Generative AI Advisor to EQT Group, CEO of Addo, Former CEO of The Keys Academy & Author of ‘Hybrid Reality’

Dr. Ayesha Khanna is a globally recognised authority on artificial intelligence, smart cities, and the future of work. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of Addo, a cutting-edge AI solutions company recognised by Forbes as one of Asia’s leading artificial intelligence firms. A passionate advocate for diversity in STEM, she also founded 21st Century Girls, a non-profit empowering young women with coding and AI skills. Named one of Forbes’ Groundbreaking Female Entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia and a LinkedIn Top Voice in AI, Ayesha is a sought-after keynote speaker, shaping global conversations on innovation, ethics, and the transformative power of technology.

Credentials & Impact

Ayesha began her career after earning a PhD in Information Systems from the London School of Economics, where she focused on smart city information infrastructures. She first worked as a Senior Advisor at Fitzgerald Analytics Inc., before becoming Editorial Director at The Economist and later CEO of The Keys Academy. Her passion for the intersection of humans and technology led her to co-found and direct the Hybrid Reality Institute, which explored human-technology co-evolution.

Alongside her professional work, Ayesha has founded initiatives dedicated to education and empowerment. She launched 21st Century Girls, a non-profit organisation teaching young women coding and AI skills, and more recently created Squad, which focuses on helping women understand the Metaverse and Web3.

Her expertise has been widely sought after in advisory roles. She is currently a Board Member of Johnson Controls and serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of L’Oréal. She has also been a Board Member of NEOM, AVEVA, and several Singapore government agencies, including the Health Promotion Board, the Infocomm Media Development Authority, and Sport Singapore. In addition, she has contributed to the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council. Recognised by Forbes and LinkedIn, Ayesha continues to shape global technology discourse with an inclusive and ethical perspective.

Publication & Media

The author of three influential books, ‘Hybrid Reality’, ‘The AI Productivity Playbook’, and ‘Straight Through Processing for Financial Services’, Dr. Ayesha also enriches global media with her insights. She has been featured in a Protiviti video interview on how technology is revolutionising work and appeared in ZDF’s documentary series on Leading Women. Her writing and commentary provide clear, actionable perspectives on how emerging technologies are reshaping industries and societies worldwide.

Why Hire Ayesha Khanna?

Dr. Ayesha Khanna is an internationally acclaimed speaker who brings clarity and inspiration to the most pressing conversations on technology. Trusted by organisations such as Citi, Oracle, Thomson Reuters, Barclays, and Goldman Sachs, she is known for engaging audiences with accessible insights on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, smart cities, and the future of work. Her ability to translate complex technological trends into strategies that leaders can act upon makes her a standout voice in global forums.

Ayesha has also delivered TEDx talks, including ‘The Future of Work’ and ‘The Impact of Intelligent Technology’, where she explored how intelligent systems are reshaping industries and human potential. Her speaking style blends deep expertise with practical foresight, ensuring that audiences leave with not just knowledge but also a clear vision of how to adapt and thrive in a fast-changing digital economy. Booking her guarantees a keynote that is insightful, impactful, and future-ready.

To book Ayesha to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.