Speak About AI

"The best AI systems should be like the most brilliant mentors you've ever had – focused on making YOU better." This insight from Maya Ackerman, PhD. perfectly captures what's missing from many AI conversations today. In this clip from my recent interview with her, she draws a brilliant parallel between human intelligence and AI: Some smart people want to be "the genius in the room" – their intelligence is self-serving. But the most valuable intelligent people are those who channel their knowledge to elevate others. This is the exact framework we should apply to AI development. Instead of creating systems that showcase their own brilliance or replace human creativity, the real opportunity is building AI that amplifies our uniquely human capabilities. What if every AI tool was designed with this mentality? What if the measure of AI success wasn't how human-like it becomes, but how much it enhances human potential? This perspective has completely changed how I think about AI applications. The best ones don't replace us – they make us better versions of ourselves.

Two major AI announcements this week worth your attention: Amazon's Alexa+ (led by our speaker Vishal Sharma) brings AGI to 600M devices through natural voice commands and an integrated partner ecosystem. Meanwhile, You.com (with Richard Socher and Bryan McCann) launched ARI, a business research agent that processes 400+ sources simultaneously to deliver insights in minutes instead of weeks. Two different approaches to making AI useful: one for everyday consumers through voice, and one for businesses and academics through deep research. Which tool are you most excited to try out?

We are thrilled to welcome parents, students, and alumni to Chapman University’s Parents Weekend on March 1—a celebration of our vibrant community and the impact of a Chapman University Argyros College of Business & Economics education. This year, we have an amazing guest: Adam Cheyer P '23, Head of AI for Airbnb and co-founder of Siri, which he sold to Apple. Adam will take the stage for an exclusive fireside chat—but with a unique twist. His interviewer? His son, Noah Cheyer '23, a Chapman alumnus, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Speak About AI, the first and only speakers bureau dedicated to experts in artificial intelligence. This father-son conversation will offer insights into the future of AI and innovation. Looking forward to it! #Leadership #Alumni? #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Tech #HigherEducation

Ever wonder how AI will change human creativity? Dr. Maya Ackerman, PhD. is helping millions of musicians worldwide unlock their creative potential through AI. 3 key insights from her talks: 1. AI isn't replacing creativity - it's augmenting it Her work at WaveAI shows how AI tools can enhance rather than replace human creative expression 2. The future is collaborative The most powerful applications combine human creativity with AI capabilities 3. Innovation requires both technical and artistic perspectives As both a computer science professor and classically trained opera singer, she brings a unique dual lens to the AI creativity discussion Watch her full speaker reel here: https://lnkd.in/gwDuHaVD How are you using AI to enhance your creative process? #AI #Innovation #PublicSpeaking #EventPlanning

"Let's build technology that augments us rather than tries to replace us." These words from Peter Norvig, Author of Artificial Intelligence, a Modern Approach, struck me during our recent fireside chat at Microsoft. He shared a brilliant economic framework for thinking about AI: Complementary vs. Substitutive Technology Complementary: Like razors and razor blades - when one improves, demand for both increases. Substitutive: Like Coke vs. Pepsi - when one grows, the other typically declines. The key? We get to CHOOSE which path AI takes. By focusing on complementary AI that enhances human capabilities rather than replaces them, we can create: 1. Higher employment 2. Better wages 3. Greater life satisfaction This is why I'm passionate about connecting organizations with AI speakers who understand this vision - leaders who can help your team see AI as a tool for augmentation, not automation. What do you think is important when building AI? #AI #FutureOfWork #Leadership #TechnologyInnovation

Just wrapped up speaking at the Rotaract Club of Mulago about The Democratization of Doing! ?? Had an incredible discussion with their local members in Uganda. Their questions blew me away: 1. How to use AI and software engineering to combat poaching 2. The impact of new AI data centers on the world's climate and natural resources 3. If reasoning models like o-1 can be used to overcome a limited digital footprint or lack of training data in countries like Uganda The best part? Talking about how AI will even the education playing field, and enable people around the world to do more with less. Huge thanks to the Rotaract Club of Mulago for hosting and everyone who joined in with such thoughtful questions. These conversations remind me why I love what I do at Speak About AI - connecting minds across borders through technology. What excites you most about AI's democratization #AI #Innovation #GlobalTech #FutureOfTech"

Wrapping up an incredible year at Speak About AI. Thank you to our amazing speakers, clients, and partners who made 2024 unforgettable. See you in 2025!?? #HappyHolidays"

Some of the best moments on stage aren't always technical discussions - but the stories you'd never expect to hear. Like how Peter Norvig almost accidentally stole Doug Engelbart's original mouse prototype when driving him home (he found the briefcase and had to resist the eBay temptation ??). Or learning that Adam Cheyer uses his background as a magician to build better AI products. He shared how Steve Jobs thought like a magician too. Instead of boring everyone with specs for the iPod Nano, Jobs created anticipation by pointing at a jean pocket on screen: "Have you ever wondered what that little pocket at the top is for?" But beneath the stories and laughs, the fireside chat moderated by Robert Strong was a glimpse into the future: AI isn't the endgame. It's just one piece of a bigger puzzle. After 15 years of working with Doug Engelbart, Adam learned that even the best AI won't solve climate change, poverty, or human rights alone. The real magic? Finding ways for humans and technology to amplify each other. Both Peter and Adam doubled down that the future isn't about replacing humans - it's about leveraging collective and artificial intelligence for good. If you're interested in watching the full fireside chat between Peter Norvig, Adam Cheyer, and Robert Strong, the link is attached below. #AI #Technology #Innovation?

In our latest blog post, we talk about what it takes to up your game as a keynote speaker in 2025. After almost a year of operations, here are our tips to help maximize your speaking success next year. Our guide includes: 1. The most common types of speaking engagements we see 2. Tips for building a professional speaking platform 3. What separates speakers who get paid gigs vs. unpaid gigs 4. The steps you can take to level up as a speaker Whether you're eyeing conference stages or corporate events, this guide breaks down the entire journey - from your first talk to commanding premium fees. https://lnkd.in/gJvK4fkH #KeynoteSpeaking #PublicSpeaking #AI #TechSpeaker

Check out our YouTube channel below!