Futurist, professional director and tech entrepreneur

Overview

Melissa Clark-Reynolds ONZM is one of New Zealand's most respected futurists and professional directors. A tech entrepreneur turned governance leader, she helps boards and leadership teams understand the future, navigate AI and disruption, and build organisations fit for what comes next. Her clients range from Spark and IAG to NASA and Australian Pork.

Who is Melissa Clark-Reynolds? Aged 15, Melissa became the then-youngest woman to attend university in New Zealand. After 25 years as a technology entrepreneur and CEO, she became a professional director in 2013 and founded futurist practice FutureCentre.nz. She holds an honours degree from Victoria University and a Master's from Rutgers, and has trained at MIT, Cambridge, Stanford and the Institute for the Future in Silicon Valley. She was made an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit in 2015.

Career Highlights • ONZM for services to the technology industry, 2015 • Founder of futurist practice FutureCentre.nz • Director of Wētā Workshop, Atkins Ranch, Alpine Energy and Daffodil Enterprises • Course facilitator on Strategy, Digital Governance and Disruptive Business Models for the IoD • First Independent Director on Beef + Lamb New Zealand and former Deputy Chair of Radio NZ • Chartered Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Directors

Key Speaking Themes • The future of AI, business models and work • Disruptive innovation and emerging technologies • Intellectual property, deepfakes and trust • Sustainability, decarbonisation and resilience • Governance for a fast-moving, uncertain world

What Your Audience Will Gain Melissa is grounded, fearless and refreshingly honest. Audiences leave with sharper foresight, clearer frameworks for AI and disruption, and the courage to act on what they already suspect is coming.

Ideal For • Board and governance forums • Leadership and CEO summits • Technology, innovation and AI conferences • Industry strategy days and retreats • Women in business and education events

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Melissa Clark-Reynolds speak about? The future of AI, business models, leadership, intellectual property, governance, sustainability and disruption.

What is FutureCentre.nz? Melissa's futurist practice, helping companies anticipate change, execute transformational strategies and build resilient business models.

What boards does Melissa Clark-Reynolds sit on? She is a Director of Wētā Workshop, Atkins Ranch, Alpine Energy and Daffodil Enterprises, and a former Chair, Deputy Chair and Director of many other organisations.

What is Melissa Clark-Reynolds's background? A technology entrepreneur and CEO for 25 years, including ventures in environmental data, analytics and virtual worlds, before becoming a professional director and futurist.

Where has Melissa Clark-Reynolds studied? She holds qualifications from Victoria University and Rutgers and has trained at MIT, Cambridge, Stanford and the Institute for the Future in Silicon Valley.
Is Melissa Clark-Reynolds available for workshops? Yes. Melissa runs board briefings, executive workshops and facilitates for the NZ Institute of Directors alongside her keynote speaking work.