The first session focused on a simple but often overlooked reality: d
igital transformation is a leadership challenge first – not a technology one.
While tools evolve rapidly, organisations often struggle to absorb change at the same pace. When transformation becomes technology-led rather than people-led, the result can be fatigue, disengagement, and poorly embedded change.
Key themes from the session included:
• Technology should serve long-term organisational purpose – not be adopted for its own sake.
• Leaders must prioritise clarity, trade-offs, and sustainable direction.
• Continuous change requires attention to wellbeing and trust.
• Resistance is not obstruction – it is information.
The discussion explored how effective digital leaders balance optimism with realism, remove blockers for their teams, and protect capacity in environments of constant disruption. Governance, ownership, and clear accountability structures were highlighted as essential foundations for successful transformation.
The message was clear: sustainable advantage comes from people, not platforms.
The second session shifted focus to one of the most urgent issues facing organisations today: responsible AI.
As AI systems move from automation toward greater autonomy, ethical governance is no longer theoretical. It is operational.
Core principles discussed included:
• Fairness
• Transparency
• Accountability
• Sustainability
• Human oversight.
A key takeaway resonated strongly with the audience: compliance alone is not enough to be ethical.
Organisations may meet regulatory requirements but still fail to maintain trust if AI systems lack clear ownership, oversight, and cultural embedding. The myth that “the algorithm decided” was challenged directly – responsibility always remains human.
The session introduced a practical Responsible AI Lifecycle framework:
• Design – ethical intent and risk assessment
• Deploy – governance, transparency, oversight
• Use – monitoring, accountability, continuous learning.
Attendees were encouraged to define acceptable and unacceptable AI use, train staff on ethical decision-making, and establish internal champions or governance structures to embed responsibility into everyday practice.
The overarching message: AI should augment human judgement – not replace it.
What stood out at TechEx was the appetite for practical, grounded guidance.
Across both sessions, professionals from different sectors asked thoughtful questions about:
• How to manage change without overwhelming teams
• How to embed ethical oversight into real business processes
• How to balance innovation with risk management
• How to upskill teams responsibly.
The level of engagement reinforced a clear theme emerging across industry: organisations are moving beyond experimentation and now want frameworks, governance, and leadership capability that will stand up over time.
At Duco Digital Training, our focus remains on equipping professionals with the knowledge, judgement, and confidence to lead responsibly in an AI-driven world.
As a BCS-accredited training organisation, we deliver accredited courses in:
• Artificial Intelligence
• AI Ethics and Governance
• Digital Leadership
• Data Protection
• Business Analysis
TechEx 2026 reinforced that technical capability alone is not enough. Sustainable digital transformation depends on leadership maturity, ethical awareness, and structured governance.
If your organisation is exploring AI adoption, reviewing digital strategy, or building internal capability in responsible technology, we would be delighted to continue the conversation about how we can support with building appropriate skills and training in your organisation.
👉 www.ducodigitaltraining.com
Or connect with us on
LinkedIn to continue the discussion around digital leadership and responsible AI.
