Brett StClair: Rebel Technologist

Brett StClair, a digital transformation keynote speaker and ex-Google executive helping leaders harness AI, disruption to future-proof business.

Quick Facts:

Highlights:
  • Former Google executive driving cloud and mobile adoption across Africa.
  • CEO-level leadership experience in fintech, AI, and customer experience transformation.
  • Expert in digital disruption, exponential technologies, and leadership resilience.
  • Proven track record guiding Fortune 500 companies and high-growth startups.


Formats Available: Keynote speaker (45–60 minutes), conference presenter, corporate trainer, digital futurist panelist.

Preferred Audiences: Executives, corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, innovation teams, and conference delegates seeking strategies for digital transformation and AI adoption.

Outcomes:
  1. Clear understanding of how AI and digital disruption impact business models.
  2. Practical leadership strategies for driving transformation and innovation.
  3. Actionable steps to future-proof organizations in an era of exponential change.
Reviews: (15 reviews)
5/5
  • Travels from: New York City, New York
  • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

Talent Services

Keynote Topics:

Unleashing the Power of Augmented Intelligence

Brett’s engaging keynote, “Embrace the AI Revolution: Unleashing the Power of Augmented Intelligence,” takes you on a journey through the world of AI, exploring its evolution, capabilities, and potential impact on businesses and everyday life.

With personal anecdotes and humorous stories, he captivates the audience while demystifying complex concepts.

Attendees will gain:

  • A comprehensive understanding of AI’s historical development, its current capabilities, and its potential impact on various industries and aspects of daily life.
  • Insight into AI’s role as a supportive tool that can enhance human capabilities, enabling better decision-making and improved efficiency in various roles and scenarios.
  • Practical tools and strategies for leveraging AI in business, such as using AI for content generation, process automation, and personalized solutions.
  • A vision for a future empowered by human-AI collaboration, solving global challenges and fostering an optimistic and forward-looking mindset.
     

Through this thought-provoking and entertaining keynote, attendees will gain valuable insights and emerge with a renewed sense of enthusiasm for embracing AI as a tool for unlocking their full potential and shaping a brighter tomorrow. This Keynote is suitable for anyone interested in understanding and navigating the AI revolution, and is a must-attend for those looking to drive growth and innovation in their organizations.

The Indispensable Role of the Rebel Technologist in Business

In a rapidly advancing technological landscape, businesses must adapt or risk being left behind. Unlocking the potential of Rebel Technologists is the key to gaining a competitive edge.

Join Brett StClair in this electrifying keynote as he unveils the critical role of Rebel Technologists in the AI era and how they can propel innovation and growth at the crossroads of Artificial Intelligence, Data, Machine Learning, and Digital Culture. Learn to recognize and cultivate rebel technologists within your organization and foster a culture that champions disruptive thinking and experimentation.

This captivating keynote will ignite your teams to welcome change and navigate the lightning-fast pace of innovation. Cut through the noise and discover what it takes to spark a revolution in your business. Don’t miss this dynamic keynote experience; book now to secure your spot and elevate your team’s innovative prowess.

Attendees will:

  • Discover the significance of Rebel Technologists in today’s business landscape
  • Learn to identify and nurture Rebel Technologists within your organization
  • Empower Rebel Technologists to harness AI, Data, Machine Learning, and Digital Culture for innovation and growth
  • Develop strategies for cultivating an environment that supports disruptive thinking and experimentation
  • Master techniques for transforming disruptive ideas into successful business models

Designed for forward-thinking business leaders and decision-makers, this keynote offers invaluable insights on staying ahead in an ever-changing business environment. Seize the opportunity to learn from Brett StClair, a thought leader and riveting speaker, on leveraging technology for progress and growth in your business.

Lessons in Leading Digital Change

Embarking on a digital transformation journey is not just about adopting new technologies; it’s about reshaping the very fabric of an organization to thrive in the digital age.

“From Google to Global Banking – Lessons in Leading Digital Change” is a keynote that encapsulates this journey through the lens of a seasoned technologist who led a monumental shift within a 40,000-person bank.

