The Future of AI: Implications for Strategy, Leadership, and Governance

Overview

Panelists

Igor Jablokov  CEO & Founder Pryon

Igor is the founder of Pryon, an artificial intelligence (AI) company delivering an enterprise knowledge management platform. Pryon’s natural language processing (NLP) engine ingests and transforms data into experiences that solve critical business challenges. Previously at IBM, Igor grew impatient with the gap between the invention and commercialization of AI, and departed to establish cloud computing pioneer Yap. Five years later, Amazon acquired the company for its AI expertise and machine learning (ML) technology, now embedded in billions of Alexa-powered devices.

Igor was subsequently awarded Eisenhower and Truman National Security fellowships to leverage entrepreneurial ecosystems in addressing geopolitical concerns. Igor passionately supports STEM career and educational opportunities. As such, he was a TechStars’ Alexa Accelerator mentor, a Blackstone NC Entrepreneur-In-Residence (EIR), and founded a chapter of Global Shapers, a program of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Igor holds a BS degree in Computer Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University, where he was named an Outstanding Engineering Alumnus, and an MBA from The University of North Carolina.

Christa Steele Board Member, The Doctors Company, Velocity Hold Co., Tanimura & Antle

An experienced public and private company executive, CEO and board member, Christa Steele has led $500M - $1B organizations with proven success improving business results of under-performing teams. She brings the ability to develop long-term strategies as well as focus on tactical execution, and extensive experience managing complex organizations and situations.

Christa is a well-known speaker and thought leader in digital transformation competencies keeping pace with the latest technological advancements and threats, identifying transformation needs and creating a roadmap to ensure ongoing progress. Christa offers 25 years’ experience in recurring revenue model (RMR), general management, operations and risk oversight with a collaborative management style enabling cross-functional teamwork and business results.

A trusted financial and governance expert, Christa has served twice as CEO, and on eleven boards, serving as Board Chair, and Chair of Audit, and Compensation Committees. Christa is well versed in ESG strategies that address the environmental, social and governance reporting needs of organizations.

In early 2022, Christa was appointed interim CEO for Balco Holdings, Inc owner of Bay Alarm, Bay Alarm Medical and BALCO Properties with revenue of $250+ million and 1,200 employees. She successfully completed the divesting and division of holding company assets year end 2023. Previously, she was an Independent Board Director since 2020. Prior, Christa was Pres and CEO of Mechanics Bank where she led the improvement of core earnings 43% in a single calendar year, doubled the banks stock price in less than two years, and successfully led its sale for a premium in 2015.

Current board roles include: 1) The Doctors Company - Audit, Finance & Risk Committees 2) Tanimura & Antle - Audit Member & Compensation Committee Chair 3) Velocity Hold Co.

Christa is the previous Vice Chair of NACD NorCal and has served as a paid consultant to small and mid-cap companies for digital transformation, governance and ESG strategies. She is a nationally recognized speaker for Blockchain, Web 3, IoT, Metaverse and ESG.

Christa holds an MBA from USC, BA from CSUS, CERT in Cyber Security Certification from Carnegie Mellon, and graduate of PCBS. 

Moderator

Ryan McManus, NACD.DC Founder techtonic.io

Ryan McManus is an entrepreneur, investor, board director and advisor. He is the founder of techtonic.io where he advises Fortune 500 companies, governments, startups, and private equity investors on AI and other emerging technologies, digital transformation, business model strategy and generating speed within their organizations. Ryan is a member of the Board of Directors of Nortech Systems where he is the founding chair of the science & technology committee; President of the NACD New York Chapter board of directors and sponsorship committee chair; chairman of the board of EMPOWER, and serves on several AI startup advisory boards. 

Ryan is the author of numerous articles on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, emerging technologies, sustainability, governance, strategy and leadership and has worked with over 10,000 leaders on the ground in over 50 countries. He was recognized as one of the top 100 most influential corporate directors by the National Association of Corporate Directors and is one of 24 board directors in the United States selected to serve as a commissioner of the NACD’s Blue Ribbon Report on Technology and Governance. 

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