Talks and Keynotes

In this unique and mind-bending talk, I blend the worlds of artificial intelligence and magical illusion. We explore a critical question of our time: Can we trust what we don’t understand? Using live magic, I draw a parallel to the black-box nature of AI. I explain AI – or rather let AI explain itself – to see what we can do to ensure that our intelligent systems remain trustworthy and aligned with human values. This talk will leave you slightly enlightened, quite possibly entertained, and with a deep appreciation of our human capacity to wonder.

In this talk, I share some insights from my work in the central AI team of Jenoptik (a photonics company that fabricates high-precision optics, among other things). We do a lot of cool stuff, and I will illustrate some of our AI applications. They are not exclusively manufacturing-related: Organizations can benefit from AI in many ways.

AI has become one of the most talked-about topics in recent years. As a result, many myths and misconceptions have emerged, rendering AI systems magical, unapproachable, and inscrutable in the eyes of the public. However, realistic expectations are important to avoid mismanagement. In this talk, I provide some much needed clarification—or at least a lively discussion in which I share storytelling elements that you can take home.
This talk is based on this review of AI myths.

Why do some stories inspire action while others fall flat? In this talk, we explore how the powerful principles from Simon Sinek’s Start with Why can transform the way individuals, organizations, and authors communicate. It is all about connecting with audiences on an emotional level—beginning not with what you do, but why you do it. Practical examples show how to craft narratives that resonate, inspire, and mobilize. Whether you’re building a brand, write a research paper, or lead a team, the key to impact is starting with why.