Co-Founder of the Time Well Spent Campaign, Former Strategist at Google, Recipient of Google’s Prestigious Founders’ Award & Author of ‘Stand Out of Our Light‘
James Williams’ Biography:
James Williams is one of the world’s leading thinkers on the ethics of technology design, attention, and digital persuasion. Best known as the co-founder of the Time Well Spent campaign and the author of ‘Stand Out of Our Light: Freedom and Resistance in the Attention Economy’, James has become a prominent voice in the global debate about how technology shapes human behaviour. Combining first-hand experience from the technology industry with rigorous academic research, he helps audiences understand the challenges and opportunities created by persuasive technologies. As a speaker, James is sought after for his ability to explain complex ethical questions surrounding artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and human attention in a clear and thought-provoking way.
James began his career in the technology sector, spending more than a decade at Google, where he worked on advertising products and tools. During his time at the company, he received Google’s prestigious Founders’ Award in recognition of his contributions. Motivated by growing concerns about the impact of persuasive design on society, he left the technology industry to pursue academic research. He enrolled as a DPhil student at the Oxford Internet Institute, where he specialised in the philosophy and ethics of attention and persuasive technology. Alongside his doctoral studies, he became a member of the Digital Ethics Lab and later served as a Visiting Researcher at the Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics. He has also taught postgraduate courses on internet technology and regulation and tutored within the University of Oxford’s Computer Science department.
Beyond academia, James is an acclaimed author, consultant, and media commentator. In 2017, he won the prestigious Nine Dots Prize for his essay examining the societal impact of persuasive technology, which later formed the basis of his influential book ‘Stand Out of Our Light’. His research spans virtual and augmented reality, behavioural economics, human-computer interaction, and narrative design. His TEDx talk, ‘Stand Out of Our Light’, has attracted more than 25,000 views and introduced his ideas to a wider global audience.
James brings a rare combination of industry experience, philosophical insight, and practical expertise to the stage. Having worked at the heart of one of the world’s most influential technology companies before dedicating his career to studying its broader consequences, he offers audiences a unique perspective on the future of technology. His presentations challenge organisations, leaders, and policymakers to think critically about ethics, innovation, attention, and human autonomy in an increasingly digital world.
Why Hire James Williams?
James Williams is hired as a speaker for his unparalleled expertise in the ethics of technology, persuasive design, and the attention economy. Drawing on his experience as a former Google executive and his research at the University of Oxford, he provides audiences with practical insights into the societal impact of digital technologies. His TEDx talk and internationally recognised work have established him as a leading authority on responsible innovation. James helps organisations navigate the ethical challenges of emerging technologies while inspiring audiences to rethink the relationship between technology, attention, and human freedom.
James Williams‘ Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define James Williams’ remarkable career:
- 2018 – Published ‘Stand Out of Our Light: Freedom and Resistance in the Attention Economy’, expanding on his award-winning research into persuasive technology.
- 2018 – Served as a Doctoral Candidate at the Oxford Internet Institute, specialising in the philosophy and ethics of attention and persuasive technology.
- 2017 – Won the prestigious Nine Dots Prize for his essay exploring the impact of persuasive technology on society.
- 2016 – Became a Visiting Researcher at the Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics at the University of Oxford.
- 2015 – Joined the Digital Ethics Lab at the Oxford Internet Institute, contributing to research on technology and ethics.
- 2011 – Co-founded the Time Well Spent campaign, advocating for more ethical approaches to technology design.
- 2011 – Began his DPhil studies at the Oxford Internet Institute, focusing on digital ethics and attention.
- 2010 – Received Google’s prestigious Founders’ Award for significant contributions to advertising products and tools.
- 2000s – Spent more than a decade at Google, developing technology products and gaining first-hand insight into the design of digital platforms.
Videos
James Williams’ Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“James Williams delivered one of the most thought-provoking and relevant presentations our audience has experienced. His unique combination of industry expertise, academic rigour and engaging storytelling brought complex topics such as technology ethics, digital persuasion and the attention economy to life. James challenged our thinking while providing practical insights that resonated long after the event had ended. Attendees praised his ability to make difficult concepts accessible and actionable. We would highly recommend James to any organisation seeking an intelligent, inspiring and impactful speaker on the future of technology and society.” – David Simms
Speaking Topics
James Williams’ Official Keynote Topics:
- The Ethical Challenges—and Possibilities—of Technology
How Much Does James Williams Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire James Williams?
James Williams’ speaking fees typically reflect his exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.