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Susan Frew Calls for Strategic AI Adoption at PCT Top 100 Awards in Chicago
In a room of Chicago’s most influential tech leaders, Susan Frew made a clear and urgent point: artificial intelligence should be treated as a strategic asset, not a threat. Speaking at the PCT Top 100 Awards Ceremony & Executive Summit, the AI thought leader delivered a keynote that called for a deliberate, process‑driven approach to integrating AI into everyday business.
Titled "Recoded: Transform Your Business DNA with AI," Frew opened by outlining the widening gap in corporate attitudes toward AI. She noted that while some owners are already deploying solutions, others remain skeptical or worry that the technology will disrupt jobs and routine operations. To underscore the need for change, she drew a parallel between her own discovery of DNA and the transformation businesses must undergo to stay competitive.
A central theme of the address was the importance of starting with a clear picture of current workflows. Frew advised that companies first map out existing processes, identify bottlenecks, and then introduce AI tools that target those specific pain points. She emphasized early employee involvement, arguing that front‑line staff can pinpoint practical constraints and help shape realistic implementation plans.
Alongside process mapping, Frew warned that organizations must establish policies to prevent unauthorized use of AI applications that could expose sensitive data. She stressed that governance is as critical as technology when protecting intellectual property and customer information.
Education emerged as a key pillar of Frew’s strategy. She shared that she dedicates eight to ten hours each week to learning about new AI developments and urged leaders to allocate similar time for continuous training. According to Frew, the rapid pace of innovation means that a one‑time investment in AI is insufficient; ongoing learning is essential to keep pace with emerging tools and best practices.
The session concluded with a collaborative exercise in which attendees identified repetitive tasks they hoped AI could automate. The discussion revealed a broad range of use cases—from data entry and customer support to inventory management and compliance reporting—reinforcing Frew’s message that AI should eliminate routine work and free employees to focus on higher‑value responsibilities.
While the keynote did not introduce new products or vendor solutions, it offered a structured approach that many executives can apply immediately. By focusing on process analysis, employee engagement, policy development, and continuous learning, Frew provided a roadmap that aligns with best practices identified in recent enterprise AI adoption studies.
The PCT Top 100 Awards Ceremony & Executive Summit, held annually in Chicago, recognizes the most influential companies and leaders in the technology sector. Frew’s presentation added a timely perspective on AI integration, reinforcing the event’s role as a catalyst for strategic discussions among industry decision makers.
In summary, Susan Frew’s keynote delivered a clear call to action: businesses should treat AI as a strategic asset, begin with a thorough understanding of existing processes, involve employees early, enforce data‑protection policies, and commit to ongoing education. The session’s focus on practical steps and real‑world applications offers a tangible framework for executives looking to navigate the complexities of AI adoption.
Titled "Recoded: Transform Your Business DNA with AI," Frew opened by outlining the widening gap in corporate attitudes toward AI. She noted that while some owners are already deploying solutions, others remain skeptical or worry that the technology will disrupt jobs and routine operations. To underscore the need for change, she drew a parallel between her own discovery of DNA and the transformation businesses must undergo to stay competitive.
A central theme of the address was the importance of starting with a clear picture of current workflows. Frew advised that companies first map out existing processes, identify bottlenecks, and then introduce AI tools that target those specific pain points. She emphasized early employee involvement, arguing that front‑line staff can pinpoint practical constraints and help shape realistic implementation plans.
Alongside process mapping, Frew warned that organizations must establish policies to prevent unauthorized use of AI applications that could expose sensitive data. She stressed that governance is as critical as technology when protecting intellectual property and customer information.
Education emerged as a key pillar of Frew’s strategy. She shared that she dedicates eight to ten hours each week to learning about new AI developments and urged leaders to allocate similar time for continuous training. According to Frew, the rapid pace of innovation means that a one‑time investment in AI is insufficient; ongoing learning is essential to keep pace with emerging tools and best practices.
The session concluded with a collaborative exercise in which attendees identified repetitive tasks they hoped AI could automate. The discussion revealed a broad range of use cases—from data entry and customer support to inventory management and compliance reporting—reinforcing Frew’s message that AI should eliminate routine work and free employees to focus on higher‑value responsibilities.
While the keynote did not introduce new products or vendor solutions, it offered a structured approach that many executives can apply immediately. By focusing on process analysis, employee engagement, policy development, and continuous learning, Frew provided a roadmap that aligns with best practices identified in recent enterprise AI adoption studies.
The PCT Top 100 Awards Ceremony & Executive Summit, held annually in Chicago, recognizes the most influential companies and leaders in the technology sector. Frew’s presentation added a timely perspective on AI integration, reinforcing the event’s role as a catalyst for strategic discussions among industry decision makers.
In summary, Susan Frew’s keynote delivered a clear call to action: businesses should treat AI as a strategic asset, begin with a thorough understanding of existing processes, involve employees early, enforce data‑protection policies, and commit to ongoing education. The session’s focus on practical steps and real‑world applications offers a tangible framework for executives looking to navigate the complexities of AI adoption.
