Speaking
Rahaf turns the latest research into actionable insights that are easy to understand, entertaining, and practical.
NEW 2024 Keynote Topics
Innovating at AI Speed: The Role of Generative Tech in Shaping Tomorrow
Gen AI. Innovation. Creative Processes. Learning & Development. Human-AI Collaboration. Future of Work. Emerging Technology. Human Capital.
A New Innovation Frontier
The advent of generative AI has ushered in a transformative era for innovation, fundamentally altering how we conceive, create, and collaborate.
As these emerging technologies become increasingly sophisticated, businesses and creators are faced with both unprecedented opportunities and ethical dilemmas. The ability of AI to generate content, solve complex problems, and enhance human creativity has the potential to revolutionize industries. However, this also raises questions about originality, authenticity, and the future role of human creativity in the digital age.
Rahaf navigates these complexities, shedding light on the delicate balance between leveraging AI for innovation and maintaining the integrity of human-centric creation. Pushing past the hype to delve into the business models, consumer behaviors, and strategic insights that are underpinning this technological revolution, she highlights successful case studies and emerging trends to provide actionable insights for organizations looking to harness the power of AI while navigating its potential pitfalls.
Audiences will gain a comprehensive understanding of the transformative potential of generative AI, equipped with the knowledge to navigate its challenges and capitalize on its opportunities. By the end of the keynote, participants will be better positioned to lead their organizations into a future where AI and human creativity coalesce to redefine innovation.
Audience:
Companies seeking to leverage new technology for competitive advantage.
Leaders who want to integrate GenAI into their innovation culture.
Executives who want to understand how these tools will change transform their business and their industry.
Embracing the Storm: Anti-Fragility Leadership in Disruptive Times
Disruption. Agile Leadership. Digital Literacy. Trends. Psychology. Ethics. Competitive Differentiation. Transformation. Change Management. Innovation. Embrace Discomfort.
Transform Volatility into Strategic Advantage
Today’s leaders face the challenge of not just surviving, but thriving amidst disruption, a difficult feat when digital culture and technology are constantly reshaping leadership best-practices.
To be anti-fragile in this context means to possess the ability to not only absorb shocks but to also use these disruptions as fuel for growth and innovation. Leaders must cultivate a deep understanding of digital culture, trends in technology, and the impact of these forces on their organizations and industries. This requires a shift towards a leadership style that is dynamic, responsive, and adept at leveraging the insights and opportunities afforded by the digital age.
In this keynote, Rahaf delves into the concept of anti-fragility from a digital culture and technology perspective, illustrating how leaders can navigate change, foster innovation, and build an organization that is capable of quickly acting on the opportunities presented by technological disruption.
Attendees will emerge with a comprehensive understanding of anti-fragile leadership within the realm of digital culture and technology, equipped with actionable strategies to embrace an organizational culture that not only withstands the challenges of the digital age but also uses them as a springboard for innovation and sustained success.
Audience:
Leaders interested in the intersection of technology, culture, and leadership seeking to understand how digital trends impact organizational dynamics.
Teams that want strategies to leverage technological change for growth.
Companies that want to foster a culture of innovation, who are keen to adopt anti-fragile practices in the face of disruption.
“Had such great feedback on what you had to say; the partners really enjoyed it a took a lot away from your point of view.”
— Christopher Dulny, Chief Innovation Officer & Partner, PwC
“You really set the tone of the day. I don’t think I ever received so many positive feedback about a speaker at one of our events.”
— Edouard Braud, Head of Media Partnerships, Southern Europe, Facebook
Unleashing Potential: Talent Management in a Post-Resilient Future
Talent. Hiring. Development. Skills Gap. Up-skilling. Training. Talent Management. Culture. Innovation. Well-Being. Performance.
Finding and Keeping The Best Talent
In the post-resilient landscape where adaptability and agility define organizational success, attracting and retaining top talent has become a nuanced challenge. This keynote focuses on the strategies for keeping employees motivated, engaged, and continuously learning in an era where the pace of technological change is relentless. Organizations must not only integrate new tools and technologies but also cultivate an environment that supports upskilling, lifelong learning, and the psychological well-being of their workforce.
As digital workspaces become the norm, leaders are tasked with creating a culture that values innovation, adaptability, and the human element of technology. The focus shifts towards developing strategies that not only attract skilled professionals but also inspire them to grow, innovate, and remain engaged with the organization's mission.
Rahaf outlines actionable steps for organizations to enhance their talent management practices in the digital age. Through practical examples and case studies, she illustrates how integrating technology with a deep understanding of digital culture can lead to a more satisfied, productive, and innovative workforce.
Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the critical role technology and digital culture play in talent management. Rahaf's insights will equip leaders with strategies to keep their workforce motivated, engaged, and continuously evolving, ensuring their organizations can thrive in a post-resilient world.
Audience:
Professionals charged with developing and implementing talent management strategies in the digital era.
Leaders that want to understand the next generation of talent.
Companies that want to integrate a culture of continuous learning and address existing skill gaps.
Organizations who want to enhance productivity and engagement.
Digital Zen: Mastering Well-Being in a Constantly Connected World
Distractions. Burnout. Doom Scrolling. Focus. Mental Health. Information Overload. Mindful Tech Use.
Reclaiming Focus Has Become a Survival Imperative.
There is a strange paradox of digital connectivity: while designed to enhance productivity and social engagement, it often leads to increased stress, information burnout, and a decline in mental well-being. Workers find themselves navigating a deluge of digital information, struggling to maintain focus amidst constant interruptions, and grappling with the implications of an overly connected lifestyle. The resultant digital fatigue and team misunderstandings highlight the need for a critical reevaluation of our digital habits and the cultivation of practices that support digital well-being.
This keynote addresses the impact of digital labor intensification and the psychological effects of doom scrolling and dopamine-driven interactions on our ability to focus, engage in deep work, and maintain mental health. Rahaf explores strategies for individuals and organizations to mitigate these challenges, promoting a healthier, more balanced approach to digital engagement.
Rahaf offers actionable insights for organizations to support their employees' digital well-being, including the implementation of policies that reduce digital overload, encourage digital detoxes, and foster environments conducive to focused work.
Participants will leave with practical solutions for managing digital distractions, promoting mental health, and fostering a more mindful and productive digital culture within their organizations and personal lives.
Audience:
Those responsible for employee well-being programs, seeking to incorporate digital wellness strategies.
Leaders looking to reduce digital distractions and improve team efficiency and communication.
Anyone navigating the complexities of an overly connected life and looking to improve their digital well-being.
“Rahaf held our audience’s attention from first to last, delivered content that totally aligned with our objectives, and did it all in a way that was both informative and entertaining—just the right combination for great learning!”
- Dr. Larry Allums, Executive Director, The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture
Virtual Vibes: Crafting Cohesive Remote Culture
Hybrid. Remote Work. Team Engagement. Management. Psychological Safety. Inclusivity in Digital Spaces. Team Cohesion. Collaboration. Leadership.
Psychological Safety & Cohesion of Hybrid Teams
As hybrid and remote work models become the new normal, the challenge of cultivating a robust organizational digital culture is more critical than ever. Today’s leaders are tasked with the challenge of making geographically dispersed teams feel connected and engaged while establishing digital norms that promote transparency, empathy and inclusivity. These challenges require a deliberate approach to digital culture, emphasizing the importance of policies and practices where employees feel seen and heart, despite the physical distance that separate them.
Rahaf provides strategies for embedding positive digital culture within organizations, highlighting the role of communication, technology, and leadership in shaping an effective hybrid and remote work environment. She discusses creating digital spaces that encourage collaboration, modeling digital-first behaviors by leaders, and establishing frameworks to ensure online interactions are psychologically safe and respectful.
Participants will gain insights into fostering an inclusive, engaged, and psychologically safe digital work culture, ensuring remote and hybrid teams remain productive and connected.
Audience:
Leaders charged with evolving the culture and policies for hybrid and remote work success.
Team Managers of Distributed Teams seeking strategies to lead geographically dispersed teams effectively.
Companies Implementing technology solutions for remote collaboration and cultural cohesion.
Professionals focused on boosting satisfaction and retention in digital work environments.
From Data to Decisions: How AI, Algorithms, and Automations are Transforming Industries
Predictive Analytics. Privacy. Facial Recognition. Future of Work.
Who teaches a machine what’s right? Should we tax robots? What if my child’s best friend is a chat bot? What does an algorithm ethicist do? Do smart machines need therapy?
We are on the verge of one of the biggest technological disruptions our species has ever faced. As automation, algorithms, and artificial intelligence continue to advance at an exponential rate, technology is rewriting the rules of our society that have served us for decades.
In this talk, Rahaf explores what it means to be human in world where the features that differentiated us are now being replicated by machines. Google created an AI that started creating original works of art mere hours after it was programmed. A Japanese AI was a finalize in a prestigious literary competition. Financial companies are investing in algorithms that can do the work of teams of analyst in mere seconds.
Work is only the beginning. New technologies are redefining traditional friendships, and relationships. Research suggests that by 2050 robot sex will be more popular than it’s human counterpart. What do all of these changes mean for our notions of intimacy, monogamy, parenting, dating, and social interaction?
In this keynote, Rahaf dives into some of the ethical, cultural, and social questions that surround these technological advancements showing both the promise and peril of living in a constantly connected society.
