AI, Automation, and the Next Frontier in Business

Description

Background / Overview

AI and automation are no longer optional—they are business imperatives driving innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage. Generative AI, robotic process automation (RPA), machine learning, and intelligent analytics are transforming how organizations operate, deliver value, and interact with stakeholders.

However, these advances come with strategic, ethical, and operational challenges: job displacement, regulatory compliance, governance, cybersecurity, and the need for reskilling. For boards, executives, and business leaders, understanding the opportunities, risks, and practical adoption roadmaps is essential to shaping resilient and future-ready enterprises.

This 2-day immersive program equips participants with frameworks, global best practices, and hands-on insights to lead their organizations through the AI and automation revolution.

Day 1 – Foundations & Business Applications

Session 1 (1.5 hrs): The AI & Automation Landscape

• Evolution of AI: from rule-based to generative AI

• Key automation technologies (RPA, ML, NLP, predictive analytics)

• Global adoption trends and industry disruptors

• Case study: How leading firms leverage AI & automation

Session 2 (2 hrs): Core Business Applications

• AI in finance: fraud detection, credit scoring, predictive forecasting

• AI in supply chain: logistics optimization, predictive maintenance

• AI in customer engagement: chatbots, personalization, marketing analytics

• RPA in HR, compliance, and back-office functions

• Breakout activity: Identify high-value opportunities in participants’ industries

Session 3 (1.5 hrs): Generative AI in Business Innovation

• Generative AI use cases in product design, research, and content creation

• Risks: misinformation, IP ownership, and ethical concerns

• Mini-case discussion: Generative AI in healthcare, legal, and financial services

Session 4 (1 hr): Panel / Interactive Discussion

• Lessons from early adopters

• Cross-industry challenges and opportunities

• Q&A with participants

Day 2 – Risks, Governance & the Next Frontier

Session 5 (1.5 hrs): Risks, Ethics & Governance

• Bias, fairness, and accountability in AI systems

• Data privacy, cybersecurity, and IP considerations

• Regulatory landscape (EU AI Act, U.S. AI guidance, global standards)

• Frameworks for responsible AI adoption

Session 6 (2 hrs): The Future of Work & Workforce Transformation

• Human-AI collaboration: augmented decision-making

• Workforce reskilling and new competencies

• Change management in AI adoption

• Case study: Automation impact on financial services vs. manufacturing

Session 7 (1.5 hrs): Strategic Roadmap for AI & Automation

• Aligning AI adoption with corporate strategy

• Building governance structures for oversight

• Developing risk & compliance dashboards

• Workshop exercise: Drafting an AI & Automation Strategy Roadmap

Session 8 (1 hr): Emerging Technologies & The Next Frontier

• Autonomous systems, edge AI, quantum AI

• Industry outlook: where businesses must prepare

• Closing discussion: The “next 5 years” challenge for participants’ sectors

Objectives

By the end of the 2-day program, participants will:

1. Gain a comprehensive understanding of AI and automation technologies.

2. Identify practical use cases that deliver value across industries.

3. Evaluate risks, ethical issues, and governance requirements.

4. Understand workforce implications and prepare for future skill needs.

5. Develop a strategic roadmap for AI & automation adoption in their organizations.

Expected Outcomes

• Stronger boardroom and executive-level competency in AI & automation.

• Clear vision of opportunities, risks, and governance challenges.

• Strategic alignment of AI adoption with long-term business goals.

• Actionable roadmap for embedding AI & automation across the enterprise.

• Improved organizational resilience and competitiveness in the digital age.

Key Takeaways

• AI & Automation Playbook: frameworks, models, and oversight tools.

• Case study insights from leading industries.

• Checklist for AI governance and ethical adoption.

• Draft strategic roadmap created during workshop sessions.

• A forward-looking mindset for navigating disruption and opportunity.