John Vary’s journey began in Peckham, South London, where he grew up as the eldest of five children. From working as a barrow boy at the age of 11 to navigating a school system that didn’t yet recognise his dyslexia and ADHD, John’s early years were defined by resilience, curiosity, and a determination to see the world differently.

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Those same traits, later diagnosed as neurodiverse, became the foundation for how he thinks today: beyond convention, beyond constraint, always searching for hidden opportunities in plain sight.

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Now recognised as one of the world’s leading visionaries in futurology and innovation, John’s career spans over two decades, redefining how organisations imagine and create the future. His work has explored the intersection of technology, creativity, and human potential, from his time as Innovation Architect at Burberry to his tenure as Futurologist for the John Lewis Partnership.

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Ranked among the top ten most sought-after futurist speakers of 2025, John has delivered talks at TED, SXSW, and WIRED, known for his ability to provoke thought, spark curiosity, and inspire meaningful action. His focus areas include human and machine collaboration, neurodiversity in innovation, and the evolving relationship between people and technology.

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John’s neurodiverse perspective enables him to see patterns others might miss, challenging assumptions and revealing fresh possibilities. This unique lens has not only fuelled his creative and strategic work but also earned him an Honorary Doctorate from Kingston University for his contribution to their Future Skills strategy—helping students develop the capabilities needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

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Through his writing, speaking, and consulting, John continues to shape the conversation about the future, not as something distant, but as something we build together through imagination, action, and empathy.

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