Bridging AI Research and Real-World Impact

I’m Dr. Catherine Breslin, an AI consultant, researcher, and speaker with over 20 years of experience in speech and language technology, machine learning, conversational AI, and AI strategy. Throughout my career, I’ve worked at the cutting edge of AI innovation, helping businesses develop, deploy, and optimise AI solutions that drive real-world impact.

My expertise in AI has been shaped by years in both academic research and industry leadership. I hold a PhD from the University of Cambridge and have led AI teams at organizations, including Amazon Alexa, where I played a key role in advancing conversational AI and voice recognition technologies.

Today, I run Kingfisher Labs, an AI consulting firm dedicated to guiding organizations through the complexities of AI adoption — from strategy and development to ethics and deployment.

I work with businesses, researchers, and teams to:
✔ Develop AI strategies aligned with business goals
✔ Evaluate and improve AI models, with a focus on voice and language technology
✔ Provide leadership coaching for AI leaders, teams and executives
✔ Deliver keynote talks and workshops on AI trends, ethics, and innovation

I’m listed as one of Business Insider’s 100 coolest people in UK tech 2018, The Female Lead’s ‘20 in data 2017‘, named one of Silicon Republic’s data architects of the future in 2018, NESTA’s 12 women shaping AI, and appeared in Stylist magazine’s Visible Women series. Longer interviews are online at TechCrunch, the Archives of IT or at Silicon Republic. In 2021, I was one of Computer Weekly’s 50 most Influential Women in UK Tech. I’ve shared my perspective on technology in outlets including TechCrunch, Sky News, the BBC, the Guardian, CNBC, the New Statesman and the i newspaper.

You can find my newsletter at Substack and other writing at Medium.

I am keen to get more women and girls interested in STEM, and co-founded the Cambridge branch of the British Science Association and Robogals. At Amazon, I designed a workshop to get teenagers coding, based around the Alexa Skills Kit, and I also have talked in primary schools about AI.

Whether you're looking for AI consulting, coaching, or a speaker for your next event, I'd love to hear from you. Get in touch to start the conversation.