This keynote is not merely a recount of successes but a deep dive into the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of integrating DevOps, Agile, Design Thinking, and more into the heart of a traditional banking institution.

It’s a narrative that spans 32 countries, showcasing that despite cultural differences, the challenges of technology transformation remain universal.

Audiences will walk away with invaluable insights:

  • Strategies for Implementing Agile and DevOps: Learn from firsthand experiences on integrating agile methodologies and DevOps practices to enhance efficiency and innovation.
  • The Importance of Culture in Digital Transformation: Discover why fostering the right culture is critical for successful transformation and how it can be a game-changer for your organization.
  • Practical Tips for Digital Transformation: Gain actionable advice on starting or rebooting your digital transformation journey, focusing on customer problems and rethinking ways of working.

This keynote is designed to resonate with CIOs, CTOs, and Chief Digital Officers of large corporations, offering them a blend of personal narrative, practical insights, and a roadmap to digital excellence. It’s not just about the technology; it’s about the people, processes, and perseverance that make digital transformation a reality.

Fast Track your business to gain a competitive edge with AI

Feeling left behind by the AI revolution? Unsure where to start or how to make AI work for your business? In this one-day intensive workshop, renowned AI expert Brett StClair will leverage his 15-years of experience to ignite your businesses AI journey.

What to expect from this 6 hour intense workshop:

Uncover the best place to start your AI Journey: Discover where AI can deliver maximum impact for your business. Leverage Brett’s battle-tested strategies to bypass common challenges and accelerate your progress.

Fast-Track AI Adoption: In a collaborative workshop setting, Brett will work with you and your team to set up the ideal environment and tools using his proven formulas and in the workshop transform a business process with AI. 

This repeatable framework ensures consistent, scalable AI implementation across your entire organization.

Unlock 10X Productivity: Go beyond implementation. Learn how to foster team adoption and unlock a 10x productivity boost within months. Brett will provide practical tools and strategies to measure adoption and track progress.

AI for Everyone: Demystify AI. Gain a clear understanding of its potential and limitations. Explore how to use AI responsibly and equip your team with the skills needed to drive business growth.

Talent Short Bio

Brett StClair is a globally recognized keynote speaker, digital futurist, and former Google and Barclays Africa executive. With more than two decades of experience leading technology innovation, he specializes in helping organizations navigate digital transformation, scale with AI, and embrace the opportunities of exponential change.

Drawing on his leadership roles in cloud computing, fintech, and customer experience, Brett brings real-world insights into how disruptive technologies reshape industries. His presentations are known for their high energy, practical frameworks, and a human-first approach to technology adoption, making complex concepts accessible and actionable for leaders at every stage of digital maturity.

Brett StClair stands at the forefront of digital innovation and artificial intelligence, boasting a career that bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and strategic business transformation. With a rich history as an Ex-Googler, Brett has seamlessly transitioned into the world of digital banking and now serves as the CEO of Teraflow.ai, a company that is revolutionizing AI-driven solutions.

At Teraflow.ai, Brett is steering the company towards new heights, focusing on delivering innovative AI solutions that drive business efficiency and growth. His leadership and vision have positioned Teraflow.ai as a key player in the industry, attracting attention from businesses looking to harness the power of AI. Brett’s journey from Google to digital banking and now to Teraflow.ai showcases his adaptability and forward-thinking approach, making him an influential figure in the tech world.

Brett StClair’s career began with a solid foundation in digital technology during his tenure at Google, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and expansion in Africa. His work at Google involved driving the adoption of digital tools and strategies, helping businesses leverage technology to achieve their goals. This experience provided Brett with a deep understanding of the digital landscape and the transformative potential of technology.

Transitioning from Google, Brett ventured into the world of digital banking, where he brought his expertise to bear on the financial sector. As a digital banker, he spearheaded initiatives that modernized banking operations and improved customer experiences through technology. His efforts in this space underscored his ability to apply digital solutions to traditional industries, demonstrating the versatility of his skills.

Brett’s move to Teraflow.ai marked a significant milestone in his career. As CEO, he has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic direction and expanding its offerings. Under his leadership, Teraflow.ai has developed a suite of AI-driven solutions that help businesses automate processes, gain insights from data, and enhance decision-making capabilities.

