On December 10, we announced 20+ Featured Speakers for SXSW 2025. The first Keynote for next year’s event was also revealed, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna. Stay tuned in mid-January when we’ll announce another round of Featured Speakers and Keynotes for SXSW 2025.
Meanwhile in today’s edition of the Conference Community Newsletter, we talk to Unstoppable Domains Chief Operating Officer Sandy Carter. She will bring her experience and expertise to the 2025 conference as a Featured Speaker within the Artificial Intelligence track (March 9-13).
At SXSW 2025, your session is titled 10 Myths Busted: The Real Impact of AI and Emerging Tech. Can you give us a quick preview of what you will be covering in this solo presentation. This session is all about challenging assumptions and uncovering the truth about AI and emerging tech. I’ll be diving into the critical truths and misconceptions surrounding AI and emerging technologies, cutting through the hype to uncover what really drives success in this space. We’ll explore how AI isn’t just about technology — it’s about rethinking business strategies, organizational change, and unlocking innovation. I’ll be addressing common questions like: What does it truly mean to be “AI-first”? How do we ensure inclusivity in AI adoption for both tech-savvy and non-tech users? Are humanoid robots really 10 years away, or are we closer than we think? And does simply “learning AI” truly guarantee staying competitive in your role? It’s going to be an engaging, no-fluff look at how AI can transform not just processes but entire industries. And it’s a session designed to expand your understanding, spark new ideas, and leave you feeling inspired about what’s possible.
Tell us about why everyone should get your book AI First, Human Always at SXSW! AI First is the ultimate guide for leaders navigating today’s AI-driven world. It covers the seven hottest trends shaping our future, like tokenization, multi-modal learning, and digital twins, while offering real-world examples and actionable insights to help businesses not just adapt but thrive. What sets the book apart is its focus on blending innovation with humanity. AI is powerful, but its success depends on leaders who approach it with curiosity, strategy, and a people-first mindset. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to refine your approach, this book can help you turn this undercurrent of change into growth opportunities.
What do you see as the biggest opportunities for tech industry entrepreneurs over the next five years? Great question. The next five years will be a golden era for tech entrepreneurs, with opportunities fueled by AI, tech convergence, and decentralized systems. One of the most exciting possibilities is the potential to create billion-dollar companies with minimal teams, leveraging AI for product development, customer service, and operations. Entrepreneurs can now scale ideas faster than ever with tools like no-code platforms, generative AI, and automation. And AI democratization will empower entrepreneurs to tackle niche problems previously overlooked by big companies, creating value in markets that were once inaccessible. The combination of small, agile teams and cutting-edge tools could redefine what it means to build and scale a tech company.
Men still dominate leadership positions in the tech industry — although you are a notable exception to this issue. What have you learned in your career journey that could help other women who are aiming for leadership positions in this industry? One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to take risks and embrace pivots. Throughout my career, whether it was leading new AI initiatives at AWS and IBM or founding my own startup or moving into Blockchain at Unstoppable, I found growth by stepping into roles that pushed me out of my comfort zone. Many women hesitate to apply for positions unless they feel 100% qualified, but passion and adaptability are often more important than perfection. It’s also important to lead authentically. Early in my career, I tried to adjust my style to fit in, but I’ve since realized that staying true to your unique perspective drives innovation and builds stronger teams. Whether it’s founding Unstoppable Women of AI and Web3 to empower women in tech or mentoring others, I’ve seen firsthand how sharing knowledge, embracing failure, and lifting others up creates a positive, powerful ripple effect.
Are you generally optimistic or pessimistic about the future? Why? I’m incredibly optimistic about the future — not just because of advancements in technology, but because of the resilience and ingenuity of people. While challenges like climate change, economic disparities, and global conflicts can feel overwhelming, I believe innovation and collaboration will continue to drive progress. Every year, events like SXSW make me even more optimistic. The incredible innovations unveiled there — cutting-edge technologies, creative breakthroughs, and bold ideas — remind me just how much potential exists to shape a better future. It’s inspiring to see people from diverse fields coming together to solve problems, dream big, and push boundaries. Technology plays a big role in my optimism, particularly with AI, renewable energy, and advancements in healthcare offering transformative solutions to some of our biggest problems. But it’s not just about technology — it’s about how people use it. Communities are finding creative ways to leverage these tools for positive change, from improving access to education to tackling sustainability at a local level.
You have been attending and speaking at SXSW pretty regularly over the last decade. Why are you so dedicated to the event? SXSW is where music, film, and technology collide, creating a unique environment to share ideas and spark new ones. Whether I’m speaking about future trends or learning from others, the energy at SXSW is unmatched — every conversation and session feels like a launchpad for something transformative. I’ve seen things launched or discussed first at SXSW like Bitcoin, or Twitter. For me, it’s also about community. SXSW fosters meaningful connections with diverse thinkers who challenge and inspire me. It’s a place where innovation doesn’t just happen in silos; instead, it thrives through collaboration across industries. That’s what keeps me coming back year after year.
Buy your badge now to see Sandy Carter and thousands of other innovative thinkers at SXSW 2025. Discounts are still available for groups as well as students and early career attendees. After you buy your badge, secure your downtown lodging via the SXSW Housing department.
