Introduction
The session, moderated by Phaedra, featured an expert panel comprising Anil, a technology advisor; Feon, Managing Director of LinkedIn Asia Pacific; and Jan, the regional CEO of Lenskart. Each panelist provided a brief overview of their roles in driving AI strategies within their organisations, setting the stage for a discussion on leadership, technology adoption, and workforce transformation.
Anil's Perspective on AI Leadership
Anil began by stressing the importance of personal and organisational transformation when adopting AI technologies. He highlighted the role of leadership in fostering a culture that encourages innovation and calculated risk-taking. According to Anil, understanding AI’s broader impact on employees, customers, and business partners is crucial for successful implementation. He outlined two primary approaches to AI adoption: using AI to enhance cost efficiency and productivity and leveraging the technology to expand into new sectors, thereby creating strategic differentiation at a lower marginal cost.
Jan's Experience with AI Adoption at Lenskart
Jan shared insights into how Lenskart, a leading eyewear retailer, has integrated AI and augmented reality (AR) into its business model to improve customer experiences and boost sales conversions. He emphasised the importance of gaining organisational acceptance for AI initiatives and setting clear learning objectives to facilitate adoption. Jan provided an example of how Lenskart uses AI to improve data visibility and optimise staffing decisions, demonstrating the practical benefits of AI in retail operations.
Feon's Insights on AI Skills and Workforce Transformation
Feon addressed the rising demand for AI-related skills across industries and the growing need for companies to upskill their employees. She highlighted LinkedIn Learning’s AI-enabled courses and the introduction of AI-driven tutors designed to assist employees in their learning journeys. Feon stressed that organisations must prepare their workforces for the inevitable changes AI will bring to job roles and responsibilities, positioning AI as an essential tool for future workforce transformation.
Quick Wins and ROI Considerations
The panelists discussed strategies for identifying "quick wins" when implementing AI technologies, focusing on use cases that provide measurable returns on investment (ROI) within a short timeframe. They noted the importance of evaluating AI’s ROI from both cost-saving and revenue-generating perspectives. The conversation also touched on the potential for AI to influence talent arbitrage and its broader impact on income redistribution within industries.
Audience Engagement and Final Takeaways
The session concluded with a Q&A segment, where panelists addressed concerns regarding the potential overhyping of AI and strategies for adopting AI in regions with aging populations. The moderator, Phaedra, summarised the key takeaways, emphasising the importance of focusing on people-centric approaches, starting with small wins, and continuously assessing the risks and benefits as companies integrate AI into their business strategies.
