Search....
CTRL+K
Search....
CTRL+K
Keynote Topics
Money, Power and Responsible Technology
Capitalism is a hell of a drug. When used responsibly, it can create freedom, innovation, and efficiency. But unchecked, hoarding, exploitation, and toxic side effects can run rampant.
Silicon Valley’s way of doing business has set the tone for the last few decades, with venture capital and “unicorns” creating the dominant narrative about startups. It’s not greed and growth at all costs… it’s just business. Right?
Wrong. We’re entering a new age, one where entrepreneurs want to create solutions to improve the human experience and quality of life without playing a zero-sum game.
The age of the zebra. In this talk, Astrid will explain why and how purpose and profit are not mutually exclusive, why creating alternatives to venture capital financing for the businesses we need is a moral and economic imperative, and how innovation in business governance and practices can help us solve the world’s big challenges.
Building the Anti-Oppressive Businesses of the Future
Or: How I learned to be an ally in practice.
End-stage capitalism is bad for the health and wealth of most people working in it, and recent events in the US and elsewhere have prompted a reckoning and examination of “business as usual” and its various -isms that perpetuate systemic injustice and harm on anyone who is not a white, cis-gendered male. But so many DEI efforts just amount to tokenism and unfunded mandates.
In her 20+ year of leadership experience in a variety of corporate settings Astrid has learned to wield her relative privilege and point of view of a first-generation immigrant to the United States to actively decolonize a large nonprofit organization; help invent the distributed, democratic, multicultural governance system of Zebras Unite; and formulate trauma-informed principles for creating new financial products and practices of the Inclusive Capital Collective.
In this talk, we’ll get practical and tactical about using your positional influence and white privilege to transform your institution from the inside out.
Markets and governments are failing at providing solutions to the urgent social, economic, and environmental problems of our time.
Drawing on the 10 principles for the principled design of new networks and infrastructure for mobilizing people, knowledge, and capital at a scale that matters, Astrid uses case studies from global movements for inclusive entrepreneurship; ocean conservation; and inclusive entrepreneurship to illustrate how we can use contemporary digital, legal and financial innovation to illustrate how to create the change that’s needed at the scale that’s urgently required.
This topic is particularly pertinent for influencers, philanthropy, large corporate entities, and financial institutions.
Globally, there is about $100 Trillion in capital, of which roughly 1T is invested for impact, and another 1T sits on the balance sheets of US foundations. We need 50T to solve all the world’s ills, from poverty to sanitation to climate change, as characterized by the Sustainable Development Goals.
Only about 200B is currently deployed in the form of venture capital into startups, too few of which are actually solving real-world problems, and too few are run by women, people of color, and generally people who are not white, cis-gendered males.
So how do we activate more capital for purpose? In this talk, Astrid examines strategies for creating new financial assets and products that are legible to mainstream financial markets but have purpose hardwired into them.
They include product innovations that leverage existing financial mechanisms–including loan loss reserves, government programs, pension, and sovereign wealth funds, and development finance institutions (DFIs)–, as well as new catalytic products that bridge key capital gaps in sectoral, regional, and/or demographic ecosystems.
The business of philanthropy is broken. It has become another industry described by outdated business practices and norms that don’t meet communities where they are at, and, at worst, perpetuate power imbalances and inequities.
Drawing on the experience of giving voice to a global, pent-up demand for a movement that centers the experience entrepreneurs of all different stripes, Astrid uses her experience as a recovering nonprofit executive to reframe how a movement like Zebras Unite gains traction and hacks existing industry norms and practices to create a new breed of social change organization that can anchor a movement in ways that are consistent with its ethic and principles.
Buckle up, systems change is not for the faint of heart!
Dr. Astrid J. Scholz is co-founder and CFO/COO of Armillaria, a tech-for-good company that creates digital infrastructure for more effectively and equitably mobilizing data, people, and capital towards addressing the most urgent challenges of our time. Astrid Scholz | Serial Entrepreneur Integrating contemporary innovations in technology, finance, and law, Armillaria is focused on the development […]
Dr. Astrid J. Scholz is co-founder and CFO/COO of Armillaria, a tech-for-good company that creates digital infrastructure for more effectively and equitably mobilizing data, people, and capital towards addressing the most urgent challenges of our time.
Integrating contemporary innovations in technology, finance, and law, Armillaria is focused on the development of incentives and mechanisms for achieving coordination at universal scale.
Astrid is also a co-founder and board member of Zebras Unite, a global movement for and by founders and investors who are building the businesses that are better for the world. Astrid was previously President of Ecotrust, a conservation-based development organization with more than $300M in assets under management.
She holds degrees from the Universities of St. Andrews, Bristol, and California at Berkeley, and serves on the boards of Living Oceans Society, Habitat Media, and the nonprofit arm of Zebras Unite.
Astrid’s speaking influence at events stems from her ability to synthesize complex concepts into accessible insights that resonate with diverse audiences. Whether addressing corporate executives, policymakers, or grassroots activists, she brings a fresh perspective and pragmatic approach to catalyzing change. Through her engaging presentations, Astrid empowers individuals and organizations to embrace sustainability as a cornerstone of responsible leadership, driving meaningful impact across sectors and industries.
Astrid Scholz’s influence extends beyond the podium, as she actively contributes to shaping global conversations on sustainability and innovation. As the co-founder and CEO of a leading sustainability consultancy, she leverages her entrepreneurial spirit to bridge the gap between theory and practice, helping companies integrate sustainability into their core strategies. Her thought leadership has been instrumental in guiding organizations towards more ethical, resilient, and future-proof business models.
