ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands – The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) and 13D Research & Strategy will host the 4th Annual Business Leadership Lecture on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, featuring Nikolas Badminton, a globally recognized futurist and best-selling author. The event, designed to inspire forward-thinking strategies, will be held at the UVI 13D Research and Strategy Innovation Center on St. Thomas, with a welcome reception beginning at 4:30 p.m. And the lecture itself commencing at 5:30 p.m.
Badminton’s work centers on empowering leaders to anticipate disruption and navigate uncertainty, ultimately building strategies for long-term success. He doesn’t simply predict the future; he equips organizations and individuals with the tools to shape it. This lecture promises to be a valuable opportunity for business professionals, entrepreneurs, and students across the U.S. Virgin Islands to engage with cutting-edge ideas about the future of innovation.
With over three decades of experience, Badminton has advised more than 500 leading organizations at the forefront of innovation and strategy. His client list reads like a who’s who of global leaders, including NASA, Google, Microsoft, Disney, the United Nations, and JPMorgan Chase. He is the author of Facing Our Futures, a book recognized among the Top 50 Business Books by The Next Big Idea Club, and his insights have been featured in prominent media outlets such as the BBC, Forbes, and Business Insider.
Beyond his work as a futurist and author, Badminton is also a sought-after technologist, sustainability pioneer, and humanist. He even served as an advisor to the Age of AI series with Robert Downey Jr., demonstrating his broad expertise and influence across multiple disciplines. This diverse background informs his holistic approach to future-focused thinking.
Dr. Pamela Moolenaar-Wirsiy, vice president of Student Success and Innovation at UVI, expressed excitement about hosting Badminton. “We are excited to host our fourth annual 13D Business Leadership Lecture and continue bringing visionary thinkers to the Virgin Islands,” she said. “By exploring future-focused strategies and innovation, we aim to inspire our community to think expansively, embrace change and lead with purpose in an increasingly complex world.”
The event will feature a welcome reception sponsored by the UVI Research & Technology Park (RT Park), providing a networking opportunity for business leaders, professionals, students, and innovators from across the territory. This reception is designed to foster collaboration and the exchange of ideas before Badminton’s lecture.
Recognizing the importance of accessibility, UVI is offering a live viewing of the lecture for those on St. Croix at the RTPark Conference Center at 64 West. This ensures that individuals on both major islands of the U.S. Virgin Islands can participate in this transformative experience. Attendees can also join the event virtually via UVI’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/UVI.edu) and YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@UVIvideos).
The University of the Virgin Islands encourages members of the public, business professionals, entrepreneurs, and students to attend this engaging and forward-looking lecture. It’s an opportunity to gain insights from a leading voice in future studies and connect with a community of innovators.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP or request more information by contacting lisa@13D.com.
Following the lecture, attendees can expect to continue the conversation online through UVI’s social media channels. The university will likely share key takeaways and insights from Badminton’s presentation, fostering ongoing engagement with the ideas presented. The event marks a continued commitment by UVI and 13D Research & Strategy to bring thought leadership and innovation to the Virgin Islands.
The 4th Annual Business Leadership Lecture with Nikolas Badminton represents a significant opportunity for the U.S. Virgin Islands to engage with global trends and prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the future. It’s a chance to not just observe the changing world, but to actively participate in shaping it.
