Keynotes
I love giving keynotes because there’s something powerful about speaking live to a group of people who are, in that moment, fully present—open to thinking differently, imagining what they might do next.
These are moments of connection, clarity, and possibility. Standing in front of an audience, my goal is to spark something. A shift in mindset. A deeper question. A burst of courage.
I am passionate about the impact leaders have. Not just on the organization they lead but on their environment and even families. My keynotes explore how we can build organizations and teams where people feel safe, challenged, and empowered. I talk about the future of work, leadership in times of AI, and how to create cultures that combine high performance and innovation with human dignity and psychological safety.
As a female leader, I have led teams for over 30 years, in small and large organisations. I have learned what works and what doesn’t. I also have been led myself by good leaders and less good leaders. My examples do not come from text books but are real life examples.
Whether I’m speaking to entrepreneurs, executives, young leaders, or cross-functional teams, my goal is always the same: to leave people feeling braver, wiser, and more ready to lead with intention.
Leadership in times of AI
As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms how we live and work, leaders face a pivotal question: how do we navigate this shift without losing the human core of our organisations?
In this compelling and insightful keynote, Ann Caluwaerts explores what it takes to lead in an era where machines can learn, reason, and create. This is not a technical deep-dive—it’s a strategic leadership conversation, focused on empowering people, unlocking value, and steering change responsibly.
Grounded in practical experience and delivered with energy and interaction, the session invites leaders to think about four key themes:
- Lock in a clear business strategy – Lead AI, don't let AI lead you.
- Rethink jobs, talent and how you operate – Redesign your workforce for the age of intelligence
- Dial into culture, leadership & change – Cultivate trust, adaptability and purpose.
- Ensure your AI is responsible & ethical – Make sure you can be proud of what you build.
This keynote invites leaders to see AI as a chance to reimagine how we lead, what we value, and how we shape a future where technology serves humanity.
Available as of Summer 2025.
STEMpathy, the skill of the future
STEMpathy bridges two worlds we too often separate: the analytical power of STEM and the human depth of empathy. Drawing on insights from education, industry, policy, and decades of leadership at the intersection of technology and humanity, Ann Caluwaerts explores why STEM participation is so critical for our future.
Structural fragmentation, teacher shortages, outdated infrastructures, and a lack of inclusive learning environments hold back thousands of young people—especially girls and those from less-privileged backgrounds—from discovering their talent.
In this keynote, Ann proposes a different path: an integrated, human-centred approach that combines rigorous STEM education with relevance, role models, creativity, and real-world problem solving. Through iSTEM methodologies, local school–industry alliances, and modern, autonomous school leadership models, we can rebuild a STEM ecosystem that is inclusive, future-proof, and socially meaningful.
Future innovation will not be built by technology alone, but by people who can combine data, curiosity, ethics, empathy, and resilience.
STEMpathy is ultimately a plea for policy and leadership with both head and heart. Because in a world shaped by AI and accelerating technological change, STEM without empathy no longer exists.