About Catriona Wallace

Catriona Wallace walks between the worlds of business and shamanism, embodying a unique blend of expertise forged through training with the Shipibo people in Peru. With a profound commitment to fostering the evolution of both technology and humanity, Catriona has cultivated a global reputation as a leader in both technology ethics and the Psychedelic Renaissance movement.
Dr Catriona Wallace

With a PhD in Organisational Behaviour titled “Technology Substituting for Leadership”, Catriona’s academic background underscores her deep understanding of the intricate relationship between technology and human behaviour.

As co-author of the influential book Checkmate Humanity: the how and why of Responsible AI, Catriona demonstrates her dedication to shaping a future where technology serves the collective good. Today, she advises businesses, communities, and governments worldwide on responsible technology practices while also facilitating transformational leadership retreats grounded in traditional plant and earth-based medicines.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Catriona is deeply rooted in family, being a mother and grandmother. Recognised as one of the top 10 commentators globally on AI and ethics, Catriona has been honored as a top content creator in the Metaverse space and named a top Global Power Woman by the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (UK).

The Australian Financial Review heralds Catriona as the most influential woman in business and entrepreneurship, a testament to her impactful contributions. She has also been acknowledged as one of Australia’s most eminent scientists by the Royal Institution of Australia.

Catriona on QandA
Catriona on QandA

Dr Catriona Wallace is the founder of the Responsible Metaverse Alliance.

The RMA is dedicated to creating a safe and responsible metaverse.

In 2023 Catriona was a beloved Shark on the hit TV series Shark Tank Australia. She playfully identifies more with being dolphin or mermaid than the traditional shark archetype. Her presence extends beyond the confines of the tank, as she has graced numerous television programs including 60 Minutes, The Project, and Q&A, amongst others.

An expert in the future of technology and humanity, Dr. Catriona Wallace serves as the Founder of the Responsible Metaverse Alliance, an Adjunct Professor, and Chair of the Boab AI venture capital fund. She previously founded a machine learning company based in New York.

In addition to her technological pursuits, Catriona is an early leader in the Psychedelic Renaissance, advocating for the benefits of Indigenous-based plant medicines. She is currently producing a podcast series titled Psychedelics for Leaders, accompanied by an upcoming book slated for release in 2025.

Catriona’s dedication to responsible innovation, ethical leadership, and holistic well-being exemplifies her commitment to shaping a more compassionate and connected world for generations to come.

Shark Tank
Shark Tank
Shark Tank
Shark Tank
Shark Tank
Shark Tank

Awards & Recognition

Catriona has achieved the following awards and recognitions:

Top Global Power Woman
Recognised by as a Top Global Power Woman by the Centre of Economic & Leadership Development (UK) in 2024, announced at the United Nations.

Linked In Top Voice in Technology
Recognised by Linked In as one of the top voices commenting on the technology sector, in particular AI, Responsible and Ethical technology, the Metaverse and women in technology.

Top Global Content Creator – Metaverse
Issued by Onalytica · Oct 2022
Recognised by Analyst firm, Onalytica, as one of the top 32 Metaverse content creators globally.

Top 10 Global Speakers in AI
Issued by Onalytica · Sep 2021
Onalytica published a report on the Who’s Who in AI, globally. Dr Wallace was acknowledged as one of the world’s top keynote speakers in AI.

Top Australian Thought Leaders
Issued by Parker PR · May 2020
The Aussie Thought Leader Book details the accomplishments of around 60 of Australia’s top Thought Leaders. Dr Catriona Wallace has been recognised as a Thought Leader in Artificial Intelligence and Ethics and Women in Leadership.

Adjunct Professor
Issued by Australian Graduate School of Management, UNSW · Nov 2019
The role of Adjunct Professor with the AGSM at UNSW was conferred on 1 November 2019

Bragg Membership of the Royal Institution of Australia
Issued by Royal Institution of Australia · Sep 2019
The Royal Institution of Australia recognises the country’s pre-eminent scientists and those who have made outstanding contribution to their field. About 4 scientists are recognised annually. The Royal Institution is a part of the Royal Institution of Britain, with the Duke of Kent as Patron.

