Driving the future means building stable foundations first
The companies making real progress are those that understand their data inside and out. They’ve built reliable structures, set clear rules, and earned confidence in their information. That groundwork gives them the freedom to adapt, experiment, and grow without losing control. Foundation work might not make headlines, but it’s what makes change stick.
AI shines when governed and controlled
AI was everywhere, but not in the way you might expect. Instead of a standalone breakthrough, it’s viewed as a capability that still needs direction. Several speakers described it as powerful but inexperienced, a tool that works best under human oversight.
The consensus was that AI and people each excel in different areas. AI brings speed and scale, while people bring judgment and context. Together, they make decisions that are both efficient and accountable. Oversight, purpose, and clear governance keep that balance practical and effective.
Concepts that reframed thinking
Ideas emerged that challenged how people make decisions and revealed how easily we fall into familiar patterns. Our favorites were:
- The Einstellung effect: the mindset or tendency to rely on familiar solutions even if a better solution to a problem is available.
- Satisficing: choosing what’s acceptable to make progress, even if it’s not perfect.
- Agentic orchestration: designing technology around business intent, ensuring decisions are guided by purpose, not habit.
Ultimately, progress takes discipline. The organizations moving forward with confidence are the ones that understand their data, have trust in their data to make decisions and take the time to get their foundations right. The organizations that invest in foundations now will lead the next wave of value.
