Executive Leadership
– Benjamin's Story

Optimistic, focused, and running fast — in business and private life

Professional Career

The biggest decision in your life is realizing that you can change it.
Albert Schweitzer

Career at a Glance

  • Held high-impact roles at the World Economic Forum, Google, and Amazon on artificial intelligence, AR/VR & Web3, future technology research, and methods for future-proofing business models, growth strategies, and change management
  • One of Europe’s Top30 most-booked keynote speakers and thought-leaders, speaking on the future of society, technology, and artificial intelligence, neuroscience and psychology, change management, leadership, and courage
  • Bestselling Author of “The End of Emptiness” (Original: “Nie Wieder Sinnlos”)
  • MSc. in Cognitive and Decision Sciences/Brain Sciences in Oxford/London, BSc. in Psychology and Philosophy in Singapore/Zurich
  • Serial (Co-) Founder: ChatOwl Inc., Chiron AI Technologies LLC, Dopamining LLC & ACIT Global Future Institute. Stakeholder in various startups, e.g. Lynks and Crewting


Science, Technology, and Human Potential

Benjamin Bargetzi is a Swiss bestselling author, cognitive scientist, tech entrepreneur, psychologist, and startup investor. He is ranked amongst Europe’s most successful keynote speakers (PS) and thought-leaders (LM), combining visionary future outlooks, the latest news from the tech world, and scientific insights into neuroscience and how the human brain works with hands-on advice for leadership, innovation, and executive leadership.

His neuroscientific research focuses on how human emotions such as courage, doubt, and fear determine and play into the success of personal growth and corporate transformations – offering science-backed strategies to break free from mental barriers and embrace change with optimism and courage; as an organization, but more so as a human being. Coming from a background in cognitive science, psychology, and philosophy, Benjamin Bargetzi gradually shifted his focus to the intersection of future technologies and the human brain, exploring the connections and differences between robotics and psychology, machines and humans, between biological and artificial intelligence. 

Career Timeline

World Economic Forum

Global Lead, AI & Metaverse Strategy
2024 – 2025

Google

Senior Key Account Manager
2020 – 2022

Bargetzi & Company LLC

Founder, Speaker & Tech Investor
2022 – Today

Amazon

Program & Project Lead
2018 – 2020

ACIT Global

Founder & President
2014 – Today

Academia & Research

Oxford, London, Singapore & Zurich
2013 – 2018

Founder & Entrepreneur

It is never too late to become what you might have been
Mary Ann Evans

Big Tech Career

Benjamin Bargetzi worked on various research projects in the fields of behavioral economics, psychology, and biological sciences with leading pioneers in the field before transitioning from academic research to the private sector, becoming a senior member of the 2b AHEAD Future Institute on technology and later of Amazon as an international program lead in data configuration and business intelligence, where he earned the nickname “Detective Ben” due to his passions for deeply analysing technical systems and operational workflows for improvement opportunities. 

Following Amazon, Benjamin joined Google, where he took on a senior partnerships role for the Swiss & Austrian markets, working with finance, telecommunications, and software clients to accelerate their business growth with machine learning solutions. He consistently received 5 awards for being amongst the top-performers at Google, including 2nd Place Seller of the Year 2021 for Central Europe.

Entrepreneurship & Today

In 2022, Benjamin founded Bargetzi & Company Venture Builders LLC, a software engineering, technical consulting, and investment firm focused on driving tech innovation and building the future. The firm operates in two key areas:

  1. Developing AI prototypes, internal corporate ventures, innovation projects, and AI tech products for Fortune 500 companies and SMEs. In other words, building and coding mini-startups inside big companies
  2. Acting as a venture studio and venture investor to launch, finance, and accelerate AI & future tech startups tackling mental health, biotech, and medtech solutions, including Dopamining, Chiron, SpectoMedical, and ChatOwl.

Society and Technology

In its essence, it’s all about crafting new technologies—either within existing Fortune 500 firms and SMEs, or by launching new ventures altogether, backed by angel capital and network. 

This entrepreneurial expertise also brought him to lead, develop, and advise three key metaverse and AI initiatives of the World Economic Forum, where he became a trusted advisor and intellectual sparring partner to their Chairman for insights around future technologies, entrepreneurial trends, and how technology is reshaping society.

 

Academia & Education

Born in a small but scenic village in Switzerland, Benjamin soon ventured out of the country and spent his youth working, studying, and volunteering in China, Japan, London, Oxford, and across Southeast Asia. He holds a MSc. in Cognitive and Decision Sciences under the department of Brain Sciences from the University College London with Pre-Doctoral Research Association at the University of Oxford, and completed his BSc. in Psychology and Philosophy at the University of Zurich with associations at the National University of Singapore and ETH Zurich.

