Powered by WITI - Prompt'24

November 19th and 20th • Online

Thank You for Making the 30th Annual WITI Summit a Success!

A heartfelt thank you to our attendees, speakers, and sponsors for your incredible contributions to Prompt’24. Your engagement and insights helped us explore the future of technology, leadership, and innovation together.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

Join us weekly for engaging discussions on AI, Leadership, Wellness, and more. Together, we’ll continue to unlock human potential and drive transformative change.

Learn More About Our Weekly Events

Speakers

Our Prompt'24 speaker lineup* of experts, leaders, innovators, and influencers - with more exciting speakers on AI coming soon:

Janel Anderson, PhD Keynote Speaker | Leadership & Communication Expert
Kamil Banc Generative Story Teller | SMB Investor
Dr. Aditi Banerjee Chief Business Officer | Executive Vice President | Transformation Leader | Advisory Board Member
Iman Bendarkawi Associate Director of Corporate Strategy & Development at Kyndryl – GenAI Thought Leader & Corp Strat Lead
Amanda Fornal Founder, Founder Buddies, Owner / Business Strategy Consultant, Orange SFM, LLC
Raymond Hegarty CEO, Funding Innovation
Kathleen (Kate) Hurley Founder
Greg Hutchins Founder - Principal Engineer, Quality + Engineering
Cristina Imre Founder & CEO, Tech Leadership Lab
Leah Johansen, M.D. Functional Medicine | Founder, Sex Health Magic
Marianne Kirkland Global IT Leader of Digital and AI Transformation, TD SYNNEX
Rini Krishnan Enterprise Architecture & Strategy, Business Architecture/AI Governance Leader, Kyndryl
Carolyn Leighton Founder
David Leighton Co-Founder & CEO | AI Optimist, WITI
Doreen Marchetti Chief of Partnerships, WITI
Amir Ahmad Nasr Founder & President, AssertiveU
Dr. Lisa Palmer Applied AI: Software + Human Expertise, Driving Business Value from AI
Erin Jerri Pangilinan Spatial Computing x AI Leader - Software Engineer, Product Leader
Ada Peng Data Analyst, Orchid
Wiem Sabbagh Partner, Global Data & AI Consult Leader, Kyndryl
Kerry Sheehan AI Policy Lead - AI Taskforce, AI Regulation
A.G. Syjuco Software Engineering Executive (Strategy, Research and Innovation), Accenture
Mica Syjuco Director, Technology Leadership, Avanade
Joy Tan Founder | C-suite Leader | Board Director | Advisor | Global Connector
Anne Trager Founder, Certified Human Potential Coach, PCC
Carolyn Turbyfill, PhD Principal Consultant, Quality Plus Engineering
Holli Wagner CRO | Strategic Partnership Advocate, WITI
Fariba Wells Fariba Wells, VP, Global Government Affairs and Policy, Kyndryl
Sam Wilmot Product Digital Workplace, American Express

* Speakers subject to change

Schedule

Tuesday | November 19, 2024

8:00 am — 8:10 am PT

Opening Remarks by David Leighton, Co-Founder and CEO of WITI

Welcome from the organizers and an overview of the summit's schedule. David will set the stage for the event, highlighting key themes and what attendees can look forward to over the next two days.
8:10 am — 8:30 am PT

Thriving in the AI Era: A Human-Centered Approach for Professionals with Anne Trager

Whether you love AI or wonder what it all means for jobs and humanity, it's time to think about what skills we need to develop to thrive in this brave new world. How does this technological shift redefine leadership? Where do we add value in this new equation? Drawing from my expertise in expanding human potential and my work as an executive performance coach, this interactive session will explore what human strengths and skills we can leverage and grow as we work more and more with AI.
8:30 am — 9:00 am PT

Digital Pioneers to AI Innovators: Shaping the Next Era of Tech Leadership

Join Dr. Aditi Banerjee, WITI Advisory Board member and 2024 Hall of Fame inductee, as she delivers the opening keynote of WITI's landmark 30th Annual Summit.

As a dedicated WITI member since the 1990s who has driven digital transformation across Fortune 500 companies, Dr. Banerjee brings a unique perspective on technology's evolution from the early days of email to today's AI-powered enterprises.

Drawing from her extensive experience leading $600M+ P&L portfolios and spearheading innovations in Cloud, IoT, and Digital Twin technologies, Dr. Banerjee will explore how women technologists have transformed the industry over WITI's 35-year history. She'll share strategic insights on navigating the current AI revolution while examining how successful technology leaders can drive meaningful change in this rapidly evolving landscape.

