Michelle Lee: Futurist AI Expert
Michelle Lee equips leaders to turn AI ambition into responsible, operational reality through practical frameworks, governance discipline, and clear strategic execution.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Founder and CEO of Obsidian Strategies
- Recognized AI and leadership keynote speaker
- Advisor to Fortune 500 companies on AI strategy
- Advocate for ethical AI and diversity in technology
- Featured in major media outlets for insights on digital transformation
- Formats: Keynote 45–60 minutes, fireside chat, moderated Q&A, or leadership masterclass.
- Audiences: C-suite leaders, transformation teams, product and engineering leaders, governance officers, and organizations scaling AI initiatives.
- Outcomes:
- Clear frameworks for moving from experimentation to responsible production deployment.
- Practical governance tools that prevent trust gaps, bias failures, and operational risk.
- Playbooks for structuring teams, decision-making, and ongoing oversight of AI systems.
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- **Fee range: $50,001 - $75,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
AI: THE ART OF THE POSSIBLE
AI: THE ART OF THE POSSIBLE AND PRACTICAL AND 7 LESSONS FOR IMPLEMENTING AI IN YOUR COMPANY
AI is one of the most transformative technologies of our generation. Computers can now create, “see,” “hear,” predict, and perform a wide variety of human tasks. Recent developments in AI (including generative AI, computer vision, machine learning, and robotics) will impact every business and aspect of our lives with both positive and negative effects.
As a result, every organization needs to ask itself, what is its AI strategy? Michelle Lee is an MIT AI Lab-trained computer scientist who has spent her career advising some of our country’s most innovative AI/data-driven companies (Amazon and Google), which gives her unique perspectives on the applications of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning.
In this engaging talk, Michelle cuts through the hype and brings the high-level talk down to reality with concrete examples and recommended actions. Audiences will come away with the 7 lessons for AI implementation that can help their companies increase operational efficiencies, enhance customer experiences, and generate new revenue.
REAL IMPLICATIONS OF GENERATIVE AI
REAL IMPLICATIONS OF GENERATIVE AI: THE PROMISE AND PERILS OF AI AND HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN AI-CENTRIC WORLD
AI is powerfully transforming virtually every aspect of our business and personal lives including the way we analyze data, make predictions, generate content, delight our customers, grow revenue and increase operational efficiencies. However, there are challenges to using generative AI for organizations in terms of accuracy, copyright, bias, regulations, and more.
Just because something can be achieved by AI doesn’t mean it should. Based upon her unique multidisciplinary experiences from the top levels of technology, business, law and government, Michelle Lee shares with her audience concrete examples of incredibly powerful business applications of AI, some associated risks, and how to balance the two to lead organizations to leverage responsible, reliable and trustworthy AI applications.
For this thought-provoking yet practical talk, Michelle Lee draws upon her experiences as a technologist and AI expert who has spent her career building and advising the most innovative AI/data-driven companies like Amazon and Google, her time as a top-ranked government official (Under Secretary of Commerce and Director of the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office) and her experiences as a lawyer and policy maker to examine the practical implications of Generative AI for organizations.
Audiences will come away understanding where to lean-in on AI and Generative AI, where not to, and how to leverage AI for competitive advantage.
Talent Short Bio
Michelle Lee is an experienced AI strategist and founder who helps organizations move from AI theory to practical, ethical deployment. Her work blends policy, product strategy, and leadership enablement to ensure AI initiatives scale without creating governance gaps or user trust issues. Michelle shows leaders how to embed ethical guardrails, define measurable success metrics, and set up operating models that sustain long-term value from AI.
Her talks are highly tactical: expect frameworks you can apply immediately, checklists for governance, and examples of common pitfalls and how to avoid them. Michelle works across sectors from finance to healthcare helping executives rewire decision-making processes and build teams that can ship reliable, responsible AI products. She’s a fit for C-suite summits, transformation offsites, and practical leadership masterclasses.
Read Full Bio
Michelle Lee is a trailblazing AI keynote speaker, renowned technology strategist, and leadership expert who is shaping the future of artificial intelligence and digital transformation. As the founder and CEO of Obsidian Strategies, she has carved out a niche in guiding organizations through the complexities of AI adoption, ethical implementation, and future-ready leadership. With a dynamic presence and deep expertise, Michelle captivates audiences with forward-thinking insights that bridge the gap between innovation and practical business applications.
With years of experience at the forefront of technological advancements, Michelle Lee is dedicated to empowering leaders and organizations to harness AI’s potential responsibly. Her compelling keynotes inspire action, equip businesses with strategic frameworks, and highlight the evolving relationship between technology, leadership, and human potential in the digital age.
Michelle Lee’s expertise spans artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and leadership in an era of rapid technological disruption. As an industry leader, she has worked with Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and startups, helping them navigate the AI landscape while maintaining ethical and strategic business practices. Her ability to translate complex AI concepts into actionable strategies makes her a sought-after speaker at global conferences, executive summits, and industry events.
As the CEO of Obsidian Strategies, Michelle has spearheaded innovative solutions that help organizations integrate AI technologies seamlessly into their business models. She believes in the transformative power of AI when aligned with strong leadership, ethical considerations, and a clear vision for the future. Michelle’s deep understanding of machine learning, automation, and responsible AI development allows her to provide insights that are both visionary and pragmatic.
Beyond her work in AI strategy, Michelle is an advocate for inclusive leadership and diversity in tech. She frequently speaks on the importance of cultivating diverse teams that can drive innovation and mitigate bias in AI systems. Her thought leadership extends to published works, media appearances, and advisory roles, where she continues to influence the direction of AI policy and corporate strategy.
Michelle Lee is a distinguished AI keynote speaker, technology strategist, and leadership expert who helps organizations navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. As the founder and CEO of Obsidian Strategies, she brings a wealth of experience in AI adoption, ethical leadership, and business transformation. Michelle’s ability to make AI accessible and actionable sets her apart as a leading voice in the field.
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Michelle Lee | AI Futurist
Talent Videos
Michelle Lee | Keynote Presentation
A 23-minute keynote exploring innovation, leadership, and the mindset required to drive meaningful progress in fast-changing scientific and technological landscapes.
Video Summary & Key Moments
This 23-minute keynote highlights Michelle Lee’s perspective on innovation as both a discipline and a responsibility. She opens by emphasizing that breakthrough ideas rarely come from isolated efforts; they emerge from diverse teams, open collaboration, and leaders who create space for experimentation. Lee reflects on her experience at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in private-sector innovation roles, underscoring how creative problem-solving accelerates when people feel empowered to question, prototype, and rethink assumptions.
Throughout the talk, she addresses the accelerating pace of technological change and the growing need for ethical, human-centered approaches to innovation. Lee stresses that great inventions are not only technically impressive—they must improve lives, expand opportunity, and solve real human problems. She explains how organizations can design cultures that reward curiosity, reduce fear of failure, and promote structured yet flexible innovation processes.
Key Moments
- 04:10 The role of diverse teams and empowered cultures in generating breakthrough ideas
- 08:55 Technology acceleration and the responsibility to innovate ethically
- 13:40 Practical guidance for building resilient, experimentation-driven organizations
- 18:25 Real-world lessons on failure, iteration, and long-term perseverance
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