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Key Points for Simon Banks

Simon Banks is a leading creativity and innovation expert who helps organisations unlock fresh thinking and collaboration.
He has delivered over 1400 events worldwide for clients including Google, Volkswagen, and the Department of Industry.
As an author, artist, and podcast host, Simon blends creativity with practical business insight to drive lasting change.
His sessions energise teams, challenge assumptions, and reignite the curiosity needed to thrive in a changing world.

Topics for Simon Banks

Creativity, my old friend: I’ve come to talk to you again
Reclaiming the human edge in an AI-driven workplace
Guess what’s topping the World Economic Forum’s 2030 skills list? Not spreadsheets, not the metaverse or VR headsets. It’s creativity. The catch? Most of us have quietly let it slip away, traded for a full inbox and an ever-growing to-do list.
So what happened?
Remember that kid who could turn any corner into a possibility and make an adventure out of every chance? That wasn’t about being child-ish, it was about being child-like. Naturally imaginative, curious, and ready to reinvent with ease. Adults? We’ve built layers of filters, self-doubt, and organisational brick walls that slow creativity to a crawl. It’s high time we hit pause, listen to our old creative friend and rekindle those skills we left behind.
In the whirlwind of automation and AI taking over, the future of work is waving its hands desperately, shouting, "We need your creativity, like, yesterday!" It's not asking politely; it's practically on its knees. Creativity helps leaders navigate complexity, teams uncover fresh solutions, and organisations stay ahead of change. And here is the best bit: creativity isn’t one-size-fits-all. We each have our own creative intelligences, from storytelling to problem framing, from pattern spotting to visual thinking. Plural, not singular. That is what makes creative cultures so powerful, because everyone brings a different twist.
Through stories, science and creative frameworks, this keynote equips people to reclaim creative confidence, embrace novelty and turn ideas into outcomes. By the end of the session, participants will see creativity not as “something extra” but something they already own, ready whenever the next challenge arrives, and with a smile on their face.
By the end participants will:
- Understand the science behind creativity and why it makes us uniquely human.
- Recognise their own creative intelligences and how to bring them to life wherever fresh thinking is needed.
- Apply creative thinking to both simple and complex challenges.
- Build creative confidence to push boundaries and bring ideas into the world.
- Identify and reduce organisational barriers that block creative flow.
Curiosity may kill cats, definitely not humans
The secret to spotting opportunities others miss
Ever wonder what’s really going on around you? Are you the kind of curious cat who stops, explores, and takes in all the goodness life has to offer?
Curiosity is like your superhero cape, and the good news is that it’s available to anyone, anywhere, anytime. All it takes is a sprinkle of wonder and a dash of adventure and you’re good to go on a journey where the ordinary transforms into the remarkable.
The future belongs to the bold question-askers, the fearless explorers, and the daydreamers. Curiosity sparks discovery, customer centricity, and challenges the old ways of doing what’s always been done. These are the skills most in demand right now.
But how do you amp up your curiosity? Simple, it all starts with opening your eyes. When we do, we spot things others miss, things we didn’t even know were there. And that’s exciting.
Here’s the kicker: this isn’t a keynote like the ones you’ve seen before. You will develop your curiosity by embarking on an explorative quest into some of the most famous artworks of all time, digging into their hidden details, connections and stories. We’ll train our eyes to see the unseen, challenge paradigms, and uncover what usually speeds past us.
Grounded in neuroscience and inspired by Simon’s years as a lecturer at the National Gallery of England, this keynote fuses hard science with creative sparks, leaving audiences surprised, stretched and seeing the world differently.
Curious yet? You should be.
By the end participants will:
- Learn how to use visual intelligence to create new connections.
- Discover how the neuroscience of curiosity leads to discovery.
- Explore the crucial relationship between curiosity and critical thinking when solving complex problems.
- Embrace curiosity as a foundation of lifelong learning and growth.
- Shed the blinkers and paradigms that narrow thinking, and never look at a work of art the same way again.
The art of occupational philosophy
Why better questions, not quick answers, power leadership in the age of AI.
The thinking that created today’s challenges won’t be the thinking that solves them. It’s crucial to challenge our biases and filters, let go of presumed knowledge and become comfortable in the grey areas of ambiguous scenarios, where multiple truths and correct answers coexist.
