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Jennifer Vessels

AI and Growth Leader: Building Future-Ready Organizations

Biography Highlights

  • Jennifer Vessels, CEO of Next Step, has led growth and change for the world’s largest companies, Adobe, Cisco, Genentech, Google, Schneider Electric. As a Silicon Valley innovator, she brings insider insights to the growth of AI, Future of Work, Leadership and real world examples of people, and technology working together for future success.

Biography

Jennifer Vessels – CEO, Change Agent, Silicon Valley Futurist, Award Winning Keynote Speaker

Do you need inspiration and tools to succeed with constant change, AI, GenZ teams?

In a world of constant disruption, success requires bold vision, adaptability, confidence and the ability to harness both human potential and technology. Jennifer Vessels has guided worlds-leading organizations—including Adobe, Google, IKEA, and Novartis—through complex change, equipping them with the strategies, tools, and mindset to thrive.

As a Silicon Valley native in Europe, Jennifer bridges the gap between “business as usual” and the future of work, empowering people to leverage technology, disruption, Gen Z and change to create sustainable success.

Her practical, holistic leaderhip approach has delivered 1000% improvement in valuation PLUS future-ready teams prepared to embrace AI, GenZ and geopolitical change with PEACE – Purpose, Exploration, Action, Collaboration, Empowerment.

Jennifer’s energetic, practical keynotes include real world stories combined with actionable takeaways including:

  • Leadership strategies that foster innovation, collaboration, and technology adoption
  • Proven techniques to confidently embrace change and drive transformation
  • The PEACE framework—a practical roadmap for success
  • Inspiration to lead change and empower others to thrive in the unknown

All leave empowered to turn ambiguity into advantage.

Awarded “Best Technology Speaker” and “Best Positive Impact Speaker,” Jennifer’s sessions are tailored to each audience, interactive and include her proven framework for change with PEACE (Purpose, Exploration, Action, Collaboration, Empowerment).
Jennifer is a future-ready expert in change who blends the value of people with the power of technology. This makes her a must-have speaker for business, innovation, technology and educational institutions committed to thriving in an era of disruption.

Jennifer’s Keynotes and Workshops Deliver:

  • Actionable Takeaways – Practical strategies leaders can apply immediately
  • Inspiration to change, shifting mindset, culture and use of AI and emerging technologies for business growth
  • Customized Content – Every sessions is tailored to fully address your audience’s needs
  • Silicon Valley Expertise, Applied Globally – Future-forward strategies from real-world experience
  • Proven PEACE Framework – A roadmap to confidently lead change

Jennifer is the author of No Clue, No Fear; Navigating Storms of Change and How Leaders are REALLY Winning with Technology. Her expertise has been featured by EFMD, the World Economic Forum, IoD, the San Jose Mercury News, and The New York Times.

She earned her MBA from San Jose State University in Silicon Valley and MS Occupational Psychology from University London.

Her clients say it best:

Jennifer is best speaker ever – incredible stage presence, lasting impact AND easy to work with. Clients rave about the impact her keynotes have had on their business – months after the event” — Andreas Ljones, CEO, FlowEvents

Hands down best speaker that delivers real value – Jennifer Vessels. Her experience, engagement of the audience and actionable takeaways are the very best.” — Sam Taller, Director TNN Holdings

Her insights are real-world from experience building international business for HP and Tandberg (leading its merger with Cisco) before founding Next Step, a firm which has accelerated transformative growth for Global 500 and mid-cap companies since 2006. Jennifer earned her MBA from San Jose State University (Silicon Valley) and her MS in Occupational Psychology in London.

Her session can be in person or virtual as a keynote, masterclass or workshop and deliver measurable ROI through practical tools people can use immediately to lead change, leverage AI / technology and build the intergenerational workforce of the future.

Videos

Popular Talks

Would you like your team to grow and thrive through change?
The pace of change in business, technology, and society is accelerating—bringing both disruption and opportunity. The winners are the ones who confidently navigate uncertainty, embrace change, and empower others to adapt and thrive.

How can you gain, act, lead with confidence when the future is unpredictable?

Jennifer Vessels, a global transformation expert who has guided global giants like Adobe and Novartis, reveals a bold yet practical approach to embracing change. Through real-world lessons, actionable strategies, and her game-changing PEACE framework (Purpose, Exploration, Action, Collaboration, Empowerment), Jennifer equips leaders and their teams with the mindset and tools needed to turn ambiguity into opportunity.

This keynote will inspire, challenge, and prepare you to step into the future—not with fear, but with confidence and clarity.

Key Takeaways:

  • Leadership strategies that foster innovation, collaboration, and technology adoption
  • Actionable techniques to confidently embrace change and drive transformation
  • The PEACE framework—a practical roadmap for succeeding in uncertainty
  • Inspiration to lead change and empower others to thrive in the unknown
Available: In person, Virtually

Are you seeking ways to empower all of your team – from tech savvy GenZers to seasoned Boomers?

Harnessing the strengths of Gen Z, Gen Alpha and ALL for workforce of tomorrow.

Tech-savvy, purpose-driven, and digitally fluent—Gen Z and soon Gen Alpha are transforming the workplace, challenging outdated structures and expectations. Leaders face a critical choice either:

A. Resist change, enforcing traditional corporate molds and risk losing top young talent.

B. Embrace change, leveraging their creativity, digital fluency, and fresh perspectives to fuel innovation and growth.

The most successful organizations aren’t forcing young professionals to “learn the ropes” of the past. Instead, they’re creating cultures of open communication, trust, and alignment, in which new graduates, seniors and all generations innovate, learn and thrive – together.

