Lead Smart: AI Without the Hype
What’s the real role of AI in leadership today?
How do you stay strategic when everything’s changing fast?
And what if you don’t need to be a tech expert to lead with intelligence?
AI is transforming business at speed—but many leaders still feel caught between the buzzwords and the unknowns. In this sharp, insight-rich masterclass, Neil Perkin cuts through the noise to reveal what leaders actually need to know to harness AI effectively.
This session isn’t about the latest tools or technical deep dives. It’s about the thinking that separates those who react from those who lead. Neil will show you how to develop strategic clarity, build AI fluency across your organisation, and create cultures that are built to adapt—without losing the human intelligence that really drives change.
Key themes
AI fluency for leaders – speak the language, spot the opportunity, and lead with confidence (not code)
Strategic agility – frame AI initiatives through the lens of long-term impact and adaptive strategy
Culture shift – build learning, experimentation, and resilience into your team DNA
What you'll learn
➤ How to connect AI strategy to real business goals and outcomes
➤ Where human judgment and machine intelligence meet (and why it matters)
➤ What it takes to lead teams through AI-driven change—with clarity and confidence
Who’s it for?
Ideal for business leaders and executives who want to understand how to leverage AI strategically without getting lost in jargon. This session is for those looking to navigate AI adoption in a way that aligns with long-term goals and enhances their team’s adaptability.
ROI Benefit
Leadership training yields an average ROI of $7 for every $1 spent.
Meet your expert
Neil Perkin is a globally recognised expert in organisational agility and digital transformation. As founder of Only Dead Fish and author of three bestselling books, he helps leaders and organisations embed agility, lead change, and thrive in complexity. With clients ranging from AstraZeneca to the UK Government, Neil’s work is rooted in practical insight, strategic clarity, and a deep understanding of the evolving digital landscape.
“Neil gave a fantastically engaging and thought-provoking talk on Agile Transformation and Organisational Culture at FEST_19. His insights were not only well articulated, but his delivery was inspiring and memorable.”
— Daniela Arevalo, Organiser, FEST_19