This year at ServiceNow Knowledge 25 in Las Vegas, the lights didn’t just dazzle—they enlightened. In a keynote session that was equal parts comedy, clarity, and career therapy, Jessica Williams and Conan O’Brien brought something rare to the future-of-tech stage: soul.
In a world increasingly defined by Agentic AI—where machines are no longer reactive, but proactive, perceptive, and even collaborative—these two storytellers reminded us of what must remain irreplaceably human.
đź’ˇ Highlights from the Keynote That Left a Mark:
The duo brought more than just laughs—they brought clarity. Here are the power plays from their conversation that lingered long after the applause faded:
🗣️ “Prepare, prepare, prepare... then throw it out the window.”
Jessica’s mantra isn’t chaos—it’s trust. The idea that when you prepare deeply, your instincts carry you through the unknown. Agentic AI systems might evolve in real-time, but so can we. We’re built for it.
🧠“Ask the intern. Ask the janitor.”
Wisdom has no rank. Seek out fresh perspectives. The most game-changing ideas might come from the quietest corners of your org chart.
🤝 “Kindness leads to better work.”
We came to get better at our jobs. But we left with a deeper truth: when you lead with warmth, not just KPIs, people thrive. It’s not soft—it’s strategic, its smart.
🎯 Advice Worth Taping to Your Monitor
Jessica:
“Pay attention to what moves you.” What brought you joy as a child still holds magic today. Use it. Let it color your creativity. Rediscover your playfulness. Let your weirdness work for you.
Conan:
“You don’t know what this moment means.” Do your work. Give it your all. Then walk away. Let it go. Don’t let self-criticism spiral into sabotage. Be intentional. Then reset tomorrow.
These weren’t motivational posters. They were lived truths from people who’ve stumbled, learned, and led.
🎶 And Then… Andy Grammer
Yes—Andy Grammer closed the keynote with a surprise performance. His energy sealed the session with a reminder: In the age of intelligent machines, presence is still the most powerful act.
Final Thought:
As Agentic AI becomes more autonomous and capable, the question isn't just what we build, but who we become in response. The ServiceNow Knowledge 25 keynote wasn’t a tech demo—it was a human blueprint. A lesson in presence. A masterclass in levity.
And if nothing else, remember this: Prepare, then let go. Show up with heart. Have a life. And maybe, just maybe—ask the intern.
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