Executive Learning Workshops - AI as a Leadership Challenge

We are thrilled to announce a series of Executive Learning Workshops (ELWs) focused on AI as a leadership challenge.

Digital transformation concerns integrating digital technologies, such as AI, in all areas of business. As a result, an organisation will change the way it operates and is expected to offer better value to customers.

However, digital transformation is not just a matter of technology. What do Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation mean for organisations in terms of leadership, governance, people, and culture? These are key questions for any business and some of the topics we are going to delve into in our forthcoming ELWs.

By developing competencies in these areas, companies can use AI more effectively, future-proof their workforce, improve agility, and seize new opportunities in an increasingly tech-driven economy. Digital transformation is here to stay and without the required skills across all organisational functions, businesses risk falling behind in terms of productivity, innovation, and market relevance.

The ELWs are delivered in-person by experts from academia, and tailored for managers, senior leaders, board directors, and industry professionals who are keen to explore these cutting-edge topics. By blending academic rigour with practical application, the ELWs will make a real difference to your organisation and help your continuous professional development.

Join us at the University of Southampton Business School for an enriching learning experience. Please see below the details for all upcoming ELWs.

Digital transformation and the tragedy of the commons: how systems thinking can address thinking in silos and maximise benefits of GenAI

Wednesday 2 April 2025, 10am – 4pm

Through this highly interactive, one-day workshop you will learn how to maximise the benefits of GenAI in your organisation by applying systems thinking. Organisations are typically characterised by teams acting in silos, focusing on their own, short-term outputs and competing for organisational resources, rather than collaborating for common, long-term success. Systems thinking is a holistic approach that shows why it is essential for all organisational stakeholders - including technologists - to work together to foster a collective understanding of how individual decisions impact the entire organisation. This workshop will provide an introduction to systems thinking and systems leadership, equipping you with the tools to engage stakeholders, promote cross-departmental collaboration, and drive a culture of continuous innovation. By applying these principles, your organisation will be better positioned to achieve successful digital transformation.

Key Themes: Systems thinking, Silos, Stakeholder management, Organisational politics, Culture, AI & Digital transformation

Who is it for: The workshop is for managers, senior leaders, and any participant from industry interested in the topic.
Speakers: Dr Jelena Petrovic & Professor Jeni Giambona

For more information and to register, click here .

Strategic leadership skills: How to get senior leadership buy-in for digital transformation

Wednesday 30 April  2025, 10am – 4pm

Boards are expected to understand the opportunities and risks of genAI and play a critical role in shaping the right culture for digital transformation. However, many companies are unwilling to take the risk to invest in change, despite a potential opportunity for revenue growth through digital transformation. This highly interactive, one-day workshop will help you assess your strategic leadership skills and learn about behaviours needed to influence board decisions and get senior leadership buy-in for digital transformation.

Key Themes: Boards, Governance, Strategic leadership skills, Power, Influence, AI & Digital transformation

Who is it for: The workshop is for aspiring, new, and established board directors, staff members who work closely with boards, and any participant from industry interested in the topic.
Speakers: Dr Jelena Petrovic & Dr Richard Cartwright

For more information and to register, click here .

Is AI your enemy? Being the AI Savvy Leader

Monday 23 June 2025, 10am – 4pm

When people are reluctant to embrace AI, normally it is not that they are afraid of this technology but of what this “new employee” could mean for their role. Therefore, it is important that leaders focus on people’s reactions to AI, and not the other way around. In this highly interactive, one-day workshop you will learn how, as a leader, you can help people in your organisation embrace AI and digital transformation.

Key Themes: Leadership, Workforce, Change management, Behavioural science, AI & Digital transformation

Who is it for: The workshop is for managers and senior leaders.
Speakers: Dr Jelena Petrovic

For more information and to register, click here .

AI and workplace wellbeing: Who’s taking care of you?

Wednesday 16 July 2025,  10am – 4pm

AI has the potential to impact our sense of control and psychological safety at work, which could increase our work-related stress and adversely affect our wellbeing. In this highly interactive, one-day workshop you will have an opportunity to analyse organisational risk factors brought by AI and digital transformation, which affect your wellbeing at work, and learn how you can support your own wellbeing via coaching style conversations or self-coaching reflections.

Key Themes: Wellbeing, Psychological safety, Coaching, AI, Digital transformation

Who is it for: Participants from industry interested in the topic.

Speakers: Dr Jelena Petrovic & Dr Yi-Ling Lai

For more information and to register, click here .

For registration or further information, please contact Dr Jelena Petrovic, j.petrovic@soton.ac.uk.