AI & the Future of Business Series Debuts with Focus on Retail Transformation

November 13, 6–9 p.m. | UW Bothell Campus, ARC Overlook

Artificial intelligence is transforming how businesses operate, innovate and create value across industries. Hