Why Is Trust in Technology Important?

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, public trust in these technologies has never been more vital. According to recent research, global trust in AI varies widely by region - 72% of people in China say they trust AI, compared to just 32% in the United States. These disparities reflect widespread concerns around data privacy, algorithmic bias, and a lack of transparency in AI systems. While AI holds the potential to revolutionise industries such as healthcare, education, and finance, the ethical implications and long-term societal impact of these technologies continue to be a source of scepticism.

How Can We Build Trust in AI?

Organisations that prioritise transparency, fairness, and accountability will lead the way in shaping a sustainable and trustworthy AI-driven future. Some of the core strategies include:

• Ethical AI Governance – Ensuring that AI technologies are designed and deployed with fairness, accountability, and inclusivity at their core.
• Regulatory Compliance – Aligning with international standards and ethical frameworks to reduce risk and enhance public trust.
• AI Explainability - Having algorithm transparency so that users can understand how decisions are made.
• Data Privacy & Security – Safeguarding personal data and encouraging responsible data practices.
• Diversity & Inclusion in AI – Addressing bias by using diverse datasets and ensuring inclusive AI development and deployment processes.

Sources: IBM, Thomson Reuters, Informatica, TechUK

10 Global Speakers on Trust in Technology

Exclusive research conducted by Champions Speakers Agency across 317 events between 2022 and 2024 - verified through client feedback and expert appraisal - highlights the top 10 global speakers on building trust in technology. These thought leaders are renowned for their expertise, insight, and commitment to fostering ethical innovation and responsible AI.

• Rachel Botsman
• Michael Maslansky
• John Tasioulas
• Nick Bostrom
• Hannah Fry
• Nathalie Nahai
• Professor Dame Wendy Hall
• Lord Chris Holmes
• Baroness Joanna Shields
• Kay Firth-Butterfield 

1.) Rachel Botsman

Bestselling Author of "Who Can You Trust?", Trust Fellow at Oxford University's Saïd Business School, Host of BBC's Money, Money, Money Who Was Recognised as One of Monocle's Top 20 Speakers in the World

Rachel Botsman is a globally recognised author, Oxford lecturer, and leading expert on trust, known for her bestselling books What’s Mine is Yours and Who Can You Trust?, as well as her TED talks amassing over five million views. A sought-after keynote speaker and advisor to senior leaders and governments, she specialises in trust, technology, and workplace culture, and was recently named one of the Very Best AI Speakers of 2025.

Rachel's Official Testimonials:

''Rachel's talk both provoked and inspired, setting off an active conversation that continues to this day and worldwide within the company". - Microsoft

2.) Michael Maslansky

CEO of Maslansky + Partners, Author of ‘The Language of Trust’ & Expert In Strategic Communications

Michael Maslansky is a leading communications strategist and CEO of maslansky + partners, renowned for his innovative approach to language strategy in an age of public scepticism. He is the author of The Language of Trust and advises global organisations on how to communicate with clarity and credibility to build trust. With a background in law and over two decades in strategic communication, Michael helps businesses navigate complex reputational challenges and engage audiences more effectively.

Michael's Official Speaker Topics:

• Building Trust in a Sceptical World
• Corporate Social Responsibility Communication
• Crisis Communication & Reputation Management
• Financial Services & Banking Communications
• Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Messaging
• Jury Testing & Litigation Support

3.) John Tasioulas

Director of the Institute for Ethics in AI & Professor of Ethics & Legal Philosophy at the University of Oxford, Senior Research Fellow of Balliol College

John Tasioulas is a leading philosopher and legal scholar, currently serving as the inaugural Director of the Institute for Ethics in AI and Professor of Ethics and Legal Philosophy at the University of Oxford. Renowned for his expertise in human rights, international law, and the ethics of artificial intelligence, he has held prestigious academic positions at institutions including UCL, Harvard, and Melbourne Law School. As a highly sought-after keynote speaker, John offers profound insight into the moral and legal challenges of emerging technologies.

John's Official Speaker Topics:

• Moral, Legal & Political Philosophy
• Philosophy of Human Rights
• Philosophy of Crime & Punishment
• Democracy
• Ethics of Robots & Artificial Intelligence
• Philosophy of International Law

4.) Nick Bostrom

Founding Director of Oxford's Future of Humanity Institute, author of Superintelligence, and twice named among Foreign Policy's Top 100 Global Thinkers

Nick Bostrom is the Founding Director of the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University. As a philosopher and AI researcher, he has raised global awareness of the long-term societal risks posed by advanced AI. His research addresses the ethical and strategic challenges of AI governance and its potential impact on the future of humanity.

Nick's Official Testimonials:

"Incredibly interesting, he helped us to understand the positive possibilities of artificial intelligence" - Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association

5.) Hannah Fry

Associate Professor of Mathematics of Cities at UCL, President of the Institute of Mathematics & Its Applications, and 2024 Royal Society David Attenborough Award recipient

Hannah Fry is a renowned British mathematician and Professor in the Mathematics of Cities at UCL’s Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis. She is celebrated for her work exploring patterns in human behaviour, which she presents through books, television, radio, and public speaking to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Recently appointed President of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, Hannah continues to inspire audiences with her insightful approach to mathematics and its role in everyday life.