Brett’s vision for Teraflow.ai revolves around making AI accessible and beneficial to all sectors, further cementing his status as a thought leader in digital transformation. As a speaker, Brett StClair has made a significant impact at numerous events, sharing his knowledge and insights with diverse audiences. His presentations often focus on the practical applications of AI and digital technology, providing valuable takeaways for business leaders and tech enthusiasts. Brett’s ability to connect with his audience and convey complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner has made him a popular choice for conferences and seminars.

Brett StClair’s journey from Google to digital banking and now as the CEO of Teraflow.ai highlights his exceptional expertise and leadership in digital transformation and AI. His ability to bridge the gap between technology and business strategy makes him a sought-after speaker, capable of delivering insightful and inspiring presentations.

As a keynote speaker Brett StClair brings together his unique experience and insights to deliver a series of keynotes on digital disruption, how to digitally transform, and how to leverage exponential technologies to rebuild your Digital Workflows using technologies like AI and Machine Learning to create fabulous working and customer experiences.

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Talent Videos

Brett StClair | Rebel Technologist Keynote on Generative AI and Business Transformation

Former Google executive Brett StClair challenges leaders to embrace “Rebel Technologists” who can harness generative AI, disrupt legacy systems, and drive business transformation at scale.

In this keynote, Brett StClair introduces the concept of the “Rebel Technologist,” drawing from his own journey at Google, Barclays, and now leading AI-driven transformation at Teraflow. He begins by highlighting the global disruption caused by artificial intelligence, noting both the risks and opportunities it presents. While fears of extinction-level risks dominate headlines, the greater challenge for most organizations lies in outdated legacy systems that consume resources and stifle innovation.

Brett argues that a revolution is required — one driven by individuals who combine technological fluency with business insight and a willingness to challenge the status quo. He describes Rebel Technologists as visionaries who are not afraid to rebuild solutions, push boundaries, and lead companies through exponential change.

The talk emphasizes the urgent need for businesses to identify, nurture, and empower these technologists. Without them, organizations risk falling behind as generative AI accelerates disruption across industries. With them, companies can energize teams, embrace transformation, and turn AI into a competitive advantage.

Brett concludes with a rallying call: the most profound moment in human history is unfolding now, and success will depend on those willing to rebel against outdated thinking and reimagine the future with AI.

Key Moments

00:00 – Introduction: Brett StClair as a rebel technologist (Google, Barclays, Teraflow).
00:30 – The rise of AI: risks, fears, and global disruption.
01:15 – Legacy technology challenges: firefighting instead of innovating.
02:00 – The call for a revolution in business and technology.
02:30 – Defining Rebel Technologists: visionaries who challenge the status quo.
03:15 – Why businesses must find and grow Rebel Technologists.
04:00 – Generative AI as a competitive advantage when paired with the right talent.
04:30 – Closing call-to-action: embrace change and lead through AI transformation.

In this 29-minute keynote, Brett StClair unpacks how leaders can move past “WTF moments” in cloud and AI to create actionable plans that deliver real business impact.

Brett StClair opens by reframing “WTF moments” as the feeling many leaders have when technology shifts faster than their plans. He recounts typical responses after a cloud conference: appoint a head of cloud, build a small team, compare pricing in spreadsheets, and hire data scientists to hunt for insights on limited datasets. The result is incremental progress, culture friction and stalled value.

He argues the next phase requires a clear plan grounded in how compute is evolving. Workloads will be mobile and policy-driven, shifting across on-prem, data centers and hyperscalers for least-cost, best-fit performance. He points to Kubernetes, containers and Google’s Anthos as enablers that containerize VMs in minutes and burst capacity where needed. On the data and AI side, he contrasts monolithic Hadoop-era efforts with event-driven architectures and serverless tools that support continuous ML retraining. A client example shows a three-person team scaling from a few training runs to millions by embracing cloud functions and event orchestration.

