About Katja

I live at the crossroads of ethics, data, and human-centered design—where innovation meets tough questions.

We’re entering a new world where machines are no longer just tools—they’re buyers. AI-driven systems are already making decisions, placing orders, and shaping markets. If you think this shift is far off, think again—it’s happening now, and it’s going to rewrite the rules of commerce.

My job? Help businesses like yours stay ahead of this revolution.

With 30 years in digital and experience working with giants like  Standard Chartered Bank, Qantas, Commonwealth Bank, and the Australian Government, I’ve seen how the smartest businesses evolve—and how the slow ones get left behind. If you want to thrive in a future where algorithms are your customers and transactions happen faster than you can blink, it’s time to rethink your game.

I’m not here to play it safe

I ask the hard questions—of the biggest corporations and the smallest startups—forcing them to think about whether their tech is building something meaningful or just adding to the noise. This is where I come in: the ethical navigator, guiding you through the gray areas. I push businesses to rethink their strategies, designing smarter, fairer systems that actually serve people—and yes, machines—ethically and effectively. This new era isn’t for the faint of heart. The businesses that win will be the ones ready to embrace change, craft smarter strategies, and create seamless journeys for machine customers and humans alike.

In a world where machines are not just tools but buyers, let’s use this shift for good. I’m here to help you stay sharp, stay ethical, and stay ahead. Let’s navigate this future together and make sure your business doesn’t just survive—it thrives.

Past events

Date
Place
Event
Role
2024
Singapore
CX Asia Week 2024
Chairperson
2024
Singapore
Singapore Design Week 2024
Speaker
2024
Bangalore
DesignUp 2024
Host
2024
Singapore
13th Asian Women in Leadership Summit
Speaker
2024
Singapore
CX Live
Chairperson
2024
Singapore
CX Financial Services
Speaker
2024
Singapore
Config APAC
Speaker
2024
Orange
Central West Inspired Women – Breakfast with Katja Forbes
Fireside Chat
2024
Edinburgh
UX Scotland 2024
Speaker
2024
Virtual
Make Mental Health A Movement in 2024!
Panelist
2024
Singapore
CCO & Enterprise Leaders Summit
Speaker
2024
Virtual
Empower, Educate, Excel: Women Driving Change in STEM and AI
Speaker
2023
Singapore
CI Asia Week
Chairperson
2023
Tokyo
World Design Assembly 2023
Keynote
2023
Singapore
MoneyLIVE Asia
Panellist
2023
Singapore
World CX Summit
Panellist
2023
Singapore
Bondfire Friday
Panellist
2023
Virtual
The Future of Consumer Communication
Panellist
2023
Singapore
CX Asia's 'The Customer Show'
Keynote Speaker

Videos

ILA18 KEYNOTE

You are not a Designer, You are a coach.

CEO Connect Conference 2018

Customer Journeys and Goal Directed Design

Interaction 17

Highlights from Interaction 17 at IxDa New York City