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The AI-first organisation

Following the rise of AI in 2024 and 2025, 2026 will be the year of major AI transformations. We are already seeing the impact: reorganizations, smaller teams, and the disappearance of junior roles. Organizations that fail to adapt risk losing speed, margin, and talent. For the public sector, the threat is even greater: irrelevance. This keynote demonstrates how to take the step toward a future-proof, AI-first organization. Are you ready?

AI won’t just take over jobs; it will eliminate organisations that don’t change fast enough

2026 is the year large-scale AI transformation truly begins.

We’re already seeing the first signs: AI-driven reorganisations, smaller teams, leaner back offices, and the disappearance of junior positions. A different kind of organisation is emerging – and many leaders and employees are still working out what it means for them specifically. In this presentation, we’ll take a closer look at AI’s impact and show you how your organisation can adapt.

Those that fail to act could face serious repercussions: slower execution, thinner margins, and eroding competitive position. Talent leaves for competitors who moved faster. Customers disengage. For organisations in the public sector, there’s an additional risk: irrelevance. Fortunately, this outcome isn’t inevitable. There is a clear opportunity to adapt – and to take a step toward becoming an AI-first organisation. Are you ready?

Are you interested in a lecture?

Please contact us to arrange an introduction.

Why waiting is the most expensive option

The velocity gap

While technology is advancing at breakneck speed, decision-making remains a painstakingly slow process in most organisations. As a result, the gap between what’s possible and what actually gets implemented is constantly widening.

The time trap

Organisational transformation typically takes 5 to 8 years, while AI technology gains new capabilities every 3 to 6 months. AI-first organisations can therefore use those new capabilities to continuously expand their value offering, while organisations with legacy structures fall further behind.

The failure rate

Over 70% of transformation efforts fail to deliver intended outcomes. The real question isn’t whether we need to change, but what we need to do differently to make sure our AI transformation succeeds.

The threat

Organisations that don’t fundamentally reimagine their operations over the next 3 to 5 years will see their margins shrink and lose ground to new, AI-native competitors. For many of them, it may even be a matter of survival.

A successful AI transformation requires more than just scattered pilots - it demands commitment

Real success doesn’t come from merely subscribing to an AI tool. It comes from redesigning how your organisation works.

Your 'North Star'

The AI revolution requires a clear direction that goes beyond technology. It calls for an inspiring vision that combines bold future scenarios with tangible business value and provides guidance to your entire organisation.

Break free from legacy

The biggest obstacle to change usually isn’t some external factor; it’s your own legacy structure. Think outdated systems, layers of approval, and hierarchies designed for control rather than speed. These all have to go, or at least get out of the way, before humans and AI can work together effectively.

A culture that embraces AI

Technology alone won’t ensure a successful organisational transformation; you also need people. And that means a culture where AI is embraced rather than feared, where learning is a continuous process, and where collaboration across ecosystems is actively encouraged. It also requires a new type of leadership - AI-native visionaries who flawlessly combine strategic thinking with new technology.

A perpetual state of beta

The process of becoming an AI-first organisation is never “finished”. This type of organisation learns and evolves through experimentation, short feedback loops, and continuous iteration. Instead of treating uncertainty as a threat, it uses disruption as an input, a valuable piece of information that enables it to stay agile for whatever comes next.

Technology as an engine

An inspiring vision and culture that embraces change aren’t enough; you also need a strong technical foundation. Think modern data infrastructure, AI models, and smart automation. This is the engine that keeps your organisation running and ensures AI can be deployed safely, scalably, and effectively.

Why choose Richard as a speaker?

Inspiring Keynote Speaker

For over 10 years, Richard has been a highly sought-after speaker for renowned global organizations and is among the top international speakers. He is also the founder of the future intelligence agency, Trendforce.one

Mindset

His passion is to inject a fresh new mindset that helps individuals and organizations understand, embrace, and explore the world of tomorrow.

Publications

Through his future intelligence blog, he shares new insights weekly about the future, inspiring trends, and the latest developments. There are over 2000 articles and more than 60 books and e-books available.

More than 400 brands enjoy working with Richard

Richard van Hooijdonk

Trendwatcher, futurist and international keynote speaker Richard van Hooijdonk takes you to an inspiring future that will dramatically change the way we live, work and do business.

As a futurist, keynotespeaker and trendwatcher, Richard van Hooijdonk is an authority on new technology. He has several Chip-implants, because he wants to physically experience the future. His inspiration sessions have been attended by over 600,000 people. Richard is a regular guest at radio and television programs.

With his international research team, he researches many trends in the field of artificial intelligence & generative AI, robotics, drones, self-driving systems, 3D & 4D printing, sensors, blockchain, quantum computing, neurotech, biotech, platforms and augmented & virtual reality. Combined with artificial intelligence, these technologies offer groundbreaking opportunities, but also lead to challenges and threats for people, organisations and governments.

Interested in a lecture?

Are you interested in booking a lecture for your event or would you like more information? Lectures are available from EUR 3,500.00.

Complete the form and Richard will contact you as soon as possible. You can also call +31 6 41 33 00 00