BABC Speaker Series, November 6, 2025: 

“AI / Automation: Leveraging Technology for Transatlantic Growth” 

>>> Networking Cocktail Reception and Speaker Series- Hosted by Sage at the Sage Discovery Center

Program Description: 

As artificial intelligence and automation redefine the global business landscape, companies across the U.S. and U.K. are seeking smart, scalable ways to adapt and grow. This session will explore how AI and automation are fueling transatlantic innovation, reshaping operations, and creating new opportunities for collaboration, investment, and competitive advantage.

Join us for an engaging conversation with industry leaders who are at the forefront of applying next-generation technologies to drive international business success. From finance and professional services to manufacturing and tech, our speakers will share real-world use cases, emerging trends, and insights on navigating evolving regulatory frameworks across both sides of the Atlantic.

Discussion topics will include:

• Practical applications of AI and automation for mid-sized and global businesses
• How technology is accelerating transatlantic trade and investment
• Navigating ethical and regulatory challenges in AI adoption
• Future of work: Upskilling, workforce impact, and AI-human collaboration
• Opportunities for U.S.–U.K. partnership in AI innovation

Location / Time: 

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Sage Discovery Center, 619 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta

Event Pricing: 

Produced by British-American Business Council: 

BABC members $35, Non-Members $65

About Our Speakers: 

Maryam Alavi, Ph.D., Elizabeth D. and Thomas M. Holder Chair, Professor of IT Management, Georgia Institute of Technology | Scheller College of Business, Academic Research Fellow at MIT CISR

Maryam Alavi is a professor of IT Management and holds the Elizabeth T. and Thomas M. Holder Chair at the Scheller College of Business at Georgia Institute of Technology. She is a thought leader and researcher on digital innovation and transformation, with extensive experience in organizational capability-building and leadership and talent development for a digital age. Dr. Alavi is a highly regarded educator and advisor and has held academic leadership positions at Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology.

Dr. Alavi’s prolific academic contributions include numerous published papers and serving on the editorial boards of several prestigious business and technology journals. Dr. Alavi’s body of work has received numerous citations, placing her within the top 2% of the world’s most-cited researchers by the Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford University.

Dr. Alavi is a sought-after speaker at national and international forums and conferences and has taught in executive programs at some of the world’s most prestigious business schools. She has advised executives on topics of IT innovation and digital strategies and transformation for organizations including Bank of America, The Coca-Cola Company, Invesco, KIA Motors, Sodexo, Southern Company, and the World Bank.

In recognition of her professional achievements, Dr. Alavi has received the prestigious Association of Information Systems Fellows Award and the distinguished Marvin Bower Faculty Fellowship at Harvard Business School. She was named Woman of the Year for mid- size organizations and educational institutions by Women in Technology of Georgia. This award celebrates women in their visionary efforts to transform the world of business and technology and recognizes Dr. Alavi’s accomplishments as a mentor, role model, and facilitator for both women and men pursuing careers in STEM fields. She received the prestigious Georgia Tech Diversity Champion Faculty Award in recognition of her many contributions toward creating a diverse and inclusive community at Georgia Tech.

Dr. Alavi has served on the advisory board of the Center for Knowledge-based Enterprise at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada, the Board of Trustees of Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta, and the International Advisory Board of the Politecnico di Milano School of Management in Italy. She was twice appointed by the Governor of the State of Georgia to the Georgia Technology Authority Board.

Dr. Alavi holds a B.A. in mathematics and computer science from State University of New York at Buffalo, and both an M.S. in computer science and a Ph.D. in management information systems from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

Jennifer Bonnett is VP of Technology & Entrepreneurship for Invest Atlanta where she transforms ideas into impact – that's the ethos driving her journey from a technology enthusiast to a leader in the vibrant startup ecosystem. As an experienced Technology Executive and Startup Ecosystem Developer, her career has been a testament to the power of strategic foresight and relentless pursuit of excellence. With over two decades in software development and IT management, my expertise spans across nurturing startups to fruition and leading tech projects to success.

