For centuries, the humanities and technology have existed alongside and augmented each other. If we dive into their shared story, we can learn valuable lessons about how to both embrace our humanity and engage with new technology, so we don't get trapped in ‘either/or’ thinking. By exploring how our human intelligence works, humanities can also make artificial intelligence less daunting and more meaningful.
In this special event, your storytellers will be Sophie Gee, Sandra Peter, and Kai Riemer. Plus, music from Titus Grenyer. Together, they’ll bring the evolving—and sometimes contentious—relationship between the human spirit and machine intelligence to life in various vivid ways.
Join us as we share a story 600-years in the making that will surprise, inspire, and help you thrive IRL in our tech-inflected future.
This event was held on Tuesday 19 May at the Sydney Opera House.
Sophie Gee is a professor in the English Department at Princeton University. At the University of Sydney she holds roles as the inaugural Vice-Chancellor's Fellow (2024–) and co-director of the Eleos Collaboration in the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Community and Leadership). The Collaboration builds academic knowledge that is compassionate and communal.
She is a novelist, journalist and scholar and her most recent book is a history of 18th century novels, eating rituals and empire called The Barbarous Feast (Princeton University Press, 2026). Sophie is co-host of the Secret Life of Books, a podcast about classic books.
Sandra Peter leads executive and leadership development in cutting-edge areas of business, technology, and society. She has spoken around the world and been told that she should do stand-up (be warned: some of her presentations contain AI-generated cats).
As an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney Business School and Co-Director of Sydney Executive Plus (SE+), Sandra spends her time thinking about the future, researching the future, consulting on the future, and speaking about the future.
Alongside Dr Kai Riemer, she heads Sydney Executive Plus (SE+), which focuses on preparing leaders for what comes next. So far, SE+ has helped upskill executives and leaders across 20+ industries in areas ranging from AI Fluency to Geopolitics and Business to Quantum Opportunities.
Kai Riemer works with boards and executives to bring foresight expertise and deep understanding of emerging technologies into strategy and leadership.
He specialises in digital technology, artificial intelligence, the future of work, leadership and skills, and the management of change and transformation. He has shared his thinking and insights on these areas with audiences across the globe.
Kai is Professor of Information Technology and Organisation at the University of Sydney Business School. Alongside Dr Sandra Peter, he’s the Co-Director of Sydney Executive Plus (SE+), which focuses on digital-first leadership development. So far, SE+ has helped upskill executives and leaders across 20+ industries in areas ranging from AI Fluency to Geopolitics and Business to Quantum Opportunities.
Titus is Manager, University Organ and Carillon at the University of Sydney. He is one of Australia's leading organists, with a passion for sharing accessible music with local and international audiences.
Titus graduated from the University with a Bachelor of Music (Perfromance) in Organ Studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 2020 with First Class Honours. He is also an accomplished pianist, teacher and composer.
Header image: credit Cash Macanaya via Unsplash