Book Ben Hammersley for Talks, Lectures, and Experience Creators
Ben Hammersley
Futurist and journalist, known for his innovative perspective on technology and society. He inspires others by envisioning possible futures, conveying that creativity and boldness are essential for navigating change.
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Who is Ben Hammersley?
Ben Hammersley is a multidisciplinary thinker whose focus is on the intersection of technology, politics, and human behavior. He was one of the first journalists to cover the internet exclusively for The Times in the late 1990s. Following that experience, he became a key figure in digital journalism in the United Kingdom. He served as Associate Editor, and later Editor at Large, of the British edition of WIRED UK magazine from its launch. He was also the secret developer behind The Guardian’s first pioneering blogging platforms, including the award-winning “Comment is Free.”
His most famous contribution to digital culture is the accidental coining of the term “podcast.” The neologism appeared in an article he wrote for The Guardian in 2004, combining “iPod” and “broadcast” to describe a new form of audio distribution. The word was a resounding success, being named “Word of the Year” by the New Oxford American Dictionary in 2005. This episode illustrates his keen ability to identify and name emerging technological trends and their social implications before most others.
Throughout his career, Hammersley has advised numerous governments and high-profile organizations, including the UK government, parts of the U.S. government, and the European Commission, on issues related to technology and media strategy. His expertise includes strategic consulting on the future of work, cognitive risk, and the nature of threats in post-digital geopolitics. He has also brought his analysis to television, hosting series for BBC World News on cybercrime and the series *Futureproof Yourself*, establishing himself as an expert communicator.
Hammersley is the author of several books, including *Now For Then: How to Face the Digital Future Without Fear*, in which he offers a practical, fearless guide to understanding the technological and cultural changes of the 21st century. He has established himself as a sought-after international speaker, using a multidisciplinary approach to help leaders make better decisions in a rapidly changing environment. In addition to his busy professional life, he enjoys skydiving and ultra-running, and is a pilot, field medic, and disaster response volunteer.
