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AI innovation & digital transformation

Clara Shih

Transform digital customer experiences with Clara Shih, AI innovation and digital transformation expert. Clara equips organizations to leverage social media strategies and implement ethical AI solutions that drive measurable ROI. Head of Business AI at Meta, former Starbucks board member, and bestselling author of The Facebook Era.

Trusted by Meta, Starbucks

Clara Shih, Speaker | SVP Meta & Tech Investor
Clara Shih

Clara Shih

San Francisco, United States

Typical fee range

$100k and over

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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San Francisco, United States

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$100k and over

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Clara Shih's biography

At a glance

  • Head of Business AI at Meta and former Starbucks board director
  • Named one of Fast Company’s Most Influential People in Technology
  • Founder and board chair of global software company Hearsay Systems
Clara Shih combines technological innovation with business acumen to help organizations navigate digital transformation. As Head of Business AI at Meta and founder of Hearsay Systems, Clara brings practical expertise in creating modern customer experiences that drive measurable business results. Clara previously served on the Starbucks board of directors and today advises global enterprises on digital transformation strategies. Her groundbreaking work includes developing the first social business app in 2007 and authoring the bestselling book The Facebook Era. Her career spans business and technical roles at Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce.com, complemented by academic excellence as Stanford's top computer science graduate and an Oxford Marshall Scholar. Clara helps organizations tackle today's most pressing challenges by implementing AI-powered solutions that enhance customer engagement while maintaining ethical standards. Her approach balances technological innovation with practical business applications, enabling companies to automate routine processes while creating more meaningful customer interactions across digital channels. Audiences gain actionable strategies for leveraging social media to redesign business models and reach connected consumers effectively. Clara's presentations provide frameworks for implementing AI solutions that deliver measurable ROI while maintaining brand trust. Book Clara to equip your team with proven strategies that bridge technological innovation and practical business transformation in today's digital landscape.

Clara's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Digital Transformation And Customer Experience
Clara Shih will discuss the effective use of modern digital communication channels, including video calls, online document sharing, and social media, to build and nurture virtual relationships. She will address the importance of balancing corporate branding with local relationship management efforts and highlight key regulatory considerations, such as FINRA and SEC guidelines for financial services. Attendees will learn strategies to enhance their digital communication skills while ensuring compliance and fostering strong connections in a virtual environment.
Sales Effectiveness In An Increasingly Digital World
Clara Shih will discuss leveraging LinkedIn and other social media to enhance sales rep productivity in the digital marketplace. She will explore effective strategies for prospecting, nurturing customer relationships, and fostering retention and growth. Clara will emphasize the importance of establishing expert credibility and conveying empathy through digital interactions. Attendees will learn how to build lasting customer trust, making this a crucial time for developing strong, enduring relationships in a competitive environment.
Employee Engagement In A Hybrid Workplace
Clara Shih highlights the considerations managers must take into account in our new world of hybrid work. Clara discusses the unique support required for single and dual-working parents of young children and the necessity for managers to adapt their management styles to model behaviors that prioritize work-life balance. Clara also addresses the need for recruitment strategies to evolve in a virtual environment, focusing on personal interactions without in-person meetings. Attendees will learn effective management techniques and innovative recruitment approaches for a changing workforce.
The Social Selling Revolution
Clara Shih discusses the importance of real-time social signals in modern sales strategies. With a billion people sharing life moments online, savvy agents can leverage this information to enhance outreach efforts. Cold outreach is outdated; today’s successful agents know when and how to connect with prospects, fostering deep relationships that lead to renewals, upsells, and referrals. Attendees will learn effective techniques to navigate the evolving selling landscape.
The Comprehensive Facebook Marketing Play Book
Clara Shih discusses how Facebook has transformed online sharing, impacting personal relationships and marketing strategies. She highlights that marketers can achieve higher response rates by personalizing messages and leveraging endorsements from friends. With tools like hyper-targeting and social media platforms, marketers must engage with customers where they are most active, particularly on Facebook. Attendees will learn how to adapt their marketing strategies to thrive in the Facebook Era by mastering consumer psychology and effective communication techniques.

Why we recommend booking Clara

Clara Shih's unparalleled expertise in digital transformation, from founding Hearsay Systems to holding leadership roles at Meta, Google, and Salesforce, equips organisations with actionable strategies to leverage AI and social media for measurable business growth. Book Clara to give your team the perfect balance of technological innovation and practical business applications needed to create meaningful customer experiences in today's digital landscape.

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Trusted by Meta, Starbucks

Testimonials

Shih clearly articulates the opportunity for businesses on the social web, breaking it down into simple, actionable steps for companies to reach and connect with customers and prospects from around the world.

Sheryl Sandberg

Chief Operating Officer, Facebook

Clara is someone who understands the marketing side of the business and at the same time has a deep understanding of the technical side. This makes her a rare individual who can simultaneously understand today's technical limitations--understands the potential of tomorrow's technology--and can communicate the vision.

Nori Yoshida

Entrepreneur

She helped bring social media mainstream with sticky storytelling and the experiences she earned doing the work. Her work helping Starbucks and Ad Council connect with Millennials is important and impressive, and she's an inspiration for supporting women in engineering.

Tommy Leap

Featured Projects

Clara Shih - The Facebook Era book cover
Clara Shih - Business of AI Podcast with Clara Shih podcast cover

frequently asked questions

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What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

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Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

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A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

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Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

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Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

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Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.