AI keynotes that move a roomfrom fear to action.
I am a TEDx speaker and Microsoft AI MVP. I speak to Rotary clubs, universities, and conferences about how AI can amplify people instead of replacing them, and I send audiences home with something they can use on Monday.
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Recognition
Emmy-Nominated
Television feature on my AI voice-restoration work.
Microsoft Engineering Blogs
Featured work on Microsoft's official engineering blogs.
TEDx Speaker
TEDxMacatawa.
ArtPrize Artist
An interactive installation built on Microsoft Azure vision models.
Two USPTO Trademarks
Cognitive Sorting Mechanism and Amplify-Extract Effect.
AI Columnist
Monthly AI column for Lakeshore Living magazine.
Signature Talks
Three talks I am known for, each can be tailored to your audience and time slot.
Giving People Their Voice: AI, Dignity, and Human Capacity
The story of using AI to give people back their own voice, and what it teaches every organization about amplifying people instead of replacing them.
The Next Trade Route Runs on Electricity
Where AI, energy, and the shifting U.S. and Asia relationship are opening doors, told from a dual U.S. and Thai vantage point.
AI as a Thinking Partner, Not a Crutch
How to use AI to sharpen judgment and creativity over a career, instead of quietly hollowing them out.
I also tailor talks for service clubs, classrooms, and corporate teams.
Featured Engagements
A few recent and upcoming highlights from the stage.
Rotary International Assembly
Main-stage plenary speaker at Rotary's annual global training for incoming district governors from every region worldwide.
Orlando, FL · January 2026
Loyola University Chicago, CHOIR Salon '26
Closing keynote on AI and human capacity in healthcare.
Chicago, IL · 2026
Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand
Co-presented with Microsoft to 70+ EGAT staff on applying Azure OpenAI to real business processes, as part of a Michigan trade mission to Thailand and Vietnam.
Bangkok, Thailand · 2023
Meiji University, Tokyo
Guest lecture: AI Adoption for STEM Students.
Tokyo, Japan (remote) · November 2025
Selected Engagements
More clubs, campuses, and conferences I have spoken with.
Rotary District 7720 and 7730 District Conferences
Keynotes on AI for service and leadership
North Carolina · 2026
Yale Club of Western Michigan and Northern Indiana
"Artificial Intelligence in Real Life"
February 2026
Rotary Zones 33/34 Summit, "Currents of Creativity"
AI workshops and general session
Jacksonville, FL · September 2025
Purdue University Executive Forum
Krannert Auditorium
West Lafayette, IN · April 2025
Rotary Club of Grand Rapids
"Advancing Michigan with AI and Giving a Voice to the Voiceless"
January 2025
U.S. Trade Mission to Indonesia and the Philippines
AI for public health, Indonesia Ministry of Health
2024
Asian International Leadership Summit
Two-time speaker on AI and community
Grand Rapids, MI · 2023 and 2024
TEDxMacatawa
"AI's Role in Empowering Communication and Preserving Cultures"
2023
Formats
Flexible formats shaped around your event's goals and audience.
Keynote
A high-energy talk that takes a room from fear of AI to a clear, hopeful plan they can act on.
- 45–90 minute presentations
- Story-driven, real examples
- Tailored to your audience
- Live Q&A
Workshop
Hands-on sessions where people leave having actually used AI on their own work.
- Half-day to multi-day
- Practical exercises
- Take-home resources
- Follow-up support
Panel
A grounded voice on AI, the future of work, and amplifying people instead of replacing them.
- Moderated discussions
- Honest, jargon-free answers
- Audience participation
- Cross-sector perspective
Ready to Inspire Your Audience?
Book Charles Elwood for your next conference, club, or campus event. Your audience will leave with something they can use on Monday.
Fees are tailored to event type and audience.