This powerful opening session will bridge WITI's pioneering legacy with emerging opportunities in AI, Smart Manufacturing, and Digital Transformation, offering attendees a blueprint for leading innovation in their own organizations. Don't miss this inspiring keynote that celebrates our collective achievements while charting the course for technology leadership in 2024 and beyond.
9:00 am — 10:00 am PT

Applied AI: A fireside chat with Dr. Lisa Palmer and Holli Wagner

Join renowned AI strategist Dr. Lisa Palmer and WITI's CRO, Holli Wagner, for a dynamic fireside chat on applying AI to drive tangible business outcomes. Dr. Palmer will share insights from her "strategy-to-action" framework, highlighting AI’s role in revenue growth, operational excellence, and upskilling teams.

This engaging session will offer practical tools and strategies to help leaders unlock AI’s potential in their organizations.
10:00 am — 10:50 am PT

Panel Discussion: Strategic Innovation: Bridging AI, Policy, and Global Business

Moderator: Iman Bendarkawi
Panelists: Fariba Wells, VP of Global Government Affairs and Policy at Kyndryl; Wiem Sabbagh, Partner and Global Data & AI Consult Leader at Kyndryl; and Rini Krishnan, Enterprise Architecture & Strategy and AI Governance Leader at Kyndryl.

Explore the intersection of AI, governance, and international business in this insightful panel discussion. Our expert panelists will share their extensive experience and strategies for leveraging technology to enhance human capital management and drive market expansion. Delve into the challenges and opportunities of technology integration while navigating the complex landscape of global regulatory environments. This session will highlight the critical role of governance in ensuring ethical and sustainable growth, providing attendees with actionable insights on how strategic innovation can reshape business operations and achieve global success.
10:00 am — 2:00 pm PT

Networking Cafe - https://witi.com/NetworkingCafe

Step into the WITI Networking Café, a dynamic virtual space open throughout the summit for attendees to connect, collaborate, and share ideas. Whether you're looking to meet industry peers, explore potential partnerships, or simply have meaningful conversations, this is your hub for building relationships and growing your network.

Drop in anytime to exchange insights, discuss summit sessions, and engage with like-minded professionals in a relaxed and welcoming environment. With breakout rooms and topic-driven discussions available, the Networking Café is your go-to spot for making valuable connections that last beyond the summit.

Don't miss this opportunity to expand your network and explore new possibilities - because the best ideas often start with a simple conversation!
10:50 am — 11:00 am PT

Break
11:00 am — 11:15 am PT

Countering Stress: Wellness Techniques for the Workplace

Discover effective wellness techniques to reduce stress and boost well-being in the workplace. This session will offer practical strategies for managing stress, enhancing mental resilience, and fostering a healthier work environment. Learn how simple changes can lead to improved productivity, engagement, and overall well-being for you and your team.
11:15 am — 12:00 pm PT

AI for Health & Longevity: Innovations in Precision Medicine, Storytelling, and Healthcare Efficiency

Join Dr. Leah Johansen, Joy Tan, and Ada Peng for an engaging session exploring the transformative impact of AI on health and longevity. Dr. Johansen will discuss AI’s role in personalized healthcare, focusing on physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Joy will share insights on how storytelling can amplify AI's contributions to well-being. Ada Peng, Chief AI Architect at Orchid, will reveal how AI is revolutionizing healthcare efficiency by drastically reducing administrative burdens for clinicians. Together, they will provide a holistic view of AI’s potential to enhance health outcomes, streamline care, and extend life expectancy.
12:00 pm — 12:45 pm PT

Driving Transformation with AI: The Future of Global Delivery

Join A.G. Syjuco and Mica Syjuco for an in-depth session exploring how AI is transforming global delivery, from software development to client engagement. A.G. will offer perspectives from his work at Accenture, where he is shaping GenAI architecture for strategy, research, and innovation. Mica will share insights from her work at Avanade, where she leads initiatives for AI integration into delivery, including the adoption of GenAI tools like GitHub Copilot and AI-assisted SDLC models. Together, they’ll discuss how organizations can leverage AI to enhance delivery processes, drive client outcomes, and foster innovation in a fast-paced tech landscape
12:45 pm — 1:30 pm PT

The Future of Business: Transforming Industries with Spatial Intelligence and AI

Join Erin Pañgilinan, author of Creating Augmented and Virtual Realities: Theory and Practice for Next-Generation Spatial Computing, a leading voice, will close Day 1 with an exciting exploration of how spatial intelligence and multimodal AI are set to transform the future of business. Discover how advancements in Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), and eXtended Reality (XR) are reshaping industries by creating richer, more interactive user experiences. Erin will highlight how these innovations drive new business opportunities, enhance collaboration, and increase productivity. Learn how these breakthrough technologies from AI and spatial computing are lowering the barrier to entry for consumers, businesses, enabling groundbreaking applications, and redefining the future of human computer interaction and how as a society interfaces with technology as a whole.
1:30 pm — 2:00 pm PT

