Fiona Passantino

What is “Embodied AI”?

The rapidly approaching future of AI and AGI; when autonomous humanoid robots operate in the physical world thanks to an embedded AI brain. These robots are evolving quickly; Tesla’s Optimus and Boston Dynamics’ Atlas to the rapidly developing Chinese market and many other players are already transforming industries and society. Even Waymo cars are appearing in more and more cities worldwide.

This entertaining, energetic keynote explains the technological breakthroughs driving this advanced evolution, such as AI-supported learning and self-improvement, enabling robots to perform dangerous or tedious tasks, or work in challenging environments. We discuss the societal, economic, and ethical implications of sharing our future workspaces with non-human professionals as we get closer to AGI.

What will the workplace look like in the coming years? How will humans and Embodied AI learn to combine their capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses, and what is the human added value? The timing of these developments coincides with labour shortages, challenging conditions that pose a growing challenge.

Who is it for?

Designed for forward-thinking executives, business leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and those curious about the future of AI. It is especially valuable for people in industries facing labour shortages, such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, and those who want to understand how Embodied AI will impact the workforce on a psychological and emotional level.

Stay ahead of the next wave of automation, worker displacement, and economic shifts. Tackle the ethical dilemmas and societal changes that come with the rise of AI-powered robots.

What are the key takeaways?

– Understanding the Technology: the technical details that make AI robots work. Recursive self-improvement (learning), strengths and weaknesses.
– Business Implications: how Embodied AI can solve labour shortages, reduce costs, and create opportunities for companies to innovate, especially in sectors with high demand for manual labour.
– Embodied AI at Work: how physical AI will transform customer service and industries, solve and create labour markets, and shift people towards using more creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking.
– Leadership in a Human-AI World: from robot rights and responsibilities to internal cultural changes to support people during this transition; retraining and strategic workforce planning.
– Human Disruption: the broader societal and economic disruptions that Embodied AI will bring and how to prepare for them.

What is “Quantum Computing”?

The supercomputer of the future, Quantum Computing is a revolutionary supercomputer design that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems at unprecedented speed. Unlike classical computers, Quantum Computers use quantum bits (qubits) that can represent multiple states simultaneously (superposition) and exhibit the remarkable property of real-time entanglement.

This fascinating machine has enormous potential but is still in an early stage of development. What does this mean for you, and for the future of your work, business, and data landscape? What is the business case, what are the opportunities and risks involved in understanding this fascinating device well before others, and in implementing it into your workflows?

This keynote explains the basics of Quantum Computing, specifically for non-technical professionals. What is it, how does it work? What does it do well, and what are the limitations? Which properties of Quantum Mechanics are essential to understand, and how will this change the way you interact with the physical world?

Who is it for?

Quantum computing is for industries and sectors where traditional computer systems are reaching their limits, especially when processing vast amounts of complex data. It is particularly relevant for technology companies, researchers in the pharmaceutical industry, and organisations focusing on AI and machine learning.

Additionally, industries reliant on encryption – such as banks, government, and healthcare – will be affected by quantum’s ability to crack current encryption methods. Large companies in various sectors like Google, Microsoft, and IBM are already investing heavily in quantum technologies, and this trend is expected to continue. Companies seeking breakthroughs in drug development, CO2 neutrality, and advanced materials development will also find immense value in the possibilities of quantum computing.

What are the key takeaways?

Understand the fundamentals of Quantum Computing; gain a clear, non-technical understanding of how these machines work, the difference between classical bits and quantum bits (qubits), and core concepts such as superposition and entanglement.

Identify how Quantum Computing will impact industries such as AI, pharmaceuticals, finance, and cybersecurity, and assess the potential benefits and threats to your organisation.

Evaluate case studies and learn about practical applications of how companies like Google, IBM, and Microsoft use Quantum technologies to solve complex problems.

Prepare your business for quantum integration; future-proof your company with Quantum-powered workflows, tools, and security measures before your competitors.

Articulate the relevance of Quantum Computing in simple terms to colleagues, leadership teams, and clients, to ensure alignment on future investments.

Really, Standup Comedy? At Work??

Public speaking consistently ranks as the number one most feared thing; even scarier than death! And nothing is scarier than standing alone on stage. It’s just you, a microphone, bright lights, and eight minutes to make people laugh.

Techniques used by stand-up comedians are incredibly powerful tools for business communication. When we laugh, our defences lower, we are more open to new ideas, and information sticks better in our long-term memory. Research shows that humorous work presentations increase motivation by 27%, and speakers who use humour are perceived as 37% more competent and confident than their serious counterparts.

Based on real experience in comedy clubs and corporate boardrooms, this fun, energetic keynote delivers practical tools that can be applied immediately. You will learn why humour is a strategic business skill and how to use it effectively for maximum impact.

Who is it for?

This keynote is perfect for business leaders looking to improve their presentation skills. Corporate trainers, managers, business trainers, and facilitators who want to engage their audience better, as well as sales and marketing professionals who want to connect with clients more authentically.

Anyone who presents regularly and wants to take their game to the next level can benefit from these simple and practical methods.

What are the key takeaways?

Learn proven techniques from the world of stand-up comedy: How to use “crowd work” to connect instantly with any audience.

Understand the power of silence and timing in presentations. Learn to read the room and adapt your story.

Ways to use physical presence and body language for maximum impact.

The art of “callbacks” to create memorable moments that stick with your audience.

How to use vulnerability and relatability to build trust and make a human connection with your audience.

Techniques for memorisation and flawless delivery, even if you’re terrible at remembering things.