Rahaf Harfoush's biography
- Digital anthropologist specialising in the future of work
- Executive Director of Red Thread Institute of Digital Culture
- UN High-Level Advisory Body on AI member
Rahaf Harfoush is a digital anthropologist, strategist, and New York Times best-selling author who decodes how technology reshapes organisational culture, leadership, and innovation in an era of unprecedented digital transformation.
A Thinkers50 Honoree, Rahaf brings substantial expertise to her role as Executive Director of the Red Thread Institute of Digital Culture. She is also a Research Associate at Cambridge University’s Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy and a Visiting Policy Fellow at the Oxford Internet Institute, further strengthening her academic and policy credentials. Her role on the UN High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, along with her membership in France’s National Digital Council, gives her rare insight into how global forces shape technology policy.
Organisations facing digital disruption benefit from Rahaf's research-backed insights on how AI impacts decision-making processes, workplace dynamics, and innovation cycles. Her decade of experience, including her work at the World Economic Forum's Technology Pioneer Programme, equips leaders with practical frameworks to navigate technological change while maintaining organisational resilience and employee wellbeing.
Audiences leave Rahaf's presentations with actionable strategies for implementing AI solutions that enhance rather than replace human creativity, methods for building adaptive digital cultures, and techniques to balance productivity demands with sustainable innovation practices. Her blend of research, storytelling, and practical applications resonates particularly with executive teams.
Book Rahaf to provide your organisation with a clear roadmap for thriving amid technological disruption while fostering a more humane, creative workplace culture.
Rahaf's showreel and videos
Topics, sessions and talks
Transforming Industries From Data To Decisions
In her keynote, Rahaf Harfoush addresses the transformative impact of AI, algorithms, and automation on society. She raises critical questions about ethics, privacy, and the future of work, exploring how technology is reshaping human relationships and societal norms. Attendees will gain insights into the implications of predictive analytics and facial recognition, as well as strategies to navigate the ethical challenges posed by these advancements. Ultimately, participants will learn how to leverage AI responsibly to enhance performance while considering biases and ethical concerns.
Leadership Strategies For An Era Of Disruption
Rahaf Harfoush explores how leadership must evolve to meet the demands of complexity, uncertainty and rapid technological disruption. Drawing on cross-disciplinary research, she examines empathy, hybrid thinking and systems-based strategies that help leaders stay adaptive in volatile environments. With a fresh lens on decision-making and team dynamics, Rahaf offers a grounded yet forward-thinking approach to thriving in the future of leadership.
Thriving In The AI-Driven Information Age
Rahaf Harfoush addresses the challenges of information overload and the need for intentional mastery in a world dominated by AI-generated content. Rahaf emphasises the importance of critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and active learning. Attendees will gain a clear framework for transforming information into actionable intelligence, enhancing their decision-making skills, and fostering a culture of deliberate learning that drives innovation and expertise.
Managing Digital Experiences For Somatic Well-Being
Rahaf Harfoush addresses the somatic impact of our digital lives, highlighting how online interactions affect our nervous system and overall well-being. She explores the science behind digital addiction, the influence of social media on our emotions, and the physiological responses to digital stress. Attendees will gain insights into their digital habits and learn practical strategies to combat burnout, enhance mental health, and cultivate a healthier relationship with technology for improved focus and clarity.
The Role Of Generative AI In Shaping Tomorrow
Rahaf Harfoush will explore the transformative impact of generative AI on innovation, creativity, and collaboration in her keynote, "Innovating at AI Speed." She will address the opportunities and ethical dilemmas posed by emerging technologies, highlighting successful case studies and strategic insights. Attendees will learn how to effectively integrate AI into their organisations, navigate its challenges, and harness its potential to redefine innovation and enhance human creativity in the workplace.
Why we recommend booking Rahaf
Digital anthropologist and UN AI advisor Rahaf Harfoush decodes how emerging technologies reshape organisational culture, providing leaders with research-backed frameworks to navigate digital transformation while maintaining human creativity and workplace wellbeing. Book Rahaf to equip your team with actionable strategies for implementing AI solutions that foster innovation and create a more resilient organisational culture in our rapidly evolving digital landscape.
I keep getting unsolicited emails from employees who attended, appreciating your appearance and awesome discussion.
Massimo Rapparini
CIO, Logitech
Fascinating and life changing talk. I look forward to reading the book.
Nithya Ruff
Linux Foundation
Rahaf held our audience’s attention from first to last, delivered content that totally aligned with our objectives, and did it all in a way that was both informative and entertaining—just the right combination for great learning!
Executive Director, Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture
Executive Director, Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture
