Biography

Book Cassie Kozyrkov through the Keynote Curators.

Cassie Kozyrkov, CEO of Kozyr, is a renowned leader in artificial intelligence. She is best known for founding the field of Decision Intelligence and serving as Google’s first Chief Decision Scientist, where she spearheaded Google’s transformation into an AI-first company.  

Today, Cassie is a sought-after AI advisor and speaker who has transformed how organizations like Gucci, NASA, Spotify, Meta, and GSK approach AI strategy. Passionate about elevating human potential through the responsible adoption of complex technology, she also serves on the Innovation Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and an investor in emerging product companies.

Cassie Kozyrkov’s influence on Google’s culture is legendary; no matter how big the auditorium, Google had to use lotteries to manage the demand to participate in one of her live workshops. Her work, which included personally training over 20,000 Googlers in AI and data-driven decision-making, impacted more than 500 company initiatives.

Combining deep technical knowledge with theater-trained charisma, Cassie is a captivating keynote speaker with the rare ability to make complex concepts accessible, engaging, and actionable for executive and general audiences alike. Her humor, wit, and vivid analogies ensure that people of all stripes leave her talks inspired and equipped to drive innovation. Cassie has delighted live audiences in more than 40 countries and on all seven continents, including stages at the United Nations, World Economic Forum, Web Summit, and SXSW.

Cassie Kozyrkov has appeared on the cover of Forbes AI and featured in Harvard Business Review, Fortune, Fast Company, WIRED, Success, Entrepreneur, as well as a recent documentary on the AI revolution. Her online courses and more than 200+ published articles have reached millions and cemented her position as a LinkedIn Top Voice and the #1 Writer in AI on Medium for many years. She is followed by more than 24,000 CxOs.

Hailing from South Africa, Cassie began her undergraduate studies at the age of 15 at Nelson Mandela University and earned degrees in economics, mathematical statistics, psychology and neuroscience from the University of Chicago, NCSU, and Duke University, which honored her as a Few-Glasson Distinguished Alumna for her significant contributions to the fields of AI and Decision Intelligence.

Contact us for Cassie Kozyrkov’s fees and availability.

Read More

Videos

Request Availability

Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

The Future is AI-First: Are You Ready to Lead?

Abstract: Leading a business through the AI revolution demands vision and bold action. Cassie Kozyrkov, the architect of Google's AI-first transformation, challenges leaders to rethink what it means to lead in the AI era. She shares innovative strategies for embedding AI into the fabric of your company, transforming not just how you work but what you can achieve. Attendees will walk away with a clear roadmap to becoming leaders in AI-driven innovation, equipped to outpace the competition and thrive in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

Audience Takeaways:
- Understand the principles of an AI-first organization.
- Learn strategies to embed AI into your company's culture.
- Transform your leadership approach for the AI era.
- Gain insights to outpace competitors through AI-driven innovation.
- Prepare your organization for sustained success in the AI future.

AI Won’t Steal Your Job, But It Will Steal Your Excuses

Abstract: Contrary to popular fears, AI won’t be the doom of humanity—but once AI starts handling repetitive tasks, you’ll have to face something even scarier: the chance to do truly impactful work. This session challenges you to drop the excuses, step up your game, and seize the creative freedom AI offers by taking drudgery off your plate. The best defense against job automation isn’t hiding from AI—it’s taking charge of it. Find out how embracing and leading AI initiatives can secure your role, build your influence, and allow you to thrive in the rapidly evolving future of work.

Audience Takeaways:
- Understand how AI can enhance rather than threaten your career.
- Overcome resistance to change and embrace technological advancements.
- Learn strategies to leverage AI for personal and organizational growth.
- Discover how to focus on meaningful, impactful work by automating the mundane.
- Become a proactive leader in the AI-driven future of work.

Why Businesses Fail at AI Adoption: From Buzzwords to Business Strategy

Abstract: Artificial intelligence is no longer science fiction, yet many businesses fail to harness its potential at scale. In this insightful talk, Cassie Kozyrkov strips away the jargon to explore what's easy, what's hard, and how to spot genuine opportunities to improve your business with AI. She delves into why organizations struggle, uncovers the two biggest threats in the field, and discusses what this means for the future of work. Discover the secrets to successful AI innovation and learn how to avoid common pitfalls, unlocking AI's true potential for your organization. Get ready to turn today’s hype into tomorrow’s growth.

Audience Takeaways:
- Identify common reasons businesses fail with AI initiatives.
- Understand practical challenges and opportunities in AI adoption.
- Learn strategies to successfully integrate AI into your business.
- Recognize and mitigate the biggest threats in AI implementation.
- Prepare your organization for the future of work with AI.

Mind The Gap: Digital Trust Habits For The AI Era

Abstract: As AI advances rapidly, a trust gap emerges between its capabilities and our understanding. In this compelling keynote, Cassie Kozyrkov explores how you can navigate this gap. By sharing the story of one of history's most ironic hoaxes, she illustrates why even the savviest among us can be misled and how to prevent it. Drawing from historical and modern examples, she reveals how understanding AI's strengths and limitations empowers you to navigate tomorrow’s world. You will gain actionable strategies to build tech fluency, foster skepticism, and ensure AI empowers rather than misleads, building new digital trust habits to guide you confidently into the future.