During his studies, he received a full sponsorship from the Swiss Study Foundation, consistently performed at the top of his cohorts, volunteered for different non-profit organisations to support children’s education such as Elephant Branded, Enactus and Smiling Gecko, and founded the ACIT Global Future Institute in 2014, an interdisciplinary think-tank and non-profit organisation dedicated to democratizing free education and researching the most pressing issues in society, neuroscience, and technology to make this knowledge accessible to the underprivileged, thereby aiming to bridge the knowledge gap between industrialized and underserved regions. ACIT Global also hosts scientific conferences, operates international student clubs, and publishes research papers, further contributing to global discourse and innovation.

Personal Life

We do not see things as they are, but as we are.
Anaïs Nin

Personal Journey

A regular visitor and student of the historical cities, archives, and museums of this world, from Europe to the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas, a burning passion for people, history, poetry, culture, literature, and anthropology complements Benjamin’s background in technology and science.

As a balance to his highly digitalized professional life, Benjamin Bargetzi follows strict off-phone times and sport routines in his private life. He turns his phones and devices off fully on the weekends and disappears from the net, gaining vitality from exposure to nature and mountains. His early mornings are kickstarted by fitness routines, cold showers and bicycle tours, and he is competitively participating in Spartan races, mountain runs, and prolonged trekking trails across the world.

Driven by a wish to help the underprivileged, Benjamin has been actively engaged in and founded various social initiatives for spreading free education in the world, such as ACIT Global, the Dopamining initiative, or serving as a board director of Mensa International, a mentor and alumnus of the Swiss Study Foundation, and a voluntary advisor for Enactus and other non-profit organizations.

My Latest Book - Available Now

In an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world, people long for orientation, clarity, and understanding. This book journeys through 42 wisdoms from neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy to help the reader improve their decision-making, make sense of even the most difficult situations, and focus on what truly matters.

In this book, visionary thinker and cognitive scientist Benjamin Bargetzi tackles life’s biggest questions: What causes suffering neurologically? How can we attain mental freedom, stay focused, and make better decisions? And what does it mean to truly live with purpose?

Trusted by 250+ clients worldwide

Testimonials

Audience Feedback From My Most Recent Engagements

“Benjamin is a truly inspirational speaker and master of his craft. He has the ability to capture his audiences in a way like I have never seen it before, and we immediately booked him for a second speech after having seen him once. Bridging the fields of neuroscience, technology, and innovation with concrete business applications, he deeply inspired our teams, leaving a lasting impact on our organization."

Jan Baur Senior Director Innovation, TotalEnergies

“As a fellow neuroscientist, I am deeply impressed with Benjamin’s creative intellect, profound expert knowledge, and scientific pedigree. I consider him a leading expert for neurobiology, decision science, and psychology. I am convinced that he will leave an intellectual legacy in this world.”

Professor Karl J. Friston The world’s most-cited and influential neuroscientist

“Amazingly thrilling insights from Benjamin Bargetzi into the future potential of AI. He truly inspired and energized his audience to embrace the coming decade and not be afraid. A hugely credible speaker on the topic with an outstanding ability to tailor his message to his specific audiences.”

Andrea Stürmer CEO of Zurich Insurance Group AT

"Benjamin is an exceptionally captivating speaker whose visionary ideas, enthusiasm, and openness profoundly resonated with our audience. His expertise in AI, combined with an inspiring passion for the subject, took us on a transformative journey. I highly recommend him.”

Frank Kindervatter CEO of N.E.W. Group

"Benjamin Bargetzi's keynote on embracing change left a lasting impact on our organization and ranks among the most exceptional keynote speeches I've ever experienced. We will carry his insightful philosophies and principles with us into the future, and he truly changed the mindsets of our teams and leadership. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity for future collaboration!"

Zina Thaifa Senior Director, Takeda Pharmaceuticals

“Benjamin Bargetzi's keynote on the neuroscience of consumer behavior and its relevance to investment strategies added a unique and exceptionally valuable dimension to our event. Benjamin's ability to convey complex concepts with clarity and enthusiasm made his presentation both informative and entertaining, and we were privileged to host such an insightful and internationally known speaker.”

Jelena Noe Event Lead, CAPinside Investment Congress

"Benjamin Bargetzi left our audience in awe, taking us on a trip through both the current state and the future of the world, emphasizing the importance of responsibility and ethics in the digital age. Equipping us with concrete advice and ideas to take home, Benjamin's authentic and incredibly competent presentation was convincing in every respect."

Christoph Balmer Chairman of Bücher Balmer Group

“Benjamin Bargetzi has received the highest rating any keynote speaker has ever gotten in our history of Mobiliar Leadership events! Simply brilliant speaker combining visionary thinking and the latest facts from the tech world!”

