In this captivating and inspirational keynote, Tan Le recalls her early childhood fleeing war torn Vietnam – boarding a tugboat in search of a new life, four-year-old Tan Le’s mother was clutching one precious possession: a vial of poison.
In the highly possible circumstance of a pirate boarding the vessel, she would feed it to her two daughters and her mother, before taking it herself.
Against all odds, Tan Le and her family washed ashore Australia’s coast to begin a new life in a foreign country. She worked hard, and it became clear from an early age that she had immense potential.
At just 16, after intense studying, she was accepted to college. Just a couple of years later she was named ‘Young Australian Of The Year.’Le goes on to humbly discuss her accomplishments, and how she became a spokesperson, activist, and eventually moves to the US to become CEO of Emotiv- a leading neuroscience technology company that helps individuals all over the world with groundbreaking innovations.
Tan Le’s astonishing new computer interface reads its user’s brainwaves, making it possible to control virtual objects, and even physical electronics, with mere thoughts (and a little concentration). She demos the headset, and talks about its far-reaching applications.
Tan Le is a pioneering neurotechnologist, entrepreneur, and CEO of EMOTIV, a Silicon Valley-based leader in non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) innovation. Born in war-torn Vietnam and arriving in Australia as a young refugee, she transformed adversity into opportunity and, in 1998, was named Young Australian of the Year for her community work. Her remarkable trajectory—from refugee to global tech leader—is captured in her viral TED Talk, “My Immigration Story.”
At EMOTIV, Le created “brainwear” headsets that allow people to interact with devices using neural signals, enabling radically new forms of accessibility and control—empowering even quadriplegic users to drive race cars with their minds. Her technology unlocks new potential in wellness, accessibility, creativity, and productivity, while making neuroscience approachable for developers and everyday users.
An influential thought leader, she was recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Influential Women in Technology and named to Forbes’ “50 Names You Need to Know.” She serves on the World Economic Forum’s Future Council for Neurotechnologies and Brain Science, authored The NeuroGeneration, and advocates globally for women in STEM and education equity.
One of the science world’s most successful and influential CEOs, Tan Le started her incredible life journey as a refugee facing a high probability of death on a treacherous trip across the pirate infested China South Sea.
Today, Tan Le is the founder and CEO of the bioinformatics firm, EMOTIV, where her groundbreaking work in technology and artificial intelligence is making it possible to control electronic devices with something as simple as a single thought.
At age 4, she fled war-torn Vietnam in an overcrowded tugboat with only her family and a vial of poison, kept on-hand to commit suicide in the case of a pirate attack. After reaching the shores of Australia, her family built a life from scratch amidst racism and poverty. Ms. Le applied herself intensely in her studies, opening the door to an education at one of the nation’s finest colleges, Monash University and a reputation that quickly earned her the prestigious “Young Australian of the Year” award.
Having grown up in an immigrant community stricken with mental illness, drug abuse, and domestic violence, Ms. Le began her career as a social advocate and became a bridge between Australia’s educated class and the community she’d grown up in. She simultaneously jumpstarted entrepreneurial ventures in neural-engineering technology, driven by her desire to better understand the brain and its effect on how we experience life.
Tan Le company, EMOTIV, is best known for its affordable EEG headset, which collects data from brainwaves as the wearer goes about his daily life. The data can then be uploaded to an online platform created by Ms. Le’s company that makes the information accessible to scientists and analysts around the world as part of an effort to accelerate research on neurological impairments such as depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, autism, and ADHD, among other conditions.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Sophia the Robot is a marvel of artificial intelligence and robotics, captivating audiences worldwide with her human-like appearance and advanced conversational abilities. As the world’s first robot citizen and the inaugural robot Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, Sophia embodies the intersection of technology and humanity. Her presence challenges our perceptions of AI […]
Ugwem Eneyo is a Nigerian-American engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur who stands at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions. As the co-founder and CEO of SHYFT Power Solutions (formerly Solstice Energy Solutions), she leads a venture-backed, award-winning energy technology company that is revolutionizing the way communities access and utilize power. With a deep commitment to sustainability, […]
Michael Tchong unique approach to decoding the future has positioned him as a preeminent trend-spotter and an influential figure in the realms of technology and entrepreneurship. With a distinct passion for staying ahead of emerging waves, Michael has established four successful startups, each leaving an indelible mark on their respective industries. His unwavering advocacy for […]
Kay Firth-Butterfield is an expert in artificial intelligence (AI) ethics and governance, championing the responsible development and deployment of technology. As the CEO of Good Tech Advisory LLC, she leverages her extensive legal and academic background to guide organizations toward ethical AI practices. Her leadership in this domain earned her a spot among TIME’s 100 […]
Julie Austin is an award-winning author, inventor, futurist, innovation speaker, and member of the World Future Society. She’s an internationally known thought leader on the topic of innovation, and CEO of the consulting firm Creative Innovation Group. She’s been an innovation keynote speaker for corporations such as Procter & Gamble, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Northrop Grumman, and […]
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, […]
Kudzi Chikumbu, a dynamic force in the realms of lifestyle influence and digital creativity. As the Global Head of Creator Marketing at TikTok, Kudzi is at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of social media and empowering creators worldwide. With a wealth of expertise, a passion for storytelling, and a commitment to driving positive […]
Sheena Allen is a visionary leader and celebrated keynote speaker in the realm of digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion. As the founder and CEO of CapWay, a neobank designed to address economic inequities and foster financial literacy, Sheena’s groundbreaking work has revolutionized how technology can empower underserved communities. Her journey from growing up in […]
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