Brett then offers three steps. First, stop overanalyzing pricing calculators and run real benchmarks. Lift a representative system, deploy it across multiple clouds, and compare performance and cost under identical workloads. Second, separate data engineering from data science. Use engineers to break silos, stream data into fit-for-purpose platforms, and free data scientists to focus on modeling. Third, embrace full-system lift and shift where possible, reducing hybrid complexity and surfacing culture issues early. He shares a case where migrating an entire dev environment over a weekend improved stability and speed so dramatically that teams did not realize they were already on cloud.

He closes by challenging leaders to plan in weeks, not years. With abundant compute and storage, the advantage goes to organizations that containerize, automate, and adopt event-driven ML to convert AI into tangible business outcomes.

Key Moments

00:00 – 01:30 | Introduction: Brett’s career background (Google, Barclays, cloud leadership).
01:30 – 04:00 | Framing “WTF moments” — leaders facing rapid tech shifts.
04:00 – 07:00 | Common responses: spreadsheets, cloud teams, data science misalignment.
07:00 – 09:30 | Vision: democratization of compute, mobility of workloads.
09:30 – 12:00 | Event-driven architectures, ML retraining at scale, client case study.
12:00 – 15:00 | Anthos example: containerizing VMs for scaling across hyperscalers.
15:00 – 17:00 | Collapse of compute costs, least-cost routing, blockchain influences.
17:00 – 20:00 | Step 1: Stop faffing — run real benchmarks with lift and shift.
20:00 – 22:30 | Case study: month-end reporting reduced from days to hours.
22:30 – 24:30 | Step 2: Data engineering vs data science, building real-time pipelines.
24:30 – 26:30 | Step 3: Full-system lift and shift, overcoming cultural resistance.
26:30 – 27:45 | Legacy mainframes, COBOL, and modernization strategies.
27:45 – 28:47 | Closing challenge: plan in weeks, unlock abundance of compute.

Brett StClair explains how Sciatic bridges legacy enterprise infrastructure and modern cloud-native approaches, helping African businesses transform with Google Cloud.

Brett StClair shares how Sciatic has become one of Google’s largest partners in Africa over four years, solving challenges for both enterprises and startups. He highlights the company’s dual expertise: a seasoned team that has built more than 60 percent of South Africa’s data centers, and a new generation of technologists who view compute only as code libraries, not physical servers. This combination allows Sciatic to serve traditional industries while driving cloud-first innovation.

He emphasizes that bridging the gap between legacy infrastructure and modern architectures requires packaging workloads so they can run across platforms. Google’s strength lies in Kubernetes containerization, which underpins its own global applications and enables this workload mobility. For South African enterprises, however, the reality is often heavily tied to on-premise hardware and racking-and-stacking approaches. The real challenge is not just infrastructure but people: how to reskill teams, shift their mindset, and embrace cloud-native operations.

StClair concludes that Sciatic’s differentiator is its ability to span both worlds guiding organizations through the cultural and technical journey from traditional IT to modern, scalable cloud ecosystems. Rather than a simple plug-and-play solution, digital transformation is positioned as a long-term, guided journey requiring both legacy expertise and cloud-native innovation.

00:00 – 00:30 | Introduction: Sciatic’s four-year partnership with Google Cloud.
00:30 – 01:00 | Growth into one of Africa’s largest Google Cloud partners.
01:00 – 01:30 | Two sides of the team: legacy experts vs new-generation cloud coders.
01:30 – 02:15 | The role of packaging workloads for multi-platform distribution.
02:15 – 02:45 | Google’s Kubernetes containerization as the engine for workload mobility.
02:45 – 03:15 | South African enterprises: legacy hardware, on-site data centers, and old operating models.
03:15 – 03:45 | The people challenge: reskilling teams from racking-and-stacking to cloud-native.
03:45 – 04:15 | Sciatic’s differentiator: bridging legacy and cloud in a long-term journey.
04:15 – 04:30 | Closing: transformation is not plug-and-play, but an ongoing process.

Key Moments

Talent FAQ's

A: AI adoption, digital disruption, leadership in transformation, cloud computing, and exponential technologies.

A: Brett delivers high-impact keynotes (45–60 minutes), executive sessions, and interactive leadership workshops.

A: Brett can present globally, in-person or virtually, with customizable keynotes tailored to audience needs.

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