ADEPT Data and AI Conference

My presentation focused on the advent of AI and its business impacts, particularly in the retail space. I discussed projects that enhance productivity and engagement tools that can significantly benefit the organisation. Speaking in front of Accent's leadership team was an amazing experience, and it was gratifying to share insights on how AI can drive their future success. ADEPT Data and AI Conference At the ADEPT Data and AI Conference, I had the honor of delivering the keynote address to kick off the event. I posed the provocative question: "Is AI really the same as data, and if not, what are the differences?" My presentation outlined eight rules highlighting common pitfalls organisations face when adopting AI by treating it as an extension of their data strategy. I emphasized that AI represents a reinvention of business logic and processes, not just an extension of existing technology.

This approach requires businesses to reimagine their operations and involve all departments, not just technology teams. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and the session sparked many insightful discussions on leveraging AI for better business outcomes. Funds Forum The final conference I attended was the Funds Forum, dedicated to superannuation funds and exploring the role of AI in member services.

I highlighted how general AI can revolutionise communication by writing personalized letters, engaging verbally, and building relationship capital. I presented data illustrating the impossibility of servicing millions of members with human staff alone and how AI can bridge this gap. The advantages of general AI, such as its perceived empathy and ability to summarize complex topics effectively, were key points of my talk. The audience was intrigued by the potential of AI to enhance member engagement and education, making this conference a significant highlight of my recent speaking engagements.

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Michael Kollo, the CEO of Evolved AI, tackles the task of making the most out of the second wave of AI, cutting through the noise to find the true value it offers.  

He shifts the AI conversation from lofty dreams to real-world uses, stepping into the shoes of a CIO with a hypothetical scenario set in a financial services firm to underline the need for a solid grasp of AI’s capabilities and impact.

A four-stage strategy for AI integration

Michael proposes a detailed four-step strategy for embedding generative AI within an organisation:  

Stage 1 – Discovery

Initially, it’s all about understanding the capabilities and potential of AI technologies, like GPT-4, to revolutionise various tasks and processes.

Stage 2 – Definition

Next, we pinpoint practical uses for AI within our organisation, focusing on document handling, customer engagement, and assessing AI’s economic impact on job roles across sectors.

Stage 3 – Development

Then, we move on to brainstorming and prioritising AI use cases, from administrative support to financial research, always keeping an eye on the balance between opportunity and risk.

Stage 4 – Deployment

Lastly, the challenge is to roll out AI solutions while managing employees’ fears and expectations, ensuring everyone feels included and valued in this technological leap forward.

With profound investments pouring into generative AI and new opportunities emerging, he signals a green light for organisations to jump on board promptly.

Tackling deployment hurdles

Bringing AI into the workplace isn’t without its hurdles, particularly when it comes to changing employee perceptions and understanding.  

Michael points out the need for customised training across various teams and age groups to ease AI anxieties and champion its adoption.  

He pushes for a sensible take on managing AI’s role and risk levels, aiming to boost rather than jeopardise staff wellbeing and job security.

Embracing change at the right speed

It’s critical to find a balance—innovating at a pace that matches the organisation’s adaptability.  

This careful approach ensures that the shift towards AI doesn’t disrupt but rather enriches workplace harmony and direction.

Key Takeaways:

Education and Challenges: Customised learning is key to demystifying AI across different teams, helping everyone onboard with the technology.

Sensible Ownership and Risk Management: AI should add to the workplace, safeguarding jobs and employee satisfaction, all while aligning with the organisation’s ability to embrace new tech.

Steady Innovation: Keep the pace of AI adoption in check with the organisation’s readiness, ensuring innovation strengthens rather than unsettles the workforce’s unity and focus.

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