From Google to the World Bank and Columbia Business School, Diana's inspiring keynotes and futurist insights as a motivational speaker give audiences a sense of awe, aha, and empowerment. Topics include AI and emerging technology, the future of your industry, the future of work, and building cultures of innovation. Her 2019 TEDx talk for an audience of 2,000 about creating meaningful work amid disruption is here. A follow-on TEDx for students about inclusive AI is here. Previously based in Hong Kong, Diana now operates out of New York City and brings a globally informed, future-focused perspective to every stage. Her insights as an inspirational speaker transcend borders and deliver uncommon clarity on what’s next.
Known for her engaging and insightful talks, Diana’s audiences leave with better ways to approach the future of work, investment, and leadership—and with the energy to take action. Contact us to check availability or explore a customized presentation with Diana as your futurist business motivational speaker.
Keynote Speaking Topics
As a futurist and motivational speaker, Diana delivers keynote speeches that cover a range of high-impact topics, including the future of work, technology, and leadership. Each talk is designed to empower audiences with timely insights and actionable strategies, ideal for event organizers looking for keynote speakers for hire who can spark real transformation.
Humans+Machines: Leading a New Symbiosis
As AI agents move from tools to teammates, the leaders who win won't be those who adopt the fastest but those who architect the smartest human and machine work systems. Diana Wu David, Director of ServiceNow Futures and the world's #1 ranked futurist by Global Gurus, draws on frontline research with C-suite executives to explore how organizations can build trust architectures, redesign roles, and create resilient operating models where humans and machines amplify each other. Participants will leave with provocative frameworks and practical strategies for leading organizations where the real competitive advantage isn't artificial intelligence alone but the intentional orchestration of human judgment and machine capability.
The Potential of Humans in an AI-Powered World
In an age of AI, what role do human compassion, empathy, and teamwork play? Diana Wu David, Director of ServiceNow Futures and the world's #1 ranked futurist by Global Gurus, shares stories of how people are using emerging technologies from AI and quantum to web3 and spatial intelligence to augment—not replace—human potential, while also exploring the pitfalls of AI that can amplify our worst instincts.
The Antifragile Organization
How do some companies spot and take advantage of trends on the horizon while others pedal furiously just to keep up? By adopting agile mindsets and practices to thrive in an uncertain world. Hear about the companies that grow stronger from disruption and take advantage of the world's biggest trends to harness the passion of their people and outwit and outperform their competitors. These are essential topics for those seeking public speakers for hire who can deliver real insight on innovation and resilience.
Megatrends - Major Shifts on the Horizon
Demographic tsunamis, collective intelligence, emerging technology like quantum, data, AI, and energy transition are all megatrends affecting the way boards, CEOs, and senior leaders compete. What are the future headwinds that you need to know? How do you prioritize them, and how do you win? As a business motivational speaker, Diana talks about anticipating macro drivers that impact society, customers, employees, and businesses. The goal? To spot and take advantage of world trends to outwit and outperform!
Testimonials
"Diana Wu David is an outstanding speaker who engages and captivates her audience with her professionalism and extensive knowledge. With a focus on corporate sustainability through people sustainability, Diana sheds light on the importance of employee benefits and their impact on company growth and success. She translates complex concepts into practical steps, leaving the audience equipped with actionable takeaways."
"Thank you so much for joining us, I’ve received so much great feedback on your Future Proofing Your Career talk. The fact that you could hear a pin drop said it all!"
Niamh Targett, Head of Coverage - Fund Finance Asia
“I have a glowing review for Diana. She recently visited Expedia’s Hong Kong office to speak about the importance of resilience in the future of work. Her presentation was super-charged, insightful and entertaining, delivered with wit, humor and passion. The audience was actively engaged from start to finish, with several people bringing up points Diana had made in the weeks following her visit – the mark of a gifted speaker! I highly recommend Diana for speaking opportunities, you won’t be disappointed.”
Nelson Allen, Hotels.com APAC
“We invited Diana to speak on corporate innovation at our last round table with Chief Innovation Officers and senior business leaders and the feedback was fantastic! She set up a great framework for the group to debate how to create meaningful change. She’s a great facilitator, presenter and host and I was personally very impressed with the outcome of the session.”
Natasha O'Brien, Randstad
“Diana spoke at a KPMG event on reinventing work and the expectations of 5 or more generations in a time of rapid change. What made the morning special was not just the sharing of her knowledge and experience, but her lovely enveloping manner which drew out thoughts and opinions from those present – even the shy ones.”
Dawn Westerhout, Head of Marketing & Communications, Asia Pacific at KPMG
“Our strategic objectives include Future Proof our Organization. Given rapid changes in technology, and global commercial trends such as blockchain and artificial Intelligence along with the move toward a mobile-device Internet, there is a need to identify potential risks and disruptors, anticipate changes in customer behavior, and be ready to manage the rapid fire change in a thoughtful way. Diana to spoke at our 2019 sales and marketing conference in Changsha China. She spoke to this subject with a unique reference on Future Proofing ourselves, in an age of technological acceleration and data overload. It was filled with insightful references and real life examples from which to seek inspiration. She is a most delightful and engaging speaker who manages to connect with her audience and take you on a wonderful journey of discovery. Well done! I cannot wait for an opportunity to work with her again!”
Sandy Russell, Vice President Sales & Marketing at Wharf Hotels
“Diana has been a keynote speaker and supporter for several of our professional B2B focused events. She is a true visionary and thought leader whose progressive insights concerning the future of learning and work have brought tremendous value to the greater learning innovation community throughout Asia. I look forward to continued collaborative efforts with Diana as she helps weave together the narrative of skills and relevancy as we progress through our careers.”
Mike Michalec, Managing Director at EdTech Asia Limited
As a futurist inspirational speaker, Diana delivers keynote speeches that explore the future of work, technology, and leadership. Each session empowers participants with fresh insights, leaving them energized and ready to lead. For organizations looking for keynote speakers for hire who blend credibility, warmth, and action, Diana is a go-to choice.
Next Steps
If you’re interested in engaging Diana as a futurist motivational speaker, contact us to discuss your event needs and explore customized presentation options. For C-suite executives who are looking for training to navigate future leadership challenges, our executive coaching services, including workshops, strategic off-sites, and larger-scale programs, can help future proof your organization. We also offer personal branding courses and personal coaching for self-development. To learn more, email [email protected] or book time via the calendar here.
Frequently Asked Questions
More than just inspiration, a motivational speaker delivers tools, insights, and stories that move people to action. In Diana’s case, her talks help leaders better understand emerging trends and how to respond to them. The goal is always to leave audiences informed, energized, and ready to take meaningful steps forward.
To book Diana or inquire about her availability, you can email her team directly at [email protected] or use the contact form on this website. From intimate roundtables to large global conferences, she works with a range of event types and provides customization for each audience. For those searching for public speakers for hire who bring both insight and impact, Diana offers a well-supported booking experience from start to finish.
Fees can vary depending on the event type, format (virtual vs. in-person), and location. Diana’s rates are competitive with other senior-level business motivational speakers, and each engagement includes personalized planning to ensure high value. Contact us directly to request a quote or proposal tailored to your needs.