Ayori Selassie
Ayori “Selfpreneur®” Selassie is a visionary innovator, venture capitalist, and advocate for ethical AI. She is the Founder and CEO of AI Newbies, a platform dedicated to making AI accessible to all, and leads Life Model Ventures, an investment syndicate focused on ethical AI and data-driven companies. As a patented inventor of the Life Model® Canvas and creator of the Life Model Design® framework, Ayori empowers individuals and organizations to design better lives and futures through AI. Ayori mentors and advises founders and startups through Black Ambition (Pharrell William’s mission to invest $2million annually in Black founders), and teaches a course on investing with SPVs at the Material Change Institute.
With a career spanning technical, revenue and marketing leadership roles at Salesforce, Ayori launched Salesforce Einstein and led Product Marketing for the Salesforce Platform and Heroku portfolio, was the founder and President of BOLDforce (Salesforce’s Employee Resource Group for employees of African descent), and has a proven track record of driving innovation, inclusion, and transformative change. Her thought leadership extends across entrepreneurship, AI, and the future of work, making her a sought-after speaker for global audiences.
Curriculam Vitae / Resume | Personal
Ai Keynote Topics
Ayori’s expertise spans AI, innovation, diversity, and the future of work. Below are tailored topics that align with organizations and audiences whose mission aligns with the need to drive innovation and create sustainable value for its clients and stakeholders:
Design Your Life with AI: A Live Interactive Experience
Overview: A unique, interactive keynote featuring a live DJ collaboration, where Ayori demonstrates how AI can be used to design a better life and future.
Key Takeaways:
- How to use AI to set and achieve personal and professional goals.
- The Life Model Design® framework for life and business planning.
- Real-world applications of AI for personal growth.
Design Your Business with AI: The Opportunity for Small Businesses to Rapidly Evolve
Overview: A practical and inspiring session on how small businesses can leverage AI to innovate, scale, and compete in today’s economy.
Key Takeaways:
- How AI can streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth for small businesses.
- Real-world examples of small businesses successfully integrating AI.
- Tools and strategies for small business owners to get started with AI.
Future-Proof Your Career with AI: Thriving in the Age of Automation
Overview: A forward-looking session on how AI is transforming the workforce and what individuals and organizations can do to stay ahead.
Key Takeaways:
- Skills and strategies for career resilience in an AI-driven world.
- How organizations can prepare their workforce for AI integration.
- The role of lifelong learning in staying competitive.
What Every Educator Needs to Know About Artificial Intelligence
Overview: An exploration of the intersection of AI, educator perspectives, focusing on how AI can enhance education, critical thinking and reasoning in an increasingly automated landscape. It will also discuss AI's role in biases, opportunities for more inclusive leadership in AI and the future of work.
Key Takeaways:
- How AI can support education, critical thinking and reasoning.
- The impact of AI on biases and strategies for promoting fairness.
- Using AI to unlock new career pathways in the future of work.
BOLD Innovators: Driving the Evolution of AI for All
Overview: A dynamic showcase of diverse leaders who are shaping the future of AI with a focus on inclusivity and trusted innovation.
Key Takeaways:
- The role of diversity in fostering innovation.
- Case studies of ethical AI leaders and their impact.
- How your organization can lead in supporting inclusive AI initiatives.
Investing in the Future of AI: Opportunities Across Industries
Overview: A deep dive into the investment landscape of AI, exploring opportunities for retail investors, angel investors, and institutional players.
Key Takeaways:
- Emerging AI trends and industries ripe for investment.
- Ethical considerations in AI investing.
- Strategies for identifying high-impact AI startups.
Getting Real About AI: The Promise and Perils of AI and Ethical Solutions
Overview: A balanced discussion on the opportunities and challenges of AI, with actionable steps for individuals and organizations to contribute to Trustworthy AI development.
Key Takeaways:
- The societal impact of AI and its implications for businesses.
- How to identify and mitigate AI risks.
- Strategies for promoting trustworthy AI practices.
Why Ayori Selassie?
Global Thought Leader: Recognized as an award-winning innovator and entrepreneur, Ayori brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in AI, diversity, and the future of work.
Engaging Speaker: Ayori’s keynotes are known for their energy, interactivity, and actionable insights, leaving audiences inspired and equipped to take action.
Relevance: Her expertise in performance boosting, trustworthy, and ethical AI, investing, and workforce transformation aligns with audiences whose mission is to drive innovation and create sustainable business and social value.
Next Steps
We would be delighted to discuss how Ayori Selassie can tailor her keynote to meet your event’s specific needs and objectives. Please let us know your preferred topic or if you’d like to explore a custom presentation.
past events
Women’s History Month | BigCommerce 2025 – What Every Feminist Needs to Know About AI
Keynote Speaker | Black History Month, City of Seaside 2025 – Bold Innovators and Your Future with AI
Keynote Speaker | Tech Intersections 2025 – Design Your Life with AI
Keynote Speaker | AI Day at Stevenson School, Pebble Beach - Design Your Life with AI (2024)
NCBW National Educators Summit 2024 – What Every Educator Needs to Know About AI
Keynote Speaker | Dreamforce – Developers Keynote (2022), Einstein AI For Everyone Keynote (2018)
Panel Speaker & Panel Producer | SXSW – Developers Keynote (2022), Einstein AI For Everyone Keynote (2018)
Lead Organizer | Black Male Achievement Hackathons - Startup Weekend & YesWeCode Hackathon, Essence Festival (2014)
Lead Organizer | Saved National Landmark - Overcomers With Hope Church Campaign (2012)
Technical Mentor | TechWomen – Institute of International Education Inc. – (2012, 2013, 2014)
Founder | Black Women in Computing - Anita Borg Institute for Women and Tech, Communities Board (2012, 2013, 2014)