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Joanna Shields
Artificial Intelligence
Cybersecurity
Risk Management
Explore the intersection of technology and society to foster responsible innovation with Baroness Joanna Shields OBE, speaker, global advocate for ethical AI and online safety.


Innovator
Digital Expert
Mentor
Thought Leader
Humanitarian
Women in Tech
Female CEO
Women in Business
Founder
Philanthropy
Baroness Joanna Shields OBE is a prominent figure in the tech industry, serving as a life peer in the UK House of Lords. With over three decades of experience, she has significantly influenced technology innovation across various sectors, including industry, government, and civil society.
Joanna is the founder and CEO of Precognition, a startup focused on helping leaders navigate the AI landscape to create positive solutions. Previously, she led BenevolentAI, transforming it from a startup into a clinical-stage drug discovery company with a leading AI platform that aids scientific discovery.
Her career includes executive roles at major tech companies. At Google and Facebook, she expanded international operations, driving substantial growth. As President and CEO of Bebo, she innovated in online video content and oversaw its $850 million acquisition by AOL Time Warner, earning two BAFTA nominations. Joanna also led Veon in interactive video streaming before its acquisition by Philips NV and managed international operations at Real Networks.
From 2013 to 2018, Joanna served as the UK Government's first Minister for Internet Safety and Security. She also held roles as Digital Economy Advisor to the Prime Minister and UK Ambassador for Digital Industries. During her tenure, she addressed critical issues at the intersection of technology and society, developing AI tools to combat online extremism and exploitation.
As a global advocate for internet safety, Joanna founded the We Protect Global Alliance, which unites over 100 countries in the fight against online child sexual abuse and exploitation. Her work focuses on promoting responsible technology development and human-centric AI.
Joanna has been a twice-elected Co-Chair of the Global Partnership on AI, collaborating with 25 member countries to enhance the organisation's global impact. She is also involved with the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on AI, the Transatlantic Commission on Election Integrity, and the Council on Foreign Relations.
Her commitment to philanthropy centres on leveraging technology to address societal challenges. Joanna's public service aims to foster safe, responsible innovation amid rapid technological change, ensuring that technology serves the public good and addresses the complexities of the digital age.
Topics, sessions and talks
Joanna Shields delivers compelling insights into the evolving challenges and opportunities within technology and society, drawing on her extensive experience as a tech pioneer, government leader, and global advocate. Whether addressing the ethical implications of AI, tackling internet harms, or exploring the transformative role of leadership and entrepreneurship in the digital sector, Joanna blends sharp analysis with practical solutions. Her thought-provoking talks inspire audiences to navigate the digital age responsibly and innovate for a better future.
Book Baroness Joanna Shields OBE to inspire your team with her visionary insights on ethical AI and online safety. Her unparalleled experience in tech and government will empower your organisation to navigate the complexities of innovation responsibly, fostering a culture that prioritises humanity and societal benefit.
frequently asked questions
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Email joanna.shields@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Baroness's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
Joanna Shields structures her talks around the intersection of policy experience and operational practice, drawing on her roles as a government minister, company executive, and alliance founder to ground analysis of AI ethics and internet safety in documented case examples.
Baroness Joanna Shields speaks on AI ethics and governance, internet safety and online harms, and technology leadership and entrepreneurship. She served as the UK Government's first Minister for Internet Safety and Security and founded the WeProtect Global Alliance, which unites over 100 countries in the effort to combat online child sexual abuse and exploitation.
No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.
Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.
The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.
Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.
To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.
There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.
Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.
Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.
Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.
Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.
You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.
Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.
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.
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.
Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.
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.
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.
Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
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