‘Like a glimpse into the future’: Amy Webb to headline UNLEASH World 2024 in Paris

She is known for her rigorous, data-driven methodology, which she uses to forecast future trends.

Now Amy Webb is speaking to UNLEASH ahead of her Keynote presentation and Executive Boardroom audience at UNLEASH World in October.

So, what can you expect?

Leadership, you’ll hear from a futurist who can help you make important investment, growth, expansion, new product, or go-to-market decisions with a set of detailed, data-driven scenarios.

Speaking to Editor-in-Chief Nima Sherpa Green, Webb shared a sneak peek into future-gap analysis, new strategic roadmaps and scenario-based executable plans based on the emerging technology trends of the future.

Her insights into emerging technologies and their impact on the future of work have already consistently inspired decision-makers worldwide.

But where next?

A Pragmatic Approach to the Future of Work

Amy Webb, founder of the Future Today Institute and Keynote Speaker at UNLEASH World 2024

“There’s so much noise out there around AI, automation, and emerging tech,” Webb says.

“And there’s a lot of change coming over the next few years.

“My goal is to help leaders make sense of it all—separating what’s trendy from what’s transformational.”

With AI and other emerging technologies at the forefront of business discussions, Webb will help attendees cut through the hype to understand which innovations will truly impact industries.

“It’s challenging right now to get past what feels like a lot of hype,” she acknowledged, recognizing the confusion many leaders face when deciding what to invest in.

Decoding the Future of Work – Remember the human

For Webb, the future isn’t just about adopting the latest tech—it’s about making informed, pragmatic choices. “I think there’s this idea that the future of work is all technology,” she explained. “Whereas the future of work will include some technology, but it may look different…Depending on the human element of leaders.”

She added: “The future doesn’t just show up fully formed.

“It is the result of decisions that are made in the present. And if you can make good decisions based on data and reliable research, and a good understanding of a company –  and the way it co-creates value with its partners – then you have more control over what your future will look like.

“Those connections, that’s very important. And leaders, I think, sometimes forget that. They forget that they have agency, and I think that’s especially true given where we are with artificial intelligence right now, where it feels like we have maybe less and less agency than we might have in the past.”

The pressure to be ‘an AI expert’

Cutting through the AI noise is harder for HR and C-suite leaders than ever due to growing pressure to be seen as an expert, despite the pace of change.

“I have been researching and studying part of this field for more than a decade. The problem is that when the current crop of AI tools became easy enough to use for many people, then suddenly leaders have been thrust into a conversation about what AI means, and that’s really unfair.

“If you are part of an ELT for your company, if you are a CEO or a CFO or a CHRO, you are very, very good at overall management, managing people, managing processes, managing finance. Nobody should expect you to suddenly be an expert on artificial intelligence, right? That’s kind of what the marketplace has done.”

Webb says this, in part has led to the conflicting views on the dangers or overhaul possibilities of AI.

“It is natural that you are seeing people talk in these extremes, because that’s an easier conversation to have, the harder conversation to have is what’s pragmatic, but you have to have enough information to have that conversation.

“Remember, artificial intelligence is not a single technology, just like the internet isn’t. AI is an umbrella term for many different technologies.”

Leaders – Ruthlessly test your assumptions

Webb will also caution leaders on how emerging trends can lead to knee-jerk decisions on learning and development, beyond technology.

“I think there’s an assumption about the need to reskill or upskill workers, and I understand where that idea is coming from. There is emerging technology making its way into the workforce, and at the moment, not a lot of people who understand how to use that technology, or even what the technology is. That doesn’t always make sense.”

She adds: “There have been moments in time when we’ve hit these inflection points, and a lot of times those inflection points are unfortunately followed by zeal and enthusiasm, and then disillusionment –  because AI is not scaling, it’s not profitable, it’s not returning investment.

“There aren’t the investment returns that people expected. So I think this moment in time demands some patience and investigation.”

Hear more – Why You Should Be There

UNLEASH World 2024 in Paris is more than just an HR and technology conference—it’s a gathering of forward-thinkers who are shaping the future of work. Amy Webb’s keynote will be a pivotal moment for attendees looking to gain a deeper understanding of the trends that will define the next decade.

For those still on the fence about attending, Webb’s session is a must. “I want to help leaders make sense of it all—separating what’s trendy from what’s transformational,” she said. Whether you’re leading a HR team or steering the strategic direction of an organization, her keynote will provide invaluable insights on how to navigate this rapidly changing environment.

Webb will also unveil insights from the Future Today Institute’s 2024 Trends Report, offering attendees a sneak peek into the future of work and technology. “I will be talking about emerging signals and trends,” Webb confirmed, making this an unmissable session for anyone interested in staying ahead of the curve.

As we head into October 2024, Amy Webb’s keynote at UNLEASH World will be a beacon of clarity in a world of technological uncertainty. Don’t miss the chance to hear from one of the most influential futurists of our time—register now and secure your place at the forefront of the future of work.