Rahaf Harfoush explores how digital culture, AI, and technology reshape how we work, lead, and live.
5.00 of 5
Top rated!5 of 5
“You really set the tone of the day. I don’t think I ever received so many positive feedback about a speaker at one of our events.”
Edouard Braud
Head of Media Partnerships, Southern Europe, Facebook
Rahaf Harfoush is a Strategist, Digital Anthropologist, and New York Times best-selling author who examines how emerging technologies shape culture, leadership, and the future of work. As Executive Director of the Red Thread Institute of Digital Culture and advisor on global AI policy, she brings a rare combination of academic insight and real-world experience. Her keynotes translate complex digital shifts into clear, actionable ideas, helping organizations navigate change, strengthen leadership, and rethink how work happens in an always-connected world.
Rahaf Harfoush is a globally recognized Digital Anthropologist, strategist, and New York Times best-selling author focused on the intersection of technology, innovation, and digital culture. As Executive Director of the Red Thread Institute of Digital Culture, she leads research exploring how digital environments reshape the way we work, think, and interact.
Her influence extends into global policy and governance. Rahaf serves on the United Nations High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence and has contributed to President Macron’s commission on AI’s impact on democracy. She is also a member of France’s National Digital Council and a Visiting Policy Fellow at the Oxford Internet Institute.
Earlier in her career, she worked at the World Economic Forum as Associate Director of the Technology Pioneer Program, identifying startups driving meaningful global change. She has also taught innovation at Sciences Po’s School of Management.
Rahaf is the author and co-author of several influential books exploring technology, work, and culture. Her book Hustle & Float examines creativity and well-being in a work culture defined by constant productivity. It has been widely featured in major media and translated into multiple languages.
She co-authored The Decoded Company, a best-selling book on how organizations can use data to improve decision-making and build stronger workplace cultures. The book earned a Gold Axiom Award and recognition on major bestseller lists.
Her first book, Yes We Did, offers an insider perspective on how social media transformed political campaigning during Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential run, based on her experience on the digital media team.
Her writing has appeared in leading publications including Harvard Business Review, Wired, Financial Times, and Fast Company, and she is a frequent commentator on international media outlets.
Rahaf’s current research focuses on how digital culture shapes both professional and personal life. Her work explores:
In 2025, her research centers on three emerging themes:
Adaptive Knowledge Practices – How individuals and organizations can build meaningful expertise in an age of infinite information and AI-assisted workflows.
The Ecosystemic Leader – A new leadership model that blends broad understanding with deep expertise to navigate complexity and constant change.
The Somatic Body in a Digital World – How digital environments affect the body, nervous system, and well-being, and how healthier habits can be designed.
Rahaf’s work has earned international recognition across sectors. She has been named among the most innovative women in France, highlighted as a future thinker shaping the world, and recognized by organizations including the G20, World Economic Forum, and Women’s Forum for the Economy and Society.
Her career reflects a consistent focus on understanding how technology influences human behavior and organizational culture. She has been speaking globally since 2006, delivering keynotes that combine research, storytelling, and practical insights.
Rahaf Harfoush is a compelling speaker for organizations looking to understand the real impact of digital transformation. Her talks go beyond trends, offering a deeper perspective on how technology reshapes leadership, culture, and performance.
Whether addressing executives, policymakers, or creative teams, she brings clarity to complex topics and equips audiences with the tools to think critically, adapt effectively, and lead with confidence in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
5 of 5
“You really set the tone of the day. I don’t think I ever received so many positive feedback about a speaker at one of our events.”
Edouard Braud Head of Media Partnerships, Southern Europe, Facebook
5 of 5
“Had such great feedback on what you had to say; the partners really enjoyed it a took a lot away from your point of view.”
Christopher Dulny Chief Innovation Officer & Partner, PwC
5 of 5
“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!”
Dr. Larry Allums Executive Director, The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture
5 of 5
“I keep getting unsolicited emails from employees who attended, appreciating your appearance and awesome discussion.”
Massimo Rapparini Chief Information Officer, Head of Customer Experience, Head of Workplace Services, Logitech
5 of 5
“Fascinating and life changing talk. I look forward to reading the book.”
Nithya Ruff Executive Director, Open Source Program Office, Comcast & Chair of the Linux Foundation
Keynote by Rahaf Harfoush:
The Body Keeps the (Online) Score
For too long, we’ve treated the internet as something separate from the “real world,” but the truth is, there is no clear divide. The bridge between these two worlds is our body. Every notification, Zoom call, email, and endless scroll isn’t just a cognitive experience it’s a physiological one. Our nervous system absorbs and responds to our digital lives in ways we don’t always recognize, shaping our emotions, energy levels, and overall well-being.
