Dr. Catriona Wallace is a Global Ethicist, Adjunct Professor, speaker, and co-author of the book, "Checkmate Humanity: the how and why of Responsible AI."
A trailblazer in AI, the Metaverse, entrepreneurship, and the Psychedelic Renaissance, Catriona has founded multiple groundbreaking companies and is regarded as one of the top 10 speakers globally on AI and Ethics, as Australia's most influential woman in business by the AFR, and one of the world’s 50 most powerful women by the Centre of Economic and Leadership Development in the UK.
In 2023 Catriona also captivated audiences as a "Shark" on Shark Tank Australia.
Catriona's expertise spans emerging technologies, innovation, leadership, and ethical practices. An internationally sought-after commentator, Catriona offers invaluable insights into the future of humanity and technology.
Talking Points
AI and the Future of Humanity
With the release of Generative AI in November 2022, the world changed forever.AI and the Future of Humanity
Technology’s intelligence and consciousness is advancing at a rate faster than humanity’s and we must now ask the following questions:
• Is AI technology useful, harmful or both?
• Who is guiding technology and its relationship to humanity?
• Where are we headed?
• Are we okay to passively continue with AI development knowing that it poses an existential risk, on par with nuclear war and pandemics?
• And … given there are no real laws or regulations that govern AI – what can we do?
Furthermore, just as we are getting our heads around this powerful AI technology, we are faced with the imminent arrival of Extended Reality, Metaverse and Quantum technologies.
In this important and highly topical keynote address, Dr Catriona Wallace will discuss: the current state of AI; humanity entering into the early stages of transhumanism; the power and invasiveness of AI and Metaverse worlds – the good and the bad; technology ethics and responsibility; and strategies for how we might direct technology for humanity’s good.
Key topics include:
1. AI and the Metaverse – what are they? Good or bad?
2. Technology vs human intelligence and consciousness
3. The age of Transhumanism, the future of technology and humanity
4. Development moratoriums & re-strategising technology for good
5. Transformational leadership required for a fundamental shift in direction
6. How to be an ethical leader and build responsible technology
This presentation is suitable for:
- Boards
- C-suite
- Leaders
- Technologists
- Policy makers
- Change makers
- Government officials
- Those who like their thinking challenged
- Those who care about the future of humanity
This presentation is a high energy, highly interactive conversation where the audience will learn about:
1. The history, science and philosophy of AI and the Metaverse
2. What Transhumanism means to humanity
3. The reality of humanity’s current path and the risks on the way
4. Approaches to transform leaders and be more ethical
5. Strategies for the future of humanity and its relationship with technology
Checkmate Humanity - the how and why of Responsible AI
How to develop a responsible and ethical approach to Artificial Intelligence. This presentation outlines what AI is, its benefits and risks, then deep dives into how to develop a Responsible AI strategy for organisations. A model of Responsible AI is posed then strategies and initiatives discussed. The presentation concludes with a powerful discussion of how people can step into the role of Ethical Leaders.Checkmate Humanity - the how and why of Responsible AI
Key topics include:
1. The history, science, philosophy and current state of AI
2. Benefits and risks of AI
3. A Responsible AI model
4. Individuals stepping into Ethical Leadership
This presentation is suitable for:
• Boards
• C-suite
• Leaders
• Technologists
• Policy makers
• Change-makers
• Government officials
• Those who like their thinking challenged
• Those who care about the future of humanity
The Psychedelic Renaissance: Ancient Plant Wisdom for Modern Leadership
In this timely and thought-provoking keynote, Dr. Catriona Wallace, a renowned AI technology ethicist and trained plant medicine guide, explores the resurgence of interest in psychedelic therapies and traditional Indigenous plant medicines.The Psychedelic Renaissance: Ancient Plant Wisdom for Modern Leadership
As many countries decriminalise or legalise these substances for therapeutic use, as Australia did in 2023, business people and leaders are now turning to psychedelics as a mode of growth and transformation. In fact, research suggests that 31% of Australians have either used or are open to using psychedelics (Fifth Quadrant, 2024).
