Building an AI capability that delivers value: Insights from our Melbourne G-EE-K Talk

AI: The buzzword that’s on everyone’s lips. But beyond the hype and the headlines, how do organisations actually harness AI’s potential and build a capability that adds business value?

That was the burning question at our latest G-EE-K talk in Australia, as our in-depth technology series marked its debut in Melbourne’s thriving tech scene.

With a sell-out crowd of Equal Experts Network members, new technology enthusiasts and business leaders, the evening was buzzing with lively debates around the real-world applications of artificial intelligence and how businesses are making the most of the new opportunities it offers. And, of course, there was plenty of networking over great food and drinks.

Establishing an AI capability in a modern enterprise

Headlining the inaugural Melbourne event on 19 February was Saad Asad, Principal Data and AI Consultant, with his insightful talk “Establishing an AI capability in a modern enterprise”.

With extensive experience aligning data and AI initiatives with business objectives, Saad has helped countless organisations achieve better business outcomes driven by data. A seasoned practitioner in technology management, IT consulting and strategic advisory, Saad has worked with businesses to create enterprise data strategies, build data and AI governance capabilities and craft technology adoption roadmaps.

Saad’s talk took a deep dive into what it takes to build a successful AI capability. He explored how organisations need to look beyond AI and align technology, people, and processes with business goals to create a successful AI strategy.

He outlined the key business drivers for organisations to consider in their AI plans, including competitor and market trends, customer expectations and regulations alongside the organisation’s own AI readiness and data culture.  Adding practical insights for the audiences, Saad also outlined a roadmap for integrating AI tools and explored how organisations can choose the right AI initiatives that align with wider business goals, such as creating compelling customer experiences, reducing costs or increasing the pace of innovation.

Attendees left with key takeaways including:

• The importance of grounding AI strategies in tangible business goals, market compulsions and how it can add real value to the organisation.
• Why best-in-class risk management is required to mitigate the potential for severe reputational, regulatory and commercial consequences when working with AI.
• How appropriate and nimble governance structures and processes can help to manage AI initiatives, especially as technology and design patterns continue to evolve.

Growing our technology community in Australia

Our G-EE-K events are more than just technology talks – they embody our core EE values of knowledge sharing, fostering communities and uplifting teams with new skills or capabilities. By bringing together like-minded technologists at events like G-EE-K, we aim to share the knowledge and skills within our Network and inspire attendees with new ideas or approaches that they can take back to their own organisations. 

The recent February G-EE-K Talk in Melbourne follows the successful launch of the series Down Under in Sydney in September last year.

Missed out on this event? Watch out for details of future G-EE-K Australia talks in Sydney and Melbourne and if you’re interested in learning more about the Equal Experts or our Network, contact the Australia team now.