Ramy NassarAI and Innovation Keynote Speaker in Canada
Ramy Nassar is a leading thinker in artificial intelligence and technology, with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of innovation, design, and business strategy. As the founder of boutique consultancy 1000 Days Out, he combines academic rigour with real-world execution to help organizations anticipate and leverage emerging tech trends.
Ramy’s career includes leadership roles such as Head of Innovation at Mattel—where he established their first Innovation Lab—and Managing Director of Design & Strategy at Architech. He’s guided AI-infused digital product development for clients like Apple, TD Bank, Air Canada, Facebook, CIBC, and Rio Tinto. A frequent speaker at global events, his keynotes and workshops demystify complex technologies like AI, machine learning, and strategic foresight, delivering actionable frameworks that drive transformation.
An advocate for education, Ramy teaches Design Thinking and AI at McMaster University, Toronto Metropolitan University, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. He is also the author of the soon-to-be-released AI Product Design Handbook.
Beyond academia and consulting, he serves on several boards and contributes to public-sector innovation initiatives. He is the founder of TEDxWaterloo and the local chapter of Engineers Without Borders. His fluency in English, French, and German, paired with his global perspective, makes him a compelling voice on how AI and digital transformation shape industry and society.
Ramy’s speaking engagements—at forums like the World Usability Congress, AI Everything, and Mobile World Congress—reflect his reputation for clarity, foresight, and the ability to relate advanced tech to practical business strategy.
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Speaking Topics
AI + Emerging Technology
Artificial Intelligence is by no means new, but there has been a recent shift – Generative AI has come out of the lab and into meaningful business applications that drive growth, customer success, and new value propositions. We are at the cusp of a global transformation that reframes how organizations leverage emerging technology. Deep learning, advanced analytics, and conversational tools like ChatGPT are driving the next wave of technology disruption, and the organizations that embrace these tools will be better positioned to outpace and outperform their competitors. Emerging technologies continue to drive data-driven digital transformation and AI breakthroughs, with organizations automating business processes and optimizing business processes for driving strategic growth. Leveraging cutting-edge language model technologies, generative AI helped organizations identify key business opportunities and develop an internal AI investment strategy. Ramy Nassar is an author and award-winning keynote speaker & facilitator who helps organizations leverage the transformative power of AI + Emerging Technology.
Strategic Foresight
Business leaders must find new ways forward in the face of uncertainty, adapting to changing regulatory environments, a reimagining of the future of work, AI & emerging technology, and ever-evolving customer expectations. Strategic Foresight provides a practical, scalable toolkit for forces & trends and anticipating their longer-term impact on your strategy. Strategic foresight and strategic planning help organizations decode signals shaping tomorrow's landscape and adapt to shifting consumer expectations in a dynamic business environment. The Foresight Mindset ™ empowers your teams & leaders to manage risk and confidently make decisions in dynamic and uncertain environments. Technology exists as a driver of change, and foresight-minded organizations today are better equipped to thrive. Ramy Nassar is an author and award-winning keynote speaker & facilitator who helps organizations think strategically about the positive and negative disruptors that will impact their business in the years to come.
A Foresight Mindset ™ helps individuals & organizations:
- Improve strategic decision making
- Enhance innovation capabilities
- Increase resilience to disruption
- Better allocate resources and investments
Innovation + Design Thinking
In this presentation, Ramy Nassar, former Head of Innovation for Mattel, will introduce the foundations of innovation through a design thinking mindset. Ramy Nassar’s workshops demystify complex technology and inspire teams to become truly creative partners in innovation.
Participants will:
- Understand the importance of a data-driven approach to innovation: Learn how to leverage key operational and customer experience metrics to drive innovation within your organization.
- Learn the Design Thinking framework: Discover the iterative approach that goes from proof of concept to minimum viable product (MVP), and ultimately the successful commercialization of new technologies.
- Apply innovation frameworks: Gain insights and practical tips on how to implement innovative practices within your organization, based on experience leading corporate innovation programs for globally renowned companies.
- Drive strategic roadmaps: Develop the mindsets & skillsets to a shared vision that delivers customer value while supporting organizational growth.
- Inspire a culture of innovation: Discover how to foster a company culture that embraces and encourages innovation & creativity, enabling your team to consistently generate groundbreaking ideas and drive growth.
