My Identities

Don’t worry about predicting the future. Don’t worry about what you don’t know. Instead, get up each and every morning and fundamentally challenge what you believe to be true.

JOSEPH M. BRADLEY

Career History

Joseph Bradley is Chief Executive Officer of TONOMUS, where he is responsible for formulating the vision and delivery of Cognitive Technologies, Compute and Connect for TONOMUS.

Working with leading international technology ecosystem partners, Joseph and his team are establishing full-scale tech and digital infrastructure which harnesses the power of networks and applications such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and robotics.

Prior to TONOMUS, Joseph served in senior roles at Cisco Systems over the course of 15 years, most recently as Global Vice President IoT, Blockchain, AI, and Incubation Businesses.

He led the delivery of advanced services, as well as business development, commercialization, staffing, and operations for Cisco Systems’ incubation businesses. While at Cisco, Joseph was instrumental in developing the next-generation consulting model. The methodology provides a data-driven path outlining how customers can capture Internet of Everything (IoE) value.

Before joining Cisco, Joseph held several leadership positions at C3 Communications, including CEO, CFO and Senior Vice President of Shared Services. Previously, he was General Manager of the Data Communications group at AT&T. His career began at Pacific Bell, where he worked in finance and operations.

Family is the foundation of everything I do. I am a son to two incredible parents who shaped my values, a brother to my younger sister Kacey, whose resilience and passion inspire me daily, and an uncle to Malcolm, Kacey’s son, who brings so much joy into our lives.

I am also a husband to my amazing wife, Laurie Bradley, my steadfast partner in life, love, and ambition. Most importantly, I am a father to my two greatest accomplishments—my daughter RaNelle and my son Joseph. They are my motivation, my inspiration, and my daily reminder of why building a better future matters.

In 2023, I faced one of the most personal and challenging experiences of my life — a battle with stage 3 colon cancer. Today, with a heart full of gratitude and relief, I am proud to share that I have completed chemotherapy and am now officially cancer-free.

This journey has been a profound teacher. It taught me about resilience, the power of community, and the unquantifiable value of every single moment we have on this Earth. The resilience, hope, and strength I found within myself have also made me a better leader.

While fighting cancer, I’ve come to realize the importance of powerful leadership. We need leaders who can harness energy and clarity to accomplish any goal and overcome any challenge. If this experience has taught me anything, it’s that the human body is capable of incredible things when the mind is disciplined.

To my family, friends, and colleagues who have been my rock, providing strength and support during the toughest days: thank you. A special thank you to my beautiful wife, Laurie, and my wonderful kids, who stood by me every step of the way.

The future is shifting, and as we move into the era of “Identic AI,” we must transition from players to coaches. With AI evolving into intelligent digital companions that enhance our lives, the role of human leadership will be more about guidance, strategy, and empowerment rather than execution.

We are moving from execution to ideation. AI has created a world where all the answers are known—but the true value now lies in understanding what questions to ask. It no longer matters whether you are a student or a professor, an employee or a CEO, a citizen or the president of a country—Generative AI is forcing all of us to think differently.

Coaching is not just something I talk about—it’s something I’ve lived. I was a basketball coach for both of my kids throughout their school years, instilling teamwork, discipline, and strategic thinking. As a CEO, I lead in the same way—motivating, guiding, and unlocking the full potential of my team.

Great leaders don’t just give orders—they develop others. In an AI-driven world, our role is to cultivate curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking—skills that will define success in the future. Whether in sports, business, or technology, my goal is to inspire, empower, and push individuals to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

The future isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we shape. As an Applied Futurist, I don’t just predict what’s coming; I provide leaders with clear, actionable steps to navigate and thrive in an evolving world.

I have dedicated my career to bridging the present with the future. As CEO of TONOMUS, the first subsidiary of NEOM, I have led the charge in transforming its technology sector into the foundation of the world’s first cognitive community. My team and I are pioneering a full-scale, AI-driven ecosystem, leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and robotics to bring the next generation of cognitive cities to life.

Before NEOM, I spent 15 years at Cisco in executive leadership, most recently as Global Vice President of IoT, Blockchain, AI, and Incubation Businesses. My passion for strategic foresight and innovation has always been about one thing: empowering leaders to take control of the future, today.

We are standing at the crossroads of technology and human potential. My mission is to ensure we take the right path—one that leads to a future where intelligence is not just artificial, but deeply human.

Fast Facts

EARLY LIFE

Raised in Mountain View, California where Father worked as a store manager and Mother worked at Pacific Bell.
Started first company in 4th grade tutoring BASIC programming.
Learned about humility living through ambulatory issues due to scoliosis and had to be home-schooled for a time.
Exposed to entrepreneurship and became one at UC Berkeley.

MID CAREER

Became Chief Financial Officer of the largest operating unit at Pacific Bell by age 28.
Ran the Service Provider vertical and all the Americas for Cisco’s consulting practice.
Helped coin “The Internet of Everything”, which is how people, process, data and things work together.
Joined Brad Keywell at UpTake as the President of Business Ventures.
Became a board member of Hortau.

PRESENT DAY

Joined Tonomus in April 2020, currently serving as CEO of TONOMUS.
Built and spun-out TONOMUS in 16 months.
Serves on ZeroPoint DC Board of Directors as Chairman.
Serves on Executive Committees of TONOMUS and ZeroPoint DC and on Advisory Committee of Executive Leadership Council and Chicago Metropolitan Club.
Husband. Father. Son. Author.