Astrid Scholz’s speaking engagements leave a lasting impression, inspiring audiences to reimagine their roles as stewards of change in a rapidly evolving world. By blending visionary thinking with actionable insights, she empowers individuals and organizations to embrace innovation, collaboration, and sustainability as catalysts for building a brighter future for generations to come.
Why Book Astrid Scholz?
Event planners seeking to inspire and educate their audiences on the urgent need for sustainable leadership and innovation should look no further than Astrid Scholz. With her unparalleled expertise and dynamic speaking style, Astrid delivers presentations that not only inform but also motivate individuals and organizations to take meaningful action towards a more sustainable future. Her ability to connect with audiences on both an intellectual and emotional level ensures that her messages resonate long after the event concludes.
Moreover, Astrid’s diverse background and multidisciplinary approach make her a versatile speaker capable of addressing a wide range of topics related to sustainability, technology, and leadership. Whether speaking at corporate conferences, academic symposiums, or community events, she tailors her presentations to meet the specific needs and interests of each audience, ensuring maximum impact and engagement.
Beyond her impressive credentials and speaking prowess, Astrid Scholz embodies the values of authenticity, integrity, and passion for positive change. As a thought leader and change agent, she leads by example, inspiring others to embrace innovation and sustainability as guiding principles in both their personal and professional lives. By booking Astrid for their events, planners can be confident in delivering a transformative experience that sparks dialogue, fosters collaboration, and catalyzes action towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
Why Event Planners Should Use Speakers Inc
Event planners entrusted with curating exceptional experiences for their audiences understand the importance of partnering with reputable speakers bureaus like Speakers Inc. By leveraging the expertise and network of a trusted agency, planners gain access to a diverse roster of top-tier speakers, including thought leaders like Astrid Scholz, who bring unique perspectives and valuable insights to their events.
Speakers Inc excels in matching event planners with speakers who not only meet their content and audience requirements but also exceed their expectations in terms of professionalism, reliability, and impact. With a proven track record of success and a commitment to excellence, Speakers Inc streamlines the speaker selection process, saving planners time and resources while ensuring seamless execution and outstanding results.
Furthermore, Speakers Inc provides comprehensive support throughout the event planning process, from initial consultation and speaker selection to logistics coordination and post-event evaluation. Their team of seasoned professionals understands the intricacies of event management and works closely with planners to customize solutions that align with their goals, budget, and vision. By entrusting their speaker needs to Speakers Inc, event planners can focus on creating memorable experiences that inspire, educate, and empower their audiences, confident in the knowledge that they have partnered with the best in the industry.
Summary and Conclusion
In summary, Astrid Scholz stands at the forefront of sustainable leadership and innovation, captivating audiences with her visionary insights and transformative initiatives. With a background spanning environmental science, technology, and entrepreneurship, Astrid brings a unique perspective to the challenges and opportunities facing our world today. Astrid Scholz dynamic speaking style and pragmatic approach empower individuals and organizations to embrace sustainability as a catalyst for positive change, driving meaningful impact across sectors and industries.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Andrea Guendelman is a writer, speaker, and entrepreneur who specializes in Expansive Leadership—helping individuals and organizations unlock potential through openness. She is a leading force in creating platforms for minority professionals and the tech industry. Through her own experiences as a Harvard-trained corporate lawyer and an entrepreneur, she co-created Bevisiblelatinx, Wallbreakers, and most recently, Speak – a […]
Leah Busque Solivan is not just a speaker; she’s a visionary entrepreneur who has redefined the way we approach productivity and task management. As the founder of TaskRabbit, she revolutionized the gig economy, empowering individuals to outsource errands and tasks with ease. Leah’s journey from a software engineer at IBM to a pioneering businesswoman showcases […]
Sophia Amoruso is the epitome of a modern entrepreneur—a visionary who redefined the e-commerce landscape and built a global brand from the ground up. As the founder of Nasty Gal and Girlboss, she has transformed the way women approach business, leadership, and personal growth. Her journey from selling vintage clothing on eBay to running a […]
Nancy Silverton, a name synonymous with culinary excellence, is a Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur who has left an indelible mark on the world of fine dining. Her extraordinary talent, dedication to the craft, and innovative approach to cuisine have earned her accolades and admiration from both the culinary world and food enthusiasts around the globe. […]
Omar Johnson is a marketing visionary and brand strategist whose innovative approach transformed Beats by Dre from a niche audio brand into a global cultural phenomenon. As the former Chief Marketing Officer of Beats by Dre, he played a pivotal role in growing the company’s revenue from $20 million to over $2 billion, ultimately leading […]
Dr. Catriona Wallace is a globally recognized thought leader in artificial intelligence (AI), ethics, and digital transformation. A trailblazer in the tech industry, Dr. Wallace is one of the few women at the helm of an AI-driven enterprise, leading the charge to create technology that not only solves problems but also fosters positive societal impact. […]
Ty Bennett is the Owner & CEO of the largest Ninja Warrior Gym in the world and it’s not stopping there – soon he will have three Ninja Warrior Gyms to add to his portfolio. An active CEO and serial entrepreneur, he has built three multi-million dollar businesses in three different industries. Ty and his […]
Deborah Perry Piscione, a renowned authority in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of work in the metaverse. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Deborah has garnered international recognition for her groundbreaking insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and its impact on business and society. As a sought-after keynote speaker, author, and thought leader, […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
