John C. Havens

Executive Director of the IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous & Intelligent Systems & Author of Heartificial Intelligence

John C. Havens’s Biography:

John C. Havens is the Executive Director of the IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems, where he leads global efforts to embed ethical considerations into advanced AI development. Backed by more than 700 volunteers, the Initiative created a landmark ethical framework adopted by organisations including the OECD and the United Nations as a foundation for their AI principles. A recognised authority on emerging technologies, John is a sought after keynote speaker addressing AI, IoT, social media, augmented reality and digital transformation.

John began his professional career in the performing arts after graduating with a BA in History from Messiah University. For 15 years, he worked as a principal actor on Broadway, television and film, collaborating with major global brands. His transition into technology began in the early days of social media, when he authored the first About.com Guide to Podcasting and identified alternative models of return on investment in online media. He went on to found Podcast Vision and Voice, serve as Chief Connections Officer at Idea Champions and play a leading organisational role in PodCamp NYC.

In 2007, John joined Blog Talk Radio as Vice President of Business Development, advising major clients across corporate and government sectors. He later became EVP of Social Media at Porter Novelli, guiding multinational brands through digital transformation. His leadership expanded globally when he joined the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Human Rights and Technology and became Executive Director of The Council on Extended Intelligence. He also serves as Sustainability Practice Lead with the IEEE Standards Association.

An accomplished author of Heartificial Intelligence and Hacking Happiness, John is a regular contributor to leading media outlets and a prominent commentator on digital ethics and disruption.

Why Hire John C. Havens?

John is hired for his ability to translate complex technological shifts into human centred strategy. Drawing on leadership within global AI standards bodies and advisory councils, he equips organisations with practical approaches to embedding ethics, sustainability and trust into emerging technologies. His background in media and performance ensures engaging delivery, while his policy experience provides strategic depth. Audiences gain clarity on responsible AI governance, extended intelligence and the societal implications of autonomous systems in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

John C. Havens’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define John C. Havens’s impressive career:

• 2025 – Published reflections on Ethically Aligned Design
• 2018 – Appointed Executive Director of the IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems.
• 2018 – Became Member of the World Economic Forum Global Future Council on Human Rights and Technology.
• 2018 – Named Executive Director of The Council on Extended Intelligence.
• 2010s – Served as Sustainability Practice Lead with the IEEE Standards Association.
• 2007 – Joined Blog Talk Radio as Vice President of Business Development supporting global clients.
• 2006 – Founded Podcast Vision and Voice, a media consultancy focused on digital strategy.
• 2006 – Became Chief Connections Officer at Idea Champions and created The Breakthrough Café.
• 2005 – Authored the first About.com Guide to Podcasting.