Prof. Dr. Dr. Yoshija Walter – the “5 Premium Speakers Questions”
Prof. Dr. Dr. Yoshija Walter is a (neuro)scientist, philosopher, strategist and one of the leading experts at the intersection of artificial intelligence, business, ethics and society.
With two doctorates, four master’s degrees and an interdisciplinary background in cognitive neuropsychology, philosophy, biology and business administration, he combines academic depth with entrepreneurial thinking – a combination that is exceptional in the field of keynote speaking and public speaking.
As Professor of Strategy, AI & Ethics, founder of the AI Management Institute (AIMI) and former co-director of the Competence Centre for AI Management, he conducts research, teaches and advises at the forefront of AI development. His work ranges from Swiss university ethics committees and NATO cybersecurity panels to C-level consultancy and internationally peer-reviewed research.
In his talks, Prof. Walter combines academic rigour with strategic clarity and critical reflection. He neither romanticises AI nor demonises it. Instead, he opens up spaces for reflection that help his audience to better understand the dynamics of the AI era and to shape it actively, responsibly and with the right mindset.
Prof. Dr. Dr. Yoshija Walter in an interview
1. What are the key topics covered in your talks?
My talks explore the intersection of AI, business, ethics, society and strategy – always grounded in scientific evidence, but without resorting to buzzwords. I explore how artificial intelligence is transforming not only markets, but also people, organisations and democratic structures: from responsible AI governance and digital strategy, through digital psychology and the AI anthropomorphism bias, to the critical skills that really matter in the digital age. My starting point is always the fundamental question: what does this mean for us as human beings – and what kind of future are we shaping right now?
2. What audience or sector are you aiming to reach with your speech?
My audience is as diverse as my background: C-level executives and managers who not only want to understand AI but also take responsibility for it; educational and research institutions that are building future-proof skills; policy-makers and public authorities seeking evidence-based guidance; tech companies that take the social dimension of their work seriously – and the general public, who wish to think beyond the hype and hysteria. Thanks to my interdisciplinary background, I am able to engage with engineers just as much as philosophers, and managers just as much as students.
3. Why are you a premium speaker, and where do you get your knowledge from?
Two PhDs. Four master’s degrees. In-depth practical knowledge. Years of advising C-level executives. Research published in international academic journals and cited by the academic community. That is the foundation – but not the crucial point.
What sets me apart as a speaker is the combination of theoretical depth and practical relevance:
I am familiar with the fundamental issues from the laboratory, the lecture theatre, the boardroom and the policy table. And I know that knowledge alone is not enough. My aim is to instil a critical mindset – the ability to contextualise, question and consciously shape developments in AI. That is what my audience truly takes away with them.
4. What does the future hold? Does ‘time’ play a role in your profession? Or is it consistency?
AI doesn’t wait. Every few months, the landscape shifts – new models, new capabilities, new ethical dilemmas. In my line of work, standing still means falling behind. At the same time, I’m convinced that those who merely chase trends lose their bearings. For me, consistency means being deeply rooted – in research, teaching and practice – so that I can not only take note of developments, but also put them into context. The future cannot be predicted. But those who ask the right questions and think critically are better equipped to deal with any scenario. That is precisely what I try to convey to my audience.
5. Tell us your life motto! What message would you most like to share with your audience?
‘Think critically. Act responsibly. Remain human.’
AI is a tool – not a compass. The direction we take must come from us: ethical, strategic and purpose-driven. I am driven by a deep quest for truth and a genuine appreciation for the complexity of the world we live in.
What I want to share with every audience: don’t just learn to use AI. Learn to think beyond it.