Veuve Clicquot Women’s Awards – Top 5 Women
Issued by Veuve Clicquot · Jul 2019
Dr Wallace has been recognized as one of the Top 5 Women acknowledged in the 2019 Veuve Clicquot Women’s Awards. The award, which honours the memory and work of Madame Clicquot, recognised as one of the first women entrepreneurs to boldly challenge conventions, recognizes women who are boldly changing industries they are in.

AFR Business & Entrepreneur Overall Category Winner – Most Influential Woman
Issued by Australian Financial Review · Oct 2018
https://www.afrwomenofinfluence.com.au/the-australian-financial-review-100-women-of-influence-2018-category-winners-revealed/

FinTech Leader of the Year
Issued by Women In Finance Awards 2018 · Sep 2018
The Women in Finance Awards is an exciting program that identifies the leading women across financial services, from business leaders and mentors, to skilled investment managers, to client-centric accountants, financial advisers and mortgage brokers. The winners will represent inspirational high achievers from the financial sector, from today’s thought leaders to the stars of tomorrow.

 

 

Women in Finance Excellence Award
Issued by Women In Finance Awards 2018 · Sep 2018
The Women in Finance Awards is an exciting program that identifies the leading women across financial services, from business leaders and mentors, to skilled investment managers, to client-centric accountants, financial advisers and mortgage brokers. The winners will represent inspirational high achievers from the financial sector, from today’s thought leaders to the stars of tomorrow.

Australia’s 10 Leading Businesswomen
Issued by CEO Magazine · Aug 2018
https://www.theceomagazine.com/business/coverstory/meet-australias-10-leading-businesswomen

Australia’s 9 Most Influential Female Entrepreneurs
Issued by SMH (Sydney Morning Herald) · Mar 2018
A panel of distinguished judges, including Minister Craig Laundy, Kate Carnell and Prue Gilbert selected Australia’s top 9 female entrepreneurs for 2018.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/small-business/australia-s-nine-most-influential-female-entrepreneurs-2018-20180227-p4z20n.html

Women’s Agenda Top 30 Women Redefining Business
Issued by Women’s Agenda · Jan 2018
Women’s Agenda identified and profiled 30 women who are highly influential in business.https://womensagenda.com.au/business/emagazine-meet-30-women-redefining-business-australia/

Advance Australia Technology & Innovation Award
Issued by Advance Australia · Oct 2017

Australia’s pre-eminent Award for Australians working overseas. http://www.globalaustralianawards.com/winners/

Advance Global Australia Top 3 Innovators
Issued by Advance Australia · Sep 2016
Acknowledged as top 3 in Advance Australia’s global innovators category

2015 Pearcey Foundation Entrepreneur Award – One of six Winners/Finalists

4th Best Respected Person Globally in Customer Experience Sector
Issued by 2014 European Customer Experience & Contact Centre Best Respected

2014 Australian Business Women’s Hall of Fame

2013 NSW Business of the Year
Issued by Telstra · Nov 2013

2013 NSW Medium Business of the Year
Issued by Telstra · Nov 2013

Patents

Dr Wallace was CEO of the company, Flamingo AI, that achieved a Patent for –
Semi-Supervised Question & Answering Machine
AU 2018223010 · Issued Jan 9, 2020 (This patent was also successful in the US)

Flamingo Ai is now the owner of Australian Patent No. 2018223010. This Patent is for the Company’s semi-supervised question answering machine, which sets out the method that Flamingo Ai uses for semi-supervised machine learning to propagate answer weights around a question space. These rights last 20 years until August 30, 2038. The Patent is also currently awaiting examination in the US jurisdiction. This technology forms the core software for the Company’s Intelligent Knowledge Assistant & Service Desk which solves the problem organisations have in being able to access up to date, accurate and compliant knowledge quickly and easily. The machine augments the human subject matter experts and acts as a non-biological brain. Very suitable for any organisation which has a high volume of critical information needed by employees or customers.