Within only a few years, the new phenomenon known as “Artificial Intelligence,” or simply AI, has permeated numerous areas of our lives. An obscure area of data science, formerly more on the side of science fiction than anything, now occupies the front pages of major news agencies and plays a prominent role in legislative debates. AI technologies are not only reshaping how we interact with the world, but they also spawn numerous controversies. But how many of us truly understand the mechanisms behind modern AI? Is AI truly intelligence or are there fundamental limits on what it can do? More importantly, how can we ensure that everyone has the knowledge and skills to navigate this AI-driven future effectively and ethically?

In this presentation, Mikhail will break down the complexities of modern AI into digestible concepts, making the subject accessible to all, he will provide insights into the following discussion topics:

·       The fundamental principles of AI and machine learning.

·       Analyst-driven vs data-driven paradigms in machine learning.

·       Discrete event simulation and optimization as a special case of machine learning.

·       Case studies to highlight the impact of AI on operational excellence.

Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply curious, this talk will offer practical suggestions for understanding and engaging with AI to lead the digital transformation within your organization.

Within transformation, while leaders have a seat at the table when the company strategy is set, the plan itself is only half the puzzle. With constant shifts in priorities and unexpected internal and external blockers, it can be difficult to create a lasting impact that actually delivers the benefits laid out at the start. This workshop will explore how to embed adoption into your strategy from the outset, and how to keep it a priority when you're being pulled in multiple directions as a transformation leader.

In the workshop, we will explore:

-            Who really owns adoption, and how do you make that ownership visible and accountable?

-            How to drive the uptake of new ways of working across local teams to adopt and comply with new operating models

-            Tools and processes that go beyond communication plans and training decks

-            How to track, measure, and evolve adoption to support continuous and adaptable delivery

Agentic AI is emerging as the next big wave in enterprise transformation technology, offering new levels of automation. But without a clear problem-led strategy, it risks becoming just another shiny tool that adds complexity rather than value. In this workshop, we'll share early experiences, explore practical applications, and tackle the real challenge of building the right foundations for success in Agentic AI implementation. Join this workshop to discuss:

-            How are enterprises already experimenting with Agentic AI, and what early lessons are emerging?

-            What identified problems are best suited for Agentic AI solutions?

-            How do we prepare our teams for the adoption of Agentic AI?

-            What other foundations do we need to lay before thinking about implementation (infrastructure framework, organisational design, use of data, etc)

-            How to design effective guardrails to manage risk?

From business units to regionalisation. From region to community. From centralised to decentralised. This workshop explores how transformation leaders can ensure the business is future-proofed and working efficiently without clear standardisation.

-            What elements of organisational design need to be prioritised when looking at a restructuring?

-            How can a community-based structure empower employees and ensure change comes from everywhere in the business?

-            How do we unlearn our own ways of managing, and instil this into all employees?

• How do we balance the need for autonomy with the efficiency gains from standardisation?