In this keynote, Rahaf unpacks the hidden somatic impact of our digital behaviors from the way social media manipulates dopamine and adrenaline to how digital contagion influences our moods and mental health. She explores the science behind digital addiction, the nervous system’s response to online interactions, and the subtle but profound ways our bodies react to digital stress.
Participants will leave with a deeper awareness of how their digital habits shape their physical and emotional well-being. They’ll gain practical tools to counteract digital exhaustion, prevent burnout, and design a healthier relationship with technology. This talk provides strategies for creating psychological safety in online spaces, regulating the nervous system amid digital demands, and reclaiming control over their digital experience to foster calm, clarity, and confidence.
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Keynote by Rahaf Harfoush:
Mastering Hybrid Leadership Models in an Era of Disruption
The debate between generalists and specialists is over the future of leadership requires both. In a world defined by constant disruption, multi-vector challenges, and technological acceleration, leaders must develop a new skill set that allows them to zoom out to understand large contextual narratives while also diving deep into nuanced, industry-specific challenges. This is the rise of the Ecosystemic Leader—a hybrid model that blends adaptability, strategic foresight, and deep expertise to navigate an increasingly complex landscape.
As technology evolves at an exponential pace, leadership must keep up. Today’s leaders are expected to balance changing workplace dynamics, multi-generational teams, AI-driven transformations, and shifting consumer behaviors—all while formulating a clear vision for the future. This talk explores how leadership itself is being reshaped by these forces and offers practical strategies to develop the mindset, agility, and learning practices necessary to lead with confidence in uncertain times.
Participants will leave with a practical framework for Ecosystemic Leadership, equipping them with the tools to adapt to constant change, build resilience, and develop a leadership practice that evolves with the landscape. They’ll learn how to stay ahead of emerging trends, develop a leadership identity that blends expertise with adaptability, and foster cultures of continuous learning. This keynote will provide actionable insights for navigating uncertainty, projecting confidence, and leading with clarity and empathy in an era of unprecedented complexity.
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Keynote by Rahaf Harfoush:
A New Innovation Frontier
The advent of generative AI has ushered in a transformative era for innovation, fundamentally altering how we conceive, create, and collaborate.
As these emerging technologies become increasingly sophisticated, businesses and creators are faced with both unprecedented opportunities and ethical dilemmas. The ability of AI to generate content, solve complex problems, and enhance human creativity has the potential to revolutionize industries. However, this also raises questions about originality, authenticity, and the future role of human creativity in the digital age.
Rahaf navigates these complexities, shedding light on the delicate balance between leveraging AI for innovation and maintaining the integrity of human-centric creation. Pushing past the hype to delve into the business models, consumer behaviors, and strategic insights that are underpinning this technological revolution, she highlights successful case studies and emerging trends to provide actionable insights for organizations looking to harness the power of AI while navigating its potential pitfalls.
Audiences will gain a comprehensive understanding of the transformative potential of generative AI, equipped with the knowledge to navigate its challenges and capitalize on its opportunities. By the end of the keynote, participants will be better positioned to lead their organizations into a future where AI and human creativity coalesce to redefine innovation.
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Keynote by Rahaf Harfoush:
Transform Volatility into Strategic Advantage
Today’s leaders face the challenge of not just surviving, but thriving amidst disruption, a difficult feat when digital culture and technology are constantly reshaping leadership best-practices.
To be anti-fragile in this context means to possess the ability to not only absorb shocks but to also use these disruptions as fuel for growth and innovation. Leaders must cultivate a deep understanding of digital culture, trends in technology, and the impact of these forces on their organizations and industries. This requires a shift towards a leadership style that is dynamic, responsive, and adept at leveraging the insights and opportunities afforded by the digital age.
In this keynote, Rahaf delves into the concept of anti-fragility from a digital culture and technology perspective, illustrating how leaders can navigate change, foster innovation, and build an organization that is capable of quickly acting on the opportunities presented by technological disruption.
Attendees will emerge with a comprehensive understanding of anti-fragile leadership within the realm of digital culture and technology, equipped with actionable strategies to embrace an organizational culture that not only withstands the challenges of the digital age but also uses them as a springboard for innovation and sustained success.
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Keynote by Rahaf Harfoush:
Finding and Keeping The Best Talent
In the post-resilient landscape where adaptability and agility define organizational success, attracting and retaining top talent has become a nuanced challenge. This keynote focuses on the strategies for keeping employees motivated, engaged, and continuously learning in an era where the pace of technological change is relentless. Organizations must not only integrate new tools and technologies but also cultivate an environment that supports upskilling, lifelong learning, and the psychological well-being of their workforce.
