David De Cremer

How can leaders keep technology human-centered as machines and AI become an integral part of the workplace? In this presentation, based on his 2020 book, Leadership by Algorithm: Who Leads and Who Follows in the AI Era, renowned behavioral scientist, digital transformation strategist and technology futurist David De Cremer reveals key areas where algorithms will likely collide with human skills as AI becomes a bigger part of the workforce. Drawing on his own research findings, and those from thought leaders around the world, he shares fascinating insights into the challenges that an automated work environment will pose for organizations in the future and explains how leaders can be preemptive by adopting new technologies in ways that leverage the strengths of both AI and humans.

Smart leaders know that the real challenge in digital transformation lies not in the acquisition of the latest technology but in its strategic implementation. According to David De Cremer, author of The AI-Savvy Leader: Nine Ways to Take Back Control and Make AI Work, many organizations commit the majority of their budget to adopting AI, only to find that without proper integration, these investments fall short. De Cremer, a leading expert in digital transformation, addresses this critical gap with a practical playbook for executives to navigate AI integration effectively. His approach focuses on human-centered AI, viewing it as a coworker, a tool, and a driver of value creation, rather than just a means of replication or replacement. Through his insights, leaders learn to balance empathy, sympathy and strategic foresight — elements AI alone cannot provide. An exceptional speaker, De Cremer not only equips business leaders to make AI work for them but also transforms their mindset for successful digital transformation.

Fears around robots and machines taking our jobs are real, as are ethical concerns about devices, computers and social media algorithms governing our decisions and invading our privacy. What does this mean for the role of humans in a world increasingly dominated by AI? The idea that we can teach AI to make ethical, unbiased algorithmic decisions is misleading, says renowned behavioral scientist, digital transformation strategist and technology futurist David De Cremer. Drawing from his June 2021 research paper, “The Ethical AI Paradox,” De Cremer explains why better technology requires more – not less – human input. He emphasizes the importance of training managers to recognize human biases embedded in machine decisions so the results can be used as a learning tool. Such protocols allow organizations to recognize their own blind spots and biases so they can course correct, while also enhancing their ability to develop and use technologies responsibly.

How will Asia influence the way companies around the world do business in the coming decade and beyond? In the next five years, 88% of the world’s new middle class will reside in Asia, underscoring the reality that global business and leadership will be colored by Asian values, approaches and strategies in significant ways. In this presentation, based on his book, On the Emergence and Understanding of Asian Global Leadership, renowned leadership advisor, digital transformation strategist and technology futurist David De Cremer explores how these factors will impact business and society, and explains why organizations will increasingly focus on needs, values and strategies that are uniquely Asian, requiring us to redefine our notion of global leadership.