Tom Cheesewright, the Applied Futurist
Tom helps leaders to see the future more clearly and tell their stories to the audiences that matter, whether that’s the board, their staff, or their customers and prospects. Trusted by more than 30 of the global 500, as well as major government bodies such as NASA, Tom is in demand as a consultant, commentator, speaker and spokesperson.
Recognised from his thousands of media appearances, Tom explains tomorrow’s world across TV, radio, print and online. He is currently the resident expert on BBC Radio 4 series Dough and a frequent contributor to BBC Breakfast and News, but has also appeared on popular shows such as Sunday Brunch, You and Yours, and The Big Questions.
The author of three acclaimed books, Tom brings huge credibility to the stage, using his storytelling skills to teach audiences new skills, shift their thinking, and leave them inspired.
Rain Newton-Smith, Chief Executive, CBI
Rain Newton-Smith is the CBI’s Chief Executive. Before taking up the role, she was Managing Director, Strategy and Policy, Sustainability and ESG at Barclays.
From August 2014 until March 2023, Rain was Chief Economist at the CBI where she led its economic policy, analysis and survey teams and the CBI’s work with HM Treasury. She also led the international team, focused on global business leadership around the B7 and B20, and championed the CBI’s work to support the transition to a low carbon, sustainable economy. Rain was instrumental in shaping the CBI’s work to help business navigate through the Covid pandemic.
Prior to joining the economics team at the CBI, Rain was Head of Emerging Markets at Oxford Economics, where she was the lead expert on China.
Rain’s earlier career included nine years at the Bank of England, where her responsibilities included preparing global forecasts for the Monetary Policy Committee. During her time at the Bank, Rain was seconded to the International Monetary Fund in Washington DC.
Rain holds an MSc in Economics from LSE and studied Philosophy and Economics at Oxford University, and is now a Policy Fellow with the Department of Economics at the University. In 2012, Rain was honoured by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader.