Helping Leaders Understand What AI Means for Research, Professional Work and the Future of Organisations
Artificial intelligence is changing far more than technology. It is reshaping how organisations operate, how professional expertise creates value and how leaders make decisions.
My presentations move beyond demonstrations of AI tools and discussions of productivity. Instead, they explore the wider organisational, professional and human implications of AI, helping audiences understand not only what is changing, but why it matters.
Drawing on more than a decade of experience in research operations, research funding and higher education, together with insights from a global network of research professionals, I offer practical, evidence-informed perspectives that help organisations think more clearly about the future.
Speaking Engagements
1 — Keynote Presentations
Inspiring audiences to think differently about AI and the future of professional work.
Ideal for conferences, leadership events and professional associations.
Each keynote combines practical examples with strategic insight, helping audiences understand how AI is changing research, knowledge work and organisational decision-making.
Audiences leave with:
- a clearer understanding of the opportunities and challenges created by AI
- practical insights drawn from real organisational experience
- a deeper appreciation of the continuing importance of human judgement and expertise
- new questions and perspectives to take back to their own organisations.
Available in person or online.
2 — Executive Briefings
Supporting leadership teams as they navigate AI.
Designed for boards, executive groups and senior leadership teams seeking an informed and independent perspective on AI.
Topics may include:
- the evolving AI landscape
- implications for research and professional services
- leadership and organisational readiness
- governance and responsible use
- workforce capability
- AI agents and emerging technologies
- strategic questions leaders should be asking.
These briefings combine a structured presentation with facilitated discussion, enabling leadership teams to explore opportunities and challenges together.
3 — In-House Talks & Masterclasses
Helping organisations build understanding, confidence and informed discussion.
Interactive sessions designed for professional teams, leadership programmes and organisational development.
Sessions may include:
- practical examples from across the research sector
- emerging trends
- facilitated discussion
- audience questions
- reflective exercises
- practical principles that participants can apply in their own context.
These sessions focus on developing understanding rather than providing organisation-specific consultancy or implementation advice.
Popular Speaking Topics
Beyond Efficiency: Rethinking Professional Work in the AI Era
AI is often presented as a way to work faster. This keynote explores a more fundamental question: how should professional work evolve when AI increasingly performs routine cognitive tasks?
From AI Experiments to Organisational Readiness
Many organisations are experimenting with AI but remain uncertain about what meaningful progress looks like. This session explores the organisational capabilities, leadership and governance needed to move beyond isolated experiments.
When AI Does More of the Work, What Becomes More Valuable About People?
As AI performs more analytical and administrative tasks, uniquely human capabilities become increasingly important. This presentation explores judgement, creativity, relationships, ethics and professional responsibility in the age of AI.
AI Agents: What Leaders Need to Know
AI agents represent a significant step beyond generative AI. This session explains what they are, how they differ from today’s AI tools and the opportunities and governance questions they raise for organisations.
The Future of Research Operations in the Age of AI
Drawing on international perspectives and practical experience across research organisations, this presentation explores how AI is reshaping research support, professional services and institutional capability.
Speaking or Advisory?
Choose a speaking engagement when you want to:
- inspire and inform an audience
- introduce new ideas
- build shared understanding
- encourage strategic discussion
- support professional learning
Choose advisory services when your organisation requires independent strategic advice tailored to its own priorities, leadership questions or organisational context.
If you are unsure which format is most appropriate, I would be happy to discuss your objectives and recommend the best approach.
Available Formats
I am available for:
- keynote presentations
- conference sessions
- executive briefings
- leadership programmes
- professional masterclasses
- panel discussions
- moderated conversations
- webinars
- podcasts.
Sessions can be delivered in person or online and adapted to the audience’s sector, responsibilities and level of AI experience.
Selected Engagements
I have spoken at conferences, leadership events and professional programmes across the UK and internationally, including engagements with:
- Universities UK
- ARMA
- INORMS
- universities, research organisations and professional associations.
My work has also been featured in Research Professional News, ARMA Insights, scientifyRESEARCH and the LSE Impact Blog.
Alongside my professional role, I founded AIRON – the AI in Research Operations Network and serve as Chair of the ARMA Artificial Intelligence Working Group. These roles provide a broad perspective on how organisations across the research sector are responding to AI.
The views expressed in my speaking engagements are my own and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or any organisations with which I am affiliated.
Invite Anna to Speak
If you are planning a conference, leadership programme, professional event or organisational learning session exploring AI and the future of research or professional work, I would be delighted to discuss how I can contribute.
Please get in touch with details of your audience, objectives and proposed date.