Audience Takeaways:
- Understand the implications of the AI trust gap.
- Learn how to foster tech fluency and critical skepticism.
- Gain strategies to innovate responsibly with AI.
- Build trust within your organization and with stakeholders.
- Navigate rapid technological evolution confidently and ethically.

How to Upgrade Your Decision-Making... Instantly

Abstract: Your life outcomes boil down to two things: luck and the quality of your decisions, making decision-making crucial. Yet society often neglects it as a skill to develop. In this empowering talk, Cassie Kozyrkov reveals how outcome bias and confirmation bias prevent us from learning the right lessons and making better choices. She demonstrates how tolerating these biases institutionalizes complacency and hinders progress. The good news? You can overcome them instantly by asking the most powerful question: "What would it take to change your mind?" Walk away with practical strategies to eliminate excuses, confront your biases, and elevate your decision-making immediately.

Winning with AI: Embrace Change and Leapfrog the Competition

Abstract: Entering the AI arena can be daunting, but with the right strategy, it can propel your organization ahead of the competition. In this keynote, Cassie Kozyrkov reveals how to build a winning AI approach by identifying key opportunities, scaling solutions, and fostering a culture that embraces change. Learn to assess your organization's readiness, prioritize high-impact projects, and overcome technical and cultural challenges that derail initiatives. Through practical insights and actionable steps, you'll be empowered to lead your team confidently through AI transformations—leveraging AI to innovate, optimize operations, and gain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.

Audience Takeaways:
- Build a strategic approach to AI integration.
- Assess and enhance your organization's AI readiness.
- Prioritize and scale high-impact AI projects effectively.
- Overcome common technical and cultural challenges.
- Leverage AI to innovate and outperform competitors.

The Cognitive Advantage: Why Great Leaders Will Thrive in the AI Era

Abstract: As AI becomes more powerful, the real competitive advantage isn't in the technology—it's in the human mind. Cassie Kozyrkov, who spearheaded Google's AI-first transformation, inspires you to embrace the one thing AI can't replace: human judgment. In this engaging keynote, she challenges leaders to rethink their role in a world where AI delivers perfect answers in seconds. Cassie equips you with mental agility and decision-making frameworks needed to stay ahead, focusing on how to harness AI's potential without falling into the trap of thoughtless automation. Get ready to think faster and lead smarter.

Audience Takeaways:
- Recognize the unique value of human judgment in the AI era.
- Develop mental agility and critical thinking skills.
- Learn decision-making frameworks to complement AI insights.
- Avoid the pitfalls of over-reliance on automation.
- Lead confidently and intelligently alongside AI advancements.

Ethics and AI Bias: How One-Track Thinking Could Derail Our Future

Abstract: AI and data science are shaping the future of technology and society, yet these fields struggle with a lack of diversity that threatens to limit their potential and fairness. In this compelling talk, Cassie Kozyrkov explores how our choice of language influences culture in data professions and why many tackle AI bias the wrong way. She examines the risks of homogeneous teams in AI development, arguing that diversity isn't just a "nice to have"—it's essential for building AI that serves everyone. Discover why you should be both worried and excited about humanity's AI future and learn how you can help ensure it’s bright for all.

Audience Takeaways:
- Understand the critical role diversity plays in AI development.
- Recognize how language shapes inclusivity in tech cultures.
- Learn why diverse perspectives are key to addressing AI bias.
- Gain actionable steps to promote diversity within AI teams.
- Realize how to contribute to an equitable and fair AI future.

Decision Intelligence Unleashed: Optimize Decisions at Scale

Abstract: In a world overflowing with data, decision-making becomes increasingly complex. Cassie Kozyrkov, the pioneer behind the field of Decision Intelligence, reveals how businesses can transform overwhelming information into strategic action. Decision Intelligence bridges the gap between data and effective decisions, turning insights into clear action plans at any scale. Cassie provides practical guidance on leveraging technology, processes, and people to optimize decisions, transform data into impact, and foster a data-driven culture. Elevate your organization's decision-making capabilities and unleash untapped business potential.

Audience Takeaways:
- Implement Decision Intelligence to enhance decision-making.
- Turn vast data into actionable strategies.
- Optimize decisions across all levels of your organization.
- Foster a data-driven culture for sustained success.

