Kate O'Neill, professional global keynote speaker

As a globally recognized keynote speaker and thought leader, I deliver transformative insights at the intersection of technology, business, and human experience. My talks inspire and equip leaders to navigate digital transformation while creating meaningful human experiences at scale.

Selected speaking engagements demonstrate impact across sectors:

- GLOBAL LEADERSHIP & INNOVATION
    - United Nations: Multiple keynotes on data-driven innovation and human experience
    - World Government Summit (Dubai): Future of work presentation to world leaders
    - Amsterdam's Future-Readiness Initiative: Strategic city transformation
- FORTUNE 500 & ENTERPRISE
    - Executive keynotes for Google, IBM, Adobe, Microsoft, Cisco
    - Digital transformation strategies for Coca-Cola, McDonald's, Charles Schwab
    - Innovation workshops for HCA Healthcare, Northwestern Mutual
- SPECIALIZED EXPERTISE
    - Tech Innovation: Talks at Google series, Etsy Engineering Day
    - Academic Leadership: Guest lectures at Cambridge, Harvard, Yale
    - Industry Events: INBOUND, O'Reilly Strata + Hadoop World London

Speaking topics include:

- • The Tech Humanist Approach to Digital Transformation
- • AI Ethics and Responsible Innovation
- • Future-Ready Leadership in a Tech-Driven World
- • Creating Meaningful Human Experiences at Scale

Available for keynotes, executive workshops, and strategic advisory sessions. Past audiences have included C-suite executives and senior leaders from Fortune 500 companies, tech innovators, and global organizations committed to responsible digital transformation.

Professional Keynote Speaker

The Tech Humanist Show

The Tech Humanist Show is a multi-format program exploring how data and technology shape the human experience. Available as both a podcast and video series, the show features in-depth conversations with influential thinkers and leaders in ethical AI, privacy, and emerging technology. Distinguished guests have included Dr. Rumman Chowdhury (former Twitter Director of ML Ethics), David Ryan Polgar (Founder of All Tech Is Human), Dr. Safiya Noble (author of "Algorithms of Oppression"), and Yanis Varoufakis (former finance minister of Greece and author of “Technofeudalism”), among other visionary voices shaping the future of technology and humanity.

Creator, Host, Executive Producer

KO Insights

KO Insights is a premier strategic advisory firm transforming how global organizations navigate the intersection of technology and humanity. We specialize in human-centric digital transformation, AI ethics, and meaningful innovation at scale.

Our expertise delivers measurable impact through executive advisory services, transformative keynotes, and strategic workshops. We help organizations harness emerging technologies while prioritizing meaningful human experiences and responsible innovation.

Select client engagements showcase our impact across sectors:

- Guided a FORTUNE 50 TECH GIANT in developing ethical AI frameworks and human-centric product strategies
- Partnered with a GLOBAL CONSUMER BRAND LEADER to revolutionize their digital customer experience across 100+ markets
- Led digital transformation strategy for a MAJOR HEALTHCARE NETWORK, focusing on patient experience optimization
- Advised a LEADING SMART CITY INITIATIVE on human-centric IoT implementation
- Facilitated strategic innovation workshops for MULTIPLE FORTUNE 100 EXECUTIVE TEAMS

Our client portfolio includes Fortune 100 corporations, global tech leaders, prestigious universities (including Harvard, Cambridge, Yale), major healthcare institutions, government agencies, and the United Nations. We've worked with recognized brands such as Google, IBM, Adobe, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, and McDonald's, delivering transformative insights that drive both business success and human benefit.

We share our insights globally through books, articles, and thought leadership collaborations with major organizations. My upcoming book "What Matters Next: A Leader's Guide to Making Human-Friendly Tech Decisions in a World That's Moving Too Fast" (2025, Wiley and Thinkers50) continues this tradition.

Founder & CEO / Chief Tech Humanist (Expert Consultant/Advisor, Author, Speaker)

Professional Global Keynote Speaker

Leading Authorities, Inc.

BigSpeak Speakers Bureau

Keppler Speakers

London Speaker Bureau

Faith Popcorn's BrainReserve

Have consulted on strategy projects for Fortune 500 clients, including go-to-market consumer strategy for a new pharmaceutical device, as well as providing expert input on trends for client projects from time to time.

Consulting Strategist / Member of "TalentBank" Panel of Experts

Deep Focus

Stepped in temporarily to lead strategy definition for a client roster including household-name consumer brands and global organizations.

Strategy Consultant

Known globally as the "Tech Humanist," Kate O'Neill is a leading voice on AI ethics, responsible tech, and human-centric digital transformation. As a sought-after expert, she advises Fortune 500 leaders and speaks at high-profile events worldwide on navigating our tech-driven future while prioritizing human experiences.

Kate's unique blend of "Strategic Optimism" and tech expertise has made her an in-demand consultant for organizations facing complex challenges in emerging technologies, climate change, and rapid digital transformation. Her insights help businesses innovate responsibly, balancing technological advancement with human values.

