Thomas Anglero is a Strategic AI Advisor, keynote speaker, podcaster, and author of 'Intro to Artificial Intelligence'. An expert in disruptive innovation and artificial intelligence, he previously served as Nordic Director of Innovation at IBM and Nordic CTO and Innovation Officer at Cognizant. As a speaker, Thomas is known for combining expertise in artificial intelligence, innovation, leadership, and personal transformation with compelling real-world stories that inspire audiences to embrace change and unlock their potential.
Thomas' early career was spent as Chief Executive Officer of Free World Dialup, the world's first peer-to-peer internet telephony company, helping pioneer internet communications long before they became mainstream. He was also Vice President of Marketing at VocalTec Communications, the world's first voice-over-Internet company, and Chief Executive Officer of a global startup that VocalTec spun out. An entrepreneur throughout, he founded WiHood AS and Nuclei Networks, and held senior roles at Telenor and Ericsson. Thomas has led in the public and cultural sectors as well as in business. As Head of Innovation at the Norwegian Tax Administration, he led a team driving innovation across the public sector, and as Chairman of the Board of Dansens Hus, Norway's national stage for dance, he guided the institution through the first year of the COVID pandemic.
Thomas later served as Nordic Director of Innovation at IBM, where he worked with IBM Watson and became a global spokesperson for the technology. In 2017, he founded the IBM Watson AI Lab for Cancer at the Oslo Cancer Cluster, the first AI laboratory for cancer embedded within a European cancer campus. As Nordic CTO and Innovation Officer at Cognizant, Thomas closed more than $500 million in enterprise transformation deals. An accomplished TEDx speaker, his TEDx Talk “Don’t fear technology, fear yourself” demonstrates the energy and insight he brings to every stage. Having delivered more than 450 keynotes across 30 countries, Thomas has spoken to audiences ranging from global corporations to government leaders and entrepreneurs. He has been invited to speak at events hosted by organisations including the European Commission, the World Government Summit, the WHO, IBM, and many others. As well as hosting the 'Clarity at the Top' podcast and newsletter, Thomas also authored 'Intro to Artificial Intelligence', a practical guide designed to help people understand AI and benefit from the technological revolution shaping society and business.
Today, Thomas is Founder and Strategic AI Advisor at MerkabaPhi AS in Oslo, where he advises executive leaders, boards, and organisations on artificial intelligence, innovation, leadership, and transformation. Drawing on experience spanning entrepreneurship, global technology companies, and public and private sector leadership, he helps leaders understand and act on emerging opportunities created by technological change. Having stood at the forefront of multiple technology revolutions, Thomas combines deep technical insight with practical business experience and compelling personal stories. His audiences leave inspired, equipped to navigate disruption with confidence, and ready to turn uncertainty into opportunity.
