Google Zeitgeist is an annual thought-leadership conference that brings together C-level executives, entrepreneurs, storytellers, scientists, and other experts to share transformative ideas on some of the world’s biggest challenges.

Our 17th U.S. Zeitgeist, held in Montecito, California, featured talks on wide-ranging topics, from AI to sports to the arts. We’ve highlighted a few of our favorites below.

AI’s transformative potential

Google’s James Manyika, SVP of research, technology, and society, leads a panel on AI’s ability to tackle big challenges like disease, climate change, and inequality. He’s joined by Caltech’s Bren professor of computing and mathematical sciences Anima Anandkumar, Dream Machine founder Van Jones, and Google DeepMind’s COO Lila Ibrahim, to discuss stunning advancements made possible by AI and the importance of ethics and responsibility in AI development.

Connection that fuels compassion

Platon, award-winning photographer and founder of The People’s Portfolio, believes that empathy is the key to overcoming today’s political and cultural divides. By sharing his portraits of public figures from markedly different belief systems and backgrounds, he explores how people can connect with others, embrace compassion, and triumph over polarization.

Finding your awesome

Reflecting on her childhood, Venus Williams recalls that “I grew up in an environment where you could become a statistic easily.” Speaking with Emmy-award winning producer Ben Winston, the tennis legend details how her family’s support and a belief in “tough love” helped her overcome hardships and achieve success on and off the court.

A blueprint for more inclusive, impactful cinema

In conversation with fellow filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Ava DuVernay highlights the power of cinema to foster connection and empathy — a critical element she believes is lacking in much of Hollywood’s output. This inspired her to build a new system for storytelling and find innovative ways to connect with audiences from all backgrounds.