Blog | 06.25.2024

AI Panel Discussion Newport Summit: Where Technology Meets Humanity, Part I

Last week, I moderated two panel discussions at NWN Carousel’s Annual Newport Summit. I couldn’t help but be struck by the sheer potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to reshape the way we work and live. Today, AI is no longer just a buzzword – it’s a reality that’s transforming industries and redefining business models. At the summit, a distinguished panel of experts from strategic accounts, NWN Carousel experts, Intel, Five9, and Cisco came together to share their insights on the opportunities and challenges surrounding AI, security, and compliance.  Here were some of the memorable quotes from our first panel that resonated with me:

“Slow down to go fast” – emphasizing the importance of taking the time to understand the problem or gap before implementing AI.

“Understand what’s going on before you start” – stressing the importance of having a clear understanding of the problem or gap before implementing AI

“Data is the lifeblood of AI” – highlighting the importance of data and security in AI adoption.

 “Workforce development is key” – emphasizing the opportunity to educate and upskill the workforce to take advantage of new technologies.

“A lot of our clients don’t have the time or the resources of the investment dollars to do AI, but they know they need some of that functionality. So if we can kind of fill that gap or be that glue to help that’s where this is all kind of coming together for us with our AI-powered managed services.” – Mark Digger Damphouse, NWN Carousel, VP, Strategic Consultant

“We’re going to continue to make really major technology investments into AI. We continue to invest to extend what we think is highly differentiated by really listening to our customers around how we can continue to innovate around AI and really stay focused to your needs and not get distracted.”

Jim Sullivan, CEO, NWN Carousel

Prioritizing Well-being in the Workplace

The panel emphasized the importance of addressing burnout in the workplace, highlighting the urgent need to prioritize employee well-being. By recognizing the signs of burnout, companies can take proactive steps to foster.

As technology continues to revolutionize the way we live and work, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an increasingly important topic of discussion among business leaders and IT professionals. At NWN Carousel’s Newport Summit, a panel of experts gathered to share their insights and experiences on the opportunities and risks related to AI, security, and compliance issues.

Preventing Burnout and Fostering Workplace Well-being

The panel kicked off with a timely discussion on burnout prevention and workplace well-being. With many organizations struggling to prioritize employee well-being, the panel emphasized the importance of acknowledging and addressing burnout in the workplace. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of burnout, companies can take proactive steps to promote a healthier and more productive work environment.

Partnerships and Feedback: The Key to Success

The panel also highlighted the importance of partnerships and feedback in understanding the demand for new products and services. By collaborating with customers and partners, companies can gain valuable insights and develop innovative solutions that meet the needs of their customers.

AI Adoption and Maturity: The Current State of Play

The discussion turned to the current state of AI adoption, with some partners being more mature than others. While AI has the potential to revolutionize industries, it’s essential to acknowledge that its adoption is still in its early days. The panel emphasized the need for companies to be realistic about their AI adoption journey and focus on solving specific business problems rather than chasing the latest trend.

Defining Business Outcomes and Competitive Advantage

As companies consider AI adoption, it’s crucial to define clear business outcomes and competitive advantages. The panel stressed the importance of identifying specific pain points or opportunities that AI can help address. By focusing on tangible goals, companies can ensure that their AI efforts are aligned with their overall business strategy.

Data, Security, and Governance: The Foundation of AI Adoption

The panel also touched on the critical role that data, security, and governance play in AI adoption. As companies collect and analyze vast amounts of data, it’s essential to prioritize data classification, governance, and security to ensure that sensitive information remains protected.

Workforce Development and Education: The Key to Success

Finally, the panel emphasized the need to educate and upskill the workforce to take advantage of new technologies. With automation and AI likely to disrupt many industries, it’s crucial for companies to invest in the training and development of their employees to ensure they have the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Avoiding the Hype and Focusing on Real Business Needs

As companies consider AI adoption, it’s essential to avoid the temptation to adopt AI simply because it’s popular or trending. The panel emphasized the need to focus on real business needs and avoid being swayed by hype or the latest buzzwords.

The panel discussion at the NWN Carousel’s Newport Summit provided valuable insights into the current state of AI adoption, the importance of partnerships and feedback, and the need to focus on real business needs. By understanding the opportunities and risks related to AI, security, and compliance issues, companies can make informed decisions about their AI adoption journey and unlock the full potential of this revolutionary technology.