Dr. Vivienne Ming: Mad Scientist
Computational neuroscientist who applies data-driven insights to learning, performance, and scalable human systems to boost outcomes across teams and education.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Entrepreneur and theoretical neuroscientist Vivienne Ming will describe how we can best harness and maximize our human potential, and the personal transformations that can take place once that potential is unleashed.
- Ming is a top theoretical neuroscientist, top entrepreneur speaker, and author.
- She launched Socos Labs to combine her varied work with that of other creative experts and expand their impact on global policy issues, both inside companies and throughout our communities.
- Ming is transgender and speaks frequently on issues of LGBT inclusion and gender in technology.
- Formats: Keynote, Workshop, Executive Briefing, Virtual Lab
- Audiences: Education and corporate teams (25–200); Conferences (150–1,500)
- Outcomes:
- Translate learning science into measurable training strategies.
- Build data-backed interventions to improve performance.
- Create scalable feedback loops for improved outcomes.
- Travels from: Berkeley, CA
- **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
The Opportunities and Limitations of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is Augmented Intelligence
Building a better person without choosing a soul
AI is a powerful tool with seemingly unlimited potential but it must be better understood to be effective for most organizations.
With exclusive research and case studies for each audience’s industry or sector, Dr. Ming shares some of her foundational stories of AI’s breakthroughs, where the technology is being applied, where it could be better utilized, and where it’s headed.
The Neuroscience of Trust and the Diversity-Innovation Paradox
Building a culture that embraces the tension between trust and diversity takes time and effort. When led correctly, diverse teams outperform non-diverse teams in terms of higher collective intelligence, innovation and creative problem solving.
However, even when leaders believe in the power of diversity and the value proposition for diverse teams, many struggle to capture this value – because of the way we’re wired.
In this keynote and/or discussion, Dr. Ming shares: the complexity of The Neuroscience of Trust and how our brains process information about other people, why creating a culture of trust in diverse teams is harder than it looks, and what we need to do about it.
Vivienne shares research and experience in real organizations and has explored ways leaders and teams can “hack” their brains and overcome instincts that impede their ability to hire and nurture winning diverse teams.
These same ideas can be applied to how sales teams connect, build and maintain relationships with customers, how marketers better understand target audiences, and leaders can leverage special, ultra-diverse teams for special projects and key initiatives.
The Tax on Being Different: Data on Diversity
There is an unspoken tax that we all pay. It is a tax that impedes growth and stagnates economies, a tax that causes massive amounts of money and productivity to be lost every year.
This tax is collected around the world and often targets those least able to pay it. It is the tax on being queer, POC, or female. It is the tax on being different.
Dr. Vivienne Ming provocatively addresses this tax by making it tangible. Leveraging massive amounts of HR data, she rewrites issues of bias and discrimination in order to understand and quantify what your differences are costing you.
Simultaneously didactic and richly autobiographical, The Tax on Being Different combines vibrant life stories with profound insights about people and, more importantly, how we can change them for the better.
Talent Short Bio
Dr. Vivienne Ming is a theoretical neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and one of the world’s leading experts at the intersection of artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and human development. Named one of Inc. Magazine’s “Top 10 Women to Watch in Tech,” she is widely recognized for using technology to maximize human potential.
As co-founder of Socos Labs, Dr. Ming builds AI-driven systems designed to improve education, workforce development, and healthcare. Her work spans predictive models for autism, AI systems to support lifelong learning, and platforms that foster diversity and inclusion in organizations. A sought-after advisor, she has consulted with governments, Fortune 500 companies, and NGOs on issues of future workforce strategy, inclusive technology, and leadership.
Dr. Ming is also a passionate advocate for equity, often sharing her own personal journey as a transgender woman in science and tech. Her insights are both deeply scientific and profoundly human, offering a rare balance of rigorous data with lived experience.
Read Full Bio
Dr. Vivienne Ming stands at the intersection of science, technology, and human potential. As a theoretical neuroscientist, delusional inventor, and demented author, she has dedicated her career to exploring how cutting-edge advancements can unlock and maximize human capacity. With a reputation for being one of the most innovative and thought-provoking speakers of our time, Dr. Ming brings a unique blend of scientific rigor, imaginative thinking, and practical application to her work. Her journey from academia to entrepreneurship and public speaking is a testament to her commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Vivienne Ming’s work spans multiple disciplines, including artificial intelligence, cognitive neuroscience, and educational technology. She is renowned for her pioneering research and her ability to translate complex scientific concepts into actionable insights that can be applied in various fields. Whether addressing the intricacies of machine learning or the potential of neurotechnologies to enhance human cognition, Vivienne Ming captivates her audiences with her deep knowledge and engaging storytelling.
Her expertise in artificial intelligence is particularly noteworthy. Dr. Ming has been at the forefront of AI research, developing algorithms and systems that push the boundaries of what machines can achieve. Her work in this field is not confined to theoretical models; she has also led numerous projects that apply AI to solve real-world problems. From developing predictive models for educational outcomes to creating AI-driven tools for healthcare, her contributions have had a profound impact on various industries.
Beyond her technical expertise, Dr. Ming is a prolific inventor. Her inventions, which span from wearable technologies to innovative educational tools, reflect her commitment to leveraging technology for social good. Her most notable invention, an AI-powered system designed to enhance learning experiences for children with learning disabilities, has garnered international acclaim and demonstrated her ability to translate complex technologies into practical solutions.
As a speaker, Dr. Ming’s influence is unparalleled. She has delivered keynote addresses at some of the world’s most prestigious conferences, including TED, SXSW, and the World Economic Forum. Her presentations are known for their clarity, depth, and ability to inspire action. Dr. Ming’s unique ability to connect with diverse audiences, from scientists and technologists to business leaders and educators, underscores her versatility and broad appeal.
Her role as an author further amplifies her impact. In her writings, Vivienne Ming delves into the ethical and societal implications of emerging technologies, challenging her readers to consider how innovations can be harnessed for the greater good. Her books and articles are celebrated for their thought-provoking content and accessible style, making complex scientific ideas understandable and relevant to a wide audience.
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