Katja Forbes

Katja Forbes

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Katja is a seasoned leader in the digital industry with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation. As an expert in areas such as CX, UX, data science, and product design, as well as emerging technology, she is a highly sought-after keynote speaker. She has been recognized as one of the top 50 Australian professionals, Top 10 Women Disruptors, and as one of Westpac/Australian Financial Review’s ‘100 Women of Influence’.

Currently, as Head of Client Experience at Standard Chartered Bank, she leads a team to create high-impact products and services that promote financial inclusion and contribute to a net-zero carbon future. She has also served as an International Director and Vice President on the Global Board of the Interaction Design Association (IxDA).

As a published author and regular media commentator, she is not only known for her professional achievements but also for her determination and sense of purpose as a thought leader and inspiration for women around the world.

Beyond Binary: Balancing Ethics, Privacy, and Progress in the Era of Big Data and Tech

Technology is incredible. It connects us to our loved ones on the other side of the world, it streamlines businesses, accounting, travel, and revolutionized learning. It’s a modern miracle. Collecting data helps businesses predict what customers want, and customize their digital experiences to meet unspoken wishes.

But clever connectivity comes at a cost, and Katja’s mission is to help you navigate this complex and amazing world. As we dive deeper into the world of data collection and personalization, we must also consider the potential downsides and ethical considerations. For example, business data is your biggest asset, but after you’ve asked people to click and you’ve collected, is that data being misused, and how is your technology, unchecked, perpetuating human bias?

She believes this: If you can’t respect it, don’t collect it.

The inherent belief that the next big tech idea will only have a positive impact on the world, needs scrutiny. This keynote will explore the complexities of technology and its effects on society and provide practical insights on how to navigate this ever-evolving landscape. Katja is here to show you how to navigate the morally ambiguous, the unintended consequences, and how to ask the right questions to make sure your big idea doesn’t end up front page news for all the wrong reasons.

Voices of the Community

Unyielding, innovative, and endlessly insightful, Katja Forbes stands as a trailblazer at the intersection of ethics and emerging technology. Her talks are a potent mix of thought-provoking insights and gritty realism, offering audiences a radically new perspective on the ethical implications of our rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Steven Tang
Divisional Manager - Customer Experience IQPC Conferences
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We've had the pleasure of hosting Katja Forbes as a keynote speaker three times. Katja's knowledge is very deep, and she has a knack for demystifying complex information into easily digestible snippets, whilst backing up her content with great examples. I wouldn't hesitate to invite Katja back for more keynotes. Highly recommended!

Carolyn Hyams
Marketing Director, Aquent
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