It’s time to show AI
who’s boss
You’re invited to join us on 28 July to connect with like-minded leaders and experts to unpack why workforce preparation matters now, more than ever and where this path leads.
Why now?
From Mt Everest to Mordor, the Kiwi number-8 wire spirit demonstrates fearlessness in the face of challenge. Are we bringing this mindset to the most significant people challenge facing businesses today?
As a leader in your business, you’re critical to the success of AI adoption. But will your people be left behind as AI rolls out regardless of your people’s readiness? Leadership’s role is to actively prepare your workforce for change by building the skills, confidence, and ways of working needed to adapt to ongoing technological shifts.
That’s why we’re here to light your path as you prepare your workforce to accelerate the impact of AI and technological change.
What will you get from this event?
A people-powered future, now – preparing New Zealand workforces for AI success.
Why we’re leading this conversation now. Setting the scene and raising not just the voice, but the evidence of business.
Experimentation and pilots are widespread, but are Kiwi businesses getting sustainable benefits? With insights from the 2026 New Zealand Human Capital Trends Report, this session includes:
- Addressing the need for confidence in responsible use
- Inconsistencies between governance and workforce capability
AI adoption is inseparable from workforce policy, but leaders need clarity on the governance implications. This session includes:
- The horse has bolted – how to work with appropriate guardrails and governance for your business
- Designing an adoption plan to achieve actual ROI and impact, including a 90-day zero to hero framework
After interviewing 100 CEOs over 100 coffees, no one is better positioned to speak to the urgency of executive challenges in 2026 – AI, productivity, and leadership. This session includes:
- The cost of inaction – shadow AI, culture erosion, trust gaps and burnout
- Why leadership must lean into the conversation and set the direction
Work is changing, and businesses must think people-first with their AI strategy. This session includes:
- A mindset shift from roles to skills, what human capabilities you’ll need in the future, and how you can sow the seeds now
- How leaders redesign organisations and workforce models accordingly
The neuroscience behind the overwhelm: Because you already have the skills needed to reset and move forward amid the pressure and pace of change.
Who will you hear from?
We know there’s a lot of noise around AI, and it can be confusing. That’s why we’ve partnered with trusted experts to cut through the clutter and focus on what actually matters most for New Zealand businesses right now.
Naila Naseem – Partner, Deloitte
Naila leads Deloitte New Zealand Leadership Development practice. She specialises in preparing leaders to navigate complex transformation-helping technical experts transition into adaptive leaders capable of guiding teams through change.
Naila will be joined by Deloitte Associate Director, Sarah Keenan, and Manager, Katie Desai.
Asa Cox – CEO & Founder, Arcanum
Asa Cox is Founder and CEO of Arcanum, creators of the AI platform Numa. Since 2016, he has helped hundreds of New Zealand businesses adopt AI successfully. Working across manufacturing, engineering and other non-technology sectors, Asa brings practical insights on AI adoption, value creation and workforce readiness.
Andrew Nicol – Founder, Preductive
Andrew is founder of Preductive, where he helps CEOs and business owners turn AI ambition into practical results. After interviewing 100 senior leaders, he developed a people-first approach to AI adoption, delivering rapid solutions through agentic sprints that amplify people.
Fiona Hewitt – Managing Director, Unboxable
With decades of experience leading strategy, transformation and growth, Fiona Hewitt founded Unboxable to help leaders build the adaptive edge needed for a changing world. She equips organisations to anticipate shifts, navigate complexity and develop the skills required to sustain performance.
Sarah Laurie – Founder, Take a Breath
Sarah Laurie is founder of Take a Breath, a health technology company transforming wellbeing through science-backed breathing solutions. Working with organisations including Microsoft, Spark and Kiwibank, she helps improve sleep, reduce anxiety and boost energy, bringing evidence-based insights to workplaces.