Transform Your Business with AI: Strategic Implementation for Competitive Advantage.

Unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence to revolutionise your operations, enhance decision-making, and accelerate growth in today’s dynamic business landscape.
 
LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This workshop demystifies AI by equipping business leaders with the strategic knowledge and practical tools to integrate AI into daily operations. You’ll develop a tailored roadmap for adoption, grasp implementation best-practice, and gain confidence to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
 
DESIGNED FOR

C-suite executives, business owners, department heads, and strategic decision-makers, ready to harness the transformative power of AI for innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable competitive advantage.
 
WORKSHOP CONTENT

AI Fundamentals for Business Leaders

• The current AI landscape: From generative AI to autonomous agents
• Key AI capabilities: Large language models, agents and agentic AI
• Assessing organisational readiness: AI maturity frameworks for NZ businesses
• Strategic AI Implementation
• Building an AI-first business strategy
• Automating business processes with AI agents
• Using AI for predictive analytics and business intelligence
• Hands-On AI Tools
• Advanced prompt engineering for business applications
• Navigating platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Microsoft Copilot, and other business-focused AI tools
• Integration strategies for existing systems

Risk Management & Governance

• Building responsible, ethical AI in practice
• Protecting sensitive data and ensuring regulatory compliance (NZ Privacy Act and relevant standards)
• Leading teams through AI-driven organisational change
• Future-Proofing Your Business
• Emerging trends: Staying ahead with up-to-date insights
• Workforce evolution: Reskilling and adapting for AI-augmented roles
• Using AI for market intelligence and competitor monitoring

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

By workshop’s end, you’ll have:

• A clear, sector-specific vision of how AI can transform your business model
• A pragmatic, actionable AI adoption plan (90-day and 1-year horizons)
• Practical experience with leading AI tools relevant to New Zealand businesses
• A robust framework for risk mitigation, ethics, and compliance in the NZ context
• Proven methods to measure and optimise AI investment returns
• The knowledge to leverage AI for long-term market differentiation and accelerated growth

WHY AI LITERACY MATTERS NOW

Organisations already adopting AI are seeing 25–50% productivity improvements and substantial cost reductions. Businesses that delay risk being surpassed by more agile competitors leveraging AI’s capabilities.
AI’s Transformative Impact Includes:

• Operational efficiency: Automating routine tasks, reducing errors, and optimising resources
• Enhanced customer experience: Personalised, proactive service and support
• Data-driven innovation: Uncovering insights for breakthrough products and improved decision-making
• Scalable growth: AI systems flexibly supporting your growth without proportional increases in overhead

In the 2025 business landscape, AI capability is as essential as digital literacy was a decade ago. Leaders who understand both the potential and the limitations of AI are poised to make smart decisions, allocate resources astutely, and guide their organisations through ongoing technological change.


PRESENTER

Ben Walker

Ben is an accomplished technology strategist with a 25-year track record in IT, health, and sales, dedicated to harnessing technology to produce meaningful outcomes. His career spans Deloitte, Spark NZ and AgResearch to empowering Kiwi businesses with his expertise and values-driven approach. A champion for connecting and uplifting people through technology, Ben's ultra-running discipline reflects his passion and perseverance, enriching his professional endeavours.


Not-for-Profit organisations, clubs and charities that are eligible* will receive a 50% subsidy.
Subsidised workshops are due to the generous support of Otago Community Trust.
*Eligibility criteria: Not-for-Profit organisations, charities, and incorporated societies are to be a registered organisation with a NZBN #, Society # or Charities #.
Please provide us with the NFP name when you register. Terms and conditions apply.

MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT FUND
Business South Inc offers services that are registered with the Regional Business Partner Network. To explore if your business is eligible for support, contact your local Regional Business Growth Advisor at support@otagorbp.co.nz.