RepresentAI, in collaboration with Avanade PRISM and BCS Pride, hosted an interactive evening exploring the intersection of Agentic AI, enterprise tools, and leadership in the age of AI. The event brought together technical practitioners and senior leadership perspectives to examine how AI is actively reshaping both the workplace and organisational responsibility.
A Practical Exploration of Agentic AI in the Workplace
The first session, led by Kevin McDonnell, focused on the practical realities of Agentic AI and its implementation using Microsoft technologies.
Attendees were guided through a live, step-by-step demonstration of building and deploying a Microsoft 365 Copilot agent using Copilot Studio and AI Foundry. The session showcased how “digital coworkers” can be designed to augment everyday tasks, automate workflows, and integrate seamlessly into enterprise environments.
The session covered:
- A clear introduction to Agentic AI and Microsoft 365 agents
- Live demonstrations of building and deploying agents
- Real-world business use cases and multi-agent workflows
- Governance, security, and enterprise adoption considerations
- Inclusive and accessible design patterns for AI systems
Participants left with a grounded understanding of how tools such as Microsoft Copilot, AI Foundry, and emerging coworker systems are transitioning from concept to operational reality within organisations.
Continue Learning: Agentic AI Training
Following strong interest from attendees, participants were encouraged to continue their learning journey through the online Agentic AI training hosted on RepresentAI and Microsoft:
The training provides a deeper, structured pathway into building and deploying AI agents using Microsoft Copilot Studio or AI Foundry, reinforcing the concepts demonstrated during the live session.
Attendees were also encouraged to pursue relevant certifications to formalise their skills, strengthening both technical credibility and career progression in an increasingly AI-driven job market.
Leadership in the Age of Agentic AI
The second session, delivered by Cynthia Fortlage, shifted focus to the evolving role of leadership in an AI-driven world, particularly for current and aspiring CIOs and CAIOs.
The keynote emphasised that AI is no longer experimental, it is embedded in operational systems, and with that shift comes expanded responsibility. As AI systems become more autonomous, leaders must actively address governance, bias, and inclusion.
Key themes explored included:
- Bias in leadership pathways, particularly in CAIO/CIO roles
- Risks of embedding bias within AI systems through data and language
- The growing importance of governance in agentic environments
- The strategic and ethical risks of neglecting inclusion
The session challenged attendees to rethink not just how AI is built, but how it is led, governed, and integrated responsibly across organisations.
Key Takeaways
1. Agentic AI Is Already Operational
The event reinforced that agent-based systems are no longer theoretical. Organisations are actively deploying AI agents that can plan, execute, and collaborate, marking a shift toward truly autonomous workflows.
2. AI Leadership Requires a New Skillset
The pathway to CIO and CAIO roles is evolving. Leaders must now combine technical literacy with governance, ethics, and inclusion to effectively manage AI-driven organisations.
3. Building AI Is Only Half the Challenge
While technical capability is advancing rapidly, equal attention must be given to how systems are designed, governed, and aligned with human values.
4. Certification and Continuous Learning Are Critical
With rapid advancements in tools like Microsoft Copilot, structured training and certifications are becoming essential. They not only validate skills but also accelerate career opportunities in AI-focused roles.
5. Bias Scales with Technology
As AI systems scale, so too does the risk of embedded bias. Without intentional design and oversight, these systems can reinforce inequities at speed and scale.
6. Inclusion Is a Strategic Imperative
Inclusive design and leadership are not optional—they are critical to building trustworthy, effective AI systems and avoiding long-term organisational risk.
Looking Ahead
The event successfully combined hands-on technical learning with strategic leadership insight, reflecting RepresentAI’s broader approach to AI education: bridging the gap between building systems and leading them responsibly.
With continued access to follow-on training and certification pathways, attendees are well-positioned to deepen their expertise and play an active role in shaping the future of Agentic AI leveraging Microsoft.
