Talks, panels and podcasts.
I speak openly, clearly and insightfully.
I speak on the following topics:
Entrepreneurial mindset and realities of running a business
How to use AI to think better, not less - retaining our humanity in the AI era
Innovation - demystified, derisked and democratised
"It was one of those sessions that stays with you long after the event has finished."
Paula Wadbrook - Stockport Council
More testimonialsSpeaking gigs
Below are some of my past speaking gigs.
How to be more resilient, curious and creative with AI, not in spite of it
Stockport Digital Network · Watch the recording
17th July 2026
Use AI to think better, not less
MediaCity Immersive Technologies Innovation Hub
26th March 2026
Blank Page to Big Idea: Unlock Startup Ideas with AI
University of Manchester Startup Weekend
25th October 2025 · Read the blog
Innovation Through Co-creation
Manchester Metropolitan University MBA Alumni Event
3rd October 2025
Podcast Appearances
I'm currently enjoying my time on podcasts - if you run one, I'd love to chat.
The Ideas Factory
Brown & Marsh
From sixth form freelancer to agency owner to Chief Innovation Officer at Big Echo, Tom Parson is a veritable ideas machine. And a fascinating person to speak to. Ross and Chris discuss his background, his career history and his plans to storm the charts.
Listen now
Episode 4
AI Factory Podcast
In this episode, Tom Parson from Big Echo discusses how AI is transforming innovation, the importance of human-centered design, and practical ways traditional businesses can leverage AI to stay competitive.
Listen now
The Creative Use of AI
Creative Courage
Beyond 'LinkedIn slop': how AI can deepen your creative practice (not replace it). What if artificial intelligence could make you more human, not less?
Listen now
Stories of Creative Courage
Creative Courage
What happens when a successful tech entrepreneur realises that external achievement isn't enough? Tom Parson shares his remarkable journey from learning how to code at 15 to building a thriving business for 10 years, then having the courage to walk away.
Listen nowGuest Articles
My story and thoughts have been featured on business publications and blogs.
What I've Learned
Prolific North
Tom Parson is founder and lead facilitator at Big Echo, an innovation and growth consultancy based in Manchester. From lucky breaks to failures, Tom shares some of the lessons he's learnt across his life and career so far…
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Innovation for SMEs: From Buzzword Bingo to Business Tool
Rock.Partners
The pressure for SMEs to "deploy innovation" is real and, with it, can come the implication that businesses who aren't already innovating are also not sustainable. But is it fair? Basically, yes - but it's about understanding what innovation looks like for your specific business.
Read more
Hi!
I'm Tom
After burning out and reinventing my business, I now help other small teams play by their own rules.
About me