Keynotes on Cognition, Technology, and Data

Dr. Sae Schatz delivers thought-provoking keynotes at the intersection of cognitive science, digital technologies, and data. From NATO diamond-level events to Fortune 500 boardrooms, she helps leaders navigate the human side of technological transformation and translate complex science into actionable strategy. Choose from one of the signature keynotes below or request something custom. Keynotes are available in different formats, with optional half-day or full-day workshop extensions.

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The Cognitive Cost of Information Abundance

Every new system produces more data, more alerts, more noise. Add emails, social media, and news streams, and our cognitive capacity simply can’t keep up. This keynote explores the cognitive science of information overload and its operational implications, and it includes evidence-based principles for designing workflows, interfaces, and organizational processes that work within human cognitive constraints.

Introduction to AI: What Leaders Need to Know

AI is fundamentally reshaping how we work, learn, and operate, but most explanations either oversimplify or drown you in jargon. This keynote cuts through the hype with a clear overview, and then explores practical questions tailored to your context, such as what new skills do workers need, and what vulnerabilities is AI creating? It includes practical frameworks for security, operations, and organizational strategy.

Thriving in the Age of AI and Exponential Change

The gap between exponential change and organizational systems is widening, and it’s becoming a strategic vulnerability. This keynote examines how organizations can build leadership structures, processes, and professional development ecosystems that keep pace with AI-driven transformation. Concepts include lifelong learning, AI-augmented personalization, and trust infrastructure.

Learning Engineering and Digital Ecosystems

This keynote introduces digital learning ecosystems and learning engineering, along with specific innovations for modernizing our systems, such as lifelong learning pathways, data-sharing architectures, and AI-enabled optimization. Using practical examples from military and corporate implementations, it shows how to move from outdated models to modern approaches.

Building Cognitive
Resilience

While organizations harden cyber defenses and physical security, adversaries are targeting something more fundamental: how your people think, decide, and perceive reality. This keynote provides a comprehensive overview of the tactics, techniques, and procedures used, and it discusses practical approaches to building cognitive resilience in yourself, your teams, and your organizations.

Convergence and Emerging Technologies

Innovation doesn't happen in isolation. The strategic challenge is their convergence. This keynote explores how emerging technologies may combine, examining critical pairings, such as AI with quantum, synthetic biology, and neurotechnology. It includes a framework for strategic foresight to help with horizon scanning and building organizational adaptability in the face of exponential change.

FAQ

What topics does Dr. Sae Schatz speak about?

Dr. Schatz delivers keynotes on topics such as artificial intelligence for leaders, organizational transformation in the AI age, cognitive resilience, information overload and decision-making, learning engineering, learning technologies and digital ecosystems, assessment and measurement, and human-centered design. She also regularly develops custom keynotes at the intersection of human cognition, digital technologies, and data.

Who should book Dr. Sae Schatz as a keynote speaker?

Organizations seeking expertise on AI transformation, business executives navigating technological change, security professionals concerned with cognitive resilience, learning and development leaders modernizing training systems, and technology conferences seeking unique perspectives.

What makes Dr. Schatz different from other keynote speakers?

Dr. Schatz uniquely combines cognitive science depth, AI expertise, experience in both defense and higher education, and international perspective. She integrates the human side of technological transformation with accessible technical explanations, and she delivers her talks using a unique, highly engaging "strategic storying" style.

What's included in a keynote booking?

Customized keynote tailored to your audience and objectives. Pre-event consultation to align content with your organizational priorities, and customization of the presentation content, examples, and imagery. Professional speaker kit and promotional materials. Optional print/digital materials, such as annotated slides and concept maps, with permission to reuse the materials with your group.

What formats are available?

Keynotes available in 30, 60, or 90-minute formats. Workshop extensions available as half-day or full-day sessions. All formats can be delivered virtually, hybrid, or in-person.

What industries and sectors does Dr. Schatz work with?

Corporate/business, defense and military, security and intelligence, higher education, government, learning and development, technology sector, healthcare, and financial services.

What is Dr. Schatz's background?

Dr. Schatz previously directed the Pentagon's Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) office, and she holds a Ph.D. in Modeling and Simulation, with a focus on Human Systems. She's also worked as an Assistant Professor, a chief scientist in industry, and a business consultant. She's authored dozens of scholarly articles and several books, including Engines of Engagement: A Curious Book about Generative AI (2023) and Modernizing Learning: Building the Future Learning Ecosystem (2019).

NATO Conference of Commandants (2023)

Some Keynote Appearances

Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence, virtual, October 2025 (event site)
Inteleos Fall Meeting, Denver, September 2025
Flashpoint Executive Briefing, London, July 2025
Prometric, webinar, May 2025 (on LinkedIn)
Cognitive Security Institute, webinar, April 2025 (on LinkedIn)
Inteleos Annual Leadership Meeting, Savannah, GA, February 2025
European Association of Test Publishers, Berlin, October 2024 (event site)
Prometric’s webinar on Modernizing Learning, April 2024 (event site)
PSI’s Tried and Tested Podcast, with Isabelle Gonthier, April 2024 (podcast)
Innovations in Testing, opening keynote, Anaheim, CA, March 2024 (event site)
LearnX, Canada School of Public Service, January 2024 (event site)
ATD webinar on Modernizing the Federal Workforce, 7 December 2023 (event site)
ATD webinar on AI and Learning, 2 November 2023 (event site)
Rollins College, Orlando, October 2023
Austrian National Defense Academy, Vienna, September 2023
Partnership for Peace Consortium, Sofia, August 2023 (article)
NATO Defence College, Rome, August 2023
Tech Grove Connect webinar, July 2023 (event site)
NATO Conference of Commandants, Tallinn, May 2023 (article)
Ellucian Executive Advisory Council, Washington, DC, May 2023
Partnership for Peace Consortium, Bucharest, April 2023 (article)
US Air Force Learning Professionals’ Consortium, March 2023 (video)
Danish Defence College, Copenhagen, October 2022 (article)
Louisville Startup Week, Louisville, Kentucky, September 2022
Harvard's Next Level Learning Lab, virtual, March 2022 (video)

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