AI keynote speaker and event host who makes AI land with every audience
Most AI talks are either too technical or too vague. Mine are neither.
I’m a founder who builds an AI product every day and a communicator who has spent 15 years helping people understand complex change.
Audiences leave with a clear picture of what AI means for their work, and the confidence to try it.
Keynote topics
Each can run as a 20–45 minute keynote, a fireside chat, or a keynote plus a hands-on breakout.
1. “The 95% problem”: why most AI roll-outs change nothing, and what the 5% do differently
Research in 2025 found that most generative AI pilots produced no measurable business return. I unpack why: it’s rarely the tool. It’s how people learn, what they’re allowed to try, and whether managers go first. Audiences leave with three moves they can make on Monday.
Best for: leadership events, HR/L&D conferences, company kick-offs.
2. “I’m not technical”: building an AI company as a non-engineer
The honest story of building Gigi, an AI companion for women’s health, without a computer-science degree. What AI made possible, where it failed me, and what that teaches anyone who thinks AI “isn’t for them”.
Best for: women-in-tech events, entrepreneurship and startup events, inspiration slots.
3. “Human first, AI second”: communication in the age of AI
From AI slop in inboxes to employees who resent being told to use AI. What 15 years in communications taught me about bringing people along, and the team norms that make AI feel like help, not surveillance.
Best for: communications and marketing conferences, internal comms and culture events.
4. Live AI demo: from blank page to working agent in 30 minutes
A high-energy, interactive session. The audience calls out a real problem, and we build a working AI solution together on stage.
Best for: all-hands, innovation days, conferences that want energy after lunch.
Event hosting & moderation
I host conferences, AI panels, award shows and all-hands, in person or across time zones. I prep your speakers (many of them inexperienced on stage), keep the programme on time, and make sure the audience actually listens.
“She makes others relax on stage alongside her, meaning their content and output is equally more engaging and entertaining for them and their audience. This is a rare gift!”
Teddy Kealey, Expansion Lead, Fastned UK
“Rafaela organised the content and prepped the often inexperienced speakers and made it an exciting and energising programme. She had full responsibility for the programme.”
Victor van Dijk, CFO, Fastned
Stages & recognition
EV Comms Leader of the Year 2024
Host and programme lead, Fastned Days
Host of AI Labs and AI Promptathons in Amsterdam
Creator and host of the Street Smarts podcast
Practical details
Languages: English, German, Portuguese
Formats: keynote (20–45 min), fireside chat, panel moderation, full-day hosting, keynote + workshop combo
Location: Amsterdam-based. Available across the Netherlands, Europe and online
Fees: Fees depend on format and event. Ask for a quote.
What you get: a prep call, a tailored talk built around your audience, slides shared afterwards, and a promo video/LinkedIn post for your event
Frequently asked questions
-
An AI keynote explains what artificial intelligence means for your audience's work and organisation, in plain language. My talks focus on practical adoption: why AI roll-outs stall, how teams actually learn AI, and what non-technical people can build with it today.
-
Yes. Every talk is adapted after a prep call about your audience, their level of AI experience and the goal of the event. Examples and live demos use your sector.
-
Yes, and it's the most effective format. A keynote creates the energy, and a hands-on breakout or Promptathon afterwards makes it stick.
-
Ideally 6–8 weeks ahead for keynotes and 3 months for full-day hosting, though short-notice requests are welcome.
-
No. I give talks in English, German and Portuguese. English-language talks work well for international audiences and companies in the Netherlands.
What people said
Planning an event?
Tell me about your audience and date. I’ll reply within two working days with availability and an idea for your session.