Board

In this section, delve into technology from a board perspective. Discover articles that illuminate key areas such as governance, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence. These insights are designed to equip board directors with the knowledge to lead effectively in the digital boardroom, ensuring technology decisions are aligned with strategic goals and enhance organizational success.

Europe's AI challenge: Why culture trumps capital in technology adoption

San Francisco | Published in AI and Board | 7 minute read |    
A dystopian image showing the essence of cultural challenges in AI adoption within Europe, blending innovation and resistance visually (Image generated by ChatGPT 4o).
While here in San Francisco for a business trip, I got the opportunity to spend time with technology innovators and leaders, and what struck me was the contrast in AI adoption approaches, and openness to transformation using AI compared to my experiences in Europe. A new benchmark report from Gallup has confirmed what many of us in technology leadership have long suspected: Europe’s lag in AI adoption isn’t a matter of insufficient capital – it’s a cultural challenge that runs deep.

Beyond the hype: Unlocking the true potential of AI in business

Washington D.C. | Published in AI and Board | 10 minute read |    
Modern office with AI technologies: holographic charts, chatbots, neural networks, robots, cameras, digital brains, pricing models, and digital art tools. Diverse professionals collaborate in a high-tech, futuristic setting (Image generated by ChatGPT 4o).
In the wake of the meteoric rise of generative AI, it’s easy to get swept up in the hype and believe that this single branch of artificial intelligence (AI) is the whole story. Platforms like ChatGPT have undeniably captured the public imagination, marking the first mass consumerisation of AI technology. However, focusing solely on generative AI risks overshadowing the diverse and equally transformative types of AI that have been quietly but powerfully driving business innovation.

Introducing the AI Stages of Adoption: A framework for understanding AI readiness in your business

London | Published in AI, Board and Data | 15 minute read |     
Earlier this week, I got the opportunity to speak at our Amazon Web Services (AWS) office in London, to an audience of Private Equity firms and their portfolio company executives about driving value creation through AI and data. The presentation focused on how Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies can drive value creation through AI and data. I also took the opportunity to introduce a new concept called the AI Stages of Adoption (AISA), which is designed to help organisations assess their maturity and readiness for AI adoption.

Dawn of the three-hour work week: AI's impact on employment and compensation

Vienna | Published in AI and Board | 10 minute read |    
A futuristic office seamlessly blended with a beach setting. It shows humans relaxing and working alongside AI robots, reflecting a balanced lifestyle where work and leisure coexist harmoniously (Image generated by ChatGPT 4o).
As artificial intelligence (AI) advances into the workplace rapidly, one of the most pressing questions on everyone’s mind is, “If machines can do our jobs faster, more accurately, and at a lower cost, what happens to us?” It’s true that AI is beginning to redefine the very essence of work, raising concerns about the potential displacement of knowledge workers. However, I’d like to propose an alternative perspective—one where those same workers earn the same or more whilst working far fewer hours.

The executive's guide to generative AI

London | Published in AI and Board | 10 minute read |     
The Executives Guide to generative AI by Amazon Web Services
I recently spoke with Duncan Jefferies about how businesses can effectively harness generative AI to drive organisational transformation. The resulting AWS executive’s guide to generative AI offers a comprehensive roadmap for business leaders navigating this transformative technology. Here are the key insights and practical steps for organisations looking to unlock the potential of generative AI.

Demystifying AI: My Chief Wine Officer Talk

London | Published in AI, Board and Cloud | 5 minute read |    

Last night I had the pleasure of speaking at the Chief Wine Officer event hosted by AWS at London’s National Portrait Gallery. The focus was on demystifying generative AI and helping business leaders understand how to harness its potential for real organisational transformation.

Mario Thomas speaking to the Chief Wine Office event at the National Portrait Gallery, London

The Executive's Guide to the Digital Workplace

London | Published in Board and Cloud | 10 minute read |     
The Executive's Guide to the Digital Workplace by Amazon Web Services
I recently contributed to the AWS Executive’s Guide to the Digital Workplace, exploring how organisations can successfully navigate digital transformation and build robust cloud-based infrastructures. Here are the key insights leaders need to consider when driving workplace digitalisation.

Driving organisational transformation in a downturn

Llantwit Major | Published in Board | 10 minute read |    
Abstract image depicting innovation and growth during an economic downturn, featuring vibrant colors and geometric shapes with upward arrows and graphs, conveying a sense of optimism and forward momentum. (Image generated by ChatCPG 4o)
In my article about not taking your foot off the gas, published just as the world returned to some degree of normality in July 2021, I discussed that the pandemic was the forcing function that challenged businesses to adapt and engage in broad organisational transformation using the cloud, and that it should not be seen as a reason to slow down.

The Board in the machine

Llantwit Major | Published in AI, Board and Cloud | 10 minute read |    
Modern boardroom with subtle technological elements, featuring minimal digital overlays like abstract data streams and holographic charts, symbolising the integration of technology in decision-making. The image conveys sophistication and innovation in business governance. (Image generated by ChatGPT 4o)
I recently hosted a fireside chat for the AWS Summit EMEA with Intel’s Global Leader for AI Solutions, Monica Livingston. We discussed how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are quickly becoming ubiquitous in business. The conversation prompted me to think about how Boards should be thinking about the use of AI and ML in their businesses, and how they need to ensure they are making the right decisions at the speed of light.