Renee Mathewson is the Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Reputation and External Communications, at Sage. She leads a team of internal and external communications professionals for the North America region. Before joining Sage, she was head of Internal, Corporate Communications, Meetings & Events at IHG for 4 years, where she spearheaded a variety of new initiatives that impacted internal colleagues and external customers.

Prior to this role, Renee was the Corporate Communications Lead for Delta Vacations, responsible brand positioning in top tier trade publications, while driving engagement in consumer direct channels. She led a team responsible for press releases, editorial/advertorial content, and on-air opportunities, while she steered executive speaking opportunities, media interviews and executive media training. Renee has served as the primary spokesperson for all PR and media related inquiries for Delta Vacations and IHG. She is skilled at public speaking and presentation management, with a firm grasp on messaging, branding, events management and public relations.

Renee led the Delta Vacations Corporate Communications efforts to include Internal Communications, Executive Communications, Public Relations & Media Relations, CSR & Community Affairs, Corporate Sponsorships and Social Media. At IHG, she developed an integrated communications strategy to support the organization’s Sustainability, Renewable Energy, Decarbonization and Community Impact initiatives. She also initiated corporate communications for leadership to support a variety of internal and external communications campaigns to increase awareness of IHG’s contributions to our planet, people and communities. She served in the company’s Return to Office task force, partnering with all lines of business to drive awareness of Covid-19 and successfully bring colleagues back to the office in the Americas region. Now in her role at Sage, she is cultivating the role of Corporate Affairs in North America and bridging the gap between departments.

Renee is active in Sage’s Women’s Network and the newly established Sage Foundation GROW program, which pairs nonprofits with executive leadership to help them grow their impact on local communities. She also participates in the company’s efforts with Sage Foundation (Loaves & Fishes San Francisco, Red Cross, Atlanta Committee for Progress (volunteer efforts for Atlanta Public Schools, Atlanta Union Mission, Atlanta Food Bank, Helping Mamas and more). Personally, she is an avid supporter of the Hydrocephalus Association of America, which she became involved with when her son was born as a micro premature baby at 26 weeks old. Renee assists with national fundraising for caregivers, research efforts and the families. Beyond this medical non-profit volunteering, Renee serves as a mentor for young women of color navigating their careers in corporate America and is leading efforts with the company’s Invest in Progress Grant for the BOSS Network, which grants $1 million over three years to a select number of qualified black, female entrepreneurs.

Nicola Smith is the Senior AI Program Advisory for Southwest Airlines- a strategic innovation leader who helps organizations navigate the intersection of customer experience, brand strategy, and emerging technologies. As Senior AI Programs Advisor at Southwest Airlines, she develops practical solutions that amplify human potential through thoughtful technology implementation. With nearly two decades of experience driving measurable business growth across agencies and technology companies, Nicola excels at translating complex concepts into actionable strategies. With certifications in AI for Business Strategy from MIT and specialized training in leadership management, Nicola brings a unique perspective to organizations navigating digital transformation. Her ability to anticipate trends, develop innovative strategies, and lead cross-functional collaboration makes her a valuable asset in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.

Ed Haines is the Executive Director and Senior Strategic Advisor for Jabian Consulting.  Ed joined Jabian in 2019 as a Senior Strategic Advisor who is responsible for product development and go-to-market strategies. He is an experienced executive and operational leader who specializes in complex global programs, digital transformation, and IT delivery and service. He has led a number of global network transformation projects for multinationals, operational cost savings and process improvement initiatives, customer experience improvements, ERP transformations, and software design.

Ed previously worked at British Telecom’s Global Services division where he spent 15 years as an executive responsible for delivery, service, and operations for global network outsourcing contracts leading project management, service, operations, and customer success teams in the US and Europe. Prior to BT, he spent eight years as VP of IT and Operations for Yale Lock.

Ed graduated from Nottingham Trent University, UK with an honors degree in Mechanical Engineering including study and work abroad programs in Budapest, Hungary, Karlsruhe, and Munich, Germany. Ed is a long-time resident of Atlanta, GA after moving to the US in 1992.