Shirin Ghaffary

Shirin Ghaffary is an acclaimed technology journalist and AI expert who is widely recognised for her ability to explain some of the most significant technological developments shaping society today. As a reporter for Bloomberg News based in San Francisco, she covers artificial intelligence and authors Bloomberg’s award-winning Q&AI newsletter, delivering in-depth analysis of one of the fastest-evolving sectors in the world. Combining investigative journalism with a deep understanding of technology, business and society, Shirin has established herself as a trusted voice on the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies, making her a highly sought-after motivational speaker for corporate, technology and leadership audiences.

Shirin’s career began while studying at the University of California, Berkeley, where she served as Executive News Editor of The Daily Californian and reported on major political and social issues, including the Occupy movement and landmark legal developments. Early editorial roles at the San Jose Mercury News, TechCrunch, the San Francisco Chronicle and The Wall Street Journal helped her develop a strong foundation in reporting and digital media. After completing a fellowship at the Orange County Register, she moved into the technology sector with supply chain software start-up Elementum SCM, where she progressed from business writer to product manager and product marketing manager. This unique experience inside a venture-backed technology company gave her first-hand insight into innovation and business transformation. She later returned to journalism, producing video content for BuzzFeed and hosting KQED’s educational YouTube series Above the Noise before joining Recode, where she reported on labour issues, social media and major technology companies. Following her promotion to Senior Reporter, she joined Vox as a Senior Correspondent covering the influence of Facebook, Google, TikTok, Twitter and other technology giants before moving to Bloomberg.

Throughout her career, Shirin has built a reputation for insightful reporting on artificial intelligence, social media, digital platforms and the broader technology industry. Her work has appeared across leading media organisations, and her Q&AI newsletter has earned industry recognition for its thoughtful coverage of AI developments. She has interviewed influential executives, analysed major industry shifts and helped audiences understand the real-world impact of technological change.

As a motivational speaker, Shirin offers a rare combination of journalistic rigour, business experience and technological expertise. She helps audiences make sense of complex trends, understand the future implications of AI and navigate disruption with confidence. Drawing on years of reporting from the front lines of innovation, she provides practical insights into leadership, adaptation, critical thinking and the evolving relationship between technology and society. Her engaging storytelling, balanced perspective and ability to translate complex subjects into accessible lessons leave audiences informed, inspired and better prepared for the future.