Melissa Clark-Reynolds, ONZM is a dynamic and visionary futurist who's made it her mission to help organisations navigate an increasingly complex world.
With her trademark strapline "Practical futurism for a world that doesn't wait," Melissa embodies the rare combination of big-picture thinking and pragmatic action that today's leaders desperately need.
About Melissa
What sets Melissa apart is her unique background spanning both technology and entrepreneurship.
As the founder of several successful tech companies, she doesn't just theorise about innovation – she's lived it.
This real-world experience informs every aspect of her work as a certified Professional Futurist, trained by the prestigious Institute for the Future in Palo Alto.
In 2015, her contributions to New Zealand's technology sector were recognised when she was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, a testament to her significant impact on the industry.
Melissa's client list reads like a who's who of forward-thinking organisations – from Spark and IAG to NASA and Australian Pork. Each engagement brings fresh challenges, whether she's developing company strategy or guiding teams through digital disruption. Her approach is never one-size-fits-all; instead, she tailors her insights to the specific context and challenges facing each organisation she works with.
When you experience Melissa in action, you'll quickly understand why she's become such a sought-after speaker and advisor.
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​She has an uncanny ability to dissect complex topics – like the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce, the ethical implications of biotechnology, or the future of sustainable business models – and transform them into accessible concepts that inspire action.
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Her presentations combine deep research with engaging storytelling, creating an environment where participants feel both challenged and supported.
What truly distinguishes Melissa's work is her blend of pragmatism and optimism.
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In a world where conversations about the future often veer toward either techno-utopianism or doomsday scenarios, she offers a refreshingly balanced perspective. She doesn't shy away from difficult truths, yet always focuses on identifying practical opportunities for positive change.
Time and again, clients report that working with Melissa catalyses a fundamental shift in their thinking. Her unique talent lies in helping teams cut through complexity to identify what truly matters – those critical actions that will make the difference between merely surviving change and actively shaping it.
Whether she's facilitating an intimate workshop or addressing a conference audience of thousands, Melissa brings the same grounded foresight, fearless honesty, and genuine warmth to every interaction.
In a business landscape characterised by constant disruption and uncertainty, Melissa Clark-Reynolds offers something invaluable: clarity of vision combined with practical pathways forward.