Governing in the Age of AI: Engaging Millennials, Gen Z & the Machines

In Person | Feb 21, 2025 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CST | Austin, TX

At our Austin lunch program, our panel explored the challenges of governing in the age of AI and engaging millennials, Gen Z, and the machines.

As AI reshapes industries and generational shifts redefine workforce dynamics, corporate boards and executives must proactively govern through unprecedented change. This program explored the critical role of directors in managing AI’s impact, navigating multigenerational workforce expectations, and strengthening governance frameworks to maintain corporate resilience and long-term success.

Key Topics Covered

• AI’s Strategic Role in the Boardroom: Why AI governance must be a board-level priority, from risk oversight to competitive advantage.

• The Rise of Digital Natives in the C-Suite & Workforce: How Millennials, Gen Z, and soon Gen Alpha are influencing corporate governance, risk management, and leadership succession planning.

• Psychological Safety & Workforce Transformation: How fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and adaptability impacts business performance and corporate reputation.

• AI & Automation’s Disruption of Talent Pipelines: Why companies must rethink entry-level jobs, upskilling initiatives, and succession planning in an era of intelligent automation.

• Board Skills & Digital Competency: Why financial acumen alone is no longer enough—directors must embrace digital literacy, cybersecurity awareness, and agile decision-making.

• Ethical AI, Data Privacy & Regulatory Compliance: How directors can align corporate AI strategies with evolving regulations and ethical considerations to mitigate reputational and operational risks.

• Future-Proofing Corporate Governance: How continuous learning, cross-generational collaboration, and adaptive board structures will define governance excellence in the AI era.

Key Takeaways

• AI is Reshaping Corporate Strategy & Risk Oversight: Boards must proactively establish AI governance frameworks, ensuring alignment with regulatory, ethical, and competitive imperatives.
• Digital Acumen is Now a Governance Imperative: Directors must stay ahead of emerging technologies, integrating AI and cybersecurity fluency into boardroom discussions and decision-making.
• Workforce Transformation Requires Board-Level Attention: Generational shifts and AI-driven automation demand proactive succession planning, skills development, and workforce adaptability strategies.
• Trust & Transparency are Business Imperatives: Organizations that embed ethical AI principles, psychological safety, and stakeholder trust will achieve greater resilience and long-term value creation.
• Governance Must Be Agile & Future-Focused: Boards must embrace continuous learning, scenario planning, and cross-functional expertise to remain effective in an era of rapid technological disruption.

Program Videos

View the complete program playlist, including the following video clips:

• AI, Corporate Governance & The Multigenerational Workforce: Navigating the Intersection

• AI & Workforce Transformation: How CHROs & CEOs Must Adapt

• Psychological Safety & AI: The Workforce Transformation Boards Must Address

• Harnessing Digital Natives: The Future of Board & Workforce Strategy

• Boards in the Digital Age: Evolving Skills & Resilient Leadership

• Navigating AI’s Impact on Talent, Ethics, and Leadership | Audience Q&A

The Power of Perspective: Insights from Attendees

Susan Moore, NACD.DC, CEO of Red Rock Advisory and Chair of the Austin Community Foundation, shares her key takeaways from our program.

Program Resources

• 2024 Blue Ribbon Commission Report - Technology Leadership in the Boardroom: Driving Trust and Value
• In an Era of AI, Boards Must Disrupt Legacy Leadership
• Tuning Corporate Governance for AI Adoption
• Tapping into Generation Z Talent

Panelists

Principal, Flat Rock Strategic Advisors; Director, ReliabilityFirst Corp (RF), Beyond Inc (Overstock.com Inc), CorVel Corporation, NACD Texas TriCities Chapter

Joanna Burkey, NACD.DC

Joanna Burkey is a transformational leader, board director, and senior executive with deep experience in cybersecurity, technology, and digital transformation. Joanna has held a variety of roles...

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Director, Groupe Dynamite

Hollie Castro, NACD.DC

Hollie Castro is a distinguished business leader with over 25 years’ experience enhancing shareholder value through strategic business growth and transformation at global companies...

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Founder & CEO, Uplevyl; Director, Open Lending, LLC, International Center for Research on Women (IRCW), Center for Global Development (CGD)

Shubhi Rao

Global executive Shubhi Rao is a veteran of Fortune 500 brands. In the span of 25-years, her career has transformed from junior systems engineer and financial analyst to board member, Treasurer & Officer of Alphabet/Google to Ford, Tesco, more recently, to COO/CFO of a fin-tech start-up in Austin...

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