AI is not just a tool, it is increasingly becoming a team member.
Whether brainstorming, planning or daily workflows: AI systems are quickly developing into valued colleagues.
But what does that mean for collaboration, trust, and responsibility? How do you maintain autonomy?
In this keynote, Deborah explores the rise of AI colleagues: how they work, how people respond to them, and what impact they have on communication, decision-making, and leadership within organizations and teams.
For anyone who works with AI, leads teams, or wonders what work looks like when your colleague is no longer human.
Gain insight into how AI functions as a 'colleague' in different work contexts, and how organizations can deal with this.
Imagine a colleague ...
...who is never sick
...takes care of routine tasks
...research, summarize, design or write code in seconds.
...that supports, monitors and improves your work, directly available in your favorite tools.
This is not a pipe dream, but the reality of AI colleagues.
As AI shifts from a helpful assistant to an agent acting on its own, crucial questions arise:
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What does this mean for our productivity, quality, creativity and responsibility?
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Will we get work that feels more human, or are we unknowingly shifting decision-making power to systems we don't fully understand?
The topics
What is an AI colleague?
From copilot to autonomous agent, with applications in customer service, sales, finance, HR, R&D and operations.
The state of AI technology:
Generative AI, AI workflows and agents.
Opportunities for teams and organizations
Higher productivity, better quality and innovation acceleration.
Risks and preconditions:
Data privacy, intellectual property, security, bias, hallucinations, and ultimate responsibility.
People and work:
New skills, smart collaboration with AI, motivation and acceptance, and the emergence of roles such as AI product owner and prompt specialist.
Strategies for the future:
How can we, as employees, organizations, and entrepreneurs, leverage the benefits of AI colleagues while simultaneously minimizing the risks and protecting ourselves from the manipulative power of tech companies?
Watch Deborah Nas's latest TEDx presentation on
AI companions
About Deborah
Deborah is a professor, futurist and trend watcher in the field of innovation and technology and a sought-after speaker on the impact of AI.
Deborah is a part-time professor of Strategic Design for Technology-Based Innovation at Delft University of Technology, Innovation Lead at the Centre for Quantum & Society, a commissioner at Hardt Hyperloop, a board member of the Cre8 Foundation, and a member of the IQ Capital investment committee of InnovationQuarter, a €143 million investment fund that invests in deep tech startups.
Deborah is a thought leader at the intersection of technology, psychology, and business. She researches how AI is changing our work and how humans and machines achieve better results together.
Since early 2025, she has been writing a book about AI companions and AI in relationships, with direct lessons for the workplace: where AI works, where it doesn't, and how to ensure safety and accountability. In her keynotes, she highlights both the opportunities and the risks. She shows where the development of AI colleagues is headed and offers an inspiring glimpse into the future.
Curious about Deborah's other thematic lectures in Dutch and English? View all presentations here.
Testimonials
""We received many compliments during the drinks about your lecture on AI. Very well done. Many people have gone home with the feeling 'I have to do something with this'. Goal achieved!”
Milou van Elburg, Producent
Productie Regio Zwolle Congres
Deborah in action
Want to know how AI colleagues are shaping the future of our work? Book this presentation by Deborah Nas!
Deborah Nas translates technology into everyday practice, with compelling examples and tools you can apply tomorrow. Her energy, storytelling skills, and clear explanations make her the ideal speaker for your event.
In her keynotes, she highlights both the opportunities and risks of AI. She shows where the development of AI colleagues is headed and offers an inspiring glimpse into the future.
Deborah's enthusiastic presentation style, combined with inspiring examples tailored to your audience's interests, ensures your visitors leave the room feeling inspired.
refreshing and illuminating presentation style
at the intersection of technology, psychology and business
tailored to your sector and audience
with concrete tips and tools
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