The diversity of industries at the event reflected a wider global trend. According to the OECD AI Policy Observatory (oecd.ai), AI adoption varies significantly by sector and region, with financial services and manufacturing among the industries most actively exploring AI-driven solutions.
This global dynamic was vividly echoed on stage. The centerpiece of the event was a panel discussion designed not to impress with glossy presentations, but to open the floor to frank, honest, and practical insights from seasoned industry leaders.
Michael Hutab, CIO of Stadler Rail, brought an essential operational perspective from the manufacturing world. His approach was refreshingly straightforward: “AI should be business-driven, not IT-driven,” he noted. “IT is there to enable – not to dictate.” His remarks struck a chord with the audience, many of whom have experienced the exact challenge of balancing the demands of innovation with the stability requirements of critical infrastructure. As Michael explained, losing that balance is when value starts to evaporate.
Sherryl Manalo, Global Head of Software Solutions at Julius Bär, shared insights from the highly regulated world of banking and financial services. She emphasized that AI can never operate as an isolated, experimental project. It must be deeply integrated into both the company’s strategy and its culture to succeed. Her message was clear: compliance and innovation are not mutually exclusive, but they require careful orchestration and leadership commitment.
Miltiadis Sarakinos, Head of Data Analytics at Bank Cler, offered what became one of the defining statements of the event: “If everyone uses the same model, everyone ends up with the same mediocre results.” His words underscored the critical need for organizations to invest in internal data literacy and cultivate a mindset of continuous experimentation. According to Sarakinos, relying solely on off-the-shelf solutions and external vendors inevitably leads to missed opportunities and sameness in outcomes.
