Stephanie Antonian

Artificial intelligence often feels like a threat, a force poised to replace jobs and dehumanize work. But what if the conversation about AI isn’t about technology at all – what if it’s about what it means to be human? Drawing from my experience building ethics teams at DeepMind and shaping strategy at Google, I reveal how leading AI institutions are grappling with the same questions as corporate leaders: how do we empower, rather than panic, our people? Through real-world case studies and a human-first philosophy, this talk provides a roadmap for organizations to navigate the AI revolution by focusing on emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and creating a culture of flourishing. It’s a powerful call to action for leaders ready to transform fear into a competitive advantage.

Futurists and pundits claim to see the future, but true foresight isn’t about crystal balls, it’s about a clear-eyed analysis of the present. At a moment when technology is evolving faster than our ability to understand it, we often miss the signs right in front of us. From my work supporting the build of the foundations of AI ethics at DeepMind to my current role at Aestora, I’ve developed a unique discipline of “sober analysis.” I’ll show how to cut through the hype and media noise to examine the real incentive structures, technological capabilities, and societal pressures shaping our world right now. This isn’t a talk about predictions; it’s a powerful framework for strategic thinking that empowers leaders to make sensible decisions today that will secure their place in tomorrow.

Artificial intelligence is often presented as a purely technical subject, but the real conversation happens where AI intersects with fundamental human questions: our sense of purpose, the nature of work, and even our sense of self. In a world awash with AI content, I’ve found that thousands of readers have organically gravitated toward my long-form essays, proving there’s a deep hunger for thoughtful perspectives that go beyond the algorithm. This talk bridges the gap between the boardroom and the soul. I’ll share stories and insights from my time at Google and DeepMind to show how AI can serve as a catalyst for a deeper, more meaningful human experience. It’s an invitation to explore how we can use this powerful technology not just to automate tasks but to enrich the very fabric of our lives.

We live in a world designed for instant gratification, where our business models and technology are built to hijack our attention and exploit our vulnerabilities. But what if this short-term thinking is creating long-term chaos? This talk exposes “Dopamism,” the addiction-based economics that drives our culture, from social media to public markets, and explains why it’s a flawed and unsustainable model. By drawing a clear line from a single “like” to a global financial crisis, this talk reveals how we can break free from the cycle of short-term rewards and start building systems that foster genuine prosperity, not just fleeting pleasure.

In a world saturated with information and driven by algorithms, our mental wellbeing feels more fragile than ever. The same technologies designed to connect us can exploit our emotional vulnerabilities, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and anxious. This talk goes beyond simply identifying the problem, and focuses on what it would take to make real change. Based on my work across major AI institutions and my independent research, I’ll introduce new solutions, such as the Digital Health Score, a breakthrough 1-5, green-red framework for understanding the psychological impact of online content. Think food labels for the internet. I’ll show how simple it is, when you truly understand the core problem, to invent solutions that can redesign our relationship with technology to serve our wellbeing, not exploit it.

When trust in traditional institutions erodes, a new kind of power rises to fill the vacuum. We’ve seen it throughout history with the rise of mafias, and today, a digital equivalent is emerging. From hacktivist groups to tech giants and online communities, a new “Meta-Mafia” is forming to enforce its own brand of order. This talk delves into how a new global power structure is taking hold, decentralizing social governance and putting our collective safety at risk. It’s a sobering look at the forces shaping our world and a powerful call to action for anyone who wants to reclaim justice and create a more secure future.

Since the dawn of time, humanity has sought to understand the unknowable. We’ve used religion, philosophy, and science to create order out of chaos, but what happens when an emerging technology like AI claims to hold all the answers? This talk explores the “Theology of AI,” examining how our pursuit of a “God-like” algorithm is a modern-day echo of ancient myths about forbidden knowledge. It challenges the dangerous idea that we can outsource truth to a machine and offers a fresh perspective on why humility and embracing uncertainty are the only path to true progress.

We’ve always dreamed of time travel, of going back to fix mistakes or peek into the future. But what if the journey isn’t through a DeLorean, but within ourselves? This talk redefines time travel not as a physical feat, but as a journey through our subjective experience. Based on insights from science, psychology, and the latest in AI, it provides a blueprint for an “AI-Powered Time Machine” that helps us navigate the past, understand the present, and shape a better future. It’s a compelling look at how to master your relationship with time and why the most powerful “time machine” you’ll ever need is the one you already have.

Artificial intelligence is often framed as a neutral, unbiased tool, a path toward a more equitable future. But the data tells a different story. This talk reveals a shocking truth: as AI becomes more pervasive, women’s rights are silently declining. By tracing the historical roots of misogyny in technology and culture, it exposes how today’s algorithms are not just perpetuating but actively weaponizing patriarchal systems. This is a bold and unsparing look at the invisible forces at play and a powerful message about how we can build a new paradigm for technology – one rooted in collaboration and genuine human connection.