Zaida Mendez Event Lead, Mobiliar Management Summit

"Benjamin Bargetzi is an excellent speaker and moderator with a true talent for intriguing storytelling and the show business. He spoke at our Doomsday Challenge event hosted in a futuristic underground tunnel, and Benjamin's passion for innovation, digitalization, and future trends made him the best possible moderator we could have asked for. The audience left the event simply amazed, and with clear action steps to take home."

Dr. Michael Kompatscher General Manager VSH Group

"Benjamin Bargetzi fully captivated our guests with his visionary outlook into the future and received standing ovations. His insights are particularly authentic due to his real-life experiences that he can share from his background in Big Tech, startups, and a dozen countries in the world. Benjamin deeply inspired a proactive desire in us to shape the future with enthusiasm."

Bernhard Schuster CEO Infotech LLC

"Benjamin Bargetzi possesses the unique ability to break down the digital transformation between people, business, and technology into "Core Essentials" with highly precise and empathetic language. Through practical examples and his optimistic personality, he infuses these explanations with energy and vitality. Thank you for the fantastic inspiration."

Wolfgang Eger CIO of Swiss Post Group

"Benjamin Bargetzi greatly enriched our biggest event of the year for which we invited 1600 key decision-makers across Europe. With his deep insights into technology and his creative and clear mind, he astonished our audience and received the highest speaker rating we have ever seen. We most warmly recommend him.”

Gregor Greinke CEO of GBTEC Group

“Benjamin's rich knowledge of artificial intelligence and his learnings from an impressive career in the tech industry opened our eyes to the future in a constructive and positive way. After his speech, we decided to further contract Benjamin as an advisor to help us with the hands-on implementation of our AI transformation.”

Christoph Syz CEO of Patrimonium Group

"Different from many other speakers, Benjamin took the time and attended our event for the full day, closely listened in on what was discussed, and then excellently referred the discussed topics in his keynote speech, introducing clever new aspects outside our industry. In doing so, he totally captivated the audience, and took them away with his terrific speech. An outstanding keynote speaker who impresses with empathy, smartness, and eloquence.”

Ruediger Skaletz Chief Business Development Officer, TransRE

"Benjamin Bargetzi's deep understanding of digital transformation, customer behaviors & psychology and his ability to clearly convey complex concepts fascinated our audience. Benjamin impresses with his vast practical experience, his rich knowledge of neuroscience, his visionary technological outlooks, and his authentic style that encourage self-reflection and inspire motivation. Having him at our event was truly enriching, and he left a lasting impact on our company to this day."

Marc von Wartburg CEO Swiss Life Select

"The insights Benjamin shared on how to lead through an era of disruptive change had a significant and lasting impact on our entire organization, and he reshaped our company's view on what it takes to succeed. Benjamin was exceptionally accommodating in shaping the keynote speech to fit with our particular meeting theme and delivered a talk that more than met our expectations. Thank you!"

Catherine Williams Vice-President, Merck/MSD

"Benjamin provided simply invaluable contributions to our recent banking conference! A very engaging, competent, and friendly speaker providing state-of-the-art knowledge and a journey through the complexities of neuroscience and changing customer behaviors. It was evident from the audience's responses that this was one of, if not the single best keynote we have ever witnessed."

Dr Matthias Dekan Head of Banking & Board Member, RBI/Raiffeisen Bank International

"An outstanding and truly exceptional speaker that I had the pleasure of witnessing twice on vastly different subjects, in both English and German. Both his presentations were incredibly motivating and thought-provoking, and he truly possesses a unique gift for illustrating highly complex subjects with very clear words, allowing him to speak with great flexibility and to focus on engaging his audience."

Reto Schwager Former Partner & Board Member, Partners Group

Get In Touch!

If you are interested in booking a keynote, workshop, business seminar or consulting mandate, please get in touch

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“Be Fast, Fail Smart, and Dare to Think Big."
-Benjamin Bargetzi
“The Only Constant in Life is Change.”
-Heraclitus
“A new idea must not be judged by its immediate results”
-Nikola Tesla
"Imagination is more important than knowledge."
- Albert Einstein

A regular visitor and student of the historical cities, archives, and museums of this world, from Europe to the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas, a burning passion for people, history, poetry, culture, literature, and anthropology complements Benjamin’s background in technology and science.

As a balance to his highly digitalized professional life, Benjamin Bargetzi follows strict off-phone times and sport routines in his private life. He turns his phones and devices off fully on the weekends and disappears from the net, gaining vitality from exposure to nature and mountains. His early mornings are kickstarted by fitness routines, cold showers and bicycle tours, and he is competitively participating in Spartan races, mountain runs, and prolonged trekking trails across the world.

Driven by a wish to help the underprivileged, Benjamin has been actively engaged in and founded various social initiatives for spreading free education in the world, such as ACIT Global, the Dopamining initiative, or serving as a board director of Mensa International, a mentor and alumnus of the Swiss Study Foundation, and a voluntary advisor for Enactus and other non-profit organizations.

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