AI at the Edge of Innovation: A Sold-Out Evening Exploring the Future of Artificial Intelligence
On November 6, 2025, GABA – in collaboration with the Center for the Future of Organization (CFFO) at the Drucker School of Management – hosted the sold-out event “AI at the Edge of Innovation” at the Microsoft Office in Playa Vista. The evening brought together professionals from a wide range of industries eager to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, its implications for business, and its transformative potential across sectors.
The evening began with a networking reception, followed by an engaging panel discussion moderated by Roland Deiser, Chairman CFFO. The distinguished panel featured:
- Eve Psalti, Senior Director at Microsoft Artificial Intelligence
- Peter Zakin, Partner at Upfront Ventures
- Hans-Martin Will, Chief AI Officer at LegalMation
A Conversation on AI’s Transformative Power
Eve Psalti, who leads Microsoft’s AI Applied Engineering team and brings over two decades of experience to the field, opened the discussion by emphasizing the unprecedented pace of AI development. Microsoft alone, she noted, now operates with over 1,800 AI models. Her key message: “Before adopting AI, identify what you are trying to optimize – follow the pain.” She stressed the importance of understanding end users, establishing strong governance, and creating a center of excellence to guide AI implementation. Psalti also offered insight into the emerging world of AI agents – advanced systems capable of taking and remembering actions – predicting that in the near future, humans will “manage AI agents much like managing human employees.”
Hans-Martin Will brought a startup perspective to the table. With over 25 years in what he calls “the evolution of AI,” and a background at SAP, Amazon, and Microsoft, he now leads AI innovation at LegalMation, a startup founded by three lawyers using AI to assist major corporations in mediating legal cases. Will discussed how AI is reshaping workplace culture and decision-making, noting that machines can process vast amounts of information far beyond human capacity – prompting the question of how humans can best oversee these systems responsibly.
Peter Zakin, Partner at Upfront Ventures, offered the venture capital lens, sharing how most of his early-stage investments now involve AI. As both a former founder and investor, he reflected on the tension between technology and value creation, noting that while AI may disrupt traditional roles, it also democratizes innovation, lowering barriers for new entrepreneurs and enabling smaller teams to achieve more.
Deep Reflections and Bold Predictions
Moderator Roland Deiser guided the discussion toward broader implications for organizational culture, structure, and systems, raising thought-provoking questions about the responsibility that comes with AI. Participants acknowledged that AI systems never operate with purely objective data – bias and politics are always part of the equation.
The panel also touched on the future of work: Will AI eliminate entry-level positions? Deiser pointed out that major firms like PwC have already stopped hiring junior roles due to automation – prompting concerns about how future professionals will gain the experience needed to become senior leaders. Panelists agreed that while AI will continue to transform industries from the bottom up, it will also create new opportunities for startups and innovators.
Predictions for the near future ranged from human oversight of AI agents to the belief that politics will be the last domain AI replaces. As one panelist remarked, “We are living in a historic moment – the next five years will be truly transformative.”
A Night of Insight and Connection
Following the panel and Q&A, attendees continued lively discussions over refreshments, exchanging insights and business cards as new connections were made across industries. For many, it was their first GABA event – and a clear sign that the conversation around AI’s role in shaping our collective future is only just beginning.
More photos on Facebook – photos by Albert Evangelista Photography
The event was generously sponsored by Miles & More, TriNet, and Cooley. Guests were gifted with pralines and power chargers provided by Miles & More – a thoughtful touch that complemented the lively networking atmosphere. Microsoft offered its spacious, modern venue, perfectly suited for a night dedicated to innovation and conversation.
GABA thanks its partners, sponsors, and guests for making “AI at the Edge of Innovation” an evening to remember – and a milestone in advancing the dialogue on responsible and impactful innovation.
