Jessica O. Matthews

In a world often filled with uncertainty and division, Jessica O. Matthews explores how innovation serves as a beacon of hope. She encourages audiences to view innovation not just as a process but as a transformative mindset that empowers teams to stay focused and motivated amidst burnout and distraction. Drawing from her diverse experiences, Jessica illustrates how cultivating an innovative spirit fosters resilience and inspires individuals to embrace change as a path forward. Jessica engages the audience with relatable stories and actionable strategies, inspiring attendees to harness hope for innovative solutions and a brighter future.

The business landscape is constantly evolving, and leaders and their teams are tasked with keeping up with, and getting ahead of, constant disruption. But what does the current business landscape look like for your organization and industry, and how can you pivot to continue carrying out your organization’s vision for its future?

If you’re exploring innovation and adaptation for your business, infrastructure industry disruptor Jessica O. Matthews shares how her groundbreaking company, Uncharted, has pivoted in the new business world by doubling down on its mission. She draws from her experiences leading through change to outline an actionable framework for how any organization can arrive at breakthrough solutions that will expedite their business’s journey to growth. In doing so, she discusses:

• The challenges she has faced as a business leader and how they have directly sparked her company’s most innovative initiatives
• The need for companies to see beyond their own path and understand how they interconnect with other businesses and society as a whole

As one of today’s most innovative and purpose-driven minds, Jessica O. Matthews explores the transformative power of AI and its potential to evolve the workplace and beyond. In this insightful talk, she delves into how AI accelerates the journey from idea to product, enabling teams to achieve more with fewer resources while addressing the practical challenges leaders face when embracing AI. Drawing from her experiences leading a cutting-edge company and serving on the USDOE EAC Smart Grid subcommittee, Jessica discusses the balance between innovation and responsibility, offering actionable strategies for integrating AI into workflows while addressing critical concerns such as privacy, security, and unintended consequences. Audience members will leave empowered to embrace AI-driven change, unlock innovation, and lead confidently in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world.

As the founder and CEO of the groundbreaking sustainable infrastructure company Uncharted, Jessica O. Matthews champions empathy as the key to driving innovation that creates meaningful, positive change for people and communities. Drawing from her work in helping cities develop smart, sustainable infrastructure solutions that prioritize social responsibility, she shows how empathetic leadership can elevate team dynamics, inspire innovative problem-solving, and create inclusive workplaces where individuals thrive. Jessica’s approach emphasizes that true leadership goes beyond business success—it requires a commitment to sustainability and addressing the real-world needs of people. She inspires audiences to lead with empathy, make socially responsible decisions, and create solutions that leave a lasting impact on the environment and the communities they serve. 

If entrepreneurial innovator and Uncharted CEO Jessica O. Matthews had followed through with the plans others had for her — and that she had for herself — she may never have set out on the path that has led to her becoming one of the leaders transforming cities across the world to be smarter and more equitable for all. Growing up, there were few examples for her to follow as a diverse woman making an impact in tech. Still her aptitude and ingenuity in tech and innovation were undeniable, and it led Jessica to discover the path that was always meant for her. 

In this talk, Jessica reflects on her own story — beginning as a game-changing inventor in the renewable energy space to becoming one of the leaders powering the smart city revolution — to lead an eye-opening conversation on how each person can unlock their own destiny. As she outlines valuable strategies and action steps anyone can use to align their plans to purpose in pursuit of their destiny, she empowers a mindset shift that helps people get out of their own way on the journey to achieving everything they are capable of, and more.