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Keynote SpeakerSophia Velastegui

Leading AI Business Expert, CEO and Former Microsoft, Google and Apple Executive

Sophia Velastegui is the CEO of Velastegui Ventures, which provides AI advisory and consulting services and develops cutting-edge AI products, right-sized services, and scalable strategies to Fortune 500+ and high-growth companies. CEOs and corporate boards seek her guidance when they need to understand – and lead through – the disruptive... Read more

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Popular Talks by Sophia Velastegui

  • The New Norm: Leading at the Speed of Exponential Change

    AI is no longer just transforming industries — it is accelerating itself, creating exponential cycles of disruption that outpace traditional leadership playbooks. For executives, the stakes are high: organizations that treat change as episodic will be left behind, while those that embed agility into culture, governance, and strategy will define…
  • The AI Compass: Leading with Foresight in the Age of Disruption and Uncertainty

    AI isn’t just another technology wave. It’s a stress test for leadership. The real challenge isn’t efficiency but steering through disruption without losing direction. In this keynote, Sophia shows how executives can turn fear into foresight, balance bold bets with governance, and lead organizations through workforce shifts and new business…
  • The New Workforce of the Future: The Human + AI Workforce

    As workflows evolve, leaders face three distinct futures: human-led copilots, machine-led orchestration, or fully autonomous ecosystems. Each comes with unique risk, talent implications, and governance challenges. The shift also disrupts traditional offshoring strategies: tasks once moved offshore for cost arbitrage are now prime candidates for automation, demanding a fundamental rethink…
  • Who Is Succeeding with AI and How the 5% Win

    MIT reported that 95% of enterprise GenAI pilots fail to deliver a measurable financial ROI. Only a small fraction of companies — the winning 5% — have managed to scale AI effectively and achieve real ROI. What sets them apart? Realizing AI’s return on investment is an elusive proposition for…

Biography

Sophia Velastegui is the CEO of Velastegui Ventures, which provides AI advisory and consulting services and develops cutting-edge AI products, right-sized services, and scalable strategies to Fortune 500+ and high-growth companies. CEOs and corporate boards seek her guidance when they need to understand – and lead through – the disruptive forces reshaping business, technology, and society.

She was previously the Chief Product Officer of Aptiv, leading global product strategy and managing a multi-billion-dollar physical AI self-driving car and full AI tech stack portfolio. Prior to Aptiv, Sophia served as Chief AI Technology Officer at Microsoft, leading the company’s AI business application vision and initiatives. Her team worked extensively in traditional and generative AI, including Microsoft/OpenAI and ChatGPT. Her leadership journey also includes launching AI products and services at tech giants such as Google/Alphabet and Apple.

Sophia serves as a board director at Blackline (NASDAQ: BL) and on Georgia Tech’s President Board. She is also an AI advisor for the National Science Foundation (NSF) as well as a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) on AI, technology, and corporate governance. She was named “The Most Powerful Female Engineer” by Business Insider for AI and emerging technology.

Sophia is a highly sought-after speaker, presenting keynotes at TEDx, Financial Times, WSJ, NACD, and the World Economic Forum. Sophia combines deep technical insight on AI strategy and how to drive business growth through industry-proven approaches to development, governance, and human impact. With her unrivalled AI leadership and understanding of the corporate landscape, Sophia connects with audiences across industries. She inspires with her stories of real-world innovation and shares actionable frameworks that can be applied for maximum impact.

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How to book Sophia Velastegui as a keynote speaker

How do I book Sophia Velastegui for a keynote speech?

You can book Sophia Velastegui through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Sophia's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Sophia Velastegui's speaking fees?

Sophia Velastegui's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Sophia tailored to your event.

What topics does Sophia Velastegui speak about?

Sophia Velastegui speaks on Artificial Intelligence, Business & Management, Future & Technology, Future of Work. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Sophia to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Sophia Velastegui available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Sophia Velastegui for events worldwide, subject to Sophia's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Sophia Velastegui deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Sophia Velastegui is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Sophia Velastegui?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Sophia can accommodate.

Can Sophia Velastegui tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Sophia Velastegui on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Sophia can offer.

What languages does Sophia Velastegui present in?

Sophia Velastegui delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Sophia Velastegui a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Sophia Velastegui's areas of expertise include Artificial Intelligence, Business & Management, Future & Technology, Future of Work. To get a clear sense of Sophia's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Sophia Velastegui speak at?

Sophia Velastegui can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Business & Management, Future & Technology, Future of Work is relevant. Details of Sophia's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Sophia Velastegui offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Sophia Velastegui is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Sophia Velastegui?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Sophia Velastegui, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Sophia's current availability for your dates.