Gus Balbontin

Gus Balbontin

Disruptor  |  Investor  |  Advisor  |  Rebel  |  Thinker  |  Father  |  Human
Other info

Speaker fees: We're not able to provide this information on the website. Please call us on 0450 077 997 for more information.

About Gus

“Born and bred in the Argentinean Patagonia, global exploration was as dream of Gus’ since he was eight years old when he told his family he was going to stop his studies and travel the world. ...”

Born and bred in wild Patagonia, Gus never allowed his small town and humble beginnings get in the way of his big dreams. a healthy disregard for the status quo and a severe case of FOMO (fear of missing out) landed him in Australia at the young age of 17.

By the age of 22, he had dropped out of uni, hitchhiked South America, set up his first business and landed his dream job at Lonely Planet. Fast forward a few years and he was leading the company globally and working with companies such as Google X, Nokia and Amazon on the latest technology, creative cultures and high performing teams.

Seeking a change from corporate life as Executive Director and CTO of Lonely Planet, Gus moved back to his entrepreneurial roots, becoming an investor, founder and mentor.  Today you will find Gus building robots, developing AI solutions, making 3D printed wheelchairs and investing in climate change technologies.

He loves sharing a story but he loves even more knowing those stories make a difference to people.

Gus crafts a transformative experience that energizes and empowers. By connecting deeply with the audience, he ensures that the lessons learned resonate on a personal level, equipping each participant with the confidence and tools needed to turn inspiration into tangible, meaningful action.

While Gus is happy to speculate about the future, he brings into focus what you can control right now, to make you ready for any future.

Gus has inspired audiences of 10 to 10,000 around the world.  He has a profound impact on businesses creating language, practical models and analogies that drive action as well as a personal impact, with people driving change in their own lives.

“I will make you laugh hard and equally think deeply about the puzzles of running a business in today’s world”.

What people say about Gus

Gus managed to energise and engage our attendee’s right from the start. He discussed his business journey and the major challenges he faced with such as rapidly changing market place. The whole session aligned perfectly and we were surprised at how many of our suppliers asked for his details so they could use him within their own business networks.

– Brad Williams, General Manager Northern Region, Australian Liquor Marketers

Gus’ ability to ignite enthusiasm from the audience coupled with the ability to keep the topic real and authentic brought rave reviews from those who attended. Can’t wait for the next Gus Balbontin installment.

– Erika Beljaars-Harris, Navitas

Your enthusiasm and no BS approach was refreshing in a world of beige.

– Bernadette Durrell

Your presentation and then the workshop went brilliantly thank you. Your key messages were very relevant to an organisation in the midst of major transformation and they flowed freely from all delegates throughout the remainder of the conference. We received feedback from Managers and everyone that we spoke to found you engaging and inspirational.

– Steve Scholefield, Queensland Country Credit Union

Gus did brilliantly considering we were running behind on schedule and had some issues with the AV at the venue. His presentation was a little rushed, but I don’t think it’s because he wasn’t prepared or a good presenter – he had a late time slot to contend with so did very well. Also, very appreciative of him spending the afternoon with our members to ensure he had the one on one time.

– Jay Walter, Entrepreneur's Organisation (EO)

Your ideas were profound and your delivery mesmerising. You have reinvigorated my spirit of curiosity and desire to effect change. Thank you again.

– Mark Wist

Gus was very accommodating and went out of his way to keep me updated with the flight delays from the Sydney weather. His presentation was excellent and our key stakeholders and the delegates themselves thoroughly enjoyed it. The verbal feedback from delegates throughout the day following his presentation was nothing but fantastic. I’ll definitely be recommending to our team to use him for other events.

– Lucy Bartram, BT Financial Group

Intelligent, Interesting, Inspirational. A great partner to our process that has help broaden our thinking and engage people in debating the opportunities contained in diverse opinions. We will definitely work with Gus again and use him to help sharpen our view of our own potential and refine the possibilities of the market place.

– Phil McKenzie, WIDEX

I spoke with Leanne from ICMI shortly after our event to advise her how pleased we were with your presentation. The feedback we had was overwhelmingly positive for your speaking spot. In fact, you were the most popular speaker from the entire event, with some delegates even saying they would hear you again next year! You really did a great job for us – thank you!

– Head of Corporate Marketing & Communications, Indue 2015 Leadership Forum

Gus was fantastic! Highly engaging and lots of energy. We had many comments on the day about how interesting and engaging he was and also how his presentation was so aligned with our strategy and how much his messages resonated throughout the team. The examples and real life experiences he told really brought to life his key messages.

– Lynne Machin, BT Financial Group

Gus was down to earth, interactive and had some good new ideas / concepts that were presented in a new way. We appreciated his willingness to be fully engaged in the event, spending time with participants, offering assistance and generally being wonderful. We love presenters who are fully ‘there’ for us and Gus was definitely one of them.

– Helen Black

Gus delivers a dynamic presentation based on his own experiences. The presentation has a general approach which is suited to all walks of life.

– Rochelle Martin, Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia

Gus’message really set up the day’s agenda for us.? It delivered content consistent with what we were trying to achieve for the day.? The idea that you have to be ahead, and not be complacent.

– Christine Gray, Ray White

Gus Balbontin delivers a clear message about focusing on your customers’ needs, not your own. He is engaging, authentic and very ‘light on his feet’. We have had tremendous feedback from conference delegates.

– Pamela Walpole - Brown Brothers

Fantastic speaker on a range of subjects and very personable and engaging. The audience loved him.

– Jennifer Dullens - Crowne Plaza Adelaide