Responsible AI Leadership: Organizational and Strategic Implementation Short Course

Registration and Arrivals (12 pm)

 

Lunch and Introductions (12:15 pm)

Introduction by Matthew Holland, Senior Director of Fordham University London

Welcome Remarks by Ergem Senyuva Tohumcu, Head of Experiential Learning at Fordham University London

 

Session 1 - How to Responsibly Utilize AI In Your Organisation (12:30pm)

Speaker(s): Suzy Madigan, Founder, The Machine Race

In this interactive session, we will explore the core principles of responsible AI and its significance in business and society. Using some real world examples, this session will cover key ethical and legal considerations, including fairness, transparency, accountability, and privacy. Participants will have the chance to increase their Responsible AI skills as they take part in a case study and discussion on how these principles apply in practice. Finally, the participants will discuss how to build a culture of responsible AI concluding with a Q&A and participant reflections.

 

Session 2 - Is AI Reshaping the Educational Landscape? (1:30 pm)

Speaker(s): John Annette, Academic Head, Fordham University London; retired president and vice chancellor of Richmond, the American International University of London

From initial anxieties about plagiarism to the realization of AI's immense potential, universities are rapidly adapting to the changing educational landscape. Prof. Annette will share how AI is forcing a fundamental rethink of teaching practices, driven by the evolving needs of the next generation of students and professionals. He'll examine how universities are catching up, and what this means for the future of higher education.

 

Session 3 - How Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business is Embracing AI (2 pm)

Speaker(s): Yilu Zhou, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Information Systems and Program Director, MS in Artificial Intelligence in Business, Gabelli School of Business, Fordham University

Professor Yilu Zhou, director of the M.S. in AI in Business program at the Gabelli School of Business, will introduce the program and discuss how academia plays a crucial role in upskilling business leaders, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to drive AI adoption within their organisations and across various industries. She will also provide an overview of her collaboration with the United Nations on developing Agentic AI systems and her work in applying AI across various industries.

 

Break (2:15pm)

 

Session 4 - Creating the culture to implement AI strategies, from ideation to execution (2:45 pm)

Speaker(s): Goran Skoko, Executive Vice President, Factset and Nicole Hunger-Nguyen, Head of AI Operations, Ellison Institute of Technology

Moderator: Ergem Senyuva Tohumcu, Head of Experiential Learning, Fordham University London

This session features a panel discussion on building a culture that enables successful AI integration within organisations. Panelists will discuss key challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned, sharing insights on implementing AI solutions while ensuring organisational alignment and innovation. They will offer complementary perspectives on integrating AI in a way that aligns with business goals and values. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A.

 

Session 5 - Applying AI to real-world business cases: Strategy & Implications (3:45pm)

Speaker(s): Didem Ün Ateş, Human-Centric AI/GenAI Innovation and Transformation Executive

This 90 minute workshop on "Applying AI to Real-World Business Cases: Strategy & Implications" AI Trends – Key concepts and the latest AI trends for 2025 (what to expect in the next 3–15 months)

• Case Studies – Actual end-to-end AI implementation case studies; one from a large Fortune500 enterprise and another from an SME 
• Talent Transformation – The impact of AI on the workforce and what leaders can do to proactively future-proof their teams
• Operationalising Responsible AI – Why Responsible AI should be embedded in all AI initiatives and practical steps to enable this journey

 

Networking Evening (5:30 pm)

 

End (7pm)

Session 1 - Decoding AI: Foundations and Frontiers for Business Transformation (2:30pm)

Speaker(s): Yilu Zhou, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Information Systems and Program Director, MS in Artificial Intelligence in Business, Gabelli School of Business, Fordham University

In this foundational session, Dr. Yilu Zhou, Director of the MS in AI in Business program at Fordham's Gabelli School of Business, will demystify the core concepts of Artificial Intelligence, providing a clear understanding of its transformative potential for businesses across industries. Participants will delve into the fundamental building blocks of AI, including machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), and agentic AI systems. Dr. Zhou will illustrate how these technologies are being applied in real-world scenarios, particularly in FinTech and FashionAI, drawing from her extensive research and collaboration with the United Nations. This session will equip attendees with the knowledge to recognize AI's impact on organizational strategies and operations, setting the stage for deeper exploration of responsible AI leadership and strategic implementation in subsequent sessions. By the end of this session, participants will be able to understand the fundamental concepts of Artificial Intelligence, including machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and agentic AI. They will see how AI will impact organisations across various industries.

 

Session 2 - Navigating AI Disruption (3:30pm)

Speaker(s): Navid Asgari, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Strategy & Statistics Area, Grose Family Endowed Chair in Business, Gabelli School of Business, Fordham University

AI is not just another technological advancement—it is transforming industries, reshaping business models, and redefining the way organizations operate. From healthcare and finance to media, pharma, and beyond, AI is accelerating change, influencing decision-making, and shifting the balance between human expertise and machine intelligence.

