Rockstar Insight:

Mike Kesti
Senior Vice President Corporate R&D
3M
 
Why You Should Listen to Mike:
Mike leads 3M’s Corporate Research Lab that is responsible for development and deployment of new technology across the global 3M R&D organization. He has been with 3M since 1993 in various functions including 3M’s Post-it® Note laboratory, Commercial Graphics, Commercial Solutions, and the Personal Safety (PPE) Division. He has also held board positions in the Signage Foundation (SFI) and the Sustainable Green Printing partnership (SGP).

Abstract:

This session challenges the narrative of GenAI as a revolutionary creative force, urging participants to rethink it as a [soon to become] generic tool or medium. By focusing on meaning, intent, and responsible integration, the talk offers strategies to build resilience against AI hype while reinforcing the human values that drive innovation.

Action Items:

• Evaluate GenAI tools by asking: What value are we adding—and for whom?
• Ensure outputs reflect human intention and contextual purpose—not just efficiency or technical novelty
• Rethink how teams engage with AI by prioritizing non-average solutions that emerge from domain expertise rather than statistical convergence
• Eliminate conversations that compare human and AI capabilities, avoiding the trap of immediate anthropomorphization and misplaced equivalence

Headliner:

Onur Yüce Gün
Director of Computational Design
New Balance

Why You Should Listen to Onur:
With a master’s and PhD from MIT, Onur Yüce Gün is a computational design leader, researcher, and teacher who works with bleeding-edge technologies by exposing their inherent limitations and developing critical knowledge around them. He challenges the hype around GenAI, while demonstrating its meaningful, context-rich, human-centered integration. Currently Director of Computational Design at New Balance, Onur brings over 20 years of experience in intelligent systems, large-scale architecture, advanced manufacturing, and AI-driven design.

Abstract:
Join industry leaders as they share their authentic generative AI implementation experiences across multiple industries. Our panelists will map out their journeys from planning, initial exploration, and proof-of-concept projects to current applications and measurable results. They’ll address technical and organizational roadblocks along the way, highlight success stories with tangible benefits, and reveal their vision for future AI projects in their industries.

Action Items:

• Develop strategies for implementing generative AI projects that deliver business value
• Identify common implementation challenges and effective solutions
• Create a sustainable AI roadmap tailored to your organization’s needs

Moderator:

Ryan Culver
Director, AI and Innovation
SelectQuote Insurance Services
 
Why You Should Listen to Ryan:
Ryan is a visionary leader specializing in identifying and integrating cutting-edge technologies and workflows to drive efficiency and effectiveness. With a background in Program Management and Software Quality Assurance Management, he possesses a deep understanding of the operational landscape. This expertise allows him to pinpoint strategic opportunities for transformation, leveraging AI and emerging technologies to propel the organization forward.
 

Panelists Include:

Shane Achterberg
Director of Innovation, Automation and Architecture
Schneider National
 
Why You Should Listen to Shane:
Shane is a dynamic leader in AI innovation and automation, respected for his ability to challenge the status quo and drive transformative change. With a rich, cross-industry background, Shane offers unique insights that inspire and propel digitization efforts. His passion and expertise make him an influential voice worth listening to on the future of AI and automation.
 
Vinod Das
Director, Pharma R&D, AI Solutions Enablement
Bayer
 
Why You Should Listen to Vinod:
At the crossroads of technological innovation and business transformation, you’ll find Vinod Das weaving frontier technologies into the fabric of critical business processes and timelines, delivering measurable ROI while navigating resource constraints. For those seeking the golden fleece of actionable insights on when to scale AI capabilities and how to time investments for optimal returns, Vinod’s battle-tested framework is the compass that will steer your organization towards the True North Star. No matter the industry or sector, Vinod’s expertise will illuminate the path to embracing AI innovation together. Join Vinod on this transformative journey and watch your organization’s AI dreams take flight.
 
Jared Goldman
Vice President Innovation & Digital Design
New Balance
 
Why You Should Listen to Jared:
Jared brings over 25 years of experience in product creation, innovation, and digital tools. He leads teams across design, engineering, project management, 3D visualization, computational design, and the Sports Research Lab. Jared began his career at Reebok, designing for elite MLB, NFL, and NBA athletes, and was Under Armour’s first footwear designer, helping launch their footwear business. At New Balance, his leadership in design, innovation, and digital tools has helped the brand grow into a multi-billion-dollar company. A pioneer in 3D visualization, Jared continues to push boundaries, using athlete and consumer insights to shape groundbreaking products and experiences.
 

