Anna Baird: Google Executive Advisor & Business Transformation Leader

Anna Baird is a distinguished leader in business transformation, widely recognized for her expertise in driving business impact through people, innovative culture, psychological safety, and conscious sharing. She has been a featured speaker on YouTube’s Google DNA series, where she shares her insights on fostering innovation within global organizations.

As the founder of Cultivate Labs for Google Cloud, Anna leverages her extensive background in customer experience consulting and technical storytelling to guide organizations through complex transitions. At Google, she serves as an Executive Advisor, focusing on corporate innovation, Ethical AI, and the future of work.

Her professional journey includes a tenure as an Executive Advisor at LinkedIn and leadership roles as a Director at various prestigious consulting firms. She is also the Director of Cocoon Advisory Limited, a consultancy she established to support the growth and transformation of high-potential startups.

Anna is a passionate advocate for Diversity and Inclusion (D&I). she actively supports the UN’s HeForShe campaign and serves as a mentor for The Knowledge Society (TKS), empowering young innovators to develop scalable concepts in accessibility, sustainability, and healthcare.

A global speaker, Anna has delivered keynotes across South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Europe, and North America for corporate kick-offs, public institutions, and government organizations. Her notable speaking engagements include:

• Keynote Speaker: Women in Data Science Conference, Masason Foundation (in collaboration with TKS), and the North American Customer Success Conference on Innovation.
• Host & Facilitator: The UK-Canada Chamber of Commerce Executive Breakfast series and various university business school keynotes.
• Panelist: Future of Work panel at the Saudi Financial Academy, Digital Leaders panel at the Canada Data & AI Conference, and numerous sessions on culture and accessibility.

[Core Professional Experience]

• Executive Advisor, Google
• Former Global Head of Culture and Innovation Services, Google Cloud
• Former Executive Advisor, LinkedIn