Hannah's Official Testimonials:

"Fantastic and so relevant for the people attending! Really good presentation and lively Q&A" - The Data Lab

6.) Nathalie Nahai

Online & Digital Behaviour Analyst, Best-selling Author, Advisor at Social Media Week and Ogilvy Change

Nathalie Nahai is an international bestselling author, speaker, and expert in psychology, human behaviour, and persuasive technology. With a background in psychology, web design, and the arts, she helps organisations navigate complex challenges by applying behavioural science to areas such as ethical product development, online persuasion, and customer engagement. A sought-after speaker and consultant, Nathalie works with global brands and has lectured at institutions including Cambridge University, UCL, and ELISAVA.

Nathalie's Official Testimonials:

"Thank you for your remarkable presentation and for playing such a significant role on our events in TLV earlier this month. We knew from the start that with you it should be a hit, and we were right: our guests had nothing but amazing things to say about you, everyone asked to get your presentation, and without a doubt your insightful session was valuable to the success of the event." - Yael, Google

7.) Professor Dame Wendy Hall

Regius Professor of Computer Science and Executive Director of the Web Science Institute at the University of Southampton, Co-Chair of the UK Government AI Review, and Fellow of the Royal Society

Professor Dame Wendy Hall is a pioneering computer scientist and a global authority in web science, artificial intelligence, and data science. As the Regius Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southampton and Co-Founder of the Web Science Research Initiative, she has made a profound impact on the development of hypermedia systems and the ethical use of AI. A passionate advocate for women in STEM and an influential keynote speaker, Dame Wendy continues to shape the future of technology and digital innovation.

Wendy's Official Testimonials:

"Thank you for following up, Dame Wendy was very effective, and we received very positive feedback from our guests. She was engaging and inspiring, exactly what we were hoping for.

Dame Wendy Hall provided an insightful and balanced perspective on AI's trajectory, its societal implications, and the urgent need for regulation. I personally found very interesting her emphasis on societal responsibility, particularly the dangers of misinformation and unchecked technological deployment. Furthermore, her optimism about AI's potential to reshape industries, education, and work patterns, while maintaining caution about existential risks, was setting a pragmatic and visionary tone that resonated with the audience.” - Sergio, Deloitte LLP

8.) Lord Chris Holmes

Paralympic champion, world record holder, Life Peer, London 2012 director, former Civil Service adviser, and Alan Turing Award recipient

Lord Chris Holmes of Richmond is Britain’s most successful Paralympic swimmer, winning nine gold medals and a total of fifteen Paralympic medals. A passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and digital innovation, he now sits in the House of Lords, where he focuses on areas such as AI governance, social mobility, and financial inclusion. Chris is also a sought-after keynote speaker, known for combining his inspiring personal journey with deep expertise in technology and public policy.

Chris' Official Testimonials:

"Chris was engaging, charismatic, funny and had our audience hooked with his amazing and powerful personal story. But his real skill as a speaker was to weave into his own narrative the important themes in our business and to make his story engaging to the 30+ different cultures and nationalities in our audience." - Kimberley Clark

9.) Baroness Joanna Shields

AI & Cybersecurity Pioneer, Former UK Minister for Internet Safety & CEO of Precognition

Baroness Joanna Shields OBE is a leading figure in artificial intelligence, technology, and cybersecurity, with a distinguished career spanning both the public and private sectors. Currently CEO of Precognition, she has previously held senior roles at major tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Bebo, and served as the UK Minister for Internet Safety and Security. She is also the founder of the WeProtect Global Alliance and an influential voice on AI and digital safety in global forums.

Joanna's Official Speaker Topics:

• Technology
• Cyber security
• Developing greater connectivity through tech
• Business leadership
• Internet safety
• The future of artificial intelligence
• Protecting younger generations online 

10.) Kay Firth-Butterfield

Global Head of AI at WEF (2023); CEO, Good Tech Advisory; First Chief AI Ethics Officer; Founder, Responsible AI Institute; Adviser to the Lord Chief Justice on AI & Law

Kay Firth-Butterfield is a leading authority on the governance and ethics of artificial intelligence, with a distinguished career as a barrister, judge, professor, and technologist. Formerly the Head of AI and Machine Learning at the World Economic Forum, she is now CEO of the Good Tech Advisory and a highly sought-after keynote speaker on AI’s social and economic impact. Recognised globally for her pioneering work in AI ethics, Kay was named a TIME100 AI Impact Award recipient and one of Forbes' 50 Over 50: Innovation honourees in 2024.

Kay's Official Testimonials:

"Kay Firth-Butterfield joined our Executive Forum with our key customers in October 2023 in France and I was able to interview her on stage on AI Ethics questions which are currently on top of mind for our customers. Kay’s deep and broad knowledge of AI allowed Kay to raise a lot of awareness and to provide insight into how enterprises should respond to the questions raised by AI, both for AI created by technology companies or AI procured by enterprises in all industry sectors. Kay is very engaging and did not only show a lot of presence on stage but also had great follow-up discussions with customers over dinner and throughout the day." - Christian, Head of International Legal, Adobe

Hire a Trust & AI Ethics Speaker Today!

These thought leaders are renowned for their expertise, insight, and commitment to fostering ethical innovation and responsible AI. As AI and digital technologies continue to evolve, the need to build trust in technology is more urgent than ever. Businesses, policymakers, and individuals must embrace ethical AI practices, transparency, and effective risk management to address growing concerns around bias, misinformation, and data security. 

Enhance your understanding of AI and trust in technology by booking a world-leading Artificial Intelligence and Technology Speakers with Champions Speakers Agency. Our expert speakers are renowned for their contributions to AI governance, responsible innovation, and ethical leadership.

This exclusive article on the top trust in technology speakers to hire was authored by Mark Matthews, and has been vetted by exclusive research conducted by Champions Speakers across 317 events between 2022 and 2024. 

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