The digital landscape is shifting and evolving so fast and so fluidly, that I knew it was imperative to get ahead of change if I wanted to have a dynamic role in driving innovation forward within my organisation. For me, this also meant getting the bigger picture: a truly comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of AI and its practical business applications, as well as a strong grasp of the potential benefits for my team and the wider business.
Novartis is one of the world’s foremost pharmaceutical organisations, renowned for continuously pushing the boundaries in innovative treatment of a broad array of serious medical conditions and illnesses. As Global Engagement Lead within the company’s Business Process Excellence function—and even more recently, as Strategic Assistant to the function’s Global Head—Michal Šrámek well understands the imperative to stay ahead of the curve in innovation and break-through technology. And it is this drive to keep pace with dynamic change and spot emerging opportunities that brought Michal to INSEAD in 2024. Specifically, the AI for Business programme addressed the challenges and objectives in front of him, he says.
“The digital landscape is shifting and evolving so fast and so fluidly, that I knew it was imperative to get ahead of change if I wanted to have a dynamic role in driving innovation forward within my organisation. For me, this also meant getting the bigger picture: a truly comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of AI and its practical business applications, as well as a strong grasp of the potential benefits for my team and the wider business.”
Bringing AI to life
INSEAD was a natural choice, Michal adds, not least because of the School’s “world-class reputation for excellence,” and practical approach to applied learning. Going into the programme, the bar was set high, he says. Even so, there were a few surprising moments: highlights that lent the learning experience an unexpected dynamism and momentum.
“The theory and the ideas are clearly communicated, but for me, the breakout sessions with peers were particularly impactful and illuminating. Working together with diverse colleagues using different tools like ChatGPT or NotebookLM, we were able to explore the range of AI applications on real-world case studies and practical use cases across a breadth of sectors and organisations,” says Michal. “These sessions really brought the potential of AI and its impact on the work that we do to life.”
The sheer diversity of the cohort was also an unexpected benefit. Michal found himself learning and exploring alongside peers from sectors as different as finance and retails, banking and insurance, FMCG, healthcare and life sciences. This breadth of perspective, experience and expertise enriched the learning exponentially, he says.
“Diversity like this means that class interactions between peers and faculty are exceptionally enriched. You are exposed to so many different perspectives on the applications and the possibilities of AI across a slew of industries, sectors and spaces. I genuinely appreciated being part of such a varied group of individuals from so many different backgrounds.”
Working together with diverse colleagues on group activities within the programme afforded them an opportunity to bond as a team, Michal adds: “We were really empowered to understand each other, to see new possibilities and to find innovative and creative ways to apply our new knowledge.”
An invaluable learning experience
Coming out of the programme, Michal has found ways to leverage this new knowledge within the organisation, and to help generate new value for the company, he says. Specifically, he and his team are focused on implementing new AI use cases across the company’s value chain.
“In my area, we’re concentrating a lot now on deploying AI to enhance process mining and process intelligence initiatives with the goal of driving overall efficiency across the entirety of the organisation,” says Michal. “And we are seeing some incredibly encouraging results and impact.”
Interestingly, while his practical understanding of AI and its potential application has grown immeasurably, the programme has also given him deeper insights into many of the broader issues surrounding technology and digital disruption in general; insights that have helped him gain perspective on governance.
“In addition to the practical knowledge I acquired, I also feel far better informed about issues like governance and organisational design—and the role that AI plays in these critical domains,” says Michal. “I particularly appreciated the thought-provoking discussions with peers, led by INSEAD faculty, that challenged us to think about AI adoption across organisations. These discussions really emphasised how successful deployment of new technologies in any company hinges on the intentional establishment of the right governance principles, protocols and practices.”
Going forward, Michal and his team remain focused on the responsible use of AI in driving organisational efficiencies; work that has benefitted enormously, he says, from the clarity and confidence that he has gained thanks to the programme: “I now feel so much more comfortable and confident in meetings and in calls with external vendors, as well as our own digital and IT departments. And that in itself is invaluable.”
INSEAD’s AI for Business programme has proved a transformational learning journey for Michal Šrámek, and it is a journey that he would not hesitate to recommend to anyone in any industry, organisation or role, who like him, is keen to accelerate their understanding of AI and the world of potential applications it opens.
“The programme is thorough, practical, and provides actionable insights that can be directly applied to your career. What’s more, our cohort has kept in touch even after the completion of the programme, continuing to exchange interesting stories from the world of tech, and sharing best practices from our industries,” he says. “I would highly recommend AI for Business.”
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