International AI Speaker: Dr. John Flackett

Artificial Intelligence speaker across the globe

Our Co-founder and Technical Director, Dr. John Flackett, is an international Artificial Intelligence speaker, educator, advisor and founder. AI is John's passion and has been an integral part of his career via teaching, research, business and education. A leader and expert in his field, John has achieved a PhD in Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning & Natural Language Processing) and has over 30 years' experience working in AI. In 2025, John was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) for his significant contributions to Artificial Intelligence and education from Southampton Solent University.

Dr. John Flackett is also Co-founder and Head of koolth's AiLab (Artificial Intelligence Laboratory) that assists industry, academia, government and community with navigating the exciting field of AI through workshops, talks, research and advisory services. With offices in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, AiLab train organisations to be AI-ready, empowering companies to develop AI skills and capability, and build effective strategies for implementing AI. Launched in 2017, AiLab are proud to have helped thousands of people around the world in their AI journey.

As well as leading AiLab’s workshops and masterclasses that help organisations develop AI skills and capability, Johns also is an acclaimed international Artificial Intellgence speaker. He presents at event across the globe, giving keynotes and talks about Artificial Intelligence, emerging technologies and future work to government, industry, schools/education providers and community. As an AI advisor, John is frequently called upon to share his perspectives contributes to media interviews, publications and radio discussions.

John was also the AI Specialist in Residence and AI Ambassador for Auckland University of Technology, where John launched an AiLab at the university (‘AiLab at AUT’). Additionally, John is a PhD Supervisor to university students researching AI and is the co-founder of the popular Adelaide Artificial Intelligence Meetup series – the largest AI networking community in South Australia.

John's received various awards throughout his career and his academic and business career was featured in the Million Plus 'Think Modern' campaign that launched in the UK at the Palace of Westminster. He has served on multiple boards and committees, including Australian Federal Government’s Artificial Intelligence Action Plan Committee.

In his spare time, John assists with technology events and social good initiatives, as well mentoring individuals in the tech community. He is passionate about AI and his craft, and is dedicated to educating, collaborating, building AI awareness, and helping everyone navigate the field of Artificial Intelligence.

If you would like John to talk at your next business event, convention or conference, please call us on +61 (0)8 8464 0787 or email us to make a booking enquiry via the AiLab website. Below is a brief summary of some of John's talk's – which are featured in the scrolling bar below.

Recommendations

"Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience around Artificial Intelligence & Future Jobs with our Science, Technology and Maths teachers. Your presentation was not only informative but reassuring. It left us with many questions to consider – which is a good thing– including how we need to help prepare our young people for the unknown world of work in the future. We're looking forward to hearing more from you in the future to help inform and shape the delivery of the STEM curriculum."

Sally Stewart – Senior Leader Career Development/VET/Senior School – Para Hills, South Australia

"I write on behalf of nbn co with a simple message of thanks for your keynote speaker role at the recent Unley Business Association and City of Unley Business Breakfast. The theme of “Artificial Intelligence and internet of the future” was overwhelming received with interest; though a shock to some when assessing the disruption and transitional impacts. nbn co, Council and the business community very much appreciated you volunteering your time, insights and passion. Your preparation, delivery tailored to the business audience, and your easy and engaging approach took us all on a journey that, for an early morning breakfast forum, was both entertaining and insightful. The value-added from a comprehensive understanding of digital marketing, website development and big data management was of particular value too. I’d not hesitate in seeking your services again, and would recommend you to anyone who asks – or doesn’t. I look forward working with you and koolth again in the future."

Chris Gregory – Senior Community Affairs Manager VIC/TAS/SA at nbn co – Adelaide, South Australia

“John shared his knowledge with our Polaris Centre clients when he keynoted our event Digital Horizons: the Future of Retail Online. His eloquent and thought provoking talk was very well received by the large audience and his slides were simple, effective and beautiful. I would absolutely recommend John to keynote your event, particularly if talking about Artificial Intelligence, Data (Big or Small) or anything web and IT related. Thanks John.”

Rhys Moult – Digital Business Advisor at Polaris Business & Innovation Centre – Salisbury, South Australia

Dr. John Flackett: Artificial Intelligence keynotes, talks, interviews & contributions

See list below for information on a selection of John's keynotes, talks, interviews and contributions.