Gus Balbontin

Former Executive Director at Lonely Planet, Founder of Roshambo, Entrepreneur in Residence

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Gus Balbontin Biography

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.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 08/30/2024.

Gus Balbontin Speaking Topics

  • Operations

    A presentation focused on breaking down long-standing systems and developing flexible operation models that provide the freedom and autonomy we need to tackle the ever-changing future. Is the way we structure ourselves the best way to serve our customer? Do we spend more time doing 5 years plans than focusing on our ability to adapt?

  • Travel Talk

    An after dinner presentation full of travel stories – from contrabanding goods across south American borders, to doing business naked in Finland to drinking unreasonable amounts of rice wine in China. Stories will get the audience talking about their own experiences travelling and sharing with each other what often are some of the happiest memories we have. Puts the audience in a good mood!

  • Customer

    A presentation focused on developing products and services to fix customer problems rather than business problems. How do we stimulate the entire workforce to focus on fixing customer problems? How do we empower everyone from finance to marketing? How do we go from just ideas and conversations to action and experiments? What should my Innovation Portfolio look like to ensure the longevity of my business?

  • Team

    A presentation focused on building high performing teams and cultures able to deal with disruption and succeed against the odds. How to treat people like adults and give them the necessary autonomy? How do we outperform our competition? How do we get the most from this ever-changing workforce? What is the future of work as millennial and centennials enter the market and companies operate globally?

  • Adapt

    A presentation focused on the lessons learnt from decades of market disruption and business transformation in the Media industries. The presentation is relevant to all size businesses from all industries, private and public as it focuses on simple yet powerful concepts of change, adaptability, transformation and innovation. It applies to individuals and teams at all levels, from reception to the executive team and boards. How do we survive and thrive in this ever-changing market?

Gus Balbontin Videos

  • Gus Balbontin - ADAPT - Innovation Speaker - YouTube
    Gus Balbontin, former Executive Director and CTO of Lonely Planet - Head of Innovation.
  • Gus Balbontin Talks on How to Survive Organizational Change and ...
    Gus Balbontin, Former Chief Technology Office of #LonelyPlanet will discuss how organizations can stay relevant in the ever-changing global ...
  • Gus Balbontin Motivational Speaker - YouTube
    http://www.GreatExpectation.com.au 07 3844 2277 Gus is the former Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer at Lonely Planet.

FAQs on booking Gus Balbontin

  • How do I book Gus Balbontin to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Gus Balbontin for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Gus Balbontin, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Gus Balbontin or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Gus Balbontin

    Speaking fees for Gus Balbontin, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Gus Balbontin are for live events and for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Gus Balbontin, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Gus Balbontin speak about?

    Gus Balbontin is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Business, Business Growth, Business Leadership, Change Management, Customer Experience, Human Resources, Innovation, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Travel.
  • Where does Gus Balbontin travel from?

    Gus Balbontin generally travels from an undisclosed location, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Gus Balbontin’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Gus Balbontin for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Gus Balbontin for your next private or corporate function.
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Gus Balbontin is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Operations, Travel Talk, Customer, Team and Adapt. The estimated speaking fee range to book Gus Balbontin for your event is $30,000 - $50,000. Gus Balbontin generally travels from and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Adrian Gostick, Johnny Cupcakes, Kirsty Spraggon, Apollo Robbins and Peter van Manen. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Gus Balbontin for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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