Tristan Harris

Former Google Design Ethicist, Co-Founder of The Centre for Humane Technology, TED speaker & Co-Host of the ‘Your Undivided Attention’ Podcast

Tristan Harris’s Biography:

Tristan Harris is internationally recognised for his influential work interrogating the societal consequences of persuasive technology. As a technology philosopher and former Google Design Ethicist, he has become a leading voice on humane technology, shaping global debates on how digital platforms capture attention and alter behaviour. His speaking career is driven by a commitment to illuminating these dynamics for policy-makers, business leaders, and the public, providing a clear, evidence-led account of why design decisions in Silicon Valley matter for the future of society.

Tristan began his professional journey at Apple as a software engineer, where he created the Spotlight for Help feature for MacOS/OS X. After a formative period as a Mayfield Fellow at Wikia in 2006, he contributed to the organisation’s first ad server, founded internal support systems, and developed Stanford Wiki. He subsequently co-founded Apture, serving as CEO of the instant explanation network, before joining Google as a product manager and developing the Reminder Assist feature. His progression to Design Ethicist and Product Philosopher enabled him to investigate choice architecture and technology’s impact on wellbeing, ultimately prompting his transition into advocacy work that culminated in co-founding the Centre for Humane Technology in 2018.

Beyond his core roles, Tristan serves as a senior fellow at Common Sense Media and advises the Open Markets Institute. His influence has been recognised through distinctions such as Rolling Stone’s ‘25 People Shaping the World’ and Fortune’s 40 Under 40. His thought leadership has been showcased across major publications and broadcasters, and his TED talks, including his most recent ‘Why AI Is Our Ultimate Test & Greatest Invitation’, have broadened public awareness of the attention economy and AI’s societal implications.

Tristan also co-hosts the podcast ‘Your Undivided Attention’, where he continues to analyse the moral and structural challenges underpinning today’s technology landscape and articulates pathways towards more responsible innovation.

Why Hire Tristan Harris?

Tristan is hired for his rare ability to translate complex technological dynamics into actionable insight for organisations navigating digital transformation. His high-profile speaking engagements, including multiple major-stage presentations and global industry forums, demonstrate his capacity to captivate audiences while offering rigorous, forward-looking analysis. He equips leaders with frameworks to understand emerging risks, anticipate behavioural impacts, and foster ethical, human-centred approaches to technology design.

Tristan Harris’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Tristan Harris’s inspirational career in technology and media:

• 2025 – Delivered ‘Why AI Is Our Ultimate Test & Greatest Invitation’ TED talk
• 2025 – Appeared on Ted Audio Collective with ‘How AI is Undermining Your Safety’
• 2023 – Spoke at the Nobel Prize Summit
• 2020 – Advisor, The Consilience Project
• 2019 – Host, Your Undivided Attention
• 2018 – Co-Founder, The Centre for Humane Technology
• 2017 – Delivered ‘How a Handful of Tech Companies Control Billions of Minds Every Day’ TED talk
• 2016 – Delivered ‘How Better Tech Could Protect Us From Distraction’ TED talk
• 2015 – Delivered ‘Distracted Let’s Make Technology That Helps Us Spend Our Time Well’ TEDxBrussels
• 2014 – Time Well Spent Initiative
• 2013 – Design Ethicist & Product Philosopher, Google
• 2011 – Product Manager, Google
• 2007 – Co-Founder & CEO, Apture
• 2006 – Mayfield Fellow, Wikia
• 2003 – Software Engineer, Apple