I advise and speak on operationalizing AI governance for complex, high-consequence environments. My goal is to leave audiences with a changed frame — not just updated vocabulary. Governance is not a brake on AI adoption; it is the architecture that makes adoption defensible at scale.
Available for conference keynotes (25–45 min) and executive workshops (60–90 min). Typical lead time: 4–8 weeks.
Topics
Governance as a Velocity Enabler
The counterintuitive case for rigorous AI governance in regulated environments. Tiered risk structures clear the runway for rapid low-risk automation while protecting mission-critical systems—turning compliance into a competitive advantage rather than a bottleneck.
The Human-in-Command Shift
Why "Human-in-the-Loop" has become a liability shield rather than a genuine control mechanism, and what it takes to build systems where human authority is enforceable, auditable, and real.
Control Plane Design for Agentic Systems
Architectural patterns for enterprises deploying AI that writes to systems of record, modifies access controls, or interfaces with industrial hardware. Overrides, circuit breakers, and the evidence record requirements that make autonomous action governable.
AI Procurement Against Minimum Evidence Standards
How procurement and audit teams can evaluate AI vendors and internal systems against the MV-HIC evidence standard—and why the inability to produce four specific artifacts on demand should be disqualifying for high-stakes use cases.
Format & Audience
Formats
Conference keynote (25–45 min) · Executive workshop (60–90 min)
Audience
Chief Operating Officers, Division Presidents, Chief AI Officers, and governance leaders in heavy industry, telecommunications, defense, and federal sectors.
Selected Engagements
- Northern Virginia ISC2 Chapter — Scapegoat-as-a-Service (2026)
- National Cryptologic Foundation — Workforce Implications of Agentic AI (2025)
- Digital Diplomacy Africa — AI, Innovation, and Digital Transformation (2025)
Book a Speaking Engagement
For keynote and executive workshop inquiries, reach out directly — most engagements are confirmed within a week of initial contact.
Email Ryan → · Connect on LinkedIn →
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