We first launched AI Chat Club in the summer of 2025 as a space for authentic yet relaxed discussion, rather than generic sales-driven presentations. The goal was always to create an after work social environment for people to discuss, network and relax, regardless of their AI maturity. This latest iteration – our biggest yet – stayed true to that, but on a much bigger scale.
With live demonstrations and a panel discussion featuring CloudWize CEO Edward Humphrey, senior lecturer at the University of Huddersfield, Adrian Jarvis, and our principal process consultant, Tom Henry, attendees gleaned insight across technology, leadership, and operational change.
A few key themes stood out from across the evening… catch up on them below or watch our highlights reel.
Across the room, there was a shared sense that AI is not something to sit back and watch from a distance. As highlighted on the night, this isn’t the first time businesses have faced a major technology shift. From the .com boom to cloud, there have always been early adopters, cautious movers, and those who resist altogether.
But the organisations that get the most of AI will be the ones that step in early enough to shape how it’s used, rather than reacting once it’s already embedded.
2. Technology is powerful, but it’s not the full answer
Throughout the evening, attendees were given a closer look at some of the most advanced AI solutions currently being deployed by CloudWize, using capabilities that many in the room hadn’t seen before.
As our CEO Edward Humphrey put it, AI represents “the most capable and innovative solution we’ve had access to.”
But technology alone is not a silver bullet.
With many organisations still struggling to see meaningful return on investment, success depends on clear thinking around how AI fits into the bigger strategic picture – transformative leadership, processes, and people are key.
3. Start small, but start properly
Perhaps one of the most practical takeaways from the night was the importance of knowing where to begin.
There’s often a temptation to aim big with AI – to tackle the most complex challenges first. But in reality, the most effective starting point is much smaller.
Focusing on micro-processes – those everyday, repetitive workflows that may keep organisations running but that drain productivity hours – creates an opportunity to unlock value quickly and build momentum.
In other words, it’s not about doing everything all at once, it’s about doing the right things first. Start small. Scale fast.
4. View AI as a tool, not a replacement
Unsurprisingly, questions around job displacement came up during the panel discussion.
Adrian Jarvis introduced the idea of FOBO – fear of being obsolete – a growing concern as AI continues to change how tasks are executed. Tom Henry added to this, emphasising that to reduce the fear, leaders need to define a strong change story, then clearly communicate it, with consistency, to ensure colleagues truly understand why AI is being deployed, and what it means for them.
Not all leaders will do this of course. Recognising that AI solutions eradicate thousands of hours of business waste, Edward reminded senior figureheads in the room that they have a choice. Augment what people are capable of, by investing in their continued development with the time and money saved. Or strip talent from the workforce, But these decisions should not be made lightly, not least because the cost of rushed redundancies – not to mention the scale of the hiring challenge for many mid-level roles – can be staggering.
5. Adoption depends on people as much as technology
The panel also highlighted that AI adoption is not owned by one single team.
While leadership plays a key role in setting direction, successful implementation depends on engagement across the entire organisation.
As Tom Henry noted: “Ultimately, business change has to be driven by a business owner, but it spreads through the organisation, and every person has a role to play in adoption.”
Without that shared ownership, even the most advanced solutions can struggle to deliver real impact.
6. A thriving tech community in Leeds
Aside from the discussions and demonstrations themselves, it was the atmosphere in the room that left the lasting impression.
There was a real sense of excitement, with people asking questions, sharing experiences, and engaging openly with both the opportunities and challenges that AI presents.
With a new CloudWize base in Leeds, the event also reaffirms the growing demand for AI expertise, and the strength of the region’s tech community.
Summing up the evening, Edward Humphrey said “The North has an incredibly strong and collaborative tech crowd, and nights like these really showcase the momentum and enthusiasm when it comes to AI innovation and adoption. What I love the most is that we’re not afraid to say it how it is, and in a world full of hype, this straight-talking attitude is critical.”
AI Chat Club will be returning, with the next event taking place on 11 June at Mad Frans Bar, Leeds. Early registration is now open.
Further sessions are already in the pipeline too – including a London edition, by special request. Watch this space for more information.
If you’d rather not wait, the conversation doesn’t have to stop here. Let’s talk.
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