​Just One Conversation

A Strategic AI Consultation with Des McCabe

1.    An Invitation


​We’re living through the biggest workplace and societal shift in generations. AI isn’t just another piece of technology - it’s reshaping how we live, work, and relate to each other.   If your organisation is still thinking of AI as a digital upgrade, it may already be falling behind.

For many governments, businesses, international  organizations and public sector bodies, the AI question is “How do we lead  through this  period  so that we protect our people, purpose, and our future?”

That’s where our conversation begins.

I work with senior leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and executive teams to help them make sense of what AI means in real, human terms, and so empower them to shape a response that’s values-driven, inclusive, and future-focused.

So, this is an invitation to a one-hour, strategic conversation. It's designed for those who want to look beyond the headlines and take meaningful and  practical steps forward.

In the section below I'll highlight many of the key questions I am often asked and by whom - from  the four sectors mentioned above. We're all in this together.

And then, I'll cover the practicalities of our  meeting and what we might cover in the  conversation.

 2. WHAT are Your Questions - and  WHO is this for? 


​I have been fortunate to work with many senior leaders over the years (see Development of  the Work it Out Way  - a brief Chronology)   

It would be helpful to  reflect on some of the challenges ahead  by sharing some of the questions and discussion points that have come up in my recent Consultations. This is not the full list! 

I have also suggested some of the key roles that  can benefit from this conversation. 

​AI Questions for Government Departments and the Civil Service
​
  1. How could AI enable more inclusive, human-first public services beyond efficiency gains?
  2. What approaches are we taking to use AI as a tool for protecting rather than policing communities?
  3. How might public policy better reflect lived experiences in an age of algorithmic influence?
  4. What opportunities do we have to co-create AI strategies alongside those we serve?
  5. How are we designing systems that honour the full complexity of individuals, not just data points?
  6. What is our agency’s potential role in fostering kindness, care, and wellbeing through AI?
  7. How do we recognise and support public servants as relationship-builders in a digital context?
  8. How might AI contribute to a cultural shift from top-down control to trust-based collaboration?
  9. Where are we holding space for open and transparent conversations on AI’s role in democratic life?
  10. How can principles like community, meitheal, and shared purpose guide our AI initiatives?
  11. How do we move from departmental silos toward more integrated, people-led AI strategies?
  12. What kind of legacy are we shaping, is it one grounded in systems compliance or collective care?
For Government Departments and Civil Service   Personnel   

​This consultation is particularly relevant for senior personnel within Government Departments and the Civil Service, including Permanent Secretaries, Directors General, Assistant Secretaries, and Chief Scientific or Data Officers. It is also well suited for Heads of Digital Government or AI Strategy, Policy Directors responsible for inclusion, employment, technology, or social cohesion, and Senior Civil Service Leaders engaged in transformation and innovation. In addition, the session offers value to Heads of Regulatory Bodies, Public Accountability Units, and Senior Advisors to Ministers or Task Forces working on AI, technology, or future readiness.​​

​AI Questions for Businesses ​

  1. How might we design our business around uniquely human contributions rather than technological capability?
  2. What aspects of our work foster meaning, purpose, and real human connection?
  3. How are we enabling our people to shape new roles and workpieces that reflect their evolving strengths?
  4. What kind of internal culture are we cultivating—one of mutual support or individual competition?
  5. How could AI strengthen human connection within teams and with customers?
  6. What would it look like to build an organisation around shared purpose instead of hierarchical efficiency?
  7. How are we creating space for individuals to bring their full selves into the workplace?
  8. In what ways can we co-create value with communities through products, services, and partnerships?
  9. How do we ensure transparency and honest engagement with all those impacted by our AI decisions?
  10. What new ways might we define success—beyond financial performance?
  11. How are we embodying the inverted pyramid and allowing leadership to emerge from every level?
  12. What ensures our long-term relevance if people are no longer required to operate our systems?
For Businesses and Corporate Leaders

Senior leaders in large businesses will find this session invaluable - particularly CEOs, Board Members, and Executive Directors. It is relevant for Chief Strategy Officers, Chief People Officers, and Heads of Innovation or Digital Transformation. HR and Culture Leaders managing organisational change, DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Executives, and those responsible for ESG, future workforce planning, or AI integration will also benefit from the opportunity to explore people-centred approaches to growth and sustainability.
​

