Generative AI and Business Transformation

I was drawn to Wharton because I have been following the research coming from the professors for almost two years. I attended the program for a few reasons. First, as head of technology learning for the company, I wanted to assess the viability of the program for our executives going forward. Second, at Visa we are examining the next horizon of using Gen AI to unlock innovation and commercial impact. And third, I'm also a practitioner of GenAI, and it's an area where I wanted to shore up my skillset, particularly in better understanding the use cases, trade-offs, and strategic implications of implementing GenAI across industries and the impact on people, which is the area I focus on.

The program exceeded my expectations. It was extremely well balanced both in the topic areas — implementations, legal implications, and policy — and in terms of the perspectives that the professors brought to the table.

I derived particular value from Professor Hosanagar, who walked us through actual examples of implementation of GenAI and workflows. That was gold because it gave me language to then talk to my executives about not looking only at ROI, but also considering alignment to strategy and culture.

We have a WhatsApp group for the program cohort, and we've been sharing research and ideas and questions. It's brilliant. Having that network alone is a huge value to me.”

Fernando de Leon Senior Director - Global Head of Technology Learning, Visa

I have a solid background in AI, but the field evolves so quickly that staying current is always a challenge. This program gave me a practical framework for implementing AI, focusing on starting with smaller, experimental projects rather than jumping into large-scale initiatives. I also learned new terminology and structures to improve processes we’re already exploring, like how to define and explain complex problems for AI solutions.

Our CEO is forward-thinking, and our senior leadership team is very supportive of exploring AI’s potential. This course gave me the tools to frame and present AI use cases and priorities to leadership more effectively. It also helped me educate them on best practices for implementing AI.

One of the most valuable lessons was learning how to address workforce concerns about AI thoughtfully. The program provided practical strategies for easing fears of job displacement by focusing on upskilling and training employees.

I’ve already shared many insights from the program with our AI governance group and plan to do the same with our AI incubator group, which includes forward-thinking mid-level managers and directors. Before attending, both groups had explored potential use cases, but I now have a framework to help prioritize them. It’s not just about revenue or cost — it’s also about managing risks and ensuring cultural acceptance of AI solutions. For example, financial data projects carry higher risks than creating email content.

The program also gave me the chance to connect with peers from different industries, which helped me understand where we stand in AI adoption. While we entered the generative AI space a little later and haven’t made big investments yet, I learned that we’re ahead in our approach and methodology.

Before the program, I had studied AI extensively and led experiments with my team. The Wharton program helped me organize that knowledge into a clear framework I can use to drive innovation and prioritize AI opportunities. Attending the program strengthened our foundation and accelerated how we use AI. It was time well spent, and I was so impressed that I’m now exploring the General Management Program.”

Jamie Pierce Chief Marketing Officer, Service Corporation International