World Business Forum Sydney 2025 Announces Final Two Speakers - World Business Forum

17 Oct 2025 8:55 AM

Key Facts:

• World Business Forum Sydney 2025 announces final speakers Catherine Ball and Steve Vamos, completing its roster for the event themed The Power of the Unpredictable at ICC Sydney on 11-12 November.
• Dr Catherine Ball, a futurist and AI expert, will present on leveraging AI strategically in business, while Steve Vamos will share insights on executing strategy based on his leadership experience in tech companies.
• The complete speaker lineup includes Michael Phelps, Amy Edmondson, Guy Kawasaki, and others, covering topics from resilience to digital transformation.
• The two-day event includes on-demand access to global content, a digital library with over 300 hours of material, and membership in WOBI's global executive network.
• The forum aims to help leaders transform uncertainty into opportunities for innovation and success in a rapidly changing business landscape.

The World Business Forum (WBF) is proud to complete its speaker roster for the 2025 Sydney edition with the announcement of Catherine Ball and Steve Vamos.

These final additions bring fresh depth and perspective to an already world-class program curated for senior executives and business leaders across the Asia Pacific.

Set to take place at ICC Sydney on 11–12 November 2025, this year’s Forum will explore the theme “The Power of the Unpredictable,” which encourages leaders to turn tough and ever-changing times into positive and constructive opportunities to lead their organisations forward.

In a landscape defined by rapid technological advances and constant disruption, WBF Sydney 2025 will empower leaders to embrace uncertainty as a catalyst for innovation, adaptability, and long-term success.

Catherine Ball and Steve Vamos join the previously announced speakers, delivering complementary perspectives on strategic foresight and execution.

Dr Catherine Ball is an award-winning futurist, robotics and artificial intelligence expert, and internationally respected academic voice. She is an Honorary Associate Professor at the School of Cybernetics at the Australian National University and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland’s xFoundry.

She also serves as a member of Australia’s Robotics Advisory Council and has contributed to global innovation initiatives such as XPRIZE.

At the World Business Forum Sydney, Dr Ball will explore how leaders can unlock growth through the strategic adoption of AI and robotics. Her presentation, Leveraging the Transformational Power of AI, will guide delegates through actionable frameworks for integrating AI, encouraging business leaders to view AI not as a threat, but as a purpose-driven, human-enhancing force that empowers organisations to adapt and thrive in unpredictable environments.

Steve Vamos brings decades of leadership experience across the global technology and media sectors, having held senior executive roles at Apple, Microsoft, IBM, ninemsn and Xero.

Twice named among the Top 5 Most Influential People in the Australian Technology Industry, he is also the author of Through Shifts and Shocks: Lessons from the Front Line of Technology and Change.

In his session, ‘Executing Strategy: What It Really Takes from Those at the Top,’ Steve will discuss how leaders can close the gap between strategic vision and operational execution. His presentation reinforces the World Business Forum’s commitment not only to visionary thinking but also to the practical execution required to deliver sustained success, particularly in times of change and unpredictability.

With the final two speakers now confirmed, the full 2025 line-up delivers a balance of inspiration, innovation, and practical leadership insights.

From resilience and high performance with Michael Phelps, to psychological safety and innovation with Amy Edmondson, creativity in the AI era with Guy Kawasaki, customer experience with Renée Richardson Gosline, scaled innovation with Jon McNeill, culture and team dynamics with Darren Shand, and digital transformation with Peter Wilton, this year’s program offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn from some of the world’s most accomplished thinkers and practitioners.

Registration includes two full days at ICC Sydney, along with on-demand access to global World Business Forum content, a digital library featuring more than 300 hours of curated leadership and management material, and year-round membership in WOBI’s global executive network spanning over 50 countries.

“We are delighted to finalise this remarkable line-up,” said Daniel Hernandez, APAC Director at WOBI.

“With Catherine’s thought leadership on AI and Steve’s mastery of translating high-level strategy into execution, attendees will gain the full spectrum of insights from vision and innovation to structure and sustained momentum.”

“Together, they perfectly embody this year’s theme, The Power of the Unpredictable, reminding us that adaptability and creativity are the true foundations of enduring leadership,” Mr Hernandez said.

 

Contact details:

To organise access to the Forum and/ or interviews, please contact Vicky De George on:

0405 151 485

[email protected]

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