Ignite MNC 2019 – Keynote Speaker – Steve Sammartino
In our fifth interview of speakers and presenters that will be attending Ignite Mid North Coast Symposium 2019 we are featuring keynote speaker Steve Sammartino.
On November 6, Steve will be speaking at the Slim Dusty Centre, located in the beautiful Macleay Valley and location for this year’s event. Ignite MNC Symposium 2019 will bring together creative thinkers and inspired innovators from within the region and beyond to talk about “Your World 2030”.
If you live in the Mid North Coast or have ever considered relocating to the region be sure to come along, tickets are available HERE
Steve is Australia’s leading Futurist with unsurpassed credentials. He’s created technology world firsts, written extensively and has a rare ability to communicate it all on stage. His high-octane keynote will change how you see the world.
Steve starting coding at age 10 and had his first startup by age 12. He has since built and sold a number of businesses. As a futurist, he’s ahead of his time. He launched one of the first Sharing Economy Startups – Rentoid.com in 2006. Respected global business media including Forbes, Fast Company and TechCrunch credited it as the start of the sharing economy movement giving birth to Uber and Airbnb. Steve later sold it to a publicly traded company in Australia.
Steve is mentor for startup entrepreneurs and a technology investor. His ability to see the future is ratified by this fact: His portfolio has grown more than 100x the original investment.
His tech projects gained global attention and renown.
- He built the world’s first drivable car entirely out of Lego. It’s had more than 100 million views globally. (He had to fight off Jay Leno who was desperate to have it in his garage)
- He put a toy space shuttle into actual earth orbit by hacking together a rig for under $2000
- He’s on the technical advisory committee for the design of Australia’s new drone regulations.
- He is currently building the world’s most modern house – it will be 3D printed too! The subject of a new documentary film.
Many talk of viral marketing – but Steve has done it – his Youtube channel has over 10 million views. He’s had the leading business blog in Australia for more than 10 years and is a multiple winner of the best blog awarded by Smart Company.
Steve also invested 15 years in corporate. Working for Fortune 500 firms including: Kimberly Clark, Kraft Foods, Modelez, Proctor & Gamble, SAB Miller and WPP (the world’s biggest media agency).
Sammartino taught undergraduate students at The University of Melbourne for 5 years, which is Australia’s highest ranked and most prestigious University.
He has 2 bestselling books: The Great Fragmentation which was translated into multiple languages and his recent release The Lessons School Forgot – which has become the topic of his recent TEDx talk in Australia to rave reviews. You can find his talk here
Steve found time to sit down with us and had a quick chat about his background and hopes for the future.
Where did you grow up?
On a farm in Werribee Victoria
Given the choice between living in the city or country which would you choose and why?
Country – I just bought a farm outside of Geelong. I think in the country we can have our cake and eat it too now as technology bridges the gap of geography.
Describe your area of expertise?
I’m a futurist and have an intimate understand how technology reshapes business, society and the economic system.
Your world 2030, what will it look like and what do you hope will have changed?
I hope we’ve moved in a positive way to respect our environment more. I’m certain data will become our own personal asset that we control and that many emerging technologies will be common place like 3d printers / flying cars and autonomous transport. I think more people will ‘work from anywhere’ as digital nomads and craftspeople.
What is the greatest hurdle you have had to overcome in your career and how did you do it?
Unlearning industrial thinking. Going out on my own to share ideas with no certain income. I treated my ‘self employment’ as a job – did the hard work and set myself goals based on the right behaviours, rather than the right outcomes. Behaviours lead to success – A positive outcome could just be dumb luck.
If you could solve one problem or issue what would it be?
Outlaw lobbying around the world. It’s what stifles positive change and makes our elected leaders serve financial interests instead of who elected them. It contributes significantly to many problems not being solved.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t grow up too quick – enjoy your childhood while it lasts it’s wonderful.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be and why?
My family. The true gift is having a meal with those we live together – not a famous stranger.
Best advice you have being given?
Never grow your vegetables in someone else’s garden.
What are you looking forward to most about attending Ignite MNC 2019?
Sharing the idea that geography is no longer the barrier it used to be.
Thanks Steve