GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG) recently brought together local business leaders, technology experts, and innovators to discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of business at a CEO Roundtable Breakfast, at its downtown Kingston headquarters.

The event was facilitated in partnership with a group of Jamaicans working at Microsoft under the banner of Project Blue Mountain. It featured a keynote address, panel discussion and insights from industry experts on the theme of ‘AI Transformation in Business’.

Roan Daley, Microsoft’s director of advanced migration sales for the Americas, kick-started the campaign to encourage embracing AI as a powerful tool to enhance operational efficiency, foster innovation, and drive business growth.

In his keynote address, he urged companies not to fear AI but to harness its potential. He emphasised that AI is more than just technology but, rather, it’s a catalyst for reimagining processes, enhancing employee productivity, and reinventing customer experiences.

Daley also highlighted Microsoft’s commitment to helping organisations integrate AI strategically to achieve measurable business outcomes.

“As AI continues to revolutionise every sector, businesses must see it as a partner in their transformation journey,” he said.

A panel discussion followed the keynote address, featuring Daley; Rickardo Ebanks, chief digital officer at GKFG; and Chris Reckord, chairman of the National AI Task Force. The panellists explored practical applications of AI across industries, with an emphasis on how Jamaican businesses can integrate AI to enhance their competitiveness globally.

For his part, Reckord underscored the importance of digital literacy and preparing the local workforce to thrive in an AI-powered economy. Meanwhile, Ebanks shared insights on how GKFG is leveraging AI to improve customer service and streamline operations in its GK One app. The GK One app, for example, was developed using Microsoft’s Azure technology.

Yamile Bustamante Allen, Microsoft’s country manager for Jamaica, reiterated the company’s dedication to supporting Jamaica’s technological development. She underscored the importance of technology and AI as essential drivers for the country’s future growth and competitiveness.

Alphie Mullings-Aiken, America’s director of skilling strategy at Microsoft, provided an overview of Project Blue Mountain, which seeks to accelerate Jamaica’s digital transformation. The initiative focuses on skills development in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) and leveraging Microsoft’s resources to foster innovation in Jamaica’s business landscape.

Closing the event, Grace Burnett, president and CEO of GKFG, reiterated GKFG’s commitment to using technology as a driver of innovation and growth. She also emphasised that AI will play a critical role in GKFG’s future strategy as the company seeks to deliver enhanced financial services to its customers.