Career highlights:

- Author of six books, including the forthcoming "What Matters Next: A Leader's Guide to Making Human-Friendly Tech Decisions in a World That's Moving Too Fast"
- Shortlisted for the prestigious Thinkers50 Digital Thinking Award
- Featured expert on BBC, WIRED, NPR, and other major media outlets
- Pioneering roles: First content management position at Netflix, built Toshiba's first intranet

With over 25 years of cross-functional expertise in technology, strategy, and innovation, Kate has consistently been at the forefront of digital industry practices. Her work spans from data analytics and IoT to AI and machine learning, always with a focus on creating meaningful, scalable human experiences.

Recognized as "Technology Entrepreneur of the Year" and "Strategist of the Year," Kate continues to shape the global conversation on how businesses can thrive in the digital age while making a positive impact on humanity.

For more information, visit: http://www.koinsights.com/about/about-kate-oneill/

Latest book available for pre-order at: 
https://www.amazon.com/What-Matters-Next-Human-Friendly-Decisions/dp/1394296428/

Kate O'Neill

I had the rare privilege of retiring from full-time advertising by choice. I'm now applying my experience and skills to consult for clients needing smart strategic insights and to fight for the causes I believe in. Looking for opportunities in both areas.

Consultant | Creative Strategist | Activist

DDB Chicago

"Joined" DDB when all marketing became integrated marketing and the Beyond DDB team (see below) was integrated into the full agency. I currently serve as Creative and Strategy lead on global technology & engineering giant, Emerson, including Corporate, Business Platform and Division level integrated campaigns as well as Global Brand Steward for both their internal marcomm teams and external agency partners. 

From the launch of the company's first-ever national and first-ever international advertising campaigns to our latest effort to promote STEM education with internet star Hank Green, our work has won numerous national and international awards for both creativity and business effectiveness. 

Though I have had a strong focus on B2B, I have always split my brain between B2B and B2C. I am currently the Creative lead for our LaQuinta/Wyndham clients. And before that, after successfully pitching Bel Brands USA, introduced the country to Laughing Cow, Mini Babybel and Boursin cheeses with the company's first US campaigns for the brands. 

Internally, I am a strong and vocal advocate for building and evolving our company culture. Beyond pushing for DE&I reform in general, am currently CoChair of Omniwomen Chicago and serving on the board of OPEN Pride Chicago, the local pan-agency chapters of (respectively) our Omnicom Women and LGBTQ+ ERGs.

SVP, Executive Creative Director

DDB Needham was my dream agency. When a door opened to join a team of eight account and creative folks who were leading the agency's entry into "integrated marketing and communications" I ran through it. Through a combination of organic growth from existing agency clients and significant new business wins, that core team grew to over 120 people with over $200 million in revenue. 

I grew along with Beyond DDB; eventually earning both my Group Creative Director and SVP stripes. At the same time, I expanded my client experience to include credit cards, insurance, education and community organizations, cable networks, theme parks and packaged goods. Also got my first real exposure to pure B2B players, successfully pitching e-commerce, internet, construction material and technology and engineering businesses.

Copywriter – SVP, Group Creative Director

Wardrop Murtaugh Temple

The opportunity to work with one of my favorite Executive Creative Directors at a small shop doing fun work lured me back to Chicago. While at Wardrop, I built on my retail experience and added real estate, transportation (PACE bus systems), and telecom. Along the way,  won multiple recognitions (GRAPHIS and others) for the creative paper sample books we created for Consolidated Paper.

Copywriter

Backer Spielvogel Bates

Hired by BSB NY as part of the start-up team for the office they opened in Columbus to serve their new client, Wendy's. While NY focused on burgers, the Columbus office handled everything else including: successful launch of Salad Bar concept, introduction of new Chicken Sandwiches and the first-ever, live-action kid's meal spots featuring Wendy and her friends. Along the way, won Addys for work on Wendy's, Ohio State Fair and new retail shoe store launch.

Creative (Copywriter/Producer)

Fine Cut, Inc

In a brief hiatus from agency life, helped award-winning film editor, Martin Bernstein, open up his first post-production company specializing in commercial and documentary film editing. In addition to working as his assistant film editor I also served as the company's client service director, handling all details of client service and relations. The valuable lessons from both positions I carried with me when I returned to agency advertising.

Assistant Film Editor and Client Service Director

Campbell Mithun

Cut my advertising teeth working on Kroger. As it grew from a small regional player to one of the top national chains, I grew from a junior copywriter to an ACD. The fast-paced retail world was a great training ground for TV, print and radio. Lots of radio. Parlayed that extensive retail experience to help Montgomery Ward introduce its store-within-a-store concept and stage a briefly successful turnaround. Won my first Effie, (SupeRx Drugs). I rounded out my retail experience with a string of successful pitches for (at the time) high-end luxury and boutique hotels including The Drake, The Ambassador East, The Whitehall and Tremont.

Junior Copywriter – Associate Creative Director

Creative communicator with a strong strategic streak.
Specialties: B2B and B2C; Corporate Branding; Integrated Communications; Strategy;
Internal/Employee Communications
Pronouns: she, her, hers

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Kate O'Neill

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