End-of-Day One Breakout Rooms: Connect, Collaborate, and Network

Join our breakout rooms to connect with fellow attendees from around the world. Engage in meaningful conversations, share valuable insights, and forge new relationships in an interactive, small-group setting. These sessions are designed to foster collaboration, encourage the exchange of ideas, and help expand your professional network, ensuring you leave with both inspiration and connections that last.

Wednesday | November 20, 2024

8:00 am — 8:30 am PT

Reflecting on the Journey: From Vision to Reality – A Tribute to WITI's Legacy and Evolution into Workforce Innovation, Trust, and Influence

Join Carolyn Leighton, the visionary Co-Founder of WITI, as she takes a heartfelt walk down memory lane, sharing captivating memories from WITI’s very first summit in 1995. Carolyn will recount the organization’s pioneering days and explore the remarkable technological evolution that has transformed industries and lives since WITI’s founding in 1989. Discover how WITI has grown beyond its roots to become WITI – Workforce Innovation, Trust, and Influence, embodying a commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and progress. This session promises an inspiring perspective on the profound impact of WITI's journey, the milestones achieved, and the enduring vision that continues to shape the future of technology and workforce dynamics. Don’t miss this special moment of history, celebration, and forward-looking insights.
8:30 am — 9:00 am PT

Blueprints for Ethical AI: Transforming Organizations through Policy, Strategy, and Innovation

Description:
In an era where AI integration is reshaping industries globally, Kerry Sheehan, an award-winning AI policy and strategy expert, shares her insights on designing ethical, effective AI frameworks that transform operations and outcomes. With deep expertise from her work with the UK, the Alan Turing Institute, and the British Standards Institute, Kerry will explore the essentials of responsible AI implementation—focusing on risk management, governance, and cross-industry applications. Attendees will gain practical strategies to create sustainable AI policies, enhance service models, and drive a culture of responsible innovation, fostering meaningful ROI and stronger connections with employees and customers.
9:00 am — 9:30 am PT

Empowering Creativity with AI: Tools, Trends, and What's Next for Art with Amanda Fornal

AI tools are ever changing the creative process, inspiring professionals and newcomers alike. With a surge of innovative platforms enhancing creative potential, more professionals are weaving AI into their workflows, while many first-time artists are finding new opportunities to express themselves. This session will explore how AI is transforming creativity, highlighting key tools and trends that are shaping the art world.
9:00 am — 2:00 pm PT

Networking Cafe open - https://witi.com/NetworkingCafe

Step into the WITI Networking Café, a dynamic virtual space open throughout the summit for attendees to connect, collaborate, and share ideas. Whether you're looking to meet industry peers, explore potential partnerships, or simply have meaningful conversations, this is your hub for building relationships and growing your network.

Drop in anytime to exchange insights, discuss summit sessions, and engage with like-minded professionals in a relaxed and welcoming environment. With breakout rooms and topic-driven discussions available, the Networking Café is your go-to spot for making valuable connections that last beyond the summit.

Don't miss this opportunity to expand your network and explore new possibilities - because the best ideas often start with a simple conversation!
9:30 am — 10:00 am PT

How to Build Your IP Story: Integrating AI for Innovation

In this fast-paced, 30-minute session, Raymond Hegarty, a leading IP strategist and WITI expert, will guide you through the essentials of creating a compelling Intellectual Property (IP) story- especially in the age of AI.

Key Takeaways:

IP Strategy Basics: Learn how to identify, protect, and leverage your IP for business growth. Added: • Learning Session 2: "Skills of the Future"

AI’s Role in IP: Discover how AI can enhance your IP strategy by identifying new opportunities and managing assets.

Hands-On Insights: Engage in quick exercises to refine your IP story and position it for AI-driven success.

