Attending CES 2025 for the first time was an incredible experience. While this was my first time at CES, it was far from my first industry event. Over the years, I’ve seen how cutting-edge demos and product launches make the headlines, but what truly matters—the part that stays with you long after the booths are packed up—is the human element.
Having worked in the tech industry for over a decade, I found it wonderful to reconnect with old friends, customers, and colleagues—people passionate about what’s next, whether in AI, education, accessibility, or the future of work. These conversations spanned industries and geographies, but they all shared a common thread: a deep excitement for progress and a belief in the power of technology to improve lives.
The demos bring us to events like CES, but the hallway conversations, the impromptu coffee meetups, the late-night dinners, and the quick catch-ups between sessions make the experience meaningful. Once again, I was reminded that people—not just technology—drive innovation.
Highlights from CES 2025
Coolest Technology: Speechmatics and the Future of Conversational AI
One of the most fascinating innovations I saw was from Speechmatics, a company redefining conversational AI with a human-first approach. Their solution stood out because it wasn’t just about automation or efficiency but about enhancing the human experience. Seeing their technology live in action on stage was an exciting moment, and I’m eager to see how they scale their solution in 2025 and beyond.
Most Interesting Panel: Accessibility and Inclusion—Expanding the Diversity Conversation
One of the most impactful discussions came from my friend Sherida McMullan of GitLab, who led an insightful panel with Amazon and Panasonic on how we navigate the post-pandemic workplace. The key takeaway? There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
The discussion clarified that we need to listen to employees more than ever and use the digital tools available to truly understand their needs. Whether accessibility, flexibility, or new workplace engagement models, leaders are responsible for creating environments where people can do their best work.
Most Promising Panel: How AI Can Close the $3 Trillion Education Gap
Education is evolving rapidly, and AI is set to transform learning by closing learning gaps worldwide. This panel explored the reality of global education today: while some students have AI at their fingertips, many—especially in the developing world—still lack access to these powerful tools.
The discussion highlighted an urgent challenge: How do we democratize access to AI in education? How do we ensure that the next generation of students—regardless of background—can thrive in an evolving workforce? This conversation reinforced the need for technology to be an enabler, not a barrier, to opportunity.
Why 2025 Can Be Inspiring: The HUMAN Innovation Framework in Action
CES 2025 reminded me of something core to my philosophy: innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. This is exactly why I created the HUMAN Innovation Framework™:
- H – Human-Centered Design: Tech that prioritizes real-world impact.
- U – Understanding Cultural Context: Recognizing diverse needs and perspectives.
- M – Meaningful Integration: Ensuring technology enhances human experiences.
- A – Adaptive Leadership: Embracing change and empowering teams.
- N – Next-Generation Thinking: Looking ahead with purpose.
As we move forward into 2025, let’s champion innovation that uplifts people. Let’s build solutions that empower workplaces that listen and education systems that create opportunity. Because the future of technology isn’t just about what’s next—it’s about who we bring along with us.
If you attended CES this year, I’d love to hear—what inspired you the most?
