Jo Caudron is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker with more than 30 years of experience on stages across Europe and beyond. Known for his inspiring and provocative storytelling, he weaves together insights on disruption, transformation, and the future of our societies. What began as a focus on digital innovation and technology has evolved into a much broader mission: helping organizations, leaders, and citizens understand how profound societal, economic, and geopolitical shifts are reshaping the world — and how we can turn that uncertainty into opportunity.
With seven books and hundreds of keynotes to his name, Jo blends strategic insight with human storytelling. His talks challenge audiences to think differently, to embrace change with optimism, and to build resilience in turbulent times. Whether addressing CEOs, policymakers, or entrepreneurs, Jo’s message is always clear and energizing: transformation is not just about technology — it’s about imagination, courage, and creating meaningful impact in a rapidly changing world.
Jo's keynotes are also available as interactive workshops aimed at jump-starting your board and C-suite in complex and urgent matters.
Topic 1
F//ck The System, and other bad ideas for the future
Do you also believe that Europe is burned out? That we are militarily weak, economically stuck in regulations, lacking innovation, and technologically irrelevant? In his brand-new keynote, based on his latest book, Jo proves just how wrong that picture is.
After eighty years of dependence on the United States, Europe stands at a crossroads. The war in Ukraine, the rise of China, and America’s retreat from global leadership confront us with the dangers of that dependence. Yet at the same time, this creates an unprecedented opportunity to reinvent Europe. Europe possesses enormous strength: economic power, technological expertise, innovation capacity, and the political momentum to act.
Jo introduces a new innovation paradigm that challenges companies, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and leaders to help build a strong Europe:
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embracing transitional thinking to lead in energy, mobility, housing, and food
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copy-back: restoring strategic sovereignty in defense, technology, media, AI and other key domains
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unleashing a new industrial revolution: reindustrialization with high-tech, AI, robotics, localization, ...
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the new economics: realizing the costs and benefits of return-on-security
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rethinking bureaucracy to accelerate innovation and partnerships, without losing European values
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building coalitions of the willing within and beyond Europe
This keynote is both a wake-up call and an action plan. Jo shows how Europe can and must, in the coming decade, develop into a true global superpower that finally claims its rightful seat at the geopolitical table.
#geopolitics #innovation #transformation #Europe #strategy #entrepreneurship #policy #economy #society
Topic 2
Mastering the AI-shock. A strategic view on Artificial Intelligence
#AI #Artificial Intelligence #transformation #strategy #employment #HR #policy #economy #society
In this presentation, Jo goes beyond the typical AI-hype. He shows the real impact and offers a strategic view in 3 interconnected horizons: personal life, industry and society. A must-see keynote for boardrooms and C-suite.
The emergence of AI is a pivotal force shaping our future. The rapid adoption of this technology present a dual-edged sword, with the potential for unprecedented (economic) opportunities, while also posing complex challenges. We stand on the brink of what could be the most profound system shock of our times. The implications span across every sector, from healthcare to finance, education to manufacturing, and beyond.
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Jo provides a brief overview of AI's current applications, illustrating how it's already revolutionizing the way we operate.
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He focusses on crucial strategic questions that business leaders and policymakers must urgently consider as they enter this new landscape.
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What is the impact of AI on your product or service and how is it changing your competitive position? What are the changing market and client expectations because of AI and are new challengers better equipped to service these needs?
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How does your internal organization and governance adapt to AI? How will AI impact your job and the way we work?
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What are the ethical considerations like workforce displacement, and privacy concerns.
Through a balanced lens, this presentation provides insightful perspectives on leveraging AI. Expect to leave with a nuanced understanding of AI's capabilities, equipped with the key strategic questions you need to address when introducing AI in your organization.
Topic 3
The Future of Work
Based on his work in the HR sector, Jo looks at the impact of radical disruptions on work. How will AI, geopolitical tensions, industrialization, increased demand for flexibility and other forces shape the future of work?
In this keynote, Jo approaches the future of work and HR as a strategic leadership question. Work is changing along multiple fault lines at the same time.
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AI is moving from a supporting tool to an active part of how work is organised. Tasks are automated, roles are redefined, and decision-making accelerates. This is not a future scenario. It is already reshaping jobs, skills, and power inside organisations.
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At the same time, society is shifting. Ageing workforces, talent shortages, multiple generations with different expectations, and growing diversity challenge old models. Employees' expectations around flexibility, autonomy, and work-life balance collide with how organisations define the concept.
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Geopolitics adds another layer. Strategic sectors return closer to home. Manufacturing, logistics, and critical technologies regain importance, changing where work happens and which skills matter. Blue collar is the new white collar.
Central to this presentation is the idea of transition paths. Thoughtful, realistic routes that help people move from the old world of work into the new and necessary opportunities.
#work #HR #society #flexibility #sustainability #strategy #entrepreneurship #policy #economy #geopolitics #AI
