Why this conversation matters in New York right now
New York's financial firms are operating under some of the most demanding AI governance requirements in the world. The OCC, Federal Reserve, and SEC have all issued guidance on model risk management that puts human accountability at the center. That accountability is only meaningful if the humans involved are actually exercising judgement, not just signing off on outputs.
The same pressure shows up in media, law, and consulting. organizations across Midtown and Lower Manhattan are adopting AI tools fast. The harder question, one most firms have not answered yet, is how to preserve the quality of human reasoning when AI is handling more of the analysis.
New York is also the city where the conference circuit is most saturated with AI hype. Audiences here tend to be experienced enough to find the hype irritating. They want something more useful.
What Steve covers
Steve's talk addresses how professionals can keep their own judgement sharp as AI becomes a standard part of how work gets done. He draws on cognitive science research on decision-making, over-reliance, and skill erosion. The examples are grounded in financial services, media, and professional services contexts.
For regulated industries, he addresses the gap between formal model risk approaches and the actual cognitive habits of the people using AI tools day to day. For leadership audiences, he covers how to build organizational cultures where critical thinking is still valued and practiced.
The session is structured for a 45 to 60 minute keynote, with options for a workshop extension or panel participation.
Topics for New York audiences
Steve speaks on cognitive sovereignty, the judgment economy, AI and creativity, and related topics. Full details on the Speaking page.
Book Steve for your New York event
If you are planning a corporate conference, leadership event, or offsite in New York and want to discuss whether Steve's work is a good fit, the Work with Me page has the details.