Testimonials

We were thrilled to have Cassie Kozyrkov as our keynote speaker at the Applied AI Nordics conference. Her ability to blend humor, charm, and deep insights into the world of AI not only captivated the audience but also sparked meaningful conversations about our collective future during the breaks. Cassie Kozyrkov's talk was definitely the highlight of the conference based on audience feedback.
– Dan Rose Johansen, Todai CEO & Founder, dan.rose@todai.ai, Applied AI Nordics 2024
Thank you for your keynote Cassie Kozyrkov at CoreLogic’s Intrconnect. Our clients absolutely loved it.
– John Rogers, Chief Innovation Officer, CoreLogic, john.rogers@corelogic.com, Intrconnect 2024
Recently, Cassie Kozykrov spoke to the CFO Leadership Council with a captivating discussion on GeneraRecently, Cassie Kozykrov spoke to the CFO Leadership Council with a captivating discussion on Generative AI, engaging over 200 finance chiefs. Right now, there's no denying that this topic is at the epicenter of challenges and opportunities CFOs and their teams face, and Cassie's delivery was eye-opening. What struck us wasn't just Cassie Kozyrkov undeniable prowess as a top-tier data scientist. It was her knack for distilling complex, often intimidating AI concepts into practical, digestible insights tailored for a financial audience that doesn't live in the tech weeds. Her eloquence in demystifying AI and framing it as a game-changer for competitive edge was a revelation. Seeking a speaker who can not only navigate but also illuminate the AI labyrinth for your team, turning what feels like science fiction into a business strategy? Look no further. Cassie Kozyrkov is your person. Her session isn't just a presentation; it's a lightbulb moment waiting to happen.
– Jack McCullough, Founder and President, CFO Leadership Council, CFO Leadership Council 2023
Loved Cassie Kozyrkov's presentation today at Franklin Templeton and so grateful to have you here. All our folks were inspired. I had about 100 more questions! Sincere thanks for being here.
– Barry Kruse, VP, Franklin Templeton Investments 2023
It was great discussing with Cassie Kozyrkov yesterday on Lenovo’s view on AI foundation models at our Tech World fireside.
– Dr. Yong Rui, Senior Vice President and Corporation CTO, Lenovo Group, Lenovo Tech World 23
Cassie Kozyrkov was very professional and great to work with on all details of her presentation. I appreciated how promptly we heard responses and feedback on travel and presentation details and she truly is an expert in all things AI! Loved her personality and kindness. She's great to work with!”
– Tiffany Milar, Senior Event Marketing Manager, tiffany.milar@pattern.com, Accelerate24

Booksby Cassie Kozyrkov

97 Things About Ethics Everyone in Data Science Should Know

Strategic Analytics

Blog Posts

Stop Feeling Overwhelmed: How To Finally Balance Work & Life

Learn how to balance work and life with practical tips on self-care, leadership, parenting, and personal growth from motivational keynote speaker Rashmi Airan.

Read More
https://thekeynotecurators.com/wp-content/themes/thekeynotecurators

Best Keynote Speakers on Mental Health in 2025

Planning a Meeting, Conference, or any Corporate event, and you are looking for the best keynote speakers on mental health? Here are top mental heal keynote speakers for you in 2025

Read More

AI Strategies Every Event Professional Needs with Greg Verdino

Discover keynote speaker Greg Verdino’s insights on how AI can revolutionize event planning, improve decision-making, and elevate human connections.

Read More

25 Keynote Speakers Shaping 2025: Why You Need Them and Why You Need Us

At The Keynote Curators, we don’t just curate keynote speakers; we create movements. Here’s a glimpse of the trailblazers who will shape the future of events:

Read More

How You Can Make Events Memorable & Impactful

Learn how to make events memorable and impactful with keynote speaker Jill Schlesinger’s insights on planning, storytelling, and connection.

Read More

Economic Trends to Stay Competitive in the Next 5 Years

Explore economic trends for the next five years with financial expert keynote speaker Andrew Busch’s insights on markets, technology, and strategic planning.

Read More

Related Speakers

Reviews & Ratings

Here's how toHit the mark with the perfect speaker!

1. Schedule a call

We’ll connect so we understand your needs to curate a selection of great speakers.

2. Book your speaker

We’ll manage all the details so you will be confident with your choice.

3. Wow your audience

Inform & educate your participants to ideas that transform their work & personal life.

Schedule a Call

Blog Posts

 

Stop Feeling Overwhelmed: How To Finally Balance Work & Life

Balancing work and life often feels like an impossible juggling act, doesn’t it? With endless...

Read More
https://thekeynotecurators.com/wp-content/themes/thekeynotecurators

Best Keynote Speakers on Mental Health in 2025

The Mental Health Crisis: A Wake-Up CallEye-Opening Truths About Mental Health, Mindfulness, and Well-Being Meet the...

Read More

AI Strategies Every Event Professional Needs with Greg Verdino

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved far beyond being a futuristic buzzword—it’s now a powerful tool...

Read More

25 Keynote Speakers Shaping 2025: Why You Need Them and Why You Need Us

Let’s face it: 2025 is not the year for mediocre speakers. It’s time to shake...

Read More

How You Can Make Events Memorable & Impactful

Creating memorable events isn’t just about logistics—it’s about crafting experiences that resonate with attendees, align...

Read More

Economic Trends to Stay Competitive in the Next 5 Years

What are the critical trends shaping the economy in the coming years? How can businesses...

Read More