Let’s face it: the industrial-age, top-down management style is obsolete. Future-ready companies are gaining competitive advantage by empowering the next generation, while leveraging the knowledge of experienced managers.

In this engaging keynote, Jennifer Vessels shares how organizations have successfully built inter-generational teams through including use of digital safaris, learning labs, and reverse mentoring and human centric leadership.

From decades of work with Boomers/Millennials, Gen X/Gen Z, Jennifer knows th future of work isn’t about one generation over another—it’s about unlocking the full potential of all.

Key Takeaways:

  • Leadership strategies to enhance Gen Z/Alpha engagement and loyalty
  • Practical tools for senior managers and HR to empower the new workforce
  • Techniques to foster collaboration between generations for a future-ready team
  • Proven PEACE framework for leading change with Purpose, Exploration, Action, Collaboration, and Empowerment
Available: In person, Virtually

Are you or your team wondering how AI can unlock opportunities without replacing peoples’ jobs?

There’s no turning back—AI is now embedded in our tools, workplaces, and daily lives. But is this a threat or an opportunity? The answer depends entirely on how leaders and individuals harness Generative AI, Agentic AI, robotics, and prescriptive automation to drive success.

In this insightful and practical session, digital transformation leader Jennifer Vessels reveals three essential steps for integrating AI into daily operations—ensuring not just ROI, but also employee satisfaction and long-term business growth.

As a global leader in AI-driven transformation with experience at Adobe, IKEA, and Van Ameyde, Jennifer champions a human-first approach to technology. Her real-world insights prove that AI isn’t about replacing people—it’s about empowering them. Organizations that embrace AI as a tool for collaboration, efficiency, and innovation are already seeing higher employee engagement, increased revenue, and stronger market positions.

The future belongs to those who embrace AI—not with fear, but with confidence and strategy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Three proven steps for successfully integrating AI into operations
  • Essential human skills needed to thrive in an AI-powered world
  • Practical ways anyone can safely learn and use AI to achieve their goals
  • Inspiration to explore AI as a tool for growth, not a threat to jobs
Available: In person, Virtually

What could your team achieve if they had tools proven to deliver successful, lasting change?

The business world is shifting fast. Traditional processes, structures, and ways of working are no longer enough to stay competitive. To succeed, managers must embrace technology, leverage AI, and collaborate with Gen Z to streamline operations and drive results.

Yet, while 89% of corporate leaders (PwC) are committed to transformation in 2025, 75% (McKinsey) of change initiatives fail—often because mid-level managers struggle to translate high-level mandates into practical action.

In this engaging keynote, Jennifer Vessels—a global expert in business transformation—shares lessons learned and real-world approach managers can use immediately to bridge the gap between strategy and execution. The result is increased operational efficiency through managers equipped to lead successful change within their teams.

Key takeaways:

  • Practical strategies to gain alignment, drive change, and ensure adoption of new processes
  • Actionable techniques to implement AI and technology in daily workflow
  • A proven framework for leading sustainable change within their teams and departments

This keynote provides all managers and their teams with the mindset, tools, and confidence to drive change—without the frustration.

Available: In person, Virtually

Would you like inspiration and a guidebook guaranteed to deliver success today into the future?

“We are at a tipping point—technologically, culturally, environmentally, and politically,” Jennifer Vessels declared in 2019. Since then, she has guided world-leading companies through transformation, helping leaders and teams embrace uncertainty, leverage technology, and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

In today’s fast-changing environment, there is no single roadmap to success—but there are proven techniques that empower leaders to navigate ambiguity with confidence. This session will inspire and equip you to rethink challenges, harness emerging technologies, foster collaboration, and build lasting resilience.

Through real-world stories and actionable insights, Jennifer will shift your perspective on change, helping you see the future not as a threat, but as an opportunity. You’ll leave energized, future-ready, and armed with practical strategies to build trust, agility, and innovation within your organization.

At the heart of this keynote is Jennifer’s PEACE framework—Purpose, Exploration, Action, Collaboration, and Empowerment—a powerful model for leading change that you can apply immediately for lasting impact.

Prepare to challenge old mindsets, embrace new possibilities, and step into the future with confidence.

Key Takeaways:

  • Resilience in Uncertain Times – Actionable steps to strengthen adaptability in the face of external change
  • Human-Centric Leadership – Proven approaches that drive engagement, trust, and performance
  • Change as an Advantage – How to reframe uncertainty as a catalyst for growth and innovation
  • Confidence for the Future – Practical tools to lead with clarity and inspire success in a world of continuous transformation
Available: In person, Virtually

Would you like to take the fast track to a successful future with AI and advanced technology?

AI, robotics, and quantum technology are transforming every aspect of work and society. The choice for leaders is clear: adapt and innovate or risk falling behind.

In this insightful keynote, global thought leader Jennifer Vessels shares real-world success stories and a practical roadmap for integrating emerging technologies. With her PEACE framework, she equips leaders with the mindset, tools, and strategies to embrace innovation confidently, drive growth, and future-proof their organizations in a rapidly evolving world.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bold yet easy actions each person can take to apply learning in the ‘real world’
  • Approaches to foster a culture of trust and continual learning through experience
  • Techniques to apply proven PEACE framework to immediate challenges
  • Inspiration and positivity to drive success today into the future

All topics can be delivered as either an inspiring keynote or an engaging, interactive workshop. Both keynotes and workshops are 100% customized in content, examples, takeaways, and length. All can be offered in person (traveling from Oslo Norway) or virtual.

Available: In person, Virtually

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Jennifer Vessels is available to book via these agencies
Also available via
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