Dr. Jane Han

When AI became widely accessible in 2022, it bypassed mundane automation and went straight for the creative jugular — generating text, images and video. While the technological leap was stunning in it achievement, the moment felt like a rupture that made us question the very definition of Creativity and our place in relation to it. After all, isn’t artistry the sacrosanct realm of the Human? 

This talk confronts this paradigm shift, offering new definitions of Creativity necessitated by the rise of AI: machine creativity and human creativity proposing that each possesses distinct strengths and weaknesses. Drawing on examples from entertainment, advertising, graphic design, anthropology and art history, this talk explores our new place in the order of things and how we as Humans can best leverage our faculties to collaborate with and harness the power of machine creativity.

This session also offers an optional hands-on, practical workshop in breakout rooms for maximum understanding and team engagement. 

In 1970, Alvin Toffler portended the rise of a phenomenon called “Future Shock” whereby rapid technological change would bring about unprecedented social stress & disorientation. As we approach 2030, we are witnessing the evolution of 3 technological revolutions that will converge to create a future that is ledgered (blockchain), immersive (metaverse) and assisted (artificial intelligence). How will these parallel developments evolve to create the next version of the Web? What are the pros and cons of such a future? What can we do to re-orient and protect ourselves in such a period of transformation? Most importantly, what can your organization do to anticipate and stay centered & innovative amidst such enormous forces of change?

There is no field that will be untouched by Artificial Intelligence’s unprecedented technology from business to law to the biosciences. Of all human endeavors, however, we are especially sensitive to AI’s influence on the creative arts — after all music, poetry, film, literature — aren’t these the sacrosanct realms of the human?

From cave paintings to Midjourney prompts, Dr. Han puts the rise of AI in the context of humanity’s creative evolution & artistic history and answers the question of whether AI will be able to create music on the level of Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 2 or Picasso’s Guernica. The talk will be adapted to your organization’s sphere of influence — from media to entertainment to advertising and design — with relevant examples and illustrations from your sector.

This talk centers around the oft cited allegation that AI will be the last invention in human history. Dr. Han draws parallels with the great revolutions of the past — the agrarian, industrial, and technological — highlighting how the AI revolution is set to surpass them all in scope. We will examine the impact and unpack the meaning & consequences behind a technological singularity and a potential intelligence explosion. For businesses, adaptation is necessary but with a firm ethical framework. AI is already revolutionizing industries, driving unprecedented innovation and reshaping the future of work. But with this power comes profound ethical challenges and the potential to redefine humanity itself. This talk is a call to action, urging leaders to embrace AI’s possibilities while navigating its risks as we stand on the brink of a new era.

Since the inception of artistic mediums, technology has constantly obliged us to renew our creative tools. The result, somewhat strangely, is a dialogue that pits mediums against each other. When Photography came to the fore, critics announced the "death of painting". When Video was invented, journalists declared it would "kill the Radio star". Now that Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a potent tool, we're engaging in similar debates. Why do we use Darwinian, endgame language to pit mediums against each other? Will AI truly "kill" the traditional creative industries?

This talk delves into Jane’s personal journey from a child of Korean immigrants to the halls of Ivy League and Oxbridge institutions and boardrooms of global European luxury & fashion houses. She discusses how her first-gen perspective gave her the power to overcome limiting beliefs and how the freedom to explore a multi-hyphenated identity can be both a challenge and your greatest source of Creative power.

Mythological narratives around female characters have been less than flattering. Eve, Medusa, Medea, Circe, Pandora — these women have been depicted as vengeful, manipulative, or destructive. These archetypes have seeped into our collective imagination, shaping societal views of women as inherently compromised or untrustworthy. By examining how these old narratives continue to influence perceptions of women today, we can begin to challenge and dismantle outdated narratives particularly in the workplace and in leadership roles. The talk will highlight the importance of creating new, empowering stories that celebrate women’s strengths, fostering a culture of equality and respect that transcends the limitations imposed by these outdated narratives.

In a moderated/unmoderated forum, Dr. Han can delve into a conversation on any of the above topics. This can be structured as a small deep-dive with your teams or a program suited for a large audience.