Keynote AI

A keynote on AI that goes beyond the hype.

Laurens Waling translates AI into what it actually means for work, decision-making and talent. Accessible for the whole room, sharp enough for the boardroom — and always with something your audience can start on Monday.

Laurens Waling, relaxed outdoor portrait
From hype to decisions

Everyone talks about AI. Few organisations make decisions with it.

This keynote on AI moves past the headlines: what does AI concretely mean for work, decision-making and talent, and where do you start without overwhelming your organisation? Laurens draws on the daily practice of 8vance, where he serves as Chief Evangelist: ethical, explainable AI already running in healthcare, government and business.

No black box, no science fiction. Just evidence, and a level-headed take on what AI can do today — and what it can’t.

Laurens Waling on stage with live audience research on AI

I don’t believe we have a staff shortage. I believe we have an organisational problem.

What your audience takes away

Three things that stick after this AI keynote

01

A level-headed view

What AI can really do today, without hype and without doom. Just enough depth for boardroom and shop floor alike.

02

Responsible momentum

Why waiting has a price too, and how to move faster responsibly instead of slowing down.

03

Real-world cases

Examples from healthcare, government and corporates — from the daily practice of 8vance, not borrowed slides.

Laurens Waling on stage in front of 'the future starts here' screen
On stage

From main stage to board table.

Carrying a room of 800 people through an AI story is a craft. Getting a board to ask deeper questions is another. Laurens does both, with the same energy and concrete examples from practice.

300+

talks delivered, from boardroom to conference hall

13,500+

professionals reached with keynotes on AI and work

15+

international stages, from UNLEASH World to Zukunft Personal

JS

“Laurens brings energy and clarity into the room. During our HR & AI session he kept everyone engaged with concrete, recognisable examples.”

Joost Sluijs · HR Director, Radboudumc

Want this AI keynote at your event?

Tell me about your audience and programme, and I’ll immediately think along about the format. Short lines, quick response.

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