K D Adamson

Former CEO of Ulterior Futures, Best-Selling Author of “Shipping & the 800-lb Gorilla” & Globally Renowned Renegade Futurist, Ecocentrist & Futurism Strategist

K D Adamson’s Biography:

K D Adamson is one of the world’s most original and provocative futurists, known for her sharp wit, fearless insights, and visionary approach to global transformation. As an ecocentrist and strategist, she challenges audiences to rethink the future by confronting the assumptions that underpin business, society, and humanity’s relationship with technology and the environment. A bestselling author, broadcaster, and adviser, K D is celebrated for her ability to make complex ideas about geopolitics, sustainability, and innovation both understandable and deeply human. Her work spans industries and continents, inspiring millions to make the future great again by redefining what progress and value truly mean.

K D began her career in marketing and communications, holding senior roles at organisations including Inmarsat, Centaur Media, and Business Link, before founding Adamwell International in 1998. Her early work focused on the intersection of media, technology, and human behaviour, a foundation that shaped her later focus on foresight and transformation. By the early 2000s, she had become one of Europe’s leading futurists, advising global companies on strategic adaptation to technological and societal change through roles at Stark Moore Macmillan and The Futures Agency.

In 2013, K D established herself as a global keynote speaker and consultant, bringing her unique brand of renegade futurism to audiences around the world. As CEO and Futurist of Ulterior Futures, she has advised some of the planet’s most influential organisations on circular economy, climate transition, and digital ethics. Her bestselling books, Payload and Shipping and the 800-lb Gorilla, became seminal works within the maritime and logistics sectors, redefining the narrative around sustainability and innovation. Her commentary has appeared in outlets such as BBC World News, Bloomberg, CNN, Al Jazeera, The Financial Times, The Sun, Fast Company, and Channel News Asia.

Renowned for her electrifying stage presence, K D’s performances have been described as TED talks on steroids, blending humour, candour, and insight in equal measure. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts and a member of The Aristotelian Society, Chatham House, the Society of Antiquaries, CERN’s Open Quantum Institute, and the International Society for the Circular Economy. K D continues to use her platform to explore how technology, economics, and ecology can converge to create a more balanced, sustainable, and human future.

Why Hire K D Adamson?

K D Adamson is an unforgettable keynote speaker who combines intellect, humour, and insight to help audiences see the world differently. With her signature mix of storytelling and strategic foresight, she transforms complex issues such as sustainability, AI, climate transition, and global economics into compelling, actionable ideas. Having advised Fortune 500 companies, international institutions, and governments, K D brings a rare blend of global awareness, human empathy, and no-nonsense realism to every event. She leaves audiences entertained, enlightened, and empowered to create the future they want.

K D Adamson’s Career Highlights:

Below highlights some key milestones and achievements of K D Adamson’s influential career in AI, technology, climate change and futurism:

• 2025 – Delivered a keynote at the summit to mark the opening of BSM’s 6th Maritime Training Centre in Accra, Ghana
• 2023 – Featured in Ship Concept 2030 Magazine, highlighting the future of sustainable maritime innovation.
• 2020 – Appointed CEO and Futurist of Ulterior Futures, advising global organisations on foresight and transformation.
• 2017 – Published Shipping and the 800-lb Gorilla, examining disruption, technology, and sustainability in the maritime sector.
• 2016 – Published Payload, exploring the future of shipping, logistics, and human systems.
• 2013 – Appointed Futurist for The Futures Agency, collaborating with international experts on strategic foresight.
• 2013 – Launched global speaking and consultancy practice as Futurist, Adviser, and Writer under K D Adamson.
• 2004 – Futurist for Stark Moore Macmillan Ltd, specialising in technological innovation and strategic change.
• 1998 – Founded Adamwell International Ltd, providing strategic communications and innovation insight.
• 1993 – Commissioning and Business Planning Lead for Inmarsat, focusing on global communications systems.
• 1992 – Began career as Account Executive at McCann, developing skills in storytelling, marketing, and global communications.