Catriona provides a multidisciplinary perspective on the history, chemistry, and vital role of Indigenous lineages and rituals in working with sacred plant medicines safely and respectfully.
Drawing from her unique background spanning technology ethics and ancient wisdom traditions, Catriona examines the transformative potential of psychedelic medicines beyond just healing - as powerful tools for leadership development and consciousness expansion.
She delves into the specific goals modern leaders may work towards with psychedelic-assisted journeys, what to expect from these profound experiences, and how to integrate the insights through developing an "Ectasis Calendar" for lasting personal and professional transformation.
This boundary-pushing presentation offers audience members a rare window into the Psychedelic Renaissance through the lens of an experienced guide. It promises to challenge perspectives and open minds to the immense value these ancient plant allies could offer leaders committed to evolving human potential.
[Note: This topic involves discussion of substances that are illegal in some jurisdictions. The speaker does not condone illegal behaviour. Psychedelics are also not suitable for everyone, so medical advice should be sought.]
In this talk the audience will learn about:
• The history of plant medicine based psychedelics
• The chemistry of plant medicine based psychedelics
• The importance of Indigenous lineage, traditions and ritual
• Leadership goals that psychedelic medicine may assist with
• Case studies of leaders’ psychedelic journeys
• How to develop a Peak Experience Calendar for transformation
This presentation is suitable for:
• Boards
• C-suite
• Leaders
• Health sector people
• Policy makers
• Change makers
• Those interested in well-being, leadership and transformation
• Those who like their thinking challenged
• Those interested in expanding their consciousness
• Those who believe there must be more to life than the current trajectory
Video
Artificial Intelligence: The How and the Why? | Dr Catriona Wallace at Curious Thinkers 2022
Artificial Intelligence is the fastest growing tech sector in the world, valued at US $327 bn in the last 12 months. Dr Catriona Wallace will share best practices in Responsible AI as well as sharing some super useful case studies. And most importantly Dr Wallace will discuss how you can step into being an Ethical Leader.Meet Catriona Wallace | Shark Tank Australia
Meet 1/5 of the new sharks this season, Catriona Wallace, an AI expert and founder of the Responsible Metaverse AllianceCatriona was a pleasure to work with both before and during the conference. She drew on personal examples that resonated with the audience and used clear, simple language to explain the comp ... keep reading National Council for Fire and Emergency Services
Catriona is the real deal in innovation and business today. She provides invaluable insights and brings her real-life experience and intelligence to the discussion.
One of the best presentations that I have seen. Dr Wallace used audience participation and her own personal story as a woman to highlight the challenges and opportunities in the tech industry. We would certainly ask Dr Wallace to present again at any of our future events to students and alumni.
Catriona has made a valuable contribution to CUA as both as a partner and as an educational speaker.
Catriona Wallace provided a memorable experience for our first AI Masterclass at Upward Hartford. Dr. Wallace engaged the audience from start to finish, encouraging active participation throughout the session and inspiring direct collaboration among participants. The content was informative & accessible for all levels of industry knowledge and experience, which is especially important for a hub such as ours that attracts tech experts, students & entrepreneurs across industries. We so look forward to welcoming Catriona back for future sessions!
Dr Catriona Wallace was a drawcard for our Conference. She had the full room engaged from the start and it was clear from all of our feedback the topic resonated with our delegates.
One of the best presentations that I have seen. Dr Wallace used audience participation and her own personal story as a woman to highlight the challenges and opportunities in the tech industry.
Dr. Wallace is among the most dynamic speakers that have graced our stage at the Auto Insurance Report National Conference in our 22 years.
A highlight of the afternoon. We were all inspired by Catriona's wisdom on so many issues. Australia needs hundreds more inspirational leaders like Catriona for our future.
