02/09/2026
Well, that happened.
Yesterday I was asked if I could step in at short notice to speak at the Seed Summit.
Less than a day later, I found myself in one of the meeting rooms inside Christchurch’s brand-new stadium, delivering a presentation on the practical use of AI in everyday business.
The conversation was deliberately practical: I wasn't talking about AI as a concept or what it might do one day, but what businesses can actually do with it today.
A big part of that is something we see regularly: businesses starting with “we need AI” rather than starting with the problem they are trying to solve.
AI can be incredibly useful, but it becomes much more interesting when it disappears into the workflow and simply helps people get work done better.
I also shared some of what we have been building and learning through ITstuffed and Progentic, including where AI fits alongside automation, existing systems and people.
Afterwards, I was joined by two fellow panellists for a broader discussion around AI in business. It was great to hear their perspectives as well and see where the wider discussion took us.
Given the short notice, I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity - and I hope everyone in the room walked away with at least one thought, idea or perspective they can take back into their own business. If so, it was well worthwhile.
Thanks to everyone who came along, asked questions and joined the discussion.
