Futuremaker, Serial Entrepreneur, Advisor, Investor & Speaker
Associate Founder & Former CEO, Singularity University
Where do we go from here?
I help organizations
explore new horizons
and navigate
technological disruption.
ABOUT
Rob Nail is a serial entrepreneur, Associate Founder, Faculty member & former CEO of Singularity University.
He advises organizations on making the shift from linear to exponential mindset, identifying long-term technological threats and opportunities, and making a positive impact.
See full bio
"I like to get my hands dirty and am quick to demonstrate my passion and naivete in any good entrepreneurial pursuit. I enjoy mentoring, advising and learning from small and big companies. I typically strive to help bridge between worlds - linear to exponential, engineer to marketing, startup to corporate, east to west, red to blue, young to old. I enjoy complexity, rarely believe there is a right answer, and am excited to experiment and find a visionary path forward."
PUBLICATIONS
There's some cool new stuff coming in 2020 - stay tuned for Exponential Kids, 10 years of growing SU, and our SciFi future...
"Leadership in a Time of Crisis - the Way Forward in a Changed World”
Right now, we are learning a lot about what works and what doesn’t work in leading through difficult times.
I am incredibly proud to be included in this new compilation by Marshall Goldsmith and Scott Osman which includes insights from 37 amazing #MG100 colleagues and me!
I have had the amazing privilege of working with incredible people who occasionally humor me and hear my thoughts too! Here is an assortment of fun places I've got quotes, contributions, and/or shoutouts!
I had the opportunity to guest edit and star in the annual Philanthropy Edition of Gentry Magazine - chock-full of impact, exponentials, and inspiring people! I was proud to share many interviews and insights in a variety of exclusive articles.
SPEAKING & WORKSHOPS
I enjoy facilitating workshops with small groups and engaging with large audiences. My sense of humor, passion for technology, concerns for humanity, and kids usually come along for the ride.
* These are a few examples of public talks over the past few years, but do not necessarily reflect current content or private workshop formats and capabilities.
Example Keynote Topics
Leading through the Age of Disruption
CEOs today must be the masters of many domains. It’s no longer enough to just know one thing – you need to be a futurist, technologist, innovator, and humanitarian. Explore Exponential Thinking, critical trends and implications, success factors, and a case study on digital transformation.
Exponential Technologies and the Top Trends that Change Everything
Exponentials 101 and exploring the drivers of exponential technologies and potential implications on our lives, businesses and society.
Intrapreneurship and Disruption from the Inside Out
The myth is that big companies should fear the little ones. Actually, it’s the big companies who can dominate if they have the right mindset and innovation ecosystem.
Design and Communicate with your future AI colleague
Explore the cutting edge of digital humans and virtual avatars. Demo some of Rob’s work with Soul Machines to develop digital humans as AI Assistants, advisors, experts, and teachers.
Leading Transformation from the Board - Harman Case Study
A case study on a traditional company navigating an exponential future. A tale of vision, courage, execution, and unexpected outcomes.
AI, Robotics, and a Future of Work
Automation, robotics, and AI will impact all jobs and the future of what work is. We will not be replaced by robots, we will be empowered by them, but we do need to learn how to work together.
Community and Diversity for Innovation and Impact
To solve problems that have never been solved before, you need a new approach. The fastest path to innovation is bringing diverse perspectives together in a safe environment to challenge the status quo. Learn about Singularity University’s Global Solutions Program that brings together the most diverse group of entrepreneurs possible to tackle the biggest problems imaginable.
Future of Manufacturing
The next wave of exponential technologies and the future of how we make things and where. (3D printing, VR, Sensors, Nanotech, Synthetic biology, mining asteroids, bricklaying on the moon, blockchain agency, and more )
Future of Learning - Adaptability and Skills for Transition through Disruption
During a time of crisis or disruption, those who are the most adaptable not only survive, but thrive. How to “skate where the puck is headed” and find tremendous future opportunities for education providers, industry leaders, and all of us lifelong learners and kids.
Entrepreneurship, Social Impact, and Positively Impacting a Billion People
Entrepreneurs and the Communities supporting them are the most powerful force for good on the planet. We need to inspire more risk takers to address the biggest challenges facing humanity.
Storytelling, Scifi Design, Futures Wheel, and Tools for Forecasting the Future
Forecasting the future doesn’t need a fortune teller, it needs a team, some tools, a little hardworking, and some fun.