Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant frontier – it is a present-day force transforming industries, reshaping workflows, and redefining the relationship between humans and machines. This talk explores the ongoing journey of AI adoption, focusing on how organizations can leverage AI not just as a tool, but as a strategic capability. We’ll trace the shift from reactive systems to generative and agent-based AI, and examine how these technologies are already embedded in daily life – from content creation to decision automation.

Real transformation, however, requires more than new technology – it calls for a cultural shift. We’ll highlight how successful AI integration depends on three pillars: people, process, and technology. This means building AI literacy across roles, empowering teams with effective tools, and establishing strong governance frameworks. We’ll also show how “rapid wins” can create momentum, challenge misconceptions, and cultivate internal champions who drive sustainable change. Just as importantly, we’ll explore how AI amplifies rather than replaces human strengths, opening the door to new forms of value and innovation at scale.

Participants will gain practical insights into leading with an AI-first mindset, navigating the challenges of change management, and developing strategies that are both scalable and sustainable. This session will be peppered with real examples from various industries and use cases.
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About the speaker: Barak Turovsky brings over 30 years of experience leading cross-functional teams to build AI (Generative AI/LLMs), Cloud, and Enterprise products. He has deep expertise in leveraging customer and market insights to apply AI as a disruptive competitive advantage. Barak advises Boards, executive teams, and leading VC firms across industries, helping drive large-scale organizational transformation for the AI era.

Barak currently serves as Chief AI Officer at General Motors and Operating Advisor at Bessemer Venture Partners. Previously, he was VP of AI at Cisco and spent a decade at Google as Head of Product for the Languages AI group within Google AI, where he led the application of cutting-edge AI/ML across Google’s products. He also served as Chief Product and Technology Officer at Trax, a leader in Computer Vision AI for retail and commerce.

Barak holds an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, and an LL.B. from Tel Aviv University. He teaches AI Applications at the Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Education program.