Ignite AI opens with two nationally recognized experts who bring complementary perspectives on the future of artificial intelligence. Together, they’ll explore both where AI is headed and how leaders can help people confidently navigate the change it brings.
Mike Bechtel
Founder & Chief Futurist
MikeBechtel, LLC
Former Chief Futurist at Deloitte and Global Innovation Director at Accenture, Mike Bechtel helps leaders make sense of what’s next in technology, business and innovation. An inventor turned investor, futurist and professor, Mike is a sought-after keynote speaker who has spent more than 25 years helping organizations prepare for emerging technologies and the future of work. He also serves as an adjunct professor of corporate innovation at the University of Notre Dame.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we work, lead and innovate. Mike explores where AI is headed, what it means for organizations and how leaders can move beyond today’s headlines to make thoughtful decisions about tomorrow’s opportunities.
Dr. Rebecca Heiss
Stress Physiologist | Author | Furman Fellow
Former educator and National Science Foundation-recognized researcher Dr. Rebecca Heiss is a stress physiologist who helps leaders understand the science behind fear, resilience and change. As the author of Springboard and Instinct, and a sought-after speaker and facilitator, Rebecca equips organizations to transform uncertainty into confidence and build the mindset needed to thrive during periods of rapid change.
AI is moving faster than many organizations can comfortably process. Rebecca explores why AI often triggers fear and resistance, helping leaders understand the biology of stress and offering practical strategies to transform uncertainty into adaptability, confidence and stronger organizational performance.
Organizations across every industry are investing in AI, but technology alone won’t create meaningful change. The organizations that thrive will be those that establish clear guardrails, encourage thoughtful experimentation and equip their people with the confidence to adapt.
Ignite AI introduces the Center for Innovative Leadership’s AI Ready Organizational Framework, providing leaders with a practical approach to moving beyond isolated AI experiments toward repeatable organizational practice.
Ignite AI is intentionally designed as a progression from understanding to application.
The morning features keynote presentations and conversations with nationally recognized experts and South Carolina leaders actively implementing AI.
The afternoon shifts from discussion to action as participants engage in an interactive AI Sprint, applying CIL’s AI Ready Organizational Framework to a real opportunity or challenge from their own organization. Attendees leave with practical next steps and a 30-, 60- and 90-day action plan they can continue implementing after the summit.
Perspective
A clearer understanding of where AI is headed and what it means for your organization
Framework
A first look at CIL’s AI Ready Organizational Framework
Application
Practical experience applying the framework to a real organizational opportunity
Action
A 30-, 60- and 90-day roadmap for continued AI readiness
Community
New connections with leaders navigating similar organizational challenges
8:30–8:55 a.m.
Networking & Breakfast
8:55–9:00 a.m.
Welcome from Garrett Stern, Executive Director, Center for Innovative Leadership, and Bryan Davis, Executive Director, Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
9:00–9:45 a.m.
Humans & Machines
Mike Bechtel, Founder & Chief Futurist, MikeBechtel, LLC
9:45–10:00 a.m.
Break
10:00–10:45 a.m.
Stress in the Age of AI
Dr. Rebecca Heiss, Stress Physiologist, Author & Furman Fellow
10:45–11:00 a.m.
Break
11:00–11:45 a.m.
AI Leadership in South Carolina (title subject to change)
Hear from leaders actively implementing AI as they discuss opportunities, challenges, lessons learned, and how organizations are building AI readiness across Upstate South Carolina.
11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Lunch
12:30–4:30 p.m.
Interactive AI Sprint
Move from insight to application during an interactive AI Sprint led by Garrett Stern and Sarah Waylett. Using the Center for Innovative Leadership’s Design Thinking process and the new AI Ready Organizational Framework, participants will explore a real AI opportunity, identify practical next steps, and begin developing a 30-, 60-, and 90-day plan for their organization.
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Program Overview:
Module 1: Self-Awareness for Leaders
Module 2: Communication for Leaders
Program Overview:
Module 1: Self-Awareness for Leaders
Module 2: Communication for Leaders