Beyond AI Theater | The Data Masterclass Series

THE DATA MASTERCLASS

Beyond AI Theater

AI theater is everywhere — polished demos, impressive pilots, and very little real impact. Explore how AI theater happens, why it’s usually a data and governance problem (not a model problem), and what it takes to move beyond theater to real, measurable AI outcomes by investing in platform, governance, and digital transformation first.

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About the series

This isn’t another AI webinar. It’s a strategic conversation about what works. The Data Masterclass series is designed for leaders navigating the gap between AI ambition and real-world results, and who want to move beyond pilots without increasing risk.

It’s built for leaders who are:

Stuck in pilot mode and struggling to scale AI
Under pressure to show progress without creating operational or governance risk
Responsible for data platforms, governance, or digital transformation
Focused on AI that is trusted, measurable, and tied to real business outcomes

What to Expect

This panel-based discussion series follows a clear progression focused on what enables AI success. During the program, industry leaders and experts will unpack what it truly takes to move from AI ambition to AI impact — sharing lessons learned, hard truths, and proven strategies that organizations can apply immediately.

What you’ll learn across the series:

Platform and Governance Come First

AI cannot succeed without the right infrastructure, strong data governance, security, and operational controls.

Data readiness is the Bridge to AI Value

Trusted, connected, and well-governed data enables real operational progress, and only then can AI scale.

Autonomous and AI Transformation Requires Purpose and Measurement

AI must be purpose-driven, governed, and measurable to deliver real ROI and avoid unnecessary risk.

Meet Our Panelists

Hear from leaders and industry experts who have worked hands-on with Data and AI projects.

TJ Brooks

Data and Analytics Solutions Architect

Tom Ricardo

Cloud and DevOps Practice Director

Chuck Ros

Field CTO

Rodion Myronov

Vice President of Technology, Big Data and Analytics

Program schedule

Why Your AI Strategy Is Actually a Data Problem

Skipping foundations keeps AI stuck in pilot mode

AI failures rarely come from the model. This session explores why organizations that skip platform, governance, and core data foundations struggle to move beyond pilots and how getting the fundamentals right changes everything.

Wednesday, March 11

Online — Panel Discussion

12 p.m. ETs

What Changes Once the Data Foundation Is in Place

How governance and platforms turn AI into ROI

Once platform and governance are established, AI outcomes shift dramatically. This session examines how organizations move from experimentation to real value by using their data, platforms, and governance as intended, turning foundations into measurable AI ROI.

April 2026

What AI Needs Before It Can Work

Why data readiness, trust, and operating maturity matter

This session challenges AI-first thinking and explains why most AI failures trace back to gaps in data readiness, trust, and operating maturity. We’ll explore what has to be in place across data, platforms, and governance for AI to deliver reliable outcomes, and why skipping these fundamentals leads to stalled progress.

May 2026