Technology Executive · Entrepreneur · Inventor
Founder & CEO of ACME Brains. 24+ patents granted. Licensed P.E. 35+ years transforming industries from wireless broadband to private AI.
Mary Jesse is a seasoned technology leader and innovator with more than 30 years of experience in both public and private companies, serving as CEO, CTO, VP, founder, and board director. She has driven groundbreaking innovations across industries—including wireless, media, retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and government services—with deep expertise in digital systems and product development.
As Founder & CEO of ACME Brains, an early-stage artificial intelligence software company, Mary is at the forefront of developing next-generation AI solutions grounded in AI privacy, AI safety, and human-centered design. A registered Professional Electrical Engineer (P.E.) and holder of over two dozen patents, she blends technical mastery with visionary leadership—building AI that people can own, control, and benefit from.
Passionate about technology equity, women in business, and underserved communities, Mary is committed to using innovation as a force for positive change. She mentors the next generation of founders through the Creative Destruction Lab and writes about the human future of technology on her Substack, Life and Technology.
Mary brings 30+ years of real-world tech leadership to the stage—equal parts technical depth and business clarity. Her talks centre on human-centered AI, AI privacy and safety, and technology equity. Past audiences include Fortune 500 technology conferences, startup summits, and university programmes.
AI privacy and safety aren't constraints — they're competitive advantages. Why human-centered AI that people can own and trust will define the next decade.
Lessons from 35 years of building at the technology frontier.
How a disciplined IP strategy creates durable competitive advantage.
Technology equity is not charity — it is the defining innovation challenge of our era. How human-centered AI and responsible design can close the divide and create shared prosperity.
What P.E.-licensed engineers know about accountability that most executives don't.
Governance, diversity, and how boards can drive — not slow — innovation.
Building private AI infrastructure for enterprises that need sovereignty, security, and scale.
Contributing governance expertise and technology strategy to drive growth.
Advising early and growth-stage companies on product, IP, and go-to-market strategy.
Guiding science-based founders on commercialisation and fundraising.
TEDxSammamish Women — watch the full talk on YouTube.
▶ Watch TalkConnecting the dots — looking forward and backward — across technology, science, geography, culture and life.
The fundamental incompatibilities between human and AI communication, processing, and decision-making — and why understanding this gap is critical to keeping humans in control.
Read on Substack →How businesses can make money by doing good — putting data sovereignty and humans first in the age of AI.
Read on Substack →How to maintain the uniquely human qualities — emotion, empathy, connection — that machines can never replace.
Read on Substack →From early web tracking to today's AI systems — why a storm is brewing over personal data and what we must do about it.
Read on Substack →The genie is out of the bottle. Practical guidance for engaging with AI tools and holding companies accountable for ethical use.
Read on Substack →Whether you're booking a keynote, exploring an advisory engagement, or interested in partnering with ACME Brains—use the form below and Mary's team will respond within two business days.