In this two-hour session, participants will move beyond the hype and develop a clear understanding of AI’s disruptive impact. AI is not merely a tool for automation; it is altering workflows, redefining competitive advantage, and challenging traditional ways of working. Through real-world examples from various sectors, we will explore how organizations that embrace AI strategically gain an edge, while those that hesitate risk being left behind.

Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants will examine the key strategic choices businesses and professionals must make in response to AI. Should AI be integrated into existing structures, or does it require a fundamental rethink of traditional approaches? What risks and opportunities does AI present across different industries? By the end of the session, participants will leave with a practical framework to navigate AI-driven change with confidence and foresight, preparing them to lead in an increasingly AI-powered world.

 

End (5:30pm)

May 9th Presenters

Ergem Senyuva Tohumcu, Head of Experiential Learning, Fordham University London

Ergem Senyuva Tohumcu is a sustainability expert and faculty member at Fordham University’s London Center. Ergem is the co-founder of FutureWise Partners, a strategic advisory that supports companies in embedding sustainability into their supply chains and operations, and assists financial institutions in aligning their ESG goals and build resilience in their portfolios. She is an adjunct faculty member at Fordham University’s London Centre, lecturing on sustainability marketing and strategy at Gabelli School of Business, and is head of experiential learning, where she curates experience-based learning opportunities with industry leaders. She has been a climate leader with Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project since 2009, a member of the BMW Foundation’s Responsible Leaders network, and a fellow at the Royal Society of Arts and Commerce. She is a co-founder and trustee of Turkey Mozaik Foundation, a UK-based grant-giving institution to grassroots in Turkey, and a steering committee member of Turquoise Coast Environment Fund, a marine conservation-focused NGO. 

Ergem holds a BA in International Affairs and Environmental Affairs from George Washington University, an MS in Management and Systems from New York University, and an MS in Finance from George Washington University. She has also received a postgraduate certificate in sustainable supply chains from Cambridge Institute of Sustainable Leadership and is a recognized climate risk professional by the Global Association of Risk Professionals.

 

Suzy Madigan, Founder, The Machine Race

A human rights specialist, conflict-zone aid worker, and former Saatchi advertising executive, Suzy brings a unique perspective to Responsible AI. Drawing from experience engaging communities in crisis, strategic communications, and business, she helps diverse stakeholders navigate the risks, opportunities, and ethical challenges of AI to develop safe and inclusive strategies. In 2025, she was included in the global 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics™ List.

As Responsible AI Lead at global disaster-relief agency, CARE International, she led a collaboration with Accenture to co-author the groundbreaking report, ‘AI and the Global South: Exploring the Role of Civil Society in AI Decision-Making’.  The research amplifies Global South perspectives on AI across 12 countries in four regions, alongside insights from multinational technology companies, international aid agencies and government. Its recommendations provide a blueprint for more inclusive and effective AI, including how to build equitable partnerships between businesses and communities.

With over 15 years’ experience in programming and policy for the United Nations, governments and NGOs, Suzy has worked in nearly 20 crisis contexts, including Iraq, Haiti, Ukraine, South Sudan, Colombia, and Lebanon.

Suzy has written for leading newspapers and is a frequent speaker on podcasts, panels, and media including the BBC and Sky News. Follow her blog, The Machine Race, for insights on AI and its socio-economic implications for our diverse and rapidly evolving world.

 

John Annette, Academic Head, Fordham University London; retired president and vice chancellor of Richmond, the American International University of London

John Annette is the retired president and vice chancellor of Richmond, the American International University of London. He went to Richmond from Birkbeck College, University of London, where he was Pro Vice Master; prior to which he taught political science at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Annette has been part of the debate about, and subsequent creation of the Office for Students and the new HE framework. He was a member of the 1994 Group of Universities Strategy and Resources’ Senior Management Group, and of the Academic Board of the University of London’s International Academy. Annette was also an advisor to the Higher Education Funding Council for England’s Beacons for Public Engagement in Higher Education, and for projects for the Higher Education Academy UK (now part of Advance HE), and on the steering group of the Higher Education Academy’s GPA Pilot Project, chaired by Sir Robert Burgess.

He is a board member of the London Institute of Banking and Finance, and was a member of the Commission on the Future of Volunteering.

 

Nicole Hunger-Nguyen, Head of AI Operations - AI & Data, Ellison Institute of Technology

Nicole Hunger-Nguyen is the Head of AI Operations at EIT, where she leads the AI Ops team to accelerate the AI team’s progress and impact. With a focus on optimising workflows, fostering a culture of innovation, and truly integrating teams, Nicole is dedicated to driving AI initiatives and delivering impactful results.

Prior to this role, Nicole held strategic positions at Google DeepMind, where she led company-wide programs and contributed to the establishment of Isomorphic Labs, taking different roles within Operations and Business Development. Before that, she was in management consulting on the intersection of operations, strategy and technology.