That’s where Occupational Philosophy comes in: a practical way to bring timeless wisdom into the workplace. Inspired by the ancient question “How should we live?” this keynote reframes it for modern leaders: “How should we work?” This provides practical ways to navigate uncertainty, make thoughtful choices in complex environments, and stay human in the age of AI and rapid change.
Instead of rushing to answers, audiences will discover the value of ditching quick answers for better questions. Many modern challenges do not come with a single right solution. In ambiguous environments, Occupational Philosophy becomes a compass to help organisations balance competing truths and make human-centred decisions grounded in humility and curiosity.
Packed with interactive twists and thought experiments, this keynote springs from 110+ episodes of Simon’s hit podcast The Occupational Philosophers, fuelled by conversations with curious minds and global guests who know how to see the world differently and help us do the same.
By the end participants will:
- Stay steady in environments when there’s no single right answer.
- Shift from black-and-white thinking to navigating the in-between.
- Make human-centred choices in a world shaped by AI and rapid change.
- Gain a fresh point of view by reframing your questions.
- Experiment with ideas daily and turn curiosity into a leadership strength.
Leading with innovation, now we’re talking!
Because innovation doesn’t start in a spreadsheet. It starts with your people.
Leading a continuous culture of innovation may seem daunting, but it does not have to be. You do not necessarily need to invest in bean bags, a ping pong table, or even set up a craft brewery in the lunchroom (unless that is your jam). Real innovation thrives in unexpected places, often in the small, everyday shifts that spark something bigger. Your organisation has potential itching to break free, and leadership is what brings it to life. Forget about being a leader of spreadsheets and Gantt charts; the true game changer has always been your people.
In his book A Thousand Little Lightbulbs, Simon Banks highlights that innovation is rarely about one breakthrough idea. It grows from many small sparks that build momentum, shift culture, and invite people to try, learn and grow. Organisations that nurture these everyday sparks create a steady flow of ideas that turn into progress and results. In this keynote, we also take a peek at what innovative companies are doing around the world, including those outside the usual suspects, proving that fresh ideas often come from the most surprising places.
This keynote is for those ready to spark and guide an innovative culture, unlock their organisation’s hidden powers, and ride the wave of constant “aha” moments that keep the progress train chugging along. (Whilst also delighting customers and smoking the competition). All aboard the innovation express!
By the end participants will:
- Reframe innovation from a hard task into a daily habit.
- Foster a culture where authenticity fuels collaboration and bold ideas.
- Create environments where people thrive and market-leading ideas take shape.
- Remove barriers that block innovation with cost-effective strategies that work.
- Generate a flow of ideas and transform them into actions that drive change.
The art of the story
Because no one ever remembered bullet point 5, slide 13
Humans have been telling stories since day one. They are an essential part of how we connect. A good story makes us think, feel, and engage in ways that numbers and slides alone never will. In a business world drowning in information, the ability to tell stories that land has never been more critical.
Drawing on both the science of storytelling (why our brains are wired to remember and respond to stories) and the art of human connection, Simon shares practical tools and techniques that audiences can apply immediately. It gives your people a licence to do something different with how they communicate. Why? Because boring and bland is already taken.
You’ll see how simple visual storytelling can simplify complexity and why facts on their own are forgettable but stories are what move people to action. With over 1,400 events delivered across industries, Simon brings credibility, humour and creativity in equal measure, ensuring this keynote is as engaging as it is practical.
If you are looking for a keynote that busts through corporate jargon and equips your people with tools to tell stories that stick, this session is for you. Stories make messages memorable, and even small tweaks can take you from zero to hero. It is a boost everyone can use, and something everyone can implement in the very next meeting.
By the end participants will:
- Understand the neuroscience of storytelling and why stories engage the brain more deeply than facts alone.
- Master the art of designing slides people actually want to see.
- Use the Think, Feel, Do framework to design stories that move audiences.
- Present with energy and positivity and leave every audience with a positive emotional legacy.
- Embed storytelling at the heart of team culture and client connections.

