What does it take to build an AI-ready organisation?
That was the question at the heart of Bridgepoint's Breakfast Speaker Series this month, where our CEO Claudia Harris OBE joined host Nikki Zhao for an in-depth conversation at their London office.
Claudia drew on her experience upskilling the UK Government and leading businesses through the AI transition, as well as her tenures at McKinsey & Company and 10 Downing Street, to explore what drives real adoption at scale.
Several themes stood out from the conversation.
Learning Quotient (LQ)
Claudia's view is that the ability to learn continuously is the defining capability of the AI age — more important than any specific technical skill. It's the idea that sits at the heart of everything we do at Makers.
Embracing experimentation
Organisations that adopt AI successfully tend to be those that create cultures where experimentation is encouraged — and where senior leaders model the right behaviours first.
AI as an accelerator of access
One of the most compelling ideas from the session: AI's potential to break down social and academic barriers to professional and financial advancement. The transition, done right, could open doors that have historically been closed.
Setting ambitious goals
Reflecting on her work with Tony Blair on reducing hospital infection rates, Claudia made the case that meaningful change always starts with bold ambition. The AI transition is no different.
Thank you to Nikki Zhao for moderating, and to Bridgepoint for the invitation.
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