Audience
Teams that want to use AI to improve their performance.
Organizations that want best practices and insights from a variety of industries.
Leaders that want a strategic framework to ensure they are accounting for biases, blindspots, and ethical considerations.
Unlocking the Promise of Digital Culture: How Online Worlds Shape Future Trends and Markets
Emerging Digital Markets. Online Communities. Fandoms. Misinformation. Social Media.
We’re now seeing the rise of the world’s first global digital culture—a place where ideas and cultures mix seamlessly, unrestricted by geography or borders.
We now enjoy new ways of coming together, forming geo-agnostic communities united by an Internet connection and a common interest.
In customizable talks, Rahaf covers the full scope of digital culture. She speaks on innovative cities: how digital culture allows us to connect, report problems, and create real-life benefits for all citizens. She describes how digital culture shapes our behavior and responses during times of crisis.
She explores how we might map intimacy and engagement across diverse digital communities. Moving from transparency and disruption in healthcare to digital leaks, cyber security, and social media activism in the world of politics, or from real-world risks and rewards of having an ‘e-identity’ to the potential for digital culture to revolutionize education, Rahaf is our plugged-in guide to how emerging technology is re-writing the rules of culture, and power.
Recent Custom Talks:
How are platforms like TikTok changing communities, education, and connection?
Can Memes be used as tools of war?
What can video games teach us about emerging digital asset classes?
How does the Internet change the way we tell stories?
Leveraging the Potential of Online Communities.
“Fascinating and life changing talk. I look forward to reading the book.”
— Nithya Ruff, Executive Director, Open Source Program Office, Comcast & Chair of the Linux Foundation
“I keep getting unsolicited emails from employees who attended, appreciating your appearance and awesome discussion.”
— Massimo Rapparini, Chief Information Officer, Head of Customer Experience, Head of Workplace Services, Logitech
WHEN YOU BOOK RAHAF YOU GET:
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Tailor-Made Content
Whether it’s 20 CEOs or 2000 industry professionals, Rahaf’s keynotes feature highly customizable case-studies, data, and research to ensure maximum relevancy for your event.
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Accessible. Data-packed. Entertaining.
Rahaf specializes in translating the latest research into compelling stories that capture your audiences attention from the very first slide. She makes emerging trends funny, relatable, and informative.
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Actionable Recommendations.
Rahaf’s keynotes are full of practical best-practices, tips, and tools that audiences can put into practice right away. Most importantly, they’ll feel empowered and inspired to take action.
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A Stress-Free Speaker Experience.
Rahaf is an easy-going speaker who can adapt to changing conditions easily.
Plus -she’s nice. She’s there to make your life easier.
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Flexible Formats & Virtual Ready
In addition to keynotes, workshops and panels, Rahaf is a skilled moderator, Master of Ceremonies, interviewer and facilitator. Rahaf has a professional-grade studio in her home and can provide a 4k experience for remote events.
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A Long-Term Relationship
Clients that work with Rahaf hire her for multiple events as keynote topics change every year. Rahaf also provides bonuses including discounts for multiple events, additional promotional media, and complimentary add-ons like VIP dinners/breakfasts, a strategic advisory session, or a private Q&A with your team.
Available Formats
Standard Keynotes are just the beginning! Rahaf also provides round table & panel participation, fire-side chat, moderation services and more.
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A 90 minute keynote with interactive elements built in, for audiences that want a more advanced deep-dive.
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A concise 20-minute keynote by Rahaf, followed by a 90-minute facilitated discussion.
This format encourages participants to engage in breakout conversations with one another, making it an ideal choice for team-building and collaborative learning environments.
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This complements any standard keynote with Rahaf by incorporating an additional hour-long interactive workshop.
This session is designed to guide participants through practical exercises, enabling them to immediately apply the insights and strategies discussed in the keynote to their own contexts.
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A 2-4 hour immersive, personalized, and interactive experience, focusing on a topic of choice, facilitated by Rahaf.
Participants will engage in hands-on activities, utilize workbooks, and participate in exercises designed to deepen their understanding and application of the subject matter.
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A comprehensive virtual learning experience that begins with a 10-minute overview, followed by a 2-hour interactive workshop led by Rahaf.
This session includes virtual breakout rooms for small group discussions, a moderated discussion to explore topics in depth, and interactive polls to engage participants and gather real-time feedback.
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Clients can add an extra 60 minutes of questioning or informal discussion to any keynote session with Rahaf.
This addition provides a deeper dive into topics covered during the keynote, allowing for more personalized interaction and clarification on key points of interest.
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Clients who book an in-person keynote with Rahaf can schedule a discounted subsequent virtual session a few weeks or months later.
