Dr Catriona Wallace
Global Ethicist, AI and Metaverse Specialist, Entrepreneur, Investor and TV personality
A global ethicist, entrepreneur, and former Shark on Shark Tank Australia, recognised worldwide for her expertise in AI, the Metaverse, and responsible technology. Co-author of Checkmate Humanity, she advises governments and businesses globally, inspiring audiences with insight, authority, and bold ideas on the future of humanity and tech.
Quick Contact
Dr Catriona (Cat) Wallace is a global ethicist, entrepreneur, and Shark on Shark Tank Australia, with over 20 years at the intersection of technology and humanity. She is renowned for boldly addressing the ethics of AI, digital innovation, and the Metaverse, advising governments and businesses worldwide on responsible technology.
Cat co-authored Checkmate Humanity: The How and Why of Responsible AI and is recognised as a leading global commentator on AI and emerging tech. The Australian Financial Review names her one of the most influential women in business, while the UK’s Centre for Economic and Leadership Development lists her as a top Global Power Woman.
A mother, grandmother, Professor, and thought leader in the Psychedelic Renaissance, Cat has been a professional keynote speaker for over 15 years, inspiring audiences across the globe with insight, clarity, and authority.
Topics
AI and the Future of Humanity
With the release of Generative AI in November 2022, the world changed forever.
Technology’s intelligence and consciousness is advancing at a rate faster than humanity’s and we must now ask the following questions:
- Is AI technology useful, harmful or both?
- Who is guiding technology and its relationship to humanity?
- Where are we headed?
- Are we okay to passively continue with AI development knowing that it poses an existential risk, on par with nuclear war and pandemics?
- And … given there are no real laws or regulations that govern AI – what can we do?
Furthermore, just as we are getting our heads around this powerful AI technology, we are faced with the imminent arrival of Extended Reality, Metaverse and Quantum technologies.
In this important and highly topical keynote address, Dr Catriona Wallace will discuss: the current state of AI; humanity entering into the early stages of transhumanism; the power and invasiveness of AI and Metaverse worlds – the good and the bad; technology ethics and responsibility; and strategies for how we might direct technology for humanity’s good.
Key topics include:
- AI and the Metaverse – what are they? Good or bad?
- Technology vs human intelligence and consciousness
- The age of Transhumanism, the future of technology and humanity
- Development moratoriums & re-strategising technology for good
- Transformational leadership required for a fundamental shift in direction
- How to be an ethical leader and build responsible technology
This presentation is suitable for:
- Boards
- C-suite
- Leaders
- Technologists
- Policy makers
- Change makers
- Government officials
- Those who like their thinking challenged
- Those who care about the future of humanity
This presentation is a high energy, highly interactive conversation where the audience will learn about:
- The history, science and philosophy of AI and the Metaverse
- What Transhumanism means to humanity
- The reality of humanity’s current path and the risks on the way
- Approaches to transform leaders and be more ethical
- Strategies for the future of humanity and its relationship with technology.
Checkmate Humanity
The How and Why of Responsible AI
How to develop a responsible and ethical approach to Artificial Intelligence. This presentation outlines what AI is, its benefits and risks, then deep dives into how to develop a Responsible AI strategy for organisations. A model of Responsible AI is posed then strategies and initiatives discussed. The presentation concludes with a powerful discussion of how people can step into the role of Ethical Leaders.
Key topics include:
- The history, science, philosophy and current state of AI
- Benefits and risks of AI
- A Responsible AI model
- Individuals stepping into Ethical Leadership
This presentation is suitable for:
- Boards
- C-suite
- Leaders
- Technologists
- Policy makers
- Change makers
- Government officials
- Those who like their thinking challenged
- Those who care about the future of humanity
The Psychedelic Renaissance
Ancient Plant Wisdom for Modern Leadership
In this timely and thought-provoking keynote, Dr. Catriona Wallace, a renowned AI technology ethicist and trained plant medicine guide, explores the resurgence of interest in psychedelic therapies and traditional Indigenous plant medicines.
As many countries decriminalise or legalise these substances for therapeutic use, as Australia did in 2023, business people and leaders are now turning to psychedelics as a mode of growth and transformation. In fact, research suggests that 31% of Australians have either used or are open to using psychedelics (Fifth Quadrant, 2024).
Catriona provides a multidisciplinary perspective on the history, chemistry, and vital role of Indigenous lineages and rituals in working with sacred plant medicines safely and respectfully.
Drawing from her unique background spanning technology ethics and ancient wisdom traditions, Catriona examines the transformative potential of psychedelic medicines beyond just healing – as powerful tools for leadership development and consciousness expansion.
She delves into the specific goals modern leaders may work towards with psychedelic-assisted journeys, what to expect from these profound experiences, and how to integrate the insights through developing an “Ectasis Calendar” for lasting personal and professional transformation.
It is however important to note that in many countries natural occurring plant based medicines are illegal and that these medicines are not suitable for everyone.
In this talk the audience will learn about:
- The history of plant medicine based psychedelics
- The chemistry of plant medicine based psychedelics
- The importance of Indigenous lineage, traditions and ritual
- Leadership goals that psychedelic medicine may assist with
- Case studies of leaders’ psychedelic journeys
- How to develop a Peak Experience Calendar for transformation
This presentation is suitable for:
- Boards
- C-suite
- Leaders
- Health sector people
- Policy makers
- Change makers
- Those interested in well-being, leadership and transformation
- Those who like their thinking challenged
- Those interested in expanding their consciousness
- Those who believe there must be more to life than the current trajectory
