Jessica Thornton

Keynote Speaker | Toronto, Ontario

Human Centered Design
Strategic Foresight and Research Expert

Jessica Thornton Expertise Alliances & Partnerships, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Business & Corporate, Business Growth, Future of Work, Future Trends, Happiness & Positivity, Innovation & Creativity and Corporations & Businesses.

Jessica Thornton

About Jessica Thornton

Jessica Thornton is a futurist, facilitator, and adept strategist with 15+ years' experience in human-centered design, strategic foresight, and research. Jessica Thornton has published numerous strategic foresight writings and worked across diverse subject areas, including city-building, future of work, healthcare innovation, sustainability, local food systems development, creative arts, and public governance. Jessica Thornton helps organizations understand and apply strategic foresight methods to make informed decisions about their future.

Jessica Thornton Videos

Our Future Hamilton Summit 2019 - Brookfield Institute for Innovation

Navigating 2040 and Beyond: the Futures of Careers and Career Develope

Jessica Thornton Interviews & Podcasts

Navigating Uncertainty and Shaping What’s Next with Jessica Thornton

JESSICA THORNTON BIOGRAPHY

Jessica Thornton is a futurist, strategist, and process designer with over 15 years of experience in the public and nonprofit sectors. Jessica Thornton is known for her expertise in strategic foresight and social innovation, where Jessica Thornton helps organizations navigate uncertainty and make informed, future-oriented decisions. Her work spans diverse fields, including urban innovation, foresight for cities, the future of work, sustainability, food systems, healthcare, and public policy. Jessica Thornton is passionate about creating strategies that not only respond to immediate challenges but also build resilience for long-term societal and environmental shifts.

Throughout her career, Jessica Thornton has designed and delivered a wide range of virtual and in-person programs, each aimed at fostering innovation and resilience in both local and global contexts. These programs have been instrumental in preparing organizations to adapt to the evolving needs of their stakeholders and communities. Her leadership in these areas has made her a trusted advisor to government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private sector leaders looking to embrace forward-thinking strategies.

Her work in strategic foresight is particularly focused on urban innovation. Jessica Thornton has collaborated with cities to help them anticipate and plan for future challenges, from shifts in demographics and labor markets to the impacts of climate change and technological disruption. Jessica Thornton believes that cities are at the forefront of the world’s most pressing challenges, and through her work, she seeks to equip urban leaders with the tools they need to create thriving, sustainable, and equitable communities.

Jessica Thornton has been recognized for her collaborative research and thought leadership in the field of foresight and innovation. In 2019, she received an award from the Association of Professional Futurists for her pioneering work on the future of public engagement in municipalities. This research highlighted new methods of engaging citizens in decision-making processes, leveraging technology and foresight to ensure that public policy is both inclusive and forward-looking. Her ability to connect broad, visionary thinking with actionable strategies has earned her a reputation as a key figure in shaping forward-thinking strategies for urban innovation and governance.

In 2021, Jessica Thornton was named a Next Generation Foresight Practitioner Fellow, further solidifying her standing as a leader in her field. This fellowship recognizes individuals who are at the cutting edge of foresight and who are using their skills to create positive impacts on the future. As a fellow, Jessica Thornton has contributed to global conversations about the future of cities, work, and sustainability, offering insights into how organizations and governments can prepare for an uncertain and rapidly changing world.

Before co-founding her current initiative within the urban innovation sector, Jessica Thornton held several leadership roles in strategic and program planning. In these roles, Jessica Thornton was responsible for developing new programs and helping organizations shift from traditional methods of planning to those rooted in foresight and future studies. Her innovative approach has helped many organizations transition to more adaptive, resilient models of operation, ensuring they are better prepared for the challenges of the future. Her early career in fundraising, where she focused on revenue model diversification and partnership development, sparked her interest in how organizations can better prepare for the future and has remained a key influence in her work.

Her academic background complements her professional achievements. Jessica Thornton holds a Bachelor’s degree in Socio-Cultural Anthropology from the University of Toronto, where Jessica Thornton developed a deep understanding of societal structures and human behavior. Jessica Thornton also earned a Master’s degree in Design, specializing in Strategic Foresight and Innovation from OCAD University. This unique combination of anthropological insights and design thinking allows Jessica Thornton to approach complex challenges from multiple perspectives, making her a sought-after expert in her field.

Jessica Thornton is based in Hamilton, Canada, where Jessica Thornton continues to contribute to forward-looking projects that address the complex challenges of modern cities and communities. In her role as a futurist, Jessica Thornton works closely with local governments, nonprofits, and businesses to ensure they are prepared for the changes and disruptions that lie ahead. Her work emphasizes the importance of collaboration, and Jessica Thornton frequently brings together diverse stakeholders to co-create solutions that are innovative, inclusive, and sustainable.

In addition to her professional work, Jessica Thornton is a dedicated advocate for education and capacity building. Jessica Thornton has trained leaders across sectors to develop foresight competencies, recognizing the critical importance of moving beyond past methods and embracing future-oriented decision-making. Her training programs focus on equipping leaders with the tools and mindsets necessary to navigate complex and unpredictable environments. Jessica Thornton believes that developing these skills is essential not only for individual success but for the success of organizations and communities as a whole.

Over the course of her career, Jessica Thornton has remained committed to her mission of creating a more sustainable and equitable future. Her work continues to inspire organizations and individuals alike to think critically about the future, make informed decisions, and embrace the opportunities that come with change. By focusing on foresight, innovation, and collaboration, Jessica helps ensure that the decisions we make today will lead to a better, more resilient tomorrow.

 

Jessica Thornton Topic Presentations

Jessica Thornton Toronto, Ontario, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

The New Work Normal

Canadian Cities in 2040: Public Report Forthcoming

Jessica Thornton Books & Articles

Is Canada Ready to Turn and Face the Strange Future? by Jessica Thornton
Is Canada Ready to Turn and Face the Strange

In this article, Jessica Thornton explores how Canada can prepare for an unpredictable future shaped by technological advances,...

Jessica Thornton Speaking Testimonials

"Jessica Thornton and Heather Russek provided an engaging and meaningful dialogue at our conference on the future of work and what to expect in the years to come. They were able to tailor their message to our diverse audience and ensure the attendees were engaged and participating, even on a virtual platform. They were also able to pivot their presentation to accommodate changes that were brought on by the pandemic.  "

Graham Sucha

Community Engagement Specialist
Cybera - Cyber Summit

"Creative Futures created a thoughtful and tailored presentation for our team. The session was an excellent introduction to futurist approaches and Jessica and Heather were great at finding ways to garner participation and engagement from all in an online format. Thank you!    "

Karen Thorne-Stone

 President & CEO
 Ontario Creates

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jessica Thornton known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Jessica Thornton is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does Jessica Thornton speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Jessica Thornton delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

How do I know if Jessica Thornton is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Jessica Thornton is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is Jessica Thornton from and where do they speak across Canada?

Jessica Thornton is from Toronto, Ontario and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is Jessica Thornton available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Jessica Thornton is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does Jessica Thornton deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Jessica Thornton may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact Jessica Thornton to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Jessica Thornton is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

How do I book Jessica Thornton for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Jessica Thornton is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book Jessica Thornton as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Jessica Thornton keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire Jessica Thornton for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Jessica Thornton may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book Jessica Thornton for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Jessica Thornton should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is Jessica Thornton represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Jessica Thornton is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More