AI Ethics: Navigating Bias in the Digital Age
AI expert Ramy Nassar delves into the intricate world of ethics in AI, shedding light on the prevailing biases embedded within machine learning algorithms and the associated risks & opportunities. Drawing from real-world examples, Ramy illuminates the importance of crafting AI systems that are equitable, transparent, and inclusive. This interactive presentation challenges participants to explore how they can gain a competitive advantage through the use of tools such as Generative AI while ensuring that the risk of bias is minimized. His presentations have completely transformed perspectives on AI and strategic foresight, and he delivers content in a presentation perfectly tailored to the audience. A crucial discourse for anyone invested in the future of technology.
Learning outcomes:
- Understand the inherent biases present in AI systems and their origins.
- Recognize the ethical challenges and dilemmas posed by biased algorithms on individuals and society.
- Gain insights into the real-world consequences of unchecked AI biases and their broader societal impact.
- Learn strategies and best practices for designing and implementing more equitable and transparent AI systems.
- Appreciate how the latest generation of Generative AI tools (ChatGPT, DALL-E, etc) are impacting people, organizations, and culture as a whole.
Q&A For Ramy Nassar
Where does Ramy Nassar travel from?
Ramy Nassar is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and travels from there for speaking engagements.
What topics does Ramy Nassar speak on?
Ramy Nassar speaks on digital transformation, design thinking, AI and ethics, future trends in technology, innovation strategy, and human-centred design.
What is Ramy Nassar's speaking fee?
Ramy Nassar's fee varies depending on the event, but it typically starts at $12,500 CAD plus travel for a keynote presentation.
How long is Ramy Nassar's typical keynote speech?
Ramy Nassar’s keynotes generally run 45 to 60 minutes, with the option to adjust the duration based on the needs of the event.
Does Ramy Nassar offer Q&A sessions after his talks?
Yes, Ramy Nassar is available for interactive Q&A sessions, allowing audiences to explore deeper insights on digital innovation and emerging technologies.
Is Ramy Nassar available for panel discussions and workshops?
Absolutely. Ramy is highly sought-after not just for keynotes but also for moderating or participating in panels, as well as leading hands-on innovation workshops and strategy sessions.
Can Ramy Nassar tailor his presentations to specific audiences or themes?
Yes, Ramy customizes his content to align with the industry, audience, and strategic goals of each event, ensuring an engaging and impactful experience.
What are some of Ramy Nassar's notable past speaking engagements?
Ramy Nassar has spoken at high-profile conferences and organizations including TEDx, MaRS Discovery District, SingularityU, Microsoft, IBM, and the Rotman School of Management, among others.
What technical requirements are needed for Ramy Nassar's presentations?
Ramy generally requires standard A/V equipment, including a microphone, screen, and projector. Specific technical needs can be coordinated during the booking process.
How can we book Ramy Nassar for our next event?
To book Ramy Nassar, please contact Heather at 416-420-4525 for details on availability, booking procedures, and any technical or logistical requirements.
"Ramy’s approach to introducing the complex topic of Generative AI helped our team better understand where key business opportunities for this technology exist and gave us the tools to build our own internal AI investment strategy and roadmap."
- Apple
"Ramy’s energy & expertise when it comes to the role of emerging technology are unrivaled. He brought a passion & enthusiasm to my team that helped drive us to new heights in terms of data-driven digital transformation."
- Chief Data Officer, Interac
"Your session on Strategic Foresight for Planners: Anticipating, Exploring and Shaping Our Shared Future straight out blew my mind! I will be taking your concepts back home in relation to tree canopy planning and management."
- Director, Urban Forestry, City of Toronto
"Ramy has a unique approach to presenting AI & emerging technologies that combines deep understanding of the topic with an undeniable enthusiasm that engages the audience in a meaningful and personal way."
- Learning Consultant, TELUS
The presentation completely transformed how our leadership team thinks about strategic planning. Ramy has a unique ability to uncover how the trends of today will shape the business environment of tomorrow. The framework he introduced helped us uncover specific ROI-driving opportunities to fine tune our strategy.
- New Balance
We had a great lineup of AI speakers and panelists during techNL’s Innovation Week and the Atlantic Economic Council’s Business Outlook Conference in St. John’s, NL. We heard an engaging and captivating keynote address on the future of AI by Ramy Nassar at Innovation Week. Your talk was a highlight of the week and really made me think more about the massive shift in society that AI is causing. It’s clear that AI is driving innovation, efficiencies, productivity, and new business opportunities, so it will most definitely be a growing element of our work, economy, and society.
- Trade Commissioner, Global Affairs Canada
Thank you for the incredible workshop that was engaging, and the insightful keynote. We were so lucky to have you and have heard such wonderful feedback from the founders and community. We will be in touch regarding future events.
- Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Communitech