Gus Balbontin

Gus Balbontin is the former Executive Director and CTO of Lonely Planet. He led one of the most loved and recognizable brands in the world through significant business transformation, focusing on digital innovation and adapting to rapid changes in the media landscape. He is known for his expertise in navigating businesses through periods of disruption, reflecting on lessons learned during the digital upheaval that impacted TV, music, movies, newspapers, magazines, books, and other media from the late 1990s onwards.

Balbontin is actively involved in the startup scene as a founder, investor, and advisor. He currently runs a small boutique design and innovation agency called Roshambo and serves as the Entrepreneur in Residence at Victoria University. This role allows him to stay engaged with both large public corporate challenges and small business puzzles. He speaks on topics such as disruption, team building, customer-focused product development, and flexible operational models, drawing on his extensive background in travel and adventure.

Raised in the Argentinean Patagonia, Balbontin was determined from a young age to explore the world. His journey began with a scholarship at 17 to Byron Bay, and soon after, he traveled 40,000kms through South America without spending a cent, engaging with fellow travelers and gathering insights that would later influence his professional path. Upon returning to Australia, he secured a designer role at Lonely Planet, despite his lack of experience, eventually leading the company and overseeing its transition from a primarily book-based publisher to a leader in digital travel solutions.

Balbontin's presentations are not only informative but also incorporate engaging travel stories, including anecdotes about moving contraband goods across South American borders, business dealings in Finland, and experiences in China. His dynamic speaking style, combined with practical insights and a straightforward approach, inspires audiences to think critically about the challenges and opportunities in their industries, motivating them to implement effective solutions in our rapidly evolving world.