AI adoption is accelerating, yet many organizations still struggle to move projects from proof of concept to production. The main challenges are not just technical, but also organizational, ranging from fragmented data and legacy infrastructure to unclear business alignment and evolving governance requirements.
Addressing these obstacles requires a holistic approach: aligning AI initiatives with core business metrics, modernizing infrastructure for scalability, and fostering a culture of iterative learning where early-stage efforts inform future decisions
As organizations navigate these complexities, the focus shifts to operationalizing AI workloads in a way that delivers measurable value. This involves starting small with tightly scoped projects, leveraging standardized deployment pipelines, and embedding responsible AI practices from the outset.
Success will depend on cross-functional collaboration, transparent governance, and the ability to adapt quickly as both technology and business needs evolve. By sharing real-world experiences and practical strategies, this dinner aims to equip leaders with the insights needed to overcome implementation barriers and accelerate the journey from experimentation to impact.
Discussion topics include:
Group Vice-President, AI, Data, and Automation
IDC
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Shari Lava is Group Vice-President, AI, Data, and Automation. Ms. Lava’s core research coverage includes the fast-evolving AI software market, as well as the Automation and Data foundations essential for deploying AI at enterprise scale. This includes deep analysis of market dynamics, adoption trends, and how these technologies converge to deliver superior business outcomes. She is based remotely in Toronto, Canada.
Previously at IDC, Shari led the integration and AI enablement research program within the AI, Data and Automation group, alongside the Small and Medium Business (SMB) program, enabling technology suppliers to better navigate the SMB ecosystem. Prior to IDC, she was Vice President, Marketing Intelligence at Greystone Managed Investments, an asset management firm, where she leveraged data analytics to drive success across the customer journey. Before that, Ms. Lava led the Vendor Advisory Services practice at Info-Tech Research Group, delivering actionable market insights to technology vendors. Earlier, she was a management consultant with Deloitte’s CRM and Information Management practices, specializing in implementing and integrating applications for clients of all sizes across diverse industries
NVIDIA AI Field Product Manager
Dell Technologies
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Ivan Nekrasov is an NVIDIA AI Field Product Manager leading customer-facing engagements and sales enablement for joint Dell-NVIDIA programs across North America. With 20+ years at Dell, he drives multi-million dollar AI infrastructure initiatives that accelerate breakthroughs in healthcare, science, and enterprise innovation. A father of three, Ivan is passionate about technology’s power to improve lives globally.
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