AI Leadership: Can AI Earn My Trust?

The panel discussion on AI Leadership: Can AI Earn My Trust, hosted by SAP on October 22, ignited thought-provoking conversations on the evolving intersection of AI and trust. Panelists Molham Aref, Johannes Deubner, Archana Karnik, Christoph Leuze, Florian Neukart, Carol Scott and Sara Zare engaged in a forward-thinking dialogue, expertly moderated by Sabine Remdisch and Petra Chequer.

From the intricacies of transparency in AI models to the ethical dilemmas of accountability, the panel delved deep into how trust is built—and sometimes eroded—by AI systems. One fascinating insight emerged: employers and employees often view AI’s role through very different lenses. For employers, the conversation focused on AI’s potential to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. In contrast, employees raised concerns about job security, fairness in recruitment, and the need for opportunities to upskill in an AI-driven world.

Experts underscored the critical need for ethical AI, emphasizing that different cultures often approach ethics in AI governance in distinct ways. These cultural perspectives can significantly influence how AI systems are developed, implemented, and trusted. As the discussion made clear, trust in AI is not automatically granted—it’s earned through sustained commitments to security, transparency, and ethical governance, shaped by the diverse ethical frameworks that exist globally.

Another layer of the discussion addressed the complex challenge of balancing AI innovation with regulatory oversight. Panelists acknowledged that while rapid advancements in AI are reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, regulations and ethical standards often lag, leading to questions about accountability and governance. This disconnect highlights the pressing need for industry leaders and policymakers to collaborate on frameworks that foster responsible innovation. The panel closed with a call to action: building trust in AI is a shared responsibility that requires transparency, ethical standards, and proactive engagement from both developers and users, ensuring AI serves humanity equitably and responsibly across all sectors.

For more great pictures of the event, please see our event photo album here.

Thank you to our sponsor SAP and our event partners TNCC, Keizai, Leadership Garage and Ethos8X.