Speaking Topics

Technology Organization Transformation

Why 71% of AI pilots fail to scale—and what to do about it. This talk challenges the conventional approach of implementing technology first and expecting organizations to adapt. Drawing on two decades of transformation experience, I show how simultaneous co-design of technology and organizational structures produces dramatically better outcomes.

Best for: Executive audiences, digital transformation leaders, enterprise architects

Human-AI Collaboration: Beyond Productivity

Most organizations approach AI as a productivity tool—helping individuals work faster. But the real opportunity is building collective AI capabilities: teams that think differently, organizations that learn faster, institutions that adapt continuously. This talk explores what that requires and how to get there.

Best for: Leadership teams, innovation officers, HR and talent leaders

Government Modernization in the AI Era

Government agencies face unique challenges: procurement constraints, security requirements, risk-averse cultures, and public accountability. This talk shares lessons from leading transformation at the State Department and working with cabinet-level agencies—practical approaches that work within government realities rather than ignoring them.

Best for: Government executives, federal CIOs, public sector technology leaders

Building Transformation Capacity

The best transformation initiatives fail when the team that led them moves on. Sustainable change requires building internal capability—not just implementing external solutions. This talk covers how to develop transformation capacity that outlasts any single initiative or leader.

Best for: Change management practitioners, organizational development leaders, transformation offices

Formats

• Keynotes (30-60 minutes) — Inspiring and thought-provoking presentations with actionable takeaways
• Panel discussions — Engaging conversation with fellow practitioners and leaders
• Workshops (half-day to full-day) — Hands-on sessions applying transformation frameworks to your specific challenges
• Executive briefings — Targeted sessions for leadership teams navigating specific decisions

Recent Engagements

Asana Work Innovation Summit 2025

New York City, November 2025

Panel: “Modernizing Mission-Driven Work” — Discussion on how government and mission-driven organizations are adapting work management for the AI era.

USC Center on Public Diplomacy

Washington DC, June 2024

Presentation: “Planning for the Future: PD 2034” — How public diplomacy practitioners are adapting to a rapidly changing environment and the skills needed for the next decade.

Co-hosted by Public Diplomacy Council of America, USC Annenberg, and GWU Institute for Public Diplomacy

World Economic Forum

New York, November 2012

Panel: “A Creative Future for Education” — Global Agenda Council on Design & Innovation discussion on education technology and the future of learning.

Background

As former Chief Operating Officer for U.S. Public Diplomacy at the State Department, I led one of the largest organizational transformations in diplomatic history—restructuring teams across 170+ embassies and establishing the first doctrine for public diplomacy practice. This gives me practical experience to draw on, not just theory to share.

I’m a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Founding Curator of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers Washington DC hub, and winner of the Sean Smith Award for Innovation in the Use of Technology.

Full biography →

Booking

For speaking inquiries, please contact me directly with details about your event, audience, and timing. I typically respond within 48 hours.