Dr Catriona Wallace

With the release of Generative AI in November 2022, the world changed forever.
Technology’s intelligence and consciousness is advancing at a rate faster than humanity’s and we must now ask the following questions:
• Is AI technology useful, harmful or both?
• Who is guiding technology and its relationship to humanity?
• Where are we headed?
• Are we okay to passively continue with AI development knowing that it poses an existential risk, on par with nuclear war and pandemics?
• And … given there are no real laws or regulations that govern AI – what can we do?

Furthermore, just as we are getting our heads around this powerful AI technology, we are faced with the imminent arrival of Extended Reality, Metaverse and Quantum technologies.

In this important and highly topical keynote address, Dr Catriona Wallace will discuss: the current state of AI; humanity entering into the early stages of transhumanism; the power and invasiveness of AI and Metaverse worlds – the good and the bad; technology ethics and responsibility; and strategies for how we might direct technology for humanity’s good.

Key topics include:
1. AI and the Metaverse – what are they? Good or bad?
2. Technology vs human intelligence and consciousness
3. The age of Transhumanism, the future of technology and humanity
4. Development moratoriums & re-strategising technology for good
5. Transformational leadership required for a fundamental shift in direction
6. How to be an ethical leader and build responsible technology

This presentation is suitable for:
• Boards
• C-suite
• Leaders
• Technologists
• Policy makers
• Change makers
• Government officials
• Those who like their thinking challenged
• Those who care about the future of humanity

This presentation is a high energy, highly interactive conversation where the audience will learn about:
1. The history, science and philosophy of AI and the Metaverse
2. What Transhumanism means to humanity
3. The reality of humanity’s current path and the risks on the way
4. Approaches to transform leaders and be more ethical
5. Strategies for the future of humanity and its relationship with technology.

AI is changing the way individuals, organisations, governments and society work and live. But will AI be ethical and how responsible will it be? And what does this even mean? Checkmate Humanity: the how and why of responsible AI sets out to answer these questions and maps the potential harms that AI may cause from individual harms right through to full existential risk. We introduce the world’s first taxonomy of AI harms and then offer solutions and recommendations so that we can build a Responsible AI future.

In this timely and thought-provoking keynote, Dr. Catriona Wallace, a renowned AI technology ethicist and trained plant medicine guide, explores the resurgence of interest in psychedelic therapies and traditional Indigenous plant medicines.
As many countries decriminalise or legalise these substances for therapeutic use, as Australia did in 2023, business people and leaders are now turning to psychedelics as a mode of growth and transformation. In fact, research suggests that 31% of Australians have either used or are open to using psychedelics (Fifth Quadrant, 2024).

Catriona provides a multidisciplinary perspective on the history, chemistry, and vital role of Indigenous lineages and rituals in working with sacred plant medicines safely and respectfully.

Drawing from her unique background spanning technology ethics and ancient wisdom traditions, Catriona examines the transformative potential of psychedelic medicines beyond just healing - as powerful tools for leadership development and consciousness expansion.
She delves into the specific goals modern leaders may work towards with psychedelic-assisted journeys, what to expect from these profound experiences, and how to integrate the insights through developing an "Ectasis Calendar" for lasting personal and professional transformation.

This boundary-pushing presentation offers audience members a rare window into the Psychedelic Renaissance through the lens of an experienced guide. It promises to challenge perspectives and open minds to the immense value these ancient plant allies could offer leaders committed to evolving human potential.
[Note: This topic involves discussion of substances that are illegal in some jurisdictions. The speaker does not condone illegal behaviour. Psychedelics are also not suitable for everyone, so medical advice should be sought.]

In this talk the audience will learn about:
• The history of plant medicine based psychedelics
• The chemistry of plant medicine based psychedelics
• The importance of Indigenous lineage, traditions and ritual
• Leadership goals that psychedelic medicine may assist with
• Case studies of leaders’ psychedelic journeys
• How to develop a Peak Experience Calendar for transformation

This presentation is suitable for:
• Boards
• C-suite
• Leaders
• Health sector people
• Policy makers
• Change makers
• Those interested in well-being, leadership and transformation
• Those who like their thinking challenged
• Those interested in expanding their consciousness
• Those who believe there must be more to life than the current trajectory