James Barrat

Documentary Filmmaker, Speaker and Author of ‘Our Final Invention’

Time Magazine named author and filmmaker James Barrat one of 5 Very Smart People Who Think Artificial Intelligence Could Bring the Apocalypse due to his groundbreaking nonfiction bestseller, Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era.

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James Barrat is an internationally acclaimed author, filmmaker, and keynote speaker who has become one of the most influential voices in the critical examination of artificial intelligence and its far-reaching impact on business and society. Named by TIME Magazine as one of “5 Very Smart People Who Think Artificial Intelligence Could Bring the Apocalypse,” Barrat is renowned for translating complex ideas about AI, technology, and ethics into engaging presentations that empower leaders and organizations to confront the coming AI revolution.

Author of the groundbreaking bestseller “Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era,” Barrat’s work has sparked vital global discussions about the unprecedented risks and opportunities in the age of AI. His latest books, including “Facing Suicide” and “The Intelligence Explosion,” continue to shape thinking at the intersection of technology and humanity.

Drawing on decades as a writer and award-winning documentary filmmaker, Barrat’s documentaries for National Geographic, PBS, and leading broadcasters have demystified scientific and ethical dilemmas for audiences worldwide. His deep experience making science accessible, coupled with a keen sense of cultural impact and humor, makes him an exceptional communicator.

Challenging Issues Addressed for Business

Barrat delivers actionable insights for businesses grappling with the accelerating pace of technological change:

Navigating AI risk and regulatory uncertainty: Helping organizations identify, assess, and mitigate risks arising from advanced AI systems and generative technologies.
Adapting to digital disruption: Providing leaders with the strategic perspective needed to leverage AI for innovation, growth, and long-term competitiveness.
Ethics, governance, and trust: Preparing boards and executives to confront major ethical dilemmas, build resilience, and shape responsible AI strategies.
The human dimension of AI: Guiding teams to understand how AI will redefine roles, disrupt industries, and reshape the workforce.

Why Book James Barrat?

Barrat’s talks are recognized for being as accessible and inspiring as they are intellectually rigorous. Corporate leaders, government agencies, and academic institutions consistently praise his ability to clarify the stakes of AI’s rapid advance and provoke meaningful reflection on how to adapt and thrive. His blend of authority, engaging storytelling, and practical insight delivers value for events focused on future-proofing business, digital transformation, and innovation leadership.

For organizations seeking to understand and harness AI as both a tool for progress and a source of existential risk, James Barrat is the distinguished, trusted guide to navigating tomorrow’s technological landscape.

Available for

Speaking

Speaking Themes

Future of Technology

Languages

English

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Testimonials

James Barrat was arguably the most thought-provoking and compelling speaker who stepped onto the stage at Solstice FWD 2018. His haunting and provocative perspective on the implications of AI on humanity had the entire audience on the edge of their seats, quite literally. His talk was only outmatched by his kindness and zero-ego attitude, which made him an absolute pleasure to work with on our signature summit of the year.

Kelly Manthey

CEO, Solstice

James Barrat’s broad cultural fluency and acute sense of humor combine for an invitingly personal and accessible take on the subject of artificial intelligence. He presents technologically and philosophically complex topics with popular attraction as well as intellectual appeal.

John Syme

Senior Writer & Media Relations Coordinator, Davidson College

James Barrat was a wonderful campus guest and the perfect keynote speaker to launch our School of Business Center for Innovation and Ethics. He visited classes and engaged students in deep discussions throughout the day. In the evening, he spoke eloquently to the college community and the public about the ethical challenges of AI. Equal parts talk and conversation, the evening was compelling, and struck just the right balance between the technical and the human challenges we face.

Kevin H. Michels

Director of the School of Business Center for Innovation and Ethics, The College of New Jersey

James gave KIE’s Eleventh Annual Fall Lecture and did a terrific job, speaking to around 350 people. He presents a clear and compelling argument, one to which everyone should be paying close attention. The implications for advanced artificial intelligence range from utopian to the end of human planetary dominance, possible even the end of our species. James gives us plenty of reason to think it could be the latter — a wake-up call if there ever was one. The feedback from his talk has been wonderful –– he made KIE look good!

Christopher Meyers, PhD

Director, Kegley Institute of Ethics

James Barrat is a compelling writer and a powerful, eloquent speaker on a timely topic. Whether from the podium, on a radio broadcast by the local NPR affiliate, or over a cup of coffee in my office, Barrat holds his listeners and spectators spellbound by consistently raising urgent questions about the human condition.

Carol Quillen

President, Davidson College

James Barrat gave an inspiring and compelling presentation on one of the most significant ethical issues of our time. His talk was exceedingly well received by students, faculty, and members of the wider Richmond region.

Craig Kocher

University Chaplain and Lecturer in Leadership Studies, University of Richmond

James Barrat held a deeply knowledgeable Purdue audience in rapt attention during a compelling but also entertaining hour presentation on our campus. It’s safe to assume that he will have at least as powerful an impact on listeners hearing about the risks and possibly existential dangers of AI for the first time.

Mitchell Daniels

President, Purdue University

James Barrat talked to a very technically astute audience consisting of students, faculty and technical staff and credibly and entertainingly presented both optimistic and pessimistic visions of the future. His obvious ease and familiarity with both the risks and opportunities of technology combined with his wry sense of humor to create a top-rate event for the audience.

Gerard McCartney Ph.D.

System CIO and Vice President for Information Technology, Purdue University

Books

Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era

Advance Praise for Our Final Invention A hard-hitting book about the most important topic of this century and possibly beyond �…

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