Margaret O'Mara Keynote Speaker

Leading American historian with deep specialization in Silicon Valley, the American presidency, and how the intersection of the two are transforming our world today
Speaker, writer, and media commentator sought out by the world’s leading outlets for her expertise on business, policy, and civic life
Brings a deep understanding of the historical underpinnings of AI, Big Tech, financial markets, and the policy issues that are top of mind for leaders and organizations across sectors

Margaret O'Mara's Biography

Margaret O’Mara is an award-winning author, internationally recognized speaker and commentator, and Professor of American History at the University of Washington.

Her acclaimed 2019 history of Silicon Valley, The Code, was named one of New York Magazine’s best books on Silicon Valley and one of The Financial Times’ best books of the year. Her 2015 book Pivotal Tuesdays brought fresh insight to four key U.S. presidential elections of the twentieth century and how they shape today’s politics. As a coauthor of the #1 history textbook The American Pageant, she shapes millions of students’ understanding of American history and the people who made it.

Having served as a White House aide in the Clinton Administration, Margaret delivers historical insights informed by real-world experience in some of the most powerful rooms in the world.

A lively and accessible speaker and in-demand media commentator, Margaret’s writing and feature interviews have appeared The New York Times (where she spent three years as a contributing opinion writer), The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, WIRED, Foreign Affairs, the MIT Technology Review, Handelsblatt, Les Echoes, and more.

Margaret’s voice and tech-industry insights are heard regularly on National Public Radio (NPR), BBC Radio, Bloomberg News, and other national and international broadcasters. She has been a guest on leading business podcasts including Recode/Decode with Kara Swisher, Marketplace Tech, Bloomberg’s Odd Lots, The Economist’s Money Talks, and The Prof G Podcast (which named her a “Blue Flame Thinker”).

The Future of Work

History and Humanity in the Age of AI

Technology and National Security

History of Venture Capital

Entrepreneurial Secrets of Silicon Valley

Presidential Power: Past, Present, Future

She is one of the leading historians of technology, politics and innovation, helping audiences understand how the forces that shaped Silicon Valley continue to shape the modern world.
She translates the complex relationship between technology, government and economic power into clear, compelling insights that illuminate today’s biggest challenges and opportunities.
She combines academic expertise with first-hand experience inside the White House, offering a rare perspective on how policy, politics and innovation intersect at the highest levels.
She is the acclaimed author of The Code, a landmark history of Silicon Valley that explores how entrepreneurs, governments, investors and institutions collectively built the world’s most influential technology ecosystem.
Her keynotes help leaders understand the historical context behind technological disruption, anticipate future shifts and make better decisions in an era defined by innovation and change.