Event Recap
AI isn’t a buzzword anymore. For most leaders the question isn’t whether to use it. It’s how to use it in a way that pays off without adding risk you can’t handle.
That was the whole conversation at this i4Series panel. Business leaders, technologists and community members, talking about what actually works.
Here’s what stood out.
Start with the why
Too many companies roll out AI because it’s trending. Then adoption stalls and nobody can point to the ROI.
The panel’s advice: tie every AI effort to a specific business problem. Automating repetitive work. Making better decisions. Keeping knowledge from walking out the door.
Brendan Lopes, our Founder and CEO, put it this way:
“The sooner you turn on the AI engine, the sooner you’re going to start tapping into the full potential of your teams.”
Be intentional. But don’t wait for perfect.
Data comes first
No model fixes bad data. The panel talked about finding your core data sources, digitizing your workflows, and treating data like an asset instead of a side effect of doing business.
Dan Harmeson, Director of Operations at Worthwhile:
“AI should be seen as a partner in our work, helping us streamline processes and focus on the creative aspects of our roles.”
There’s no single playbook
Some companies will buy off-the-shelf tools. Some will build custom. Most will add AI to the platforms they already use. The right answer depends on your goals, your team and your risk tolerance. Not headlines.
Moderator Doug Kim, Founder of Kim, Lahey & Killough:
“Think of this as ‘augmented intelligence,’ not artificial intelligence. When implemented correctly, it enhances productivity, operations, client service, and ultimately company value. It’s a tool for augmentation, not replacement.”
Legal and security risk is real
AI brings new risks: data privacy, IP ownership, hallucinations, prompt injection. You need governance from day one.
Two examples from the discussion:
- Air Canada was held liable after its AI chatbot gave a customer wrong information.
- Legal fights are already starting over who owns AI-assisted content.
Steven Drew, Chief Risk and Security Officer at Palmetto Technology Group (PTG):
“Embracing AI isn’t just about innovation, it’s about managing risk to protect your data, your clients, and your reputation.”
Speed and responsibility
AI can feel like a race. Move too fast and you end up with technical debt, security gaps and people who don’t trust the system. The answer is balance. Keep moving, and put the right controls in place as you go.
The real question
What we liked most: nobody was talking about some far-off future. Nobody asked, “What might AI do someday?” They asked, “How do we make AI work for our business today?”
That’s the question we help companies answer every day.
