Fiona Passantino

The Robots are Coming: The Future of Embodied AI

What is “Embodied AI”?

The fast-approaching future of AI and AGI; when autonomous humanoid robots operate in the physical world thanks to an on-board AI brain.

These robots and developing rapidly; Tesla’s Optimus and Boston Dynamics’ Atlas to the rapidly evolving Chinese market and many other players are already transforming industries and society. Even Waymo cars are appearing in more cities around the world.

This entertaining, energetic keynote explains the technological breakthroughs driving this cutting edge evolution, such as AI-assisted learning and self-improvement, enabling robots to perform dangerous or tedious tasks, or jobs in difficult environments. We discuss the societal, economic, and ethical implications of sharing our future workspaces with non-Human professionals as we inch ever closer towards AGI.

What will the workplace look like in the years ahead? How will Humans and Embodied AI learn to merge their capabilities, strengths and weaknesses, and what is the Human added value? The timing of these advancements align with labor shortages, difficult conditions that are a rising challenge ahead.

Who is it for?

Designed for forward-thinking executives, business leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, policy makers, and those curious about the future of AI. It is particularly valuable for those in industries facing labor shortages, such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, and those looking to understand how embodied AI will impact the workforce on psychological and emotional levels.

Stay ahead of the next wave of automation, worker displacement, and economic shifts. Take on the ethical dilemmas and societal changes tied to the rise of AI-powered robots.

What are the top takeaways?

Understanding the Tech: the nuts and bolts that make AI robots work. Recursive selfimprovement (learning), strengths and weaknesses.

Business Implications: how embodied AI can solve labor shortages, reduce costs, and create opportunities for businesses to innovate, especially in sectors with high demand for manual labor.

Embodied AI at Work: how physical AI will transform customer service, industries, dissolve and create labor markets and shift Humans to use more of their creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking.

Leadership in a Human-AI World: from robot rights and responsibilities to internal cultural shifts to support the Humans during this transition; reskilling and strategic workforce planning.

Human Disruption: the wider societal and economic disruptions embodied AI will bring and how to prepare for those challenges.

The Business Case for Quantum Computing

What is “Quantum Computing”?

The future supercomputer, Quantum Computing is a revolutionary supercomputer design that harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems at unprecedented speeds. Unlike classical computers, Quantum Computers use quantum bits (qubits) which can represent multiple states simultaneously (superposition) and exhibit the mind-bending quality of real-time entanglement. This fascinating machine holds immense potential but is still in the early stages of development.

What will this mean for you, and for the future of your work, business, and data landscape? What is the business case, the opportunities and risks that come with understanding this fascinating device well ahead of the others, and implementing it into your workflows?

This keynote explains the basics of Quantum Computing specifically for non-technical professionals. What it is, how does it work? What does it do well, and what are its limitations? What 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 computing systems are reaching their limits, particularly in handling vast amounts of complex data. It is especially relevant for tech companies, researchers in pharmaceuticals, and organizations focusing on AI and machine learning. Additionally, industries relying on encryption—like banking, government, and healthcare—will be impacted by quantum’s ability to crack current encryption methods.

Large companies across sectors such as Google, Microsoft, and IBM are already investing heavily in quantum technologies, and the trend is expected to continue. Companies seeking breakthroughs in drug discovery, carbon neutrality, and advanced materials development will also find immense value in quantum computing’s capabilities.

What are the top 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 key concepts like superposition and entanglement.

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

Evaluate real-world use cases and learn about practical examples of how companies like Google, IBM, and Microsoft are leveraging Quantum technologies to solve complex problems.

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

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

Standup Comedy for Professional Communication

Really, Standup Comedy? At Work??

Public speaking consistently ranks as people’s number one fear; more petrifying, even, than death! And nothing is more terrifying than standing alone on stage. You’re all alone, 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 defenses drop, we’re 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 using humor are perceived as 37% more competent and confident than their serious counterparts.

Drawing from real experience in comedy clubs and corporate boardrooms, this fun, energetic keynote delivers practical tools that can be implemented immediately. You’ll learn why humor is a strategic business skill and how to harness it effectively for maximum impact.

Who is it for?

This keynote is perfect for business leaders who want to enhance their presentation skills. Company instructors, managers, corporate trainers and facilitators seeking to engage audiences better, as well as sales and marketing professionals looking to connect more authentically with clients. Anyone who presents regularly and wants to level up their game can benefit from these easy and practical methods.

What are the top takeaways?

Lean battle-tested techniques from the world of stand-up comedy: How to use “crowd work” to create instant connection with any audience.

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

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

The art of “callbacks” to create memorable moments that stick in the
minds of your audience.

How to use vulnerability and relatability to build trust, forming a Human connection with your audience.

Techniques for memorization and flawless delivery, even if you’re terrible with memorization.