This session provides an opportunity to ask additional questions, receive further insights, and discuss the implementation process and its outcomes in greater detail.
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Book signings, VIP networking events, and sponsor meetings can be added as bespoke enhancements to any speaking engagement or workshop with Rahaf.
These add-ons offer unique opportunities for deeper engagement, personalized interactions, and strategic networking, enriching the overall event experience for attendees and sponsors alike.
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A tailored, on-request overview of the latest legislation, critical issues, emerging technologies, and major events relevant to your field.
Designed to equip decision-makers with comprehensive and up-to-date information, this service ensures you have the knowledge needed to make informed decisions with confidence.
This Year’s Research Focus:
My research for the upcoming year aims to shed light on the multifaceted impacts of digital culture on our professional and personal lives. From the evolution of work environments to the intricate dynamics of online communities, the scope of investigation is both broad and deeply interconnected. The following key areas represent the core of my focus, each chosen for its critical relevance to understanding and harnessing the opportunities and challenges presented by digital innovation. These topics not only reflect the current digital zeitgeist but also anticipate the future landscape of work, governance, and societal well-being in the digital age.
Impact of Digital Culture on Work: Exploring how pervasive digital culture, including the normalization of hybrid and remote work, is reshaping organizational culture.
Leadership in Digitally Decentralized Teams: Identifying the new skillsets required for managers to lead effectively in a digital environment.
Generative AI and Knowledge Work: Investigating the impact of Generative AI on creative human labor, the future of jobs, and the importance of deep knowledge expertise.
Digital Well-Being: Assessing the effects of dopamine, distractions, doom-scrolling, and non-stop connectivity on innovation, focus, and performance.
Spatial Computing: Delving into the cultural, physiological, and strategic implications of VR technology on work and personal life.
Financial Models of Tech Platforms: Analyzing the financial structures that support tech platforms, focusing on how these models influence innovation, competition, and the overall dynamics within digital markets.
Digital Culture Phenomena: Analyzing meme culture, disinformation, misinformation, fandoms, online communities, and para-social relationships.
AI Policy and Global Governance: Examining the need for global governance, digital treaties, and diplomacy in managing the implications of AI and digital technologies on society and international relations.
Embodied Tech: Researching new skills to counteract the impacts of digital life and promote mental and physical well-being.
Anti-Fragility in Leadership: Advocating for leadership strategies that embrace anti-fragility in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, highlighting the need for skills to navigate disruption and unpredictable market events.
Personal and Mindset Development: Focusing on the importance of personal growth and mindset evolution in the digital age, exploring strategies for individuals to cultivate resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset amid rapid technological and societal changes.
Booking Bonuses
All engagements come with the following benefits:
Briefing call to discuss learning objectives, logistics, etc.
Promotion of your event on Rahaf’s social media channels, including one short video.
Post about speech topic (700 word max) for your newsletter, blog of website. See examples here and here.
Attending one VIP cocktail, breakfast, or dinner.
Interaction with event attendees for 24 hours after the event on social media.
Discount for booking additional services such as moderation, workshops, or panels.
Discounts on bulk-purchases of Rahaf’s book.
Other Services
Rahaf also provides panel moderation, round table hosting, facilitation, and Master of Ceremony services as either stand-alone or add-ons to existing events.
FAQs
Will the content be relevant to my event?
Yes, Rahaf’s keynotes can be customized for level of familiarity with the topic, and include research and case studies that are specific to the industry, function, and seniority of attendees.
Some clients want in-depth detailed insights into specific trends, while others prefer a more generalized bird’s eye view. The choice is yours.
Do you present to specific functions?
You bet. I’ve worked with HR, L&D, Marketing, Strategy, Communications, Recruiting, IT, C-Suite, and board-level groups.
I have a custom request, can you do it?
Yes, as long as it falls within Rahaf’s wheelhouse of expertise. She loves collaborating with clients to create a custom keynote.
If she doesn’t feel like I’m the right fit for the job, I’ll let you know and recommend some excellent fellow speakers.
Will you sign an NDA?
Of course. Rahaf works with several clients where confidentiality is key. She will treat your information with the utmost respect.
Can you customize for my industry?
Yes. Rahaf has presented insights tailored for specific industries including insurance, legal, finance, retail, agriculture, technology, dentistry, SMEs, start-ups, education & higher learning, universities, unions, politics, and various professional associations. Some clients prefer non-industry specific examples, so see what’s happening in other sectors.
What kind of events do you speak at?
Whether its an industry-wide conference with 1500 attendees, an internal company event for 150 people, a team workshop with 15 people, or an executive briefing with 5 people — Rahaf’s done it all!
Still have questions?
Let’s chat about your event.