Testimonials for Simon Banks

Every single person we spoke to said you were absolutely fantastic, the feedback you received was glowing to say the least. We’re so pleased to have had you come along and bring such energy to the conference.
Events Manager
Real Estate Institute of Victoria

Every single attendee that I spoke to was inspired by the power of the insights that you shared. We wouldn't be able to do any of this without your energy, enthusiasm, transparency and most importantly time – so, Thank You.
President
Public Relations Institute of Australia

With 4 keynotes and 16 workshops facilitated over 4 days, it was a huge thank you to Simon for inspiring our staff to be curious, creative and imaginative – bringing our ideas to life!
Organisational Development and Capability Lead
City of Ryde

Your expertise in fostering curiosity, nurturing creativity, emphasising thoughtful design, and harnessing the power of storytelling was truly transformative.
Marketing Manager
Mitra Prodin

The dynamic Simon Banks had the auditorium buzzing with a wonderfully chaotic keynote presentation; engaging your creativities is key to activating your curiosity and opening your eyes, to look at the world differently and find new ways of thinking.
Advanced Pharmacy Australia
Medicines Management Conference 2024 (LinkedIn Post)

The keynote was awesome. Your presentation style rocks. You have made the most of doing talks remotely, your drawing and visuals are such a clever adaptation to this new environment.
Head of Continuous Improvement and Innovation, International Visitors
nib Health Funds

Exciting, insightful and different! 3 words that can describe Simon’s keynote. His way of thinking around innovation as ‘change that matters’ is contagious and opened our everyday world into something we always wished to experience.
People and Culture Manager
Australian Ethical

We loved having you as part of our DevFest events and Leadership Summit. Your storytelling session was by far one of the most popular!
Organisational Development Manager
Sportsbet

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for work at the conference last week, the day was excellent and the feedback we are receiving about you and the overall day is the best ever!
Manager Marketing and Media, Marketing and Sales
QLD TAFE

Simon steered us through this virtual 3-day event with expertise and creativity. Simon kept delegates engaged in the virtual world, reminding attendees to tap into their creative thinking and facilitating great discussion and thought.
Chief Executive Officer
Economic Development Australia

I would like to thank you for your role as facilitator and MC at the Department of Transport and Main Roads DG Customer Led Innovation Challenge. Your role was integral to making the day a success and was greatly appreciated by myself and all the participants.
Director General
QLD Department of Main Roads

Simon was brilliant, from thoroughly understanding our needs through to fulfilling his role as MC. Simon was able to engage the audience, inject energy and keep everyone entertained. The feedback from attendees was exceptional.
Agile Coach, Digital
Commonwealth Bank

The feedback was fantastic from the conference. Thanks so much for your work with our sessions Simon. You were exceptionally professional, funny and really nailed the brief.
Australian Wholesale Marketing Manager
Flight Centre Travel Group

I would recommend Simon to anyone who values a friendly, flamboyant, creative and professional conference facilitator, who brings so much more than you imagine to your company’s professional event.
Group General Manager Nutrition
Freedom Foods Group Nutritionals

Simon recently facilitated at our Senior Leaders Workshop - he was fantastic at keeping the group motivated and is very adaptable. He reads people extremely well so can quickly adjust the flow on the day to deliver the right outcomes - and ensures energy levels never wane.
Head of Internal Communication
METCASH

Simon facilitated recent EY Oceania Infrastructure Advisory conference attended by 145 people. Simon had everyone up and interacting with others and kept the positive energy high. I doubt our conference would have been as successful without Simon and everyone loved him.
EA
EY

Simon has a deep understanding of innovation and is able to educate, upskill and shift mindsets of an audience by practically applying this in a highly energetic and infectious way.
Learning Lead
Laing O’Rourke

Simon’s approach has helped accelerate our team development journey and produce ready-to-use outcomes which are equitable, enjoyable and most importantly useful. Guaranteed, I would love to work with Simon again.
Director, Professional Services, Asia Pacific and Japan
Boomi

You bring life and energy to the room and your inclusive and collaborative approach makes you an absolute delight to work with and we can't wait to have you back to influence and impact the next cohort.
Manager, Learning
Australian Rural Leadership Foundation

Simon’s approach to engagement and problem solving promoted and placed our staff front and centre in bringing solutions to our organisations challenges. Simon is an expert facilitator, a great artist, and an exemplar of positive creativity.
Manager of Digital and Technology
Public Trustee of QLD

The high energy you brought along made for a great evening. Your enthusiasm and delivery are what makes the content pop so thanks for working with us again!
Employability Programs Officer (iLEAD)
Newcastle University

You absolutely nailed the brief and got everyone excited about our new brand. Thanks for keeping so cool under pressure and a huge thanks to your team for being so wonderful. YOU’RE AMAZING!!!
Senior Internal Communications and Events Specialist
REST Industry Super

I just wanted to say thank you for all of the work you did – before and during the CEO Forum. You made the day loads of fun for everyone. I am looking forward to finding more wonderful ways we can use your talents going forwards.
Internal Communications Specialist
Lumo Energy

The feedback has been nothing short of fantastic. Again thanks Simon for pulling off what will be a memorable event and of course now the bar for next year’s conference is set very high.
General Manager Small Business Programs and Services
Telstra