Kate O'Neill  Keynote Speaker

• What Matters Next: Human-Friendly Tech Decisions in a Fast-Moving World

Based on the Thinkers50-recognized book:

Leaders face a constant stream of technology decisions—AI adoption, digital transformation, data strategy—often without clear frameworks for evaluating impact. This keynote provides a practical approach to making tech decisions that balance innovation with human outcomes, helping organizations move forward confidently in an uncertain, fast-changing world.

Ideal for: Executive audiences, all-hands meetings, leadership summits.

Key themes:

• AI & data strategy
• Meaningful innovation
• Human-centered transformation
• Strategic foresight
• Responsible tech governance

• AI Strategy for Leaders: From Hype to Human-Centered Impact

The gap between AI's promise and its practical implementation is wide—and getting wider. This keynote cuts through the noise to give leaders a clear framework for AI adoption that prioritizes readiness, governance, and human outcomes. Audiences leave with actionable insights on bridging the "Alignment Gap" between technology delivery and organizational capability.

Ideal for: Board meetings, executive retreats, C-suite strategy sessions

Key themes:

• Board-level AI literacy
• Risk, readiness, and governance
• Human skills and the future of work
• The Alignment Gap
• How to make better tech decisions

• The Tech Humanist Future: Creating Meaningful Experiences at Scale

As AI and algorithms increasingly shape customer interactions, organizations risk losing the human connection that builds loyalty and trust. This keynote explores how to design technology-enabled experiences that feel genuinely human—scaling personalization without sacrificing meaning, and leveraging AI while preserving authentic human engagement.

Ideal for: Marketing, CX, and innovation teams; customer experience conferences

Key themes:

• AI + customer experience
• Human-machine collaboration
• Experience strategy
• Ethical data use
• Organizational culture shifts

• Strategic Optimism for Smart Cities

As delivered at Smart City Expo Barcelona

Smart city initiatives often prioritize technology over people. This keynote reframes "smart" around human outcomes—livability, equity, sustainability, and community resilience. Drawing on work with cities like Amsterdam and Austin, Kate shows how to build urban innovation strategies that put residents first and use technology as a tool, not a goal.

Ideal for: Government leaders, urban planners, civic innovation conferences

Key themes:

• Human outcomes as the core of "smart"
• Tech + community design
• Inclusive digital futures
• AI for public good
• Urban innovation frameworks