Abstract:
This interactive session will explore practical approaches to equip teams with essential GenAI skills, focusing on overcoming resistance and creating pathways for organic technology adoption that enhances productivity without disrupting workflows.

Action Items:

• Overcome fear, misconceptions, and anxiety around use of Generative AI among colleagues
• Implement training programs by combining foundational concepts with role-specific applications
• Develop internal champions networks to demonstrate practical use cases and provide peer support

Hosted by:

Janice Frias
R&D Leader, Life Science, Healthcare
Biotech
 
Why You Should Listen to Janice:
Strategic Technical Leader | Research & Development Expertise in Medical Diagnostics, Biotechnology & Life Sciences | Program Management and Customer-Centric Innovation.

Abstract:
This interactive session will explore how executive leaders can ensure Generative AI doesn’t become a siloed experiment—but a catalyst for enterprise-wide transformation. We’ll discuss what it takes to align GenAI initiatives with existing systems and organizational workflows, and how to leverage the disruptive effects of AI to transform teams without pain. The discussion will focus on strategic integration points, governance models, and change leadership approaches that ensure GenAI enhances and transforms—rather than competes with—your existing operating model.

Action Items:

• Align GenAI efforts with enterprise priorities, avoiding fragmentation and duplicative solutions
• Identify where GenAI can enhance strategic capabilities within existing processes, not just add novelty
• Build cross-functional governance to manage risk, accelerate adoption, and scale successful use cases
• Move from proof-of-concept to platform thinking by connecting GenAI to real business outcomes and performance metrics

Hosted By:

Sam Fredin
Director of AI Strategy & Technology
Vizient
 
Why You Should Listen to Sam:
Sam leads enterprise AI strategy at Vizient, the largest healthcare performance improvement company in the U.S. He’s focused on helping large, complex organizations unlock scalable value from Generative AI—without compromising on ethics, quality, or workflow continuity. With a background in both strategic planning and practical enablement, Sam brings a systems-level view of what it takes to lead AI integration efforts that align with enterprise goals, empower the workforce, and deliver measurable impact.
 

Abstract:
Creating effective governance frameworks for Generative AI (GenAI) through an AI Center of Excellence (CoE) is essential for execution, responsible use, risk mitigation, and trust-building. The framework should include key components: Governance and Policy, Communication and Training, Security and Risk Management, Oversight and Monitoring.

By integrating these components, organizations can establish a comprehensive governance framework that ensures the ethical and efficient utilization of GenAI. In this session we will explore several approaches with the aim of ultimately boosting productivity and innovation while mitigating potential risks.

Action Items:

• Ensure Data Security and Privacy: Ensuring the security and privacy of data used by GenAI systems is crucial. Unauthorized access or misuse of sensitive data can lead to significant risks.
• Manage Talent Scarcity & Training: There is a shortage of skilled professionals who can develop, implement, and manage GenAI systems. What strategies do we adopt to close the talent gap which can hinder the adoption and innovation of GenAI.
• Alleviate Governance and Risk Concerns: Establishing robust governance frameworks to address ethical concerns, such as misuse and bias. Without proper governance, GenAI can expose organizations to regulatory and legislative compliance concerns.
• Identify Investment Priorities: Determining where to allocate resources and investments for GenAI initiatives can be challenging, especially when balancing short-term gains with long-term strategic goals.

Rockstar Insight:

Alp Basol
Head of Innovation & AI Center of Excellence
CoBank
 
Why You Should Listen to Alp:
As an executive entrepreneur with a passion for innovation, Alp is responsible for leading the Innovation Organization and the AI Center of Excellence. As Head of Innovation, Alp is dedicated to establishing and advancing the innovation function at CoBank, bringing a deep understanding of how business and technology are reshaping the financial services industry. In his role leading the AI Center of Excellence, Alp is responsible for AI strategy and rapid prototyping, promoting AI adoption throughout CoBank’s lines of business, managing the centralized AI model, and serving as the executive lead for the central governance body of experts and advisors.

