Doug Stephens

Speaking topics

Presentations listed below include in-person and virtual keynotes, as well as workshops, fireside chats, and other presentation formats.

• The Future of Competitive Advantage

  We stand at the cusp of a new era of what it means to compete.

  A world-renowned business futurist, Doug Stephens takes audiences on a journey into the future of competitive advantage. In an era of unprecedented change, where the landscape of commerce is evolving at an exponential pace, we are about to witness a complete redefinition of what it means to compete in the 21st century.

  Stephens brings audiences on a compelling exploration of how today’s societal and economic challenges are poised to become tomorrow’s unparalleled competitive opportunities. He will spotlight the trailblazers — from Walmart to Google — who are not just adapting for the future but actively shaping it. This talk is both an emotional rollercoaster and a roadmap to success for businesses large and small in the bold new era of competition.

• AI and the Future of Retail

  AI is rapidly reshaping every aspect of the retail experience begging the question, in a future where AI becomes central to almost every major retail enterprise, how will any business develop and maintain significant competitive advantage? How can you ensure that your company comes out on top of the AI arms race? Doug Stephens believes the answer is by being deliciously irrational, beautifully human, and by implementing insanely inventive creativity.

  As an internationally renowned futurist and one of Rethink Retail’s top 12 global thought leaders on AI in retail, Stephens will lift the curtain on the myriad ways that AI will shape value along every aspect of the supply-value chain and customer experience and the secret to staying ahead of the AI curve.

  “Smart companies will invest in creative and dynamic human beings who bring innovative thinking, empathy, and creative energy to the brand and its customer experience,” Stephens says. “Because the world is going to need a lot fewer lawyers, consultants, engineers, and accountants — and a lot more dreamers, makers and born risk-takers.”

• The Retail Archetypes of the Future

  There may be no other time in history when the retail sector has been rife with so much change. Permanent shifts in consumer behaviour and societal norms, a rapidly transforming technological landscape, and unpredictable economic conditions, all present extraordinary challenges for retailers across categories and geographies.

  Against this already volatile background, global competition has reached unprecedented levels. Between direct-to-consumer players, global e-commerce giants, hyper-discounters, and third-party marketplaces, the consumer has never had more choice. Thus, making the traditional strategic cornerstones of convenience, selection, price, and even product exclusivity shaky footholds from which to achieve enduring competitive success. So how can the average retailer win?

  Based on research from his most recent book, Resurrecting Retail, futurist Doug Stephens will share a simple, yet profound strategy framework that enables retailers and brands to cut through the chaos in their market, prioritize investments, forge radical consumer value, and achieve uncontested dominance in their category.

• The Art of Retail

  Technology has undeniably changed how we shop — but has it changed why we buy? How have consumers’ needs for novelty, connection, escape, and magic been satisfied? And is there more they need? In this remarkably inspiring talk, Doug Stephens explores how the world’s most amazing retailers and brands are delighting customers through sensory experience differentiation — the art of retail — in a world where hyper-technologized consumerism is ubiquitous. Re-discover how design, creativity, and content are once-again breathing magic into retail and driving bottom-line profitability.

• The Future of Physical Stores

  We live in a world where “the store” is now everywhere. In every marketing text, every direct mail, every QR code, and URL. The store, as we once knew it, now rests in the palm of our hand. So, against the backdrop of this reality, what is the purpose and value of physical retail?

  Doug Stephens reveals the surprising new frontier of physical retail, and the fundamental mindset shift required to unlock its new and historic value. With up-to-the-minute research,

• Two-Day Workshop: Rapid Innovation Labs

  How do you unleash the creative forces within your organization? How do you break the inertia of inaction? These are the challenges that organizations face, and that’s exactly why Doug Stephens created the Rapid Innovation Lab. Over two days, using a proprietary model, he will help your team understand the current and future state of retail and harness the creative forces within your organization to develop breakthrough ideas and innovative concepts.

  A Rapid Innovation Lab is a fit for you if your organization is:

  • Frustrated with the lack of internal innovation.
  • Looking to reinvent your brand, positioning, and value.
  • Eager to generate new, creative, and prototype-able ideas quickly and effectively.