Rapid Fire Innovation – the fast, low-cost way to ‘Get Stuff Done’, idea generation, building MVPs, create the ultimate pitch

Futurist Steve Sammartino is a tour de force in the field of technology. His energy and humour on stage have made him sought-after speaker around the globe. An expert in AI’s profound implications for business and society, Steve has been immersed in Computational Intelligence systems from the tender age of 10.

Steve goes beyond theory and brings lessons from his own tech ventures. His latest Macro3D, a ground-breaking AI and robotics company – which 3D prints houses. Since co-founding the company he has managed to 3D print a house, and is now embarking on building the world’s first home built entirely by AI.

An accomplished author, Steve has written three best-selling books on the subject of technology and its future. As a testament to his compelling insights, he has given a TED talk and is the host of the popular national Technology and Business TV show on Channel 9, “The Rebound” – now in it’s 4th Season.

Steve’s takes the complex and makes it simple, and human. This sentiment is captured in his viral videos, which boast over 100 million views – his drivable Lego Car being a prime example. As a respected media commentator, his views are widely sought after, making him an authoritative voice in the tech industry.

Steve Sammartino doesn’t just predict the future of technology, he’s literally building it, and his speeches are an unmissable opportunity to get a glimpse into that future.

Gihan Perera is a business futurist, conference speaker, AI researcher, and author who will show you how to be fit for the future in a fast-changing world.

For more than 25 years, he has worked with organisations and leaders throughout Australia and internationally, helping them to lead in uncertainty, act with clarity and confidence, and thrive in a rapidly changing business environment. He is the author of Disrupted, Disruption By Design, The Future of Leadership, and ten other books.

Through his keynote presentations, interactive masterclasses, and in-depth leadership programs, he shares future trends and thought-provoking insights – delivered with interaction, engagement, and humour – that leave people feeling positive, empowered, and optimistic about their future. Forbes magazine rated him the #5 social media influencer in the world (and #1 in Australia) in his area of expertise.

For Horizons 2025, Gihan will run an online ‘Change Agents’ workshop for all participants and, as part of Horizons West, workshop the four key elements of the future and work (April) and how to influence your team to create the ultimate workplace for the future (June).

Dr Matt O’Connor is a registered, Clinical Psychologist, having completed the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) at Griffith University and is also a board-approved supervisor.

Matt currently works in his own private practice – ConnectEd Counselling and Consultancy and has worked with a diverse range of people and settings including schools, acute mental health units, residential care for young people, veterans and their families, the Queensland Police and community settings.

Matt balances his individual clinical work with system-level support for young people, parents and communities, as well as research outputs on service use, therapeutic approaches and outcome assessment. His research work includes the development of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS), which has received significant international attention, having been cited over 1000 times and translated into over 45 languages.

With a long history of volunteering and working with young people, Matt is the youngest ever director of ReachOut.com (formerly Inspire Foundation). As an engaging and well-regarded presenter, facilitator and educator Matt has extensive experience providing psychoeducation and skills-based presentations and workshops to health professionals, the general public and youth.

As General Manager Stakeholder Engagement, Sharon leads strategic engagement and communication with RISSB’s stakeholders and members. Having worked across several industries in both the private and public sector in a corporate, project or regulated environments Sharon understands the machination of these in bringing people together to achieve common outcomes.

Sharon also plays the role of a mentor for senior rail industry executives, providing coaching to help craft their media presence and lead with influence. Sharon will provide personal brand-boosting techniques at both Horizons East and West, and will personally champion opportunities to fast-track and boost the visibility of Horizons 2025 participants across the rail industry.