 

Goran Skoko, Executive Vice President, Factset

Goran Skoko is Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue Officer at FactSet Research Systemms. In this role, he oversees global sales organization, client service and Marketing for FactSet. Goran is also the managing director of EMEA and APAC. Previously, he oversaw strategy, research, product management and engineering for FactSet's Dealmakers and Wealth business unit. He joined FactSet in 2004 as a Senior Product developer of Real-Time products where he led the successful transformation of FactSet's offering to a solution capable of addressing the needs of clients globally. Mr. Skoko’s key accomplishments at FactSet include the integration of multiple standalone products into the FactSet Workstation, development of the wealth segment strategy, and the acquisition of StreetAccount and Interactive Data Managed Solutions.

Prior to joining FactSet, he was Senior Vice President at Thomson Financial where he spent 16 years in various engineering and product management leadership roles, most notably as one of the key members of the ILX executive team that guided the company from a startup to one of the leading market data vendors in the industry.

Mr. Skoko earned his B.S. in Physics and Computer Science from Fordham University, where he was a 4 year basketball letterman and co-captain of the team for the 1985-1986 season.

 

Didem Ün Ateş, Human-Centric AI/GenAI Innovation and Transformation Executive

Didem Un Ates is an AI/ Generative AI and Responsible AI executive with 25 years of background in management consulting (Capgemini, EY, and Accenture) and industry (Motorola, Microsoft, and Schneider Electric).

She recently served as the Vice President, AI Strategy & Innovation, for Schneider Electric. In addition to defining Schneider’s AI/ Generative AI Strategy and innovation roadmaps, her charter covered strategic partnerships, startups/VCs/PEs, academia, Data & AI upskilling, and Responsible & Sustainable AI.

Didem, a World Economic Forum AI Governance Alliance fellow, a Goldman Sachs Value Accelerator AI/ Generative AI Council Advisor, and a Forbes Tech Council member, is a passionate AI practitioner with multiple awards such as Tech Women 100 Champion and Trailblazer 50. She directly supported the birth and incubation of Microsoft Business AI Solutions at Microsoft Research and led Alice Envisions the Future/ Girls in AI Hackathons which has since been developed into several Diversity in AI programs across Microsoft and its Fortune500 customers and partners. 

She has also led operationalization of Responsible AI at Accenture, Microsoft Customer and Partner Solutions, and Schneider Electric, putting her energy towards the future of AI and Generative AI, operationalizing responsible and sustainable AI practices. Prior to Schneider, she headed Applied Strategy, Data & AI, at the Chief Data Office of Microsoft Customer and Partner Solutions, focusing on Microsoft’s largest Data, AI, and Metaverse engagements and partnerships including OpenAI.

 

May 16th Presenters

Yilu Zhou, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Information Systems and Program Director, MS in Artificial Intelligence in Business, Gabelli School of Business, Fordham University

Yilu Zhou, Ph.D., is an associate professor of Information Systems in the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University. She is the Director of the MS in AI in Business (MSAIB) program and Area Chair of Information Technology and Operations.Her research interests focus on FinTech, FashionAI, and Information Security. She collaborates with the United Nations on building Agentic AI systems. Her research methodologies include Natural Language Processing (NLP), machine learning, and deep learning. Dr. Zhou received a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems from the University of Arizona, where she was also a research associate at the Artificial Intelligence Lab.

 

Dr. Navid Asgari, Ph.D, Associate Professor, Strategy & Statistics Area, Grose Family Endowed Chair in Business, Gabelli School of Business, Fordham University

Dr. Navid Asgari, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor and the Grose Family Endowed Chair in Business at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business in NYC. An expert in strategy and technological change, he is on the Editorial Review Board of Organization Science. His research has been published in top journals, and he is a research fellow at IBM Watson Research Center. As an educator, Dr. Asgari teaches various executive-level courses, including Innovation and Change Management, Alliance Management, Corporate Strategy, and Generative AI for Managers around the world. A passionate advocate for AI’s role in healthcare, he is also actively engaged with entrepreneurs and executives to drive AI-based innovation.

 

Terms and Conditions

Cancellations made 14 or more days prior to the course start date will receive an 80% refund, with a 20% cancellation fee applied. Cancellations made with less than 14 days' notice are non-refundable and carry a 100% cancellation fee.

In the unlikely event Fordham University London cancels the course, all registered participants will receive a full refund.

FAQs

Q: What is the format of the course?

A: The course is a hybrid format, combining an in-person session in London on Friday, 9th May 2025, with a virtual session on Friday, 16th May 2025.

 

Q: Who is this course designed for?

A: This course is tailored for mid-career and executive-level professionals and those with non-technical backgrounds seeking to understand and implement responsible AI strategies.

 

Q: What will I learn during the course?

A: You will learn how to develop and implement responsible AI strategies, analyze and apply AI in real-world business scenarios, and cultivate an AI-ready organizational culture.

 

Q: How do I achieve a certificate?

A: All attendees who participate in both the in-person and virtual sessions will receive a certificate of participation from Fordham University London.

 

Q: Where is the in-person session held?

A: The in-person session will be held at Fordham University London, 2 Eyre St Hill, EC1R 5ET.