Non-executive Director Programme Session 3 | AI – opportunity or threat? What NXDs need to know

With the ever-advancing use of data, technology, AI, and automation, together with the increasing amount of data availablity, the importance of judgement, risk assessment and identification of business opportunities is becoming ever more important. Boards must be able to understand and assess the potential opportunities and risks of technology, particularly AI, and the impact they can have, both positively and negatively on their organisations. These can include data breaches, cybersecurity threats, algorithmic biases, and regulatory compliance issues, not to mention the importance of ethics in business practices.

This session will demystify this potentially complicated area and provide a better understanding of what Chairs and NXDs need to know to help protect their organisations, whilst at the same time taking advantage of opportunities for growth and success. This will ensure that NXDs know the right questions to ask of senior management and around the Boardroom table.

Guest speaker bio

Louise Smith

Louise has undertaken leadership roles across Digital, Data, Product, Distribution, Technology and Operations in leading organisations across the UK. This has included delivering the first UK steps into Digital distribution for a major UK bank; leading the digital transformation during a company’s significant turnaround to profit and being appointed as the first Chief Digital Officer in the history of Lloyd’s of London, shaping the strategy and plan to deliver the world’s most advanced digital insurance marketplace.

At the cutting edge of technology, Louise has also led the FinTech Strategy on behalf of the sector and Scottish Government during the Financial Services crisis, including the establishment of FinTech Scotland; was appointed Chair of Innovate Finance - the ‘voice’ of the FinTech community; and currently works with high growth businesses whilst mentoring at Creative Destruction Labs (Oxford University) supporting the next generation of innovators. She has been recognised as one of the Top 100 UK leaders in Digital, Top 25 leaders in Scotland and Top 100 FinTech Leaders globally.

Louise has worked with Boards and senior management on addressing technology issues and opportunities for many years, and chaired boards in this area also, so is well placed to guide our understanding and knowledge, enabling us to add better value and input to our Boards as they grapple with these challenges.

For more information on the Programme including the other sessions in the series, please visit the Non-executive Director Programme overview.