AI Keynote Speaker
Ben Lichtenwalner
Founder, Virtual Leadership Programs
Make Your Event Great
About Ben
I’m Ben Lichtenwalner, an IT executive turned leadership development trailblazer. Yes, that’s a creative way to say I help leaders navigate the wild frontier of AI and HR. Over the past two decades, I’ve led global technology teams at companies like Whirlpool and Herman Miller, launched an AI-powered leadership platform (VirtualLeadershipPrograms.com – this site), and wrote a few books along the way (Paradigm Flip and Words to Lead By). My passion? Showing leaders how to leverage technology while enhancing their humanity.
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Popular Artificial Intelligence Keynotes
Building Future-Ready Teams
(Without the Robot Overlords)
SUMMARY
This is a crash course on preparing teams for the onslaught of coming technology changes. I show how best leadership practices can blend with AI and other emerging technologies, to boost collaboration, improve performance, and keep employees from running for the exits. No sci-fi references required (but I may still slip in a few).
Learning Objectives
- Explore the benefits of early technology adoption.
- Find out where AI-driven collaboration tools fit into your current processes.
- Learn techniques for reducing fear and building a culture of embracing new technology.
Human-Centric AI
Keeping People at the Heart of Innovation
SUMMARY
So you’ve got your AI plan – now what? This keynote goes beyond the tech talk, focusing on the leadership mindset needed to ensure AI initiatives truly benefit the entire organization, your clients, and yes, even your suppliers. We’ll examine real case studies and highlight how to avoid turning into “Robo-Leader.”
Learning Objectives
- Understand the balance between efficient automation and meaningful human interaction.
- Learn to spot warning signs of AI bias or ethical landmines before they blow up.
- Walk away with a framework for continuous, people-centered innovation.
AI, HR, and The Future of Leadership
SUMMARY
Ever wonder how AI can impact day-to-day leadership (beyond catchy headlines)? In this keynote, I reveal practical steps for integrating generative AI, automation, and corporate values into recruiting, onboarding, and developing leaders and teams. Attendees walk away knowing what tools are out there, which pitfalls to avoid, and how to keep it all human-focused.
Learning Objectives
- Discover real-world examples of AI in HR (the good, the bad, and the cringe-worthy).
- Learn the importance of and approaches for adopting future AI and technical trends.
- Learn quick-win strategies for implementing AI solutions without losing employee trust.
- Understand how ethics and compliance factor into AI adoption.
See Ben in Action
How can I help?
My Books
Paradigm Flip: Leading People, Teams, and Organizations Beyond the Social Media Revolution
Words to Lead By: Hundreds of Leadership Quotes Organized by the Greatest Leadership Principles
A popular gift for event attendees, this collection of quotes is a great motivational tool.
Whether you lead 1 or 1,000, these quotes will inspire and motivate you. Inside is both ageless wisdom and insights from contemporary thought-leaders, all organized by the greatest leadership principles.
Leadership at *Your Company*
For corporate engagements, I can create a custom book that captures your history, mission, vision, and values – all aligned to the greatest leadership principles. These hand-outs are a great way to inspire and align your team. It also sends a strong message of commitment to great leadership beyond a one-time event.