Artificial intelligence (AI) is now transforming industries at an unprecedented rate, and its impact on corporate leadership, talent management and digital transformation is yet to be realised.

With this in mind, EY Caribbean brought together some of the region’s most influential leaders to examine how the technology can converge to drive sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving business landscape. On 15 January 2026, the business consultancy outfit hosted an executive briefing at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, titled ‘The future is human: Leading transformation with confidence’.

A central theme throughout the discussions was the importance of enabling leaders to confidently navigate AI and technology adoption by keeping people, purpose and outcomes at the core of transformation efforts. The event underscored the critical message that human‑centred strategies can accelerate value creation and drive sustainable progress in an AI‑powered world. 

Some of the discussions explored how leaders can consciously leverage human potential to enhance technology, unlock new opportunities for growth, and ensure organisations remain resilient amid rapid change.

During the event, EY Caribbean disclosed some key takeaways from its Caribbean Leadership AI Sentiment Survey, which captures perspectives from more than 200 leaders across the region on AI adoption, opportunities and concerns. The company will publish other thought leadership articles in the coming months, drawing on the survey findings 

According to EY Caribbean’s People Consulting Executive Director Ava-Marie Wright-Johnson, the survey is filled with eye-opening data. 

“The initial insights offer a timely reflection of how leaders are experiencing and responding to AI‑driven transformation, helping organisations see themselves within the evolving technology landscape and build confidence in their AI journeys,” she said.

This was reinforced by insights from EY’s Work Reimagined and CHRO 2030 studies, which highlight the evolving strategic importance of the HR function in shaping critical business outcomes. As expectations of HR executives continue to expand, leaders are being asked to do more with less while navigating shifting talent trends, workforce transformation, and the accelerating adoption of AI.

Keynote speakers at the event, Ambassador Audrey Marks and Christopher Reckord, chairman of Jamaica’s National AI Task Force, underscored the urgency for Caribbean leaders to embrace innovation without losing sight of trust, adaptability and inclusion. 

In addition, a panel discussion comprising Matthew Lyn – CEO, CB Group; Deidre Cousins – group chief information officer, GraceKennedy (GK) Limited; Sheila Segree-White – vice-president, human resources, Scotiabank Group; and Maria Thompson Walters – executive director, Transformation Implementation Unit offered practical insights on how confident, people‑focused leadership can unlock productivity and innovation in the new era.

The event closed with a clear message: While technology continues to reshape the business environment, human ingenuity remains the ultimate differentiator. Leaders who invest in skills, foster resilience and build cultures that thrive alongside AI will help define the next chapter of sustainable progress for the Caribbean.