Abstract:
This session explores how enterprises can move beyond fragmented AI experimentation to achieve scalable, secure, and impactful transformation. Participants will learn practical strategies to build an “AI Factory,” integrating no-code agents and advanced models to drive innovation, accelerate outcomes, and sustainably embed AI across their organization.

Action Items:

• Identify one high-impact area within your organization to pilot an AI agent initiative using a no-code platform, demonstrating rapid value and usability
• Collaborate with your technical and business teams to build a shared roadmap for scaling AI solutions beyond isolated pilots into broader organizational adoption
• Implement an internal governance framework to securely evaluate, integrate, and manage AI models, ensuring compliance and trust as your AI capabilities expand

Rockstar Insight:

James Droskoski
Vice President, AI
Astris, a Lockheed Martin Company
 
Why You Should Listen to James:
James brings over 25 years of experience guiding enterprises through transformative AI journeys, including extensive hands-on expertise in successfully scaling AI initiatives from early experimentation to strategic deployment. With deep insight into operationalizing AI securely and effectively, he shares practical, results-focused strategies grounded in real-world execution.
 

Abstract:
Discover how to synchronize your GenAI investments with business rhythms through a proven framework that transforms the abstract “measurement problem” of AI implementation into standardized approaches for resource allocation, timing decisions, and ROI assessment—turning technological potential into tangible business value.

Action Items:

• Establish Your Standardized Measurement Framework: Define clear metrics for GenAI success that align with business objectives, creating a common “unit of measurement” across your organization to avoid the costly misalignment illustrated in “How Big Is a Foot?” where different interpretations lead to implementation failure
• Develop a Strategic Timing Model: Create a decision-making framework for optimal GenAI investment and scaling, incorporating ethical guidelines and risk management to ensure responsible AI use
• Implement Resource Optimization Techniques: Systematically allocate technical, human, and financial resources to maximize business impact, enhance team skills, and investing in scalable and secure technology infrastructure to ensure sustainable value creation

Rockstar Insight:

Vinod Das
Director, Pharma R&D, AI Solutions Enablement
Bayer
 
Why You Should Listen to Vinod:
At the crossroads of technological innovation and business transformation, you’ll find Vinod Das weaving frontier technologies into the fabric of critical business processes and timelines, delivering measurable ROI while navigating resource constraints. For those seeking the golden fleece of actionable insights on when to scale AI capabilities and how to time investments for optimal returns, Vinod’s battle-tested framework is the compass that will steer your organization towards the True North Star. No matter the industry or sector, Vinod’s expertise will illuminate the path to embracing AI innovation together. Join Vinod on this transformative journey and watch your organization’s AI dreams take flight.
 

Abstract:
This session will focus on examples of Gen AI assistants in the enterprise, specialized agents in R&D, and lessons learned from driving these initiatives.

Rockstar Insight:

Nithin Ramachandran
Global Vice President – Data Analytics, MDM, AI/ML and Gen AI
3M
 
Why You Should Listen to Nithin:
Nithin is an executive leader with expertise in global enterprise transformations focused on digital, data, and Artificial Intelligence. In his current role he manages the entire data and AI value stream across all 3M businesses worldwide.

Abstract:
This session focuses on actionable strategies to implement and sustain change when integrating transformative technologies like Generative AI. Participants will learn how to foster stakeholder buy-in, align cultural values, and embed new processes into daily workflows to maximize the benefits of this innovation.

Action Items:

• Implement a structured change management framework to ensure a smooth transition to Generative AI technologies. Share examples of successful implementations and best practices.
• Cultivate stakeholder buy-in by identifying key influencers and engaging them in the change process. Develop communication strategies to address concerns and highlight benefits.
• Integrate generative AI into the organizational culture by fostering a mindset of continuous improvement and innovation. Facilitate training sessions and workshops to empower employees and encourage collaboration.

Rockstar Insight:

Vignesh Shetty
Vice President of Artificial Intelligence & Software Engineering, Enabling Technologies
Medtronic

Why You Should Listen to Vignesh:
Vignesh leads global product engineering and AI teams across the US, France, Israel, and India, advancing robotics-driven, personalized surgery for spine and brain patients. Previously, he was SVP & GM of Edison AI & Platform at GE Healthcare, spearheading AI and digital health innovations across a $17B+ portfolio. With 20+ years in healthtech, he has built and scaled transformative products, including an optical access platform at Cisco that grew from $435M in its first year to over $1B annually.