Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 04/07/2025.
Almost overnight, the world has come to see that the new technology of large language models and generative AI could change the nature of knowledge work. Trained on the cultural legacy of humanity, these systems can now do many tasks involving language, images, and information that are the expertise of educated professionals. In this overview of modern AI, which is updated with fresh insights every time it is given, Tom Gruber explains how these systems are created, what they are great at, what to be careful with, and the exciting applications that they enable. He brings to bear decades of experience in designing AI systems and advising AI companies. Applications include education, creative services, software engineering, knowledge management, mental health care, and augmented cognition. He offers insights into the potential risks to individuals and society from ungoverned applications, and a positive vision for the future of truly personal AI.
Artificial Intelligence, operating on big data, opens a world of possibilities to improve how we work, play, learn, and take care of ourselves. What is the proper role of AI in relation to humanity? How do we build AI-driven systems that deliver outcomes we want while avoiding unintended consequences? In this thought-provoking talk, Tom Gruber lays out a clear ethical choice. The key lies in aligning the objective of the machine with human values: engineering the AI systems to augment and collaborate with us for the betterment of humanity. Drawing from his direct experience building planetary-scale AI and advising a new generation of Humanistic AI companies, Tom offers insights to entrepreneurs, investors, and policy makers navigating the high-stakes decisions of AI today.
In 2010, Siri was purchased by Apple and remains central to the user experience of all Apple products. Today, Siri is used more than a billion times every day. But in late 2007 when Tom Gruber and his co-founders launched their fledgling startup, none of this was guaranteed. Why did top VC firms first invest in the company, even as the sky was falling in financial markets? Tom outlines four key factors that led to Siri’s success — factors that are essential to any successful startup. He shares insider details of Siri’s trajectory, while providing real-world examples from other companies, showing how attendees can put these principles into practice with their own ventures.
Experience the colorful lives of underwater animals through the lens of art photography. Learn about the surprising sex lives of famous animated fish, the bizarre mating habits of punk-rock nudibranchs, and the majestic grace of the largest fish in the ocean. See the adorable playfulness of sea lions up close, and then consider the message they have for us about our relationship to the ocean. Tom Gruber is in love with life in the ocean, and is privileged to travel around the world to dive in places where marine life still thrives. With his underwater photography and video, he hopes to bring back and share what he sees to create empathy and connection with the ocean.
Tom Gruber is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as AI and Humanity Today: The Promise and Problems of Generative AI, AI, Big Data, and Humanity: Risks and Opportunities, How to Build the Future: Practical Principles for Startup Founders and Colorful Lives: Photographic Stories from the Ocean. The estimated speaking fee range to book Tom Gruber for your event is $30,000 - $50,000. Tom Gruber generally travels from Maui County, HI, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Zack Kass, Ian Beacraft, Adam Cheyer, Dr. Rumman Chowdhury and Ayesha Khanna. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Tom Gruber for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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