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Keynote SpeakerVivienne Ming

The Professional Mad Scientist, Theoretical Neuroscientist, Author, Entrepreneur, Humanist

Dr. Vivienne Ming is a theoretical neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and author. She is the Founder and Executive Chair of Socos Labs, a philanthropic “mad science” incubator, and the Chief Scientist at Possibility Sciences, where she is pioneering systems for hybrid human-machine collective intelligence. Her career is defined by intellectual trespassing—ignoring the... Read more

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Popular Talks by Vivienne Ming

  • Robot-proof: Building Better People in the Age of AI

    Based on her upcoming book (March 2026)
We are moving past the fear of AI replacing us and into the reality of AI defining us. In this talk, Vivienne dismantles the traditional markers of success (degrees, pedigree) and explores the “constructs” that actually drive value in a high-tech future: resilience, creativity,…
  • The tax on being different: The Economics of Human Potential

    Diversity isn’t just a moral imperative; it is a mathematical optimization problem. Vivienne shares her groundbreaking research on the “Tax”—the extra energy women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals must expend to achieve the same results as their peers. She explains how this tax stifles innovation and offers a roadmap…
  • The mad scientist’s guide to innovation: From Sci-Fi to Reality

    How do you solve an “ill-posed” problem? Vivienne takes audiences inside the Socos Labs process. Using examples from her wildest inventions (AI for facial expression, predictive modeling for manic episodes), she teaches organizations how to embrace chaos, leverage the “Information-Exploration Paradox,” and use science fiction thinking to invent the future…
  • The neuroscience of trust (And Why Assholes Rise to the Top)

    Why do good people do bad things? Why do we promote leaders who destroy culture? Combining neuroscience and behavioral economics, Vivienne dives into the cognitive load of leadership. She explains how stress and pressure physically alter our brain’s ability to be empathetic and ethical, and provides a scientific framework for…

Biography

Dr. Vivienne Ming is a theoretical neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and author. She is the Founder and Executive Chair of Socos Labs, a philanthropic “mad science” incubator, and the Chief Scientist at Possibility Sciences, where she is pioneering systems for hybrid human-machine collective intelligence.

Her career is defined by intellectual trespassing—ignoring the borders between neuroscience, economics, and AI to solve the problems that don’t fit into neat categories. After surviving homelessness in her early 20s, she returned to academia to complete her undergraduate degree in just 15 months. She went on to earn her PhD from Carnegie Mellon, publishing research in Nature and NeuroIPS, then holding joint appointments at Stanford and UC Berkeley.

Vivienne was an early pioneer in using AI for human potential. As Chief Scientist of Gild, she built machine learning models trained on 122 million professionals to predict human capability. Today, through The Human Trust and Socos Labs, she has developed AI to treat diabetes and bipolar disorder, reunite orphan refugees, and help autistic children learn facial expressions.

She is the author of the upcoming book Robot-Proof: When Machines Have All The Answers, Build Better People (March 2026). A transgender woman and fierce advocate for inclusion, she speaks frequently on the “Tax on Being Different” and the economic cost of discrimination.

Ready to invite Vivienne Ming to your event?

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What clients say about Vivienne Ming

"Maybe the greatest keynote I've ever seen." Association of Independent Schools
"Vivienne Ming is the funniest act at the Edinburgh Fringe this year." Audience Member, Royal Bank of Scotland

How to book Vivienne Ming as a keynote speaker

How do I book Vivienne Ming for a keynote speech?

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

What are Vivienne Ming's speaking fees?

Vivienne Ming'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 Vivienne tailored to your event.

What topics does Vivienne Ming speak about?

Vivienne Ming speaks on Artificial Intelligence, Digital Trends, Education, 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 Vivienne to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Vivienne Ming available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Vivienne Ming for events worldwide, subject to Vivienne'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 Vivienne Ming 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 Vivienne Ming 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 Vivienne Ming?

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 Vivienne can accommodate.

Can Vivienne Ming tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Vivienne Ming 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 Vivienne can offer.

What languages does Vivienne Ming present in?

Vivienne Ming 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 Vivienne Ming a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Vivienne Ming's areas of expertise include Artificial Intelligence, Digital Trends, Education, Future & Technology, Future of Work. To get a clear sense of Vivienne'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 Vivienne Ming speak at?

Vivienne Ming 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, Digital Trends, Education, Future & Technology, Future of Work is relevant. Details of Vivienne'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 Vivienne Ming 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 Vivienne Ming is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Vivienne Ming?

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