Most people spend a lifetime waiting to become who they already are.
I help ambitious individuals and teams press play and create extraordinary results.
As seen, heard and trusted by
What do I do?
I spent a decade studying the people everyone else admires and what made them different. I built those patterns into two frameworks called Human Sunshine and Press Play.
I now help ambitious people and teams stop waiting and press play on the big things in their lives and careers. I do it through my keynotes and immersive 10-week programmes.
For conference organisers and leadership teams: I deliver keynotes and immersive off-sites that leave people with a specific way to press play on their next big move.
For individuals ready to build: I run a 10-week programme that takes you from "I should really do something" to "I'm doing it, this is amazing!"
What people say
Leah Belsky – Open AI, VP of Education
Shikha Kapoor – AI Product Leader at Meta | Ex-Google
Ryan Cheyne –Booking.com, former Head of People
"Austen inspired me to reimagine the possibilities in my own life, leading to a better-than-imagined professional journey for both myself and my teams."
Ryan Cheyne –Booking.com, former Head of People
Shikha Kapoor – AI Product Leader at Meta | Ex-Google
Ryan Cheyne –Booking.com, former Head of People
"If it’s disrupting education or building a purpose led, people first business, Austen is the real deal."
Shikha Kapoor – AI Product Leader at Meta | Ex-Google
Shikha Kapoor – AI Product Leader at Meta | Ex-Google
Shikha Kapoor – AI Product Leader at Meta | Ex-Google
"Austen has an extraordinary talent for transforming a challenge into a source of energy and possibility. His ability to inspire those around him to act boldly, and embrace new opportunities is unmatched.
What I speak on
Human Sunshine: my signature keynote, how to stop waiting and start building
Press Play: Making big things happen (Spotify education partnership)
Resilience: what ultra-endurance teaches about business
Building in the age of AI: what only human creators can do
Culture change and getting whole teams to move together
Leadership that inspires people to follow your vision
"Working with him is a catalyst for growth and transformation". [Shikha Kapoor – Meta, ex-Google]
More testimonials
Yosra Altahan – Meta, Climate Management
Gene Cooke – eBay, former VP of collectibles
Yosra Altahan – Meta, Climate Management
"Thank you so much. You’re a true rockstar and a living example of someone fully embraces their true magic".
Kesang Ball – Trippin, CXO
Gene Cooke – eBay, former VP of collectibles
Yosra Altahan – Meta, Climate Management
"Austen nailed his Ikigai – something rare. This is the kind of person I keep around, really smart and sharp".
Gene Cooke – eBay, former VP of collectibles
Gene Cooke – eBay, former VP of collectibles
Gene Cooke – eBay, former VP of collectibles
"Working with Austen will change your game (bring out your best, helping you consistently play at a higher level, in an authentic way)."
David Groode – founder of Innerprecision
Mark O Donnell – former Westminster, Headmaster
Gene Cooke – eBay, former VP of collectibles
"Austen offers training to awaken people to experience themselves and the world in new ways, through perceptual shifts that activate expanded awareness"
Mark O Donnell – former Westminster, Headmaster
Mark O Donnell – former Westminster, Headmaster
Mark O Donnell – former Westminster, Headmaster
"Austen offers something unique and new, combining creativity with passion and insight. His articulate and resourceful approach sparks creativity and innovation."
How to work with me
Keynote speaking
Keynotes and leadership off-sites for teams and events. If you're looking for a customized Human Sunshine session designed to inspire corporate leaders and managers, let's talk.
Press Play group sessions
In 10 weeks, you'll have clarity on your next move and the confidence to make it.
The frameworks behind how the most radiant people actually operate.
With tools you can use right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach me at austensmart@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
I've spent a decade building in the worlds of creativity, education, and technology.
I've delivered hundreds of keynotes and workshops helping teams reimagine their approach to innovation and the future of work.
My background includes creating Spotify's music learning courses, pioneering the world's first graded DJ exams with ABRSM, and building platforms used by millions.
I'm featured in the Guardian, BBC, Billboard, and other leading publications.
My keynote helps transform the way teams think about creativity, leadership, and the navigation of rapid technological change.
I currently have two keynotes. They are called Human Sunshine and Press Play, and they are built around the same thesis: most people are waiting. And the cost of that waiting, to individuals, teams, and organisations, is enormous.
I don't just do motivational talks. I believe we live in an era of pragmatism now. Audiences leave knowing specifically what the people they most admire did differently, and with a clear first step of their own.
Productivity frameworks and leadership programmes are important, but they fail when someone's basic sense of security is under threat.
We all know that is Maslow's first law, and almost no one is addressing it.
That's where I come in. I meet ambitious people at their most human. using creativity, music, and lived experience to rebuild their foundation, so they can access the clarity, courage, and connection to create what's next.
My unique combination of stage presence, media experience, and innovation credentials sets me apart.
I've interviewed high-profile industry figures including Carl Cox, Becky Hill, and Goldie, bringing world-class interviewing and hosting skills to keynote delivery.
I have extensive radio and television experience, which gives me natural confidence and audience connection on stage.
I've hosted multiple stages and panels at major events, and my corporate keynotes focus on helping teams embrace creativity, future-readiness, and organisational transformation.
Unlike typical motivational speakers, I bring concrete frameworks from my decade of building disruptive platforms and innovative education programs.
During your discovery call, we'll spend 30 minutes getting to know each other and understanding your specific goals and challenges.
I'll share insights from my experience working with founders and builders, and we'll explore whether working together is the right fit.
You'll leave with at least one actionable idea you can implement immediately.