Noreena Hertz Keynote Speaker: The New AI Anxiety

Noreena Hertz is a renowned economist, speaker, bestselling author, and strategic thinker whose work focuses on the great forces shaping our world: technology, globalisation, and the anxieties of modern life. Named “one of the world’s leading young thinkers,” she has a unique ability to anticipate global trends.

The New AI Anxiety

“You know what the number-one thing that keeps me up at night? It’s AI taking my job.”

This wasn’t a factory worker speaking. It was a straight-A student at a top university. I was leading a focus group, and other students from the U.S., U.K., and Germany all quickly agreed. “It’s a ticking time bomb,” said another.

This fear that AI will decimate the job market is spreading like wildfire through the educated middle class. It’s not just a passing worry; it’s impacting mental health and, crucially, how people may vote.

We’ve seen this pattern before. In the 2010s, blue-collar workers, feeling threatened by automation, shifted their political allegiance. Now, the threat of AI is poised to drive a new shift, this time led by white-collar professionals.

This fear isn’t irrational. The very pioneers of the AI revolution, from OpenAI’s Sam Altman to Elon Musk, have issued stark warnings about “entire classes of jobs” disappearing. White-collar roles – like marketers, coders, and designers – are seen as particularly vulnerable. A recent Stanford study even showed a 13% relative decline in employment for young workers in AI-exposed roles.

What’s fascinating is the disconnect.

While a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that 71% of Americans are deeply concerned about AI-driven job losses, the official discourse from many governments remains overwhelmingly bullish. Leaders are focused on the “AI gold rush,” praising it as the next internet boom.

This chasm between public anxiety and official enthusiasm is creating a vacuum. When a gap like this emerges, it opens the door for new political narratives. A significant shift is looming, and mainstream leaders need to be prepared with both concrete plans and compassion.

Why Book Noreena Hertz for Your Business?

In an era of disruption, Noreena Hertz provides audiences with the foresight needed to navigate the future. She explains why trends in AI and economics matter for your business, your employees, and your customers. Her keynotes equip leaders to understand the real-world impact of AI, manage workforce anxiety, and build more resilient, future-proof strategies.

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