
Peter Hinssen is a globally acclaimed keynote speaker, bestselling author, business school lecturer, LinkedIn Top Voice, serial entrepreneur, trusted board member, startup investor and the world’s leading innovation, technology and leadership expert.
Peter likes to describe himself as a pathological optimist. He firmly believes that companies can and should help build a better, brighter and bolder Day After Tomorrow.
Peter is a top ranked and world class speaker on technological evolution, innovation strategy and adaptive leadership. He brings his content with a unique combination of depth, clarity, positivity, and a dry sense of humor.
Peter has collaborated with Fortune 1000 companies and leading brands like Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Accenture, HP, SAS, Microsoft, Gartner, Danone, HSBC, London Business School, Sanofi, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and many more. He also lectures at renowned business schools like the London Business School and the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Peter is the author of five bestselling business books. ‘The Phoenix and The Unicorn’ (2020) is a book about Phoenixes: companies that are able to rethink themselves in cycles, just like the mythical bird. ‘The Day After Tomorrow’ (2017) is about the benefits of long-term thinking in times of radical innovation. ‘The Network Always Wins’ (2014) explains how and why companies have no choice but to become a network when the outside world has evolved into one. In ‘The New Normal’ (2010), Peter writes about how companies should explore the limits of the digital world, and what happens when technology just becomes ‘normal’. ‘Business/IT Fusion’ (2008) is a guide about how to solve the conflict between business and IT.
For more than fifteen years, Peter led a life of technology start-ups. His first company e-COM was acquired by Alcatel-Lucent, his second, Streamcase, by Belgacom, and Across Technology by Delaware Consulting. His third venture (Porthus) was quoted on the stock exchange in 2006 and acquired by Descartes. Between start-ups, he has been an Entrepreneur in Residence with McKinsey & Company, with a focus on digital and technology strategy. Peter’s current company nexxworks helps inspire and connect organizations to thrive in the Never Normal.
Peter is a multiple board advisor at leading companies like Belfius, Mediahuis and Ergon Capital on subjects related to innovation and technology.
"Rowan Gibson’s views on technology and change are thoughtful, intriguing and global. He has a great perspective on what’s coming next."
"Peter Hinssen's Never Normal keynote is a truly inspiring and thoughtful experience, designed to inspire organizations and their leaders about reinventing themselves like phoenixes. Peter’s energy and charisma engaged our HR community to understand how much our departments and functions are living through a moment of truth, in which we'll need to help initiate and lead the necessary transformations that will allow us to thrive in the Never Normal age of constant change."
"Once more, Peter offers a refreshing perspective and insight from the external landscape. With his profound understanding of technology, he excels as a speaker in bridging the realms of business and technology seamlessly. His keynote left my team thoroughly energized, captivated by his rhythm, conceptual clarity, and visionary outlook. Attending Peter's presentations annually has become indispensable!"
"Our global team got together face to face for the 1st time after 18 months of remote work. We wanted to kick off our team retreat with an energizing, future and value focused, thought and action provoking speaker. Peter brought exactly this… with a triple bonus that made his intervention deeply memorable: humor, genuine interest in our work, and immediately actionable advice."
"Peter is an inspirational and forward-thinking speaker with a unique storytelling delivery style. His keynote presentation for our emerging leaders in technology was described by attendees as “mind-blowing”, “powerful”, “awesome”, “amazing” , “refreshing” and “captivating” . We keep inviting Peter back!"
"Peter Hinssen’s Keynote at the EXA Infrastructure Kickoff meeting was a real rollercoaster ride: from technology to social and business model shifts, from futuristic vision to lessons learned. And when you think the ride is over, he takes you on another spin. Our audience was captivated and inspired at the same time, a real motivational blast!!"
"Peter Hinssen is a brilliant thinker and speaker who knows how to capture the current paradigm shifts like no other and articulates them with both depth and humor. Listening to him is like engaging in an immersive experience that turns you upside down and helps you remain wired to this definitely “Never Normal” environment."
"Peter is a regular speaker at Google’s flagship events for our most senior and valued customers from the world’s top brands and agencies. Fast-paced, charismatic, funny and above all inspiring, Peter is always our top-rated speaker."
"Peter is a fantastic speaker! His presentations are rich in content, full of practical examples and delivered in such an authentic manner that they leave audiences inspired and ready for action!"