Dr Joanne Orlando
Dr Joanne Orlando
AI, Digital Wellbeing, Digital Safety and Futurist
Dr. Joanne Orlando is at the forefront of our digital revolution, captivating audiences worldwide with her groundbreaking keynotes on AI, digital wellbeing, and digital safety. Her presentations aren’t just talks, they’re transformative experiences that audiences consistently rank as empowering, insightful, entertaining, and the highlight of their event.
As a SXSW speaker, futurist, and leading expert researcher in AI and digital wellbeing, Jo Orlando is a visionary keynote speaker who seamlessly blends cutting-edge research with practical insights. Her work revolutionises our relationship with technology, helping us navigate the complexities of our digital landscape and envision future innovations.
Jo emphasises that simply introducing new technologies is no longer enough. We’ve experienced a wave of digital innovation that has placed us in a unique state, and understanding this state is crucial for moving forward effectively. Her research reveals that it’s not just the platforms or devices we use, but how we use them and the strategies deployed that shape our digital experience. By addressing the social, human, and authentic experiences surrounding technology use, especially the emerging wellbeing and mental health issues, Jo helps us use AI in more meaningful and authentic ways.
Supported by her dedicated research team, Jo analyses and predicts how technology shapes our behaviours and lifestyles. This comprehensive understanding of our digital lifestyle is essential for effectively integrating AI into the workplace, education, and content creation. Her engaging presentations provide actionable strategies to enhance digital safety and wellbeing.
As a regular presenter on popular Australian TV shows like Sunrise, the Today Show, The Morning Show, and The Project, Jo excels in making complex topics light and engaging. She has written hundreds of articles for media outlets worldwide, and her latest book has gained global attention, further establishing her as a thought leader. Her ability to entertain and engage audiences is unparalleled, drawn from her extensive experience working with leaders in technology, governments, and think tanks. Jo also works as a researcher and expert consultant, providing valuable insights and guidance to think tanks and government bodies.
Jo has popularised groundbreaking terms like “sharenting” and “zombie scrolling,” which have entered everyday conversation, demonstrating her influence on how we discuss and understand digital behaviours. She has received multiple awards for her work as a researcher and her ability to convert research into accessible courses, keynotes, and workshops. Notably, Jo was recognised by the Telstra Business Woman of the Year for her contributions.
Dr. Orlando’s dynamic keynotes inspire and empower audiences to thrive in the digital age by offering deep insights into the incorporation of AI and other technologies. Her unique blend of expertise, entertainment, and accessibility makes her an outstanding speaker for any event.
What Jo offers as a speaker
Transformative keynote presentations on AI, digital wellbeing, digital safety and the future of tech. Her keynotes combine evidence-based insights with accessible frameworks and actionable next steps so audiences leave informed and ready to change habits or policy.
Specialist briefings and talks for education leaders on “technology in childhood,” including how to assess readiness for devices, spot digital harms and design healthier school and family digital cultures.
Executive and staff sessions for organisations on digital distraction, productivity and “managing digital distractibility” as a modern superskill — practical guidance for improving focus, reducing cognitive overload and designing more humane digital practices.
Signature topics include:
Digital Wellbeing & Safety: balancing connection and protection in family, school and workplace contexts.
Flourishing in an AI World: practical, ethical and human-centred approaches to integrating AI at work and in education.
Technology & Learning: demystifying digital transformation for educational leaders and designing pedagogy that harnesses tech without harming wellbeing.
Digital Habits & Attention: strategies to reduce “zombie scrolling,” manage notifications and re‑claim focused time.
Parent-Focused Programs: “Generation Connected” — guidance for raising children in a screen-saturated world, including age-by-age benchmarks and red flags. (Jo is the author of Generation Connected, which provides a practical roadmap for parents.)
