William Higham is a leading futurist and consumer strategist who has spent over 15 years analysing trends and their business impact. Founder of the consultancy Next Big Thing, he leverages his early career in the music industry —working with artists like The Rolling Stones and Michael Jackson— and his expertise in predicting shifts in consumer behaviour. His mission is to help businesses and leaders identify opportunities and adapt proactively to an ever‑changing market landscape.
After a decade in the music industry, Higham founded Next Big Thing in 2002 to bring his audience insights to the corporate world. He has dedicated nearly 30,000 hours to studying trends and their strategic implications, advising top brands such as Estée Lauder, Walt Disney, Amazon and HSBC. A regular speaker at international events sponsored by the Financial Times and Barclaycard, he has led strategy seminars for leadership and sales teams. His insights have appeared on BBC, Al Jazeera, The Sun and Cosmopolitan, and he has written for The Economist and Ad Week. He has contributed to Cambridge University’s Open Innovation Forum and served as a judge for the WARC Innovation Awards.
William Higham’s talks are inspiring and evidence‑based, blending rigorous research with real‑world examples of companies leveraging emerging trends. With a clear, forward‑looking style, he addresses business leaders and marketing, sales and innovation teams, offering practical guidance to anticipate change, adapt strategies and seize market opportunities. He is particularly skilled at converting abstract cultural shifts into specific, near-term business implications, helping teams move quickly from an interesting trend observation to a concrete action plan.
Tools and methodologies to spot signals of change and adapt business strategies ahead of competitors.
How to turn trend research and consumer behaviour insights into profitable business decisions.
A clear vision of how customer demands and habits will evolve in the coming years.
If you are looking for an inspiring speaker and expert in consumer trends, innovation and strategy for your next event or conference, you can book William Higham through Thinking Heads. As a leading figure in his field, William delivers a dynamic and professional presentation that ensures the best experience for your audience. Contact Thinking Heads today to learn more and secure his participation in your upcoming event.
View profile
Book Speaker
View profile
Book Speaker
View profile
Book Speaker
View profile
Book Speaker
Contact us
