Blockchain & Innovation Expert, Founder of SELF, Author of Sunday Times Bestseller ‘Powered by Change’, Host of the ‘Ethics TV’ Podcast, & Winner of the 2002 Best UK Salesperson Award
Jonathan MacDonald’s Biography:
Jonathan MacDonald is a strategist, author and thought leader best known for helping organisations understand how human behaviour, emerging technology and ethical innovation shape the future of business. In 2024, he became a Certified Blockchain Security Expert through 101 Blockchains. Over the course of his career, Jonathan has built a reputation for turning complex ideas into practical strategies that inspire action and long-term growth. From leadership and culture to blockchain, advanced thinking and digital transformation, he has consistently challenged audiences to rethink conventional approaches. His engaging style, combined with deep commercial experience and forward-thinking insight, is why Jonathan is hired internationally as a keynote speaker.
Jonathan’s career began in the music and entertainment industries, where he quickly established himself as a high-performing commercial leader. In 1999, he became the youngest ever Chairman of the UK Retail Music Industry Committee and also served as Chairman of the British Music Industries Association. His success continued with senior commercial roles including Commercial Director for the Ministry of Sound in 2005, Sales Director for Blyk in 2007 and Senior Consultant at Ogilvy One in 2008. Earlier in his career, he won the ‘Best UK Salesperson’ award, demonstrating the commercial expertise that would later underpin his strategic consulting work. Jonathan later co-founded This Fluid World and went on to establish the Academy of Advanced Thought and SELF, while also serving as Chief Strategy Officer for Ninetcatcha PTY LTD and Chief Marketing Officer for Minima.
As an author, Jonathan published the Sunday Times bestseller ‘Powered by Change’ and later released ‘The Rise Of Advanced Thought’, further cementing his reputation as a leading voice on future thinking and organisational change. Alongside founding businesses including Next Ideas SEZC and co-founding Powered by Change, Jonathan continues to advise organisations on innovation and leadership. His presentations combine commercial expertise, storytelling and humour with practical insights that audiences can immediately apply. Whether speaking to corporate leaders, entrepreneurs or industry associations, Jonathan delivers keynote presentations that are insightful, energetic and highly relevant, making him an outstanding choice for conferences and events worldwide.
Why Hire Jonathan MacDonald?
Jonathan is recognised globally for his thought leadership and ability to communicate transformational ideas in an accessible and engaging way. His TEDx talks, including ‘If Mandela Had Tweeted’, ‘What We Don’t Know’ and ‘Unlocking the Main Thing’, have positioned him as a respected voice on innovation, leadership and communication. He is also the host of the ‘Ethics TV’ podcast, where he explores the relationship between technology, ethics and society with industry leaders and innovators. His media appearances and speaking engagements consistently focus on helping businesses prepare for disruption while remaining human-centred and purpose-driven.
Jonathan is hired as a keynote speaker for leadership conferences, technology summits, innovation forums and corporate transformation events where organisations are looking for practical insight into the future of business, consumer behaviour and ethical technology. His ability to combine strategic expertise with engaging storytelling and real-world commercial experience make him particularly effective for audiences navigating change, digital disruption and cultural transformation.
Jonathan MacDonald’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Jonathan MacDonald’s remarkable career in customer service and experience:
- 2024 – Certified Blockchain Security Expert by 101 Blockchains
- 2024 – Host of the ‘Ethics TV’ podcast
- 2023 – Founded SELF
- 2022 – Founded Next Ideas SEZC
- 2021 – Co-Founded Powered by Change
- 2018 – Published the Sunday Times Bestseller ‘Powered by Change’
- 2016 – TEDxO’Porto talk titled ‘Unlocking the Main Thing’
- 2014 – TEDx Warsaw talk titled ‘What We Don’t Know’
- 2008 – Senior Consultant at Ogilvy One
- 2002 – Won the ‘Best UK Salesperson’ award
Videos
Jonathan MacDonald’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Jonathan MacDonald is a leading future strategist and thought leader who helps organisations navigate innovation, disruption and digital transformation. Combining commercial expertise with engaging storytelling, Jonathan delivers insightful keynote presentations on the future of business, ethical technology, artificial intelligence and more. His ability to translate complex ideas into practical strategies makes him a highly sought-after speaker for corporate conferences, leadership events and technology summits.” – David Simms
Speaking Topics
Jonathan MacDonald’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Future of Business
- Innovation and Disruption
- Leadership and Organisational Change
- Ethical Technology
- Artificial Intelligence and Human Behaviour
- Blockchain and Digital Transformation
How Much Does Jonathan MacDonald Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Jonathan MacDonald?
Jonathan MacDonald’s speaking fees typically reflect his exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.