​AI Questions for International Organisations and Agencies​​
​
  1. What hidden dynamics might be reinforcing power through AI—and how can we shift toward open collaboration?
  2. How are we protecting the cultural, spiritual, and social identity of communities in a digital future?
  3. What ways exist for us to co-create with and empower those most impacted by inequality?
  4. How could we build a relationship-based model of AI governance across regions and sectors?
  5. What role does AI play in distributing leadership and encouraging collective, people-powered movements?
  6. How do we move from bureaucratic systems to fluid, values-led networks?
  7. What insights can we surface and share from grassroots wisdom using AI as a bridge?
  8. How do we integrate compassion into our strategic frameworks and funding priorities?
  9. When responding to crises, how do we balance tech-based solutions with human care and presence?
  10. What practices will ensure global AI strategies are informed by every region, language, and experience?
  11. What story are we writing for future generations about our role in the AI era?
  12. How can AI help us build new global alliances rooted in kindness, inclusion, and shared humanity?
For International Organisations and Development Agency Personnel:

This session is ideal for leaders in international organisations and development agencies, including UN Agency Directors, Regional Coordinators, and Global Programme Heads. It offers insight for Strategic Advisors working on governance, inclusion, ethics, or digital rights, as well as for Innovation Lab Leads, Humanitarian Tech Coordinators, and those shaping cross-border AI policy. It’s also relevant for senior personnel within donor organisations and funding bodies aiming to align digital advancement with people-first principles and global responsibility.​
​

AI Questions for Public Sector Bodies 

  1. How are we using AI to enrich public service by deepening connection and understanding?
  2. What practical support and encouragement are we offering to help staff grow through this transition?
  3. How might we include voices from the frontline and the public in shaping AI priorities?
  4. Where are we creating shared spaces of purpose across departments—not just isolated goals?
  5. What does it look like to scale human relationships, not just digital systems, through AI?
  6. How do we design AI to serve people holistically rather than functionally?
  7. What possibilities exist to build shared responsibility across agencies with AI as a connecting tool?
  8. How can AI be a force for wellbeing, hope, and dignity in how we serve?
  9. What actions help us evolve from working in isolation to growing communities of collaboration?
  10. How do we embed values like kindness, oneness, and inclusion into our digital strategies?
  11. What meaningful work can AI enable public servants to take on next?
  12. How can we ensure our shift to AI makes our organisation more human - not just more efficient?​ ​​
For Senior Leaders in the Public Sector:

​This session is designed for senior leaders across public bodies and local authorities, including Chief Executives of councils, Directors of Public Health, Education, or Social Care, and Heads of Transformation or Service Delivery. It is especially relevant for HR Directors, Organisational Development Leads, and those responsible for digital inclusion, workforce change, and community engagement. The conversation will also benefit Programme Leads and Strategy Managers working on local innovation, smart cities, or cross-agency collaboration.​

 4. Limited Sessions Available


  • ​SESSIONS AVAILABLE -  I have limited   spaces  available each week, so  please check my calendar to see if there's a  time that works for you. 
  • FEE  -  There is  no cost for any consultations.

5.   In our Meeting


​You and I may  not sort out the world in an hour  (!) but I will be able to  give you my personal insights and reflection on  how best to address the key challeges you may be facing.  

  1. Insights and Reflections​
    A summary of the major insights, reflections, and questions that emerge in our session will help you to focus on your people, purpose, and AI journey.
  2. Challenges, Opportunities and Blind Spots
    Tailored suggestions that highlight immediate opportunities for people-first AI leadership, as well as potential gaps or overlooked areas.
  3. Priority Areas for Action
    A short list of recommended next steps specific to your context. I'll organise this    into short-term, medium-term, and strategic actions.
  4. Relevant Questions from the AI Reflection List
    Other AI questions  and perspectives    (from government, business, public sector, or international organisations) that align with your situation, to guide further internal reflection and planning.
  5. People-Centred Strategy Principles
    An alignment   of values-led, inclusive approaches rooted in The Work It Out Way, that are relevant and adaptable  for your leadership context.
  6. Optional Pathways for Continued Work
    If appropriate, I’ll include suggestions for what further support might look like, such as a follow-up session, pilot initiative, internal staff briefing, training sessions, or a larger strategic partnership.

6. Using the  Outcomes


Following our meeting you will be able:
  • To brief your team or leadership on the key themes, insights, and priorities that emerged during our session - clearly and practically.
  • To begin building  an   internal roadmap, helping you take the conversation forward across departments or stakeholder groups.
  • To guide the development of your AI strategy, with a focus on people, purpose, and long-term impact - not just tech implementation.
  • To prompt further reflection and planning, using the points    for future conversations, exploration, or organisational engagement.
  • To develop a practical implementation process , leading to e.g., a pilot initiative, training sessions, senior management workshops or further support. 
  • To  clarify next steps, secure internal support and investment, or move toward deeper collaboration.

7. Shall we meet? 


​Please use the link below to choose a time that works for you. Many thanks. Looking forward to  supportng the important work you do. 
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