This session is designed to offer actionable steps for founders, innovators, and tech leaders eager to protect and advance their ideas in today’s AI-powered landscape.
10:00 am — 10:15 am PT

Assertive Leadership: The WITI Way to Empower Growth Beyond Ceilings

Description: Join Amir Ahmad Nasr, founder of AssertiveU™ and acclaimed storyteller, for an enlightening session on how the new WITI is using assertiveness as a cornerstone of leadership to transcend traditional barriers and achieve maximum human performance. Informed by the transformative insights of WITI's "Glass Ceiling Report 2.0," this session will explore practical strategies for leaders to harness assertive communication and values-driven leadership. Discover how assertiveness, when integrated with AI and strategic thinking, can break through ceilings and elevate individuals and organizations alike. Amir will show how WITI's commitment to assertive growth equips professionals to lead with resilience, unlock innovation, and thrive in an evolving world where diversity and high performance go hand in hand.
10:15 am — 11:00 am PT

Strategic Mindsets in Action: From Corporate Strategy to AI-Driven Product Innovation

Join Sam Wilmot and Marianne Kirkland in an insightful session on cultivating a strategic mindset and product-centric approach across diverse industries, from established corporations like Xerox and American Express to AI-driven transformation at TD SYNNEX. Sam will share her expertise in setting strategic vision, defining value propositions, and leveraging feedback loops for continuous improvement. Drawing from her leadership roles in corporate and startup environments, Sam will highlight how these principles drive value and innovation.

Marianne, a global leader in digital and AI transformation, will add depth to the discussion by sharing her experience in digital strategy, cross-functional leadership, and AI integration within large organizations. Together, they will provide actionable insights on how a strategic and product mindset can shape career growth, enhance decision-making, and deliver impactful solutions in tech-driven organizations.

Perfect for professionals seeking to elevate their strategic thinking and integrate AI into their product management toolkit, this session will offer practical frameworks and real-world examples to drive success and career advancement
11:00 am — 11:30 am PT

The Human Element: Balancing Innovation and Ethics in the AI Revolution

In an era where AI’s rapid advancements are reshaping industries and lives, leaders face a critical responsibility: balancing the pursuit of innovation with a strong commitment to ethical integrity. In this insightful session, Cristina Imre, visionary founder of the Tech Leadership Lab (TLL), will explore how we can harness AI’s potential while keeping humanity at the core of every decision. Guided by TLL’s mission to foster sustainable, purpose-driven technology in the pursuit of solving the SDGs, Cristina will dive into real-world strategies for aligning AI innovation with societal good, addressing both its promises and ethical dilemmas. Through actionable insights and thought-provoking examples, attendees will learn how we can be good ancestors, powering AI as a tool for humanity’s benefit.
11:30 am — 12:00 pm PT

Politeness to AI, Connection with People: Navigating Our Digital Social Landscape

As digital assistants like Siri, Alexa, and AI-powered tools become deeply embedded into our daily routines, we find ourselves extending social graces to machines- even saying 'please' and 'thank you.' But what does this politeness to AI reveal about our real-world interactions? In this talk, Dr. Janel Anderson explores the psychology of how we communicate with technology and, more importantly, why fostering true human connection remains essential (and more elusive) in a digital age. Together, we’ll examine the habits we’ve developed with AI and look at practical ways to bring our focus back to authentic connection with each other, both inside and outside the workplace.
12:00 pm — 12:45 pm PT

Thriving in the Age of AI: Professions and Opportunities in a World Without Work

Description: With constant headlines predicting a future where AI dominates and disrupts traditional jobs, professionals might wonder how to stay relevant and thrive in this rapidly changing landscape. The truth is, while AI may transform the workforce, it is also opening up new avenues for growth and innovation.

Join Carolyn Turbyfill, PhD and Greg Hutchins in this engaging webinar as they explore the dynamic opportunities that AI presents for professionals. Discover how recent developments, such as the EU AI Act mandating trust in high-risk autonomous decision-making, are shaping the future of work and creating new professional pathways.

Key takeaways will include:

Unpacking the fears and misconceptions about AI's impact on the job market.
Identifying and capitalizing on new opportunities created by AI.
Strategies for professionals to pivot and generate income in the AI-driven world.
Practical next steps to redefine your career and enhance your value proposition.
12:45 pm — 1:15 pm PT

Closing Session: The Future of Work is Direction, Not Execution

The workplace is undergoing a seismic shift, and the future belongs to those who can lead with vision, not just manage tasks. Join Kamil Banc, a renowned expert in AI, automation, and workforce strategy, for an eye-opening session on the evolving role of professionals in the age of intelligent technology.

Discover how automation and AI are reshaping how work gets done, empowering humans to focus on strategic direction, creativity, and leadership. Kamil will share insights on:

How to transition from a task-oriented mindset to a purpose-driven approach.
The skills and mindset needed to thrive in a world where execution is increasingly automated.
Real-world examples of organizations successfully navigating this transformation.

Whether you’re a leader, innovator, or forward-thinking professional, this session will prepare you to embrace the future of work with confidence and clarity.