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AI revolution

The developments around AI are happening at breakneck speed. The next step, generative AI, is going through organisations like a shockwave, with major consequences for jobs, departments, organisations, and even entire sectors. It all started with ChatGPT and Copilot, but what will be the next step and how do you prepare for it?
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The next step in the AI revolution: from assistance to autonomy

AI is developing at a breathtaking pace – and the next phase is set to send shockwaves through organisations everywhere. In addition to being able to generate text and images, AI is now also gaining sensory capabilities and entering the physical world. This shift will have profound implications for jobs, industries, and the way we work. What began with conversational AI like ChatGPT has evolved into something far more complex: a tool that can not only answer questions and offer advice but also make decisions and act on its own.

We’re leaving behind the era of simply chatting with a bot. AI is moving into workflows, taking on tasks, and coordinating work across finance, sales, and logistics. The line between human and machine work is blurring as AI systems grow more capable of understanding context and operating independently. So, how do you prepare for this new reality? This keynote is tailored to your organisation or event, so you leave knowing exactly how to take the next step.

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Topics covered

AI with senses: a more human understanding of the world

AI with senses: a more human understanding of the world

What is the current state of AI? We’re moving beyond Large Language Models (LLMs) towards multimodal systems that can see, hear, speak, and act. Through inspiring examples, we demonstrate how AI systems perceive and interpret what’s happening around them - evolving from a simple, screen-based tool into a capability embedded across the organisation.

Embodied intelligence: AI’s physical form

Embodied intelligence: AI’s physical form

This is the year AI breaks free from the screen and enters the physical world. We discuss the rise of 'Physical AI' and explore robots that can learn from their surroundings and adapt over time rather than relying only on rigid programming. Whether in distribution centres, hospitals, or on the shop floor, machines are becoming our teachable colleagues. But make no mistake about it: it’s not about the hardware - it’s about the intelligence that resides within it.

Agentic AI: from conversation to execution

Agentic AI: from conversation to execution

AI agents are now moving from isolated experiments and demos to full-scale deployment. It’s a major operational shift, where AI agents plan, act, and coordinate entire workflows across HR, procurement, and support. We demonstrate how organisations are building internal 'agent workforces' that work alongside humans. In this model, the human role shifts to that of a supervisor, the 'human-in-the-loop' who sets direction, provides oversight, and steps in when human judgment is required.

AI is becoming a specialist in every sector and field of expertise.

AI is becoming a specialist in every sector and field of expertise.

Entire industries and fields of expertise are being reshaped by the rise of specialised models. We’re seeing a shift from general-purpose tools toward systems trained on the language, workflows, and knowledge of specific sectors, organisations, and departments. Whether it’s legal precision, medical diagnostics, or technical workflows, AI is now increasingly able to perform in specialist contexts. We share inspiring examples from across industries to show how domain-specific AI is unlocking new levels of precision, speed, and innovation.

The new economic and political reality

The new economic and political reality

AI is set to be a major driver of economic growth, but policy and governance are struggling to keep pace with the speed of change. As the ability to build smart tools spreads, power is shifting from a small group of experts to the broader workforce. While this opens enormous opportunities, it’s also making it increasingly difficult for governments to maintain control. So what should leaders do? We discuss how to stay ahead in a world where AI dramatically expands what individuals and organisations can achieve, and where safety and transparency have become the new battlegrounds.

Ethics and safety

Ethics and safety

In this keynote, we’ll look at potential bumps in the road, discuss important issues like ethics and doing the right thing, and try to weigh the 'wow' and 'oops' aspects of AI. We’ll talk about safety nets, think about regulation, and discuss how to keep AI on the straight and narrow. With the right approach, we can make sure AI works for us, not against us, and hopefully avoid potential problems.

Personal AI as a digital operating system

Personal AI as a digital operating system

Personal AI is becoming an invisible ambient layer that stretches across our private and professional lives. Your assistant now follows you across devices - from laptop and phone to wearables and the boardroom - helping coordinate tasks and support day-to-day decisions. It’s a constant presence, one that knows exactly who you are, what you’re working on, and what you need at all times, so you never have to start over or re-explain yourself again.

‘Shadow-agents’, security, and ethics

‘Shadow-agents’, security, and ethics

With powerful AI also come significant risks and challenges, from multimodal deepfakes to ‘shadow agents’ operating quietly across systems and workflows. In this keynote, we balance the wow factor of the new capabilities with the real-world consequences that may arise from improper or malicious use of AI. We also discuss safeguards, regulations, and what it takes to keep AI under control. With the right controls and a zero-trust mindset, AI can become an advantage, not a vulnerability - and we can show you how.

The transformation of work

The transformation of work

AI isn’t simply eliminating jobs - it’s transforming them. People increasingly act as ‘AI conductors’, focusing on directing smart systems instead of doing every task by hand. To remain relevant in this new reality, we won’t need to work harder but learn how to collaborate with AI. That requires figuring out when to lead, when to delegate, and when to just get out of the way.

The AI organisation of the future

The AI organisation of the future

Understanding the technology is only the first step; the real challenge is structuring your organisation around it. How do you close the 'velocity gap' and stop legacy systems from suffocating innovation? For those who want to explore further how to redesign their teams, leadership style, and decision-making processes, we offer a specialised deep-dive session: The AI-first organisation. Learn how to build a smart organisation designed for continuous iteration - always learning, always improving, always in a state of ‘permanent beta’.

The lecture can be customized based on the needs of departments within your organization or sectors that are relevant.

Departements

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Why choose Richard as a speaker?

Inspirerende-spreker

Inspiring Keynote Speaker

For over 10 years, Richard has been a highly sought-after speaker for renowned global organizations and is among the top international speakers. He is also the founder of the future intelligence agency, Trendforce.one

Mindset

Mindset

His passion is to inject a fresh new mindset that helps individuals and organizations understand, embrace, and explore the world of tomorrow.

Publicaties

Publications

Through his future intelligence blog, he shares new insights weekly about the future, inspiring trends, and the latest developments. There are over 2000 articles and more than 60 books and e-books available.

More than 400 brands enjoy working with Richard

Richard van Hooijdonk

Trendwatcher, futurist and international keynote speaker Richard van Hooijdonk takes you to an inspiring future that will dramatically change the way we live, work and do business.

As a futurist, keynotespeaker and trendwatcher, Richard van Hooijdonk is an authority on new technology. He has several Chip-implants, because he wants to physically experience the future. His inspiration sessions have been attended by over 600,000 people. Richard is a regular guest at radio and television programs.

With his international research team, he researches many trends in the field of artificial intelligence & generative AI, robotics, drones, self-driving systems, 3D & 4D printing, sensors, blockchain, quantum computing, neurotech, biotech, platforms and augmented & virtual reality. Combined with artificial intelligence, these technologies offer groundbreaking opportunities, but also lead to challenges and threats for people, organisations and governments.

Interested in a lecture?

Are you interested in booking a lecture for your event or would you like more information? Lectures are available from EUR 3,500.00.

Complete the form and Richard will contact you as soon as possible. You can also call +31 6 41 33 00 00

AI for sectors

AI for organisations

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Generic talks

Industry talks

AI for sectors

AI for organisations