As digital workspaces become the norm, leaders are tasked with creating a culture that values innovation, adaptability, and the human element of technology. The focus shifts towards developing strategies that not only attract skilled professionals but also inspire them to grow, innovate, and remain engaged with the organization's mission.
Rahaf outlines actionable steps for organizations to enhance their talent management practices in the digital age. Through practical examples and case studies, she illustrates how integrating technology with a deep understanding of digital culture can lead to a more satisfied, productive, and innovative workforce.
Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the critical role technology and digital culture play in talent management. Rahaf's insights will equip leaders with strategies to keep their workforce motivated, engaged, and continuously evolving, ensuring their organizations can thrive in a post-resilient world.
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Keynote by Rahaf Harfoush:
Reclaiming Focus Has Become a Survival Imperative.
There is a strange paradox of digital connectivity: while designed to enhance productivity and social engagement, it often leads to increased stress, information burnout, and a decline in mental well-being. Workers find themselves navigating a deluge of digital information, struggling to maintain focus amidst constant interruptions, and grappling with the implications of an overly connected lifestyle. The resultant digital fatigue and team misunderstandings highlight the need for a critical reevaluation of our digital habits and the cultivation of practices that support digital well-being.
This keynote addresses the impact of digital labor intensification and the psychological effects of doom scrolling and dopamine-driven interactions on our ability to focus, engage in deep work, and maintain mental health. Rahaf explores strategies for individuals and organizations to mitigate these challenges, promoting a healthier, more balanced approach to digital engagement.
Rahaf offers actionable insights for organizations to support their employees' digital well-being, including the implementation of policies that reduce digital overload, encourage digital detoxes, and foster environments conducive to focused work.
Participants will leave with practical solutions for managing digital distractions, promoting mental health, and fostering a more mindful and productive digital culture within their organizations and personal lives.
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Keynote by Rahaf Harfoush:
Psychological Safety & Cohesion of Hybrid Teams
As hybrid and remote work models become the new normal, the challenge of cultivating a robust organizational digital culture is more critical than ever. Today’s leaders are tasked with the challenge of making geographically dispersed teams feel connected and engaged while establishing digital norms that promote transparency, empathy and inclusivity. These challenges require a deliberate approach to digital culture, emphasizing the importance of policies and practices where employees feel seen and heart, despite the physical distance that separate them.
Rahaf provides strategies for embedding positive digital culture within organizations, highlighting the role of communication, technology, and leadership in shaping an effective hybrid and remote work environment. She discusses creating digital spaces that encourage collaboration, modeling digital-first behaviors by leaders, and establishing frameworks to ensure online interactions are psychologically safe and respectful.
Participants will gain insights into fostering an inclusive, engaged, and psychologically safe digital work culture, ensuring remote and hybrid teams remain productive and connected.
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Keynote by Rahaf Harfoush:
Who teaches a machine what’s right? Should we tax robots? What if my child’s best friend is a chat bot? What does an algorithm ethicist do? Do smart machines need therapy?
We are on the verge of one of the biggest technological disruptions our species has ever faced. As automation, algorithms, and artificial intelligence continue to advance at an exponential rate, technology is rewriting the rules of our society that have served us for decades.
In this talk, Rahaf explores what it means to be human in world where the features that differentiated us are now being replicated by machines. Google created an AI that started creating original works of art mere hours after it was programmed. A Japanese AI was a finalize in a prestigious literary competition. Financial companies are investing in algorithms that can do the work of teams of analyst in mere seconds.
Work is only the beginning. New technologies are redefining traditional friendships, and relationships. Research suggests that by 2050 robot sex will be more popular than it’s human counterpart. What do all of these changes mean for our notions of intimacy, monogamy, parenting, dating, and social interaction?
In this keynote, Rahaf dives into some of the ethical, cultural, and social questions that surround these technological advancements showing both the promise and peril of living in a constantly connected society.
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Keynote by Rahaf Harfoush:
We’re now seeing the rise of the world’s first global digital culture a place where ideas and cultures mix seamlessly, unrestricted by geography or borders.
We now enjoy new ways of coming together, forming geo-agnostic communities united by an Internet connection and a common interest.
In customizable talks, Rahaf covers the full scope of digital culture. She speaks on innovative cities: how digital culture allows us to connect, report problems, and create real-life benefits for all citizens. She describes how digital culture shapes our behavior and responses during times of crisis.
She explores how we might map intimacy and engagement across diverse digital communities. Moving from transparency and disruption in healthcare to digital leaks, cyber security, and social media activism in the world of politics, or from real-world risks and rewards of having an ‘e-identity’ to the potential for digital culture to revolutionize education, Rahaf is our plugged-in guide to how emerging technology is re-writing the rules of culture, and power.
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