Maurice Conti is among the architects of the cutting-edge emerging technologies that are evolving humanity and the world around us: Artificial Intelligence, immersive reality (AR/VR/XR), advanced robotics and manufacturing, and technology for sustainability. He is a rare blend of hands–on practitioner and big thinker.

He is a sought-after and trusted advisor to the leadership teams of global companies, including Amazon Web Services, Lululemon, Mercedes AMG, NielsenIQ, Ralph Lauren, and Blackline Systems, on how to think about and deploy AI for the benefit of people and business. Working at the intersection of disruptive innovation, emerging technologies, and the future of work, cities, mobility, and climate, Conti is a vocal champion for the creation of technologies whose foundations are rooted in positive, human-centered purpose.

Conti takes audiences on a provocative and illuminating deep dive into how technology is changing the ways we live, work, and conduct business. He offers future-focused insights and actionable strategies to help organizations across industries understand what’s coming in the future, why it matters for them, and how to prepare for, and thrive, in this unprecedented era of disruption and transformation. More than 12 million people have watched his popular TED talks, and his engaging speaking style, deep subject-matter expertise, and relatable insights are based on decades of work “in the trenches” with leading brands, including Nike, Tesla, Disney, Amazon, Airbus, and Ford.

Previously, Conti served as the chief innovation officer at Alpha, a long-term innovation organization created by Telefonica to conceptualize and carry out breakthrough moonshot projects. Before that, he was the director of applied research and innovation at Autodesk, where he led new product ideation, prototyping, and development. Among his expansive portfolio of innovative impact, he and his teams built and improved upon various AI, robotics, and fully immersive virtual reality products, and he also owns various patents in these areas. His teams also developed moonshots in clean energy, education, sustainability, food, and cybernetics. Conti’s outstanding track record for building unusually diverse, high-performing, risk-taking teams and leading them to impactful, large-scale results precedes him. He focuses on fostering a culture of trust, daring, and pride in exceptional performance — an approach he has fine-tuned from his experiences working in design teams and collaborating with global organizations on pushing successful disruptive innovation projects to reality.

In addition to his standing at the forefront of tech and innovation, Conti is an explorer of geographies and cultures. He has sailed around the globe once and has been halfway around twice. In 2009, he was awarded the Medal for Exceptional Bravery at Sea by the United Nations, the New Zealand Bravery Medal, and a U.S. Coast Guard Citation for Bravery for risking his own life to save three shipwrecked sailors.

With visions of a world where humans and machines are empowered to work together to solve business and society’s most pressing challenges, Conti continues to help organizations bring to life a positive, successful, and sustainable future.