be in touch shortly.
Prefer to speak to us directly? Call +31 85 303 0792 · email talks@vanhooijdonk.com · send a WhatsApp message
In practiceStories
Events in EuropeKeynote speaker for corporate events in Europe