An accidental rebellion
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 DISRESPECT FOR AUTHORITY 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 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, he hung up his boots as Executive Director and CTO of Lonely Planet and decided to move back to his entrepreneurial roots, becoming an investor, founder and mentor across the start-up ecosystem in Melbourne. He loves sharing a story, he loves even more knowing those stories make a difference to people and help in their own business and life.
Gus is known for his rebellious thoughts. He is slightly unconventional, counter intuitive and has a sharp common sense. Always challenging, pushing the boundaries and curiously exploring. Gus loves helping others connect with their own rebellious thoughts - we all have them but over time some of us stop paying attention, we give up and do what the system tells us to do, not what makes sense.
Gus has mastered unlocking people’s inner rebels helping them transform their careers, businesses and industries with well calculated thoughtful rebellions.
Taking the Message Global
Over the last eight years, Gus has taken his message global. He’s presented to audiences ranging from intimate groups of 10 to massive crowds of 10,000. No matter the size of the audience, if it’s the board or the mail room, if its regional or in the city, the simplicity of his message resonates:
“Focus on what you can control today to prepare for whatever the future brings.”
He’s often thought of as an Alternative Futurist—not because he predicts the future, but because he helps you get ready for it.
Gus enjoys helping you envision a future shaped by AI or the next big tech innovation, but he’s quick to remind you:
“Don’t over-invest in guesses and under-invest in adaptability, even if you can guess what will happen there’s no point if you can’t adapt to it.”
Building the future today
Today, Gus is deeply embedded in Melbourne’s startup scene as an investor, mentor, and advisor. He’s the Director at Neu21, which keeps him close to large corporate challenges, and he is a General Partner at Bluescope’s Corporate Venture Fund BluescopeX. He has long term dreams of transforming education through his Unrealistic Foundation.
He’s candid and full of energy, and he’ll make you laugh hard while making you think deeply about the puzzles of running a business, no matter it’s size. Gus’s common-sense approach will disarm you, and his practical strategies will get you moving by Monday morning.
Trusting Gus
What people are saying
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Gus Balbontin is my hero! The best live speaker I've ever seen. I've never laughed and & learnt so much. The BEST way to kick off the Zendesk Customer Showcase!
Zendesk Keynote Attendee
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You were an absolute inspiration! Love your no nonsense approach, honesty and lighthearted delivery. It really made an impact in the whole room and your energy was electric!
Connective Conference Attendee
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Loved what you had to say at our conference this week! Made me laugh. Made me think. Thanks for gracing us with your presence. Thanks for keeping it real!
Coles People & Culture Manager
