Shoukei Matsumoto Keynote Speaker

Buddhist monk and philosopher who bridges ancient spiritual wisdom with the urgent questions of the 21st century
Author of "A Monk’s Guide to a Clean House and Mind"
Selected as one of the "100 Hopes to Save the World" (2023) by Forbes Japan

Shoukei Matsumoto's Biography

Shoukei Matsumoto is a Buddhist monk, futurist, and author who offers a unique framework for leadership in the age of AI and uncertainty. His book, Work Like a Monk, was published globally by Simon & Schuster in 2025 and will be published by Penguin Random House in 2026.

Recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (2013) and a member of its Global Future Council on Leadership (2025-2026), Shoukei is a vital voice in global conversations on technology, ethics, and the future of humanity. He holds an MBA from the Indian School of Business and a BA in Philosophy from The University of Tokyo, blending 2,500 years of Buddhist wisdom with a sharp understanding of modern organizational challenges.

As a “Futurist Monk,” Shoukei mentors corporate leaders worldwide, helping them navigate the central paradox of our time: how to drive technological efficiency while solving the deeply human crisis of burnout and disengagement. He translates ancient concepts into actionable strategies for building what he calls “interconnected” organizations—workplaces that are emotionally intelligent, radically collaborative, and sustainably high-performing. His philosophy of “becoming good ancestors” provides a powerful ethical compass for intergenerational responsibility and long-term thinking.

Shoukei’s international bestseller, A Monk’s Guide to a Clean House and Mind, has been translated into over 20 languages. He is a Visiting Professor at Musashino University and was recently a Visiting Professor at the University of Bonn (June 2025), where his research with philosopher Markus Gabriel explores the ethical questions of artificial intelligence, transhumanism, and post-Anthropocene ethics. Based in Kyoto, Japan, he brings a truly global perspective to the stage, offering leaders not just techniques, but a new operating system for purpose and performance in a noisy world.

Trust and AI: The New Leadership Challenge

Can we trust what we do not understand—other people, machines, even ourselves? In this talk, 'Futurist Monk' Shoukei Matsumoto discusses AI not just as a technological force, but as a profound challenge that tests our very humanity. Drawing on the Buddhist concept of the "True Person without rank" , he explores how to cultivate trust in a world where intelligence is no longer entirely human. He presents a leadership framework of the "Middle Path" for embracing the power of AI without losing our human core. Participants will learn how to move beyond the binary of automation versus augmentation, foster a culture of "Interbeing" between human and machine intelligence, and build the psychological safety required to navigate a future of shared cognition.

The Resilient Leader: Ancient Wisdom for Thriving in Uncertainty

Description: Burnout is not a personal failure; it is an organizational crisis. What if the antidote wasn’t a new wellness app, but a fundamental shift in perspective? Drawing on the powerful metaphor of the "bus stop" from a life-altering health crisis and the profound Buddhist concept of the "helpless fool" , Shoukei Matsumoto reveals a counter-intuitive path to resilience. This talk dismantles the myth of the infallible leader and provides a practical framework for building psychological safety from the top down. Leaders will discover how embracing imperfection and acknowledging limits can unlock unprecedented levels of trust, engagement, and collective power, transforming uncertainty from a threat into an opportunity for growth.

Work Like a Monk: A New Operating System for Purpose and Performance

Description: In a world of constant "noise," how do we find the "signal"? Based on his global book Work Like a Monk, Shoukei Matsumoto presents a new operating system for work and life. This isn't about emptying the mind; it's about learning to "mindfully listen" to what truly matters. Using powerful analogies like "priming the pump" for collaboration and practical daily rituals like samu (mindful work) , he provides an actionable blueprint for finding focus, meaning, and sustainable performance. This talk goes beyond techniques to offer a profound yet practical path to connect with your purpose, lead with clarity, and thrive in a noisy world.

He brings a rare fusion of Buddhist practice and futurist thinking, helping leaders navigate AI-era uncertainty with a clear framework for purpose, performance and human-centred strategy.
He is a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and a member of the Global Future Council on Leadership, translating global debates on technology, ethics and trust into practical guidance for executives.
He is the internationally bestselling author of A Monk’s Guide to a Clean House and Mind and Work Like a Monk, equipping organisations with actionable rituals and mindsets to reduce burnout and strengthen focus.
He mentors corporate leaders worldwide as a “Futurist Monk,” helping organisations build emotionally intelligent, radically collaborative cultures that stay sustainably high-performing under pressure.
He grounds big ethical questions in credible academic work, including his role at Musashino University and research on AI and post-Anthropocene ethics, giving audiences a long-term compass for responsible innovation.