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Step Change

(Summit closer)

In this motivational keynote, the audience will hear about Adam's personal journey from "paralysis" to "analysis" and how technology played a crucial role in his transformation and ultimately his work. His experience of struggling with a medical condition and missing out on an education resonates with many people, as we all endure struggles. In particular, this led to his creativity in approaching his tertiary education. This created his "Step Change" as he overcame his own disability to go on to work on innovations to help the disabled. Adam's story highlights the power of technology to transform lives and overcome obstacles. The keynote will inspire the audience by demonstrating how a positive attitude and a willingness to learn can lead to success, regardless of past setbacks. This is a story about all humans, and we look at examples of remarkable people who have overcome adversity to triumph. The audience can expect a highly engaging session that uses multimedia elements to bring Adam's story to life. Through the use of storytelling, humour, and interactive media, the audience will be taken on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. They will learn about the potential of technology to enable personal growth and to overcome adversity. This keynote is ideal for individuals who are looking for inspiration and motivation to overcome obstacles in their personal or professional lives. It is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to embrace a positive attitude and leverage technology to transform their life. The session will empower the audience to take control of their lives and create their own "step change.

  • mindset
  • purpose
  • motivational
  • innovation
  • self-improvement

The session is customisable and can be tailored to audiences of different sizes and durations ranging from 50 to 90 minutes. This session has been delivered as a closing talk at SingularityU summits, a keynote at SingularityU Summits, and for corporate clients.

Step Change keynote presentation by Adam Pantanowitz

From the
stage

Photographs from this keynote, captured live with audiences worldwide.

How the room
felt

The audience's own affect.live map from this keynote, saved as they left it.

How the audience felt

start end

SingularityU Executive Programme · Łódź · 20 September 2026

How this room felt

from exhilarated to elated

33 feelings from 28 phones, each a glow that brightens the later it came. The line walks the room's centre in ten-minute steps, from the first feeling to the last — the picture on screen as the audience left. After the opening minutes, each step is one person coming back to move theirs.

Recent
presentations

Where this keynote has recently been delivered, on stage and online.

2026

New York Event

Keynote Speaker

New York, United States

Impossible _was_

2026

Singularity University

Closing Keynote Speaker

Łódź, Poland

Step Change

2026

Wits University Innovation

Speaker

Johannesburg, South Africa

Innovation

2026

Signal AI Summit

Speaker

Johannesburg, South Africa

We Build Futures

2026

Vesta

Keynote Speaker

Mexico City, Mexico

We Build Futures

2026

SingularityU Executive Program

Closing Keynote Speaker

Mountain View, Palo Alto, United States

Step Change

What clients
say

Audiences and organisers on the experience of an Adam Pantanowitz keynote.

What clients say

Karolina Solecka Compute Sales Director, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Adam, thank you for truly magical sessions. It wasn’t just about transferring knowledge, it was pure art.
Pepe Marais Founder of Joe Public
My Monday has started with the most profound keynote delivery I have ever experienced. Thank you @AdamPantanowitz for your incredibly authentic, vulnerable and beautiful presentation.#Inspired #GrowingGreatness
Cheryl Naidoo MTN Group COO’s office
Your authenticity, vulnerability and honesty resonated with the team. You obviously are a firm believer in the power of personal story. You had close to 150 people riveted. Thank you again, phenomenal engagement.

Ready to transform
your event?

Book Dr Adam Pantanowitz for your next corporate event, conference, or virtual presentation — inspiring, actionable insight that drives real change and engagement.

Download the speaker kit (PDF)