AI in action, not just in theory

As a software developer and freelancer, I've seen plenty of AI demos and proofs of concept. But what stood out at this event was the practicality. Real companies — not startups in stealth mode, but established businesses — shared how they're deploying Google's AI agents to automate workflows and drive measurable productivity gains.

This wasn't hypothetical. It was operational. And that shift from "what AI could do" to "what AI is doing" made all the difference.

The conversations that matter

Beyond the stage presentations, the real value emerged in the spaces between sessions. Meeting professionals from different industries — each navigating their own AI journey — opened up perspectives I wouldn't have found behind a screen.

We shared stories, dissected challenges, and explored where collaboration might lead. These unscripted moments often hold more insight than any keynote.

A conversation with Swedbank

One highlight was connecting with Donatas Alksnys from Swedbank. Our conversation dove into how AI is reshaping the financial sector — from fraud detection and risk assessment to customer service automation.

What struck me was the careful balance banks must maintain: embracing innovation while safeguarding trust. AI in banking isn't just about efficiency — it's about responsibility. Hearing firsthand how a major institution approaches this gave me a new appreciation for the complexity involved.

Key takeaways

Walking away from the event, a few thoughts crystallized:

• AI adoption is accelerating. The gap between early adopters and everyone else is narrowing fast.
• Implementation beats imagination. The companies winning aren't just talking about AI — they're shipping it.
• Cross-industry learning is invaluable. Finance, tech, retail — the patterns of successful AI integration are surprisingly universal.
• Human connection remains irreplaceable. Even in discussions about automation, the most valuable exchanges happened face-to-face.

What's next

Events like this remind me why staying curious matters. The technology landscape shifts constantly, but opportunities emerge for those paying attention.

If you're exploring how AI can transform your business — whether you're a startup founder or leading digital transformation at an enterprise — I'd love to connect. The best ideas often come from unexpected conversations.