In the corridors of power across Europe, from government halls to corporate boardrooms, the race to adopt Artificial Intelligence is on. But are leaders running the right race?
Matti Speaker Agency sat down with Edgar Perez, a global expert on disruptive technologies and one of the most in-demand AI Keynote Speakers, to cut through the noise. With a career spanning 25 countries and insights that predate the mainstream obsession with these technologies, Perez argues that we are facing a fundamental shift in how humans organize power and that Quantum computing is closer than you think.
Governments and corporations across Europe are accelerating AI adoption. What do leaders most underestimate about AI today?
The biggest misconception is believing AI is primarily a technology challenge. In reality, AI is simply the latest wave in a technological evolution that began the moment our ancestors learned to control fire a million years ago. What changes is not the tool, but the way humans organize power, decisions, and responsibility. Across Europe, I see organizations investing heavily in AI systems while underinvesting in governance, decision rights, and ethical frameworks. Agentic AI doesn’t just automate tasks; it acts, decides, and escalates outcomes, which means it amplifies whatever leadership system is already in place, for better or worse. Leaders who fail to adapt their structures and culture don’t achieve transformation; they accelerate and expose dysfunction. It’s why so many companies are now seeking AI Keynote Speakers capable of reframing technology as a leadership and governance question instead of a purely technical upgrade.
What do you see as the most transformative breakthroughs driven by quantum computing, and how should European leaders in government and corporations prepare?
Quantum computing will not arrive as a single “big bang” moment; it will reshape Europe through decisive breakthroughs in optimization, cryptography, and energy and materials science. I’ve been speaking about quantum computing for almost a decade, and my very first keynote on the topic was delivered in Berlin to European CEOs, long before it entered mainstream leadership discussions. The message was clear: quantum would redefine what is possible. For European governments and corporations, preparation must start now. This is not about owning quantum hardware, but about building quantum literacy at the leadership level. That means preparing for post-quantum cybersecurity, identifying business models where quantum advantage will matter, and developing what I call quantum thinking, the ability to lead amid uncertainty and probabilistic outcomes. Those who act early will not just adapt to disruption; they will help define Europe’s next competitive edge.
Drawing from your extensive experience with disruptive technologies, can you share a specific example where AI or quantum-inspired approaches reshaped a sector?
In my career working across 25 countries, I’ve seen AI transform supply chain resilience during recent crises; one standout case was a major European logistics firm integrating predictive AI to anticipate disruptions, reducing downtime and cutting emissions through optimized routing. On the quantum side, early adopters in pharmaceuticals are already using quantum simulations to accelerate molecule design, slashing years off timelines.
The key lesson is clear: disruption isn’t a threat; it’s an accelerator for innovation. Just look at what COVID did for remote work. European leaders must shift from caution to calculated risk-taking: regulate wisely, but don’t stifle experimentation. Embrace a culture of relentless innovation by piloting technologies in sandboxes and making borders invisible. Those who adapt fastest will turn challenges like current geopolitical tensions into competitive advantages.
In an era of constant technological upheaval, how can European companies and governments cultivate true adaptability?
Adaptability isn’t about reacting; it’s about anticipating and thriving in uncertainty. I speak from personal experience on this vital quality, moving my family across continents and successfully adapting to new cultures, languages, and professional landscapes taught me firsthand that true resilience comes from proactive change, not passive response, and Companies and governments must adopt this same proactive mindset. From my keynotes and masterclasses, I always stress building an “innovation muscle” through cross-functional teams, continuous learning programs, and urgently adopting a Silicon Valley model of failure-tolerant environments. A mindset of relentless innovation is crucial today because technologies like AI are amplifying inequalities if left unchecked, but they also offer solutions for the continent’s most pressing issues, like aging populations and green transitions. For companies attending conferences in 2026, this is exactly why AI Keynote Speakers are in demand; they help leaders translate disruption into strategy.
What excites you most about the current trajectory of AI, quantum computing, and disruptive technologies?
What excites me the most is how these technologies are providing the tools to solve Humanity & biggest challenges, from personalized medicine to net-zero goals. Quantum computing will unlock breakthroughs in cryptography, safeguarding Europe’s digital sovereignty, while AI will drive inclusive growth just as electricity did. The real risk is not technical unpreparedness, it’s strategic surprise. Leaders who start developing “AI- Quantum-aware thinking” today will shape policy, security, and competitiveness tomorrow. I transform this excitement into action by sharing real-time stories, interactive demos, and provocative questions that spark “aha” moments. In my sessions, audiences don’t just listen; they engage and leave energized to seize the opportunities of today and tomorrow.
Energize Your Leadership Team with Edgar Perez
Edgar Perez doesn’t just deliver lectures; he creates ”aha” moments with real-time stories and interactive demos that leave audiences energized to seize the future. As one of the leading AI Keynote Speakers shaping global business conversations, his sessions are designed to inspire action. To bring Edgar’s visionary insights to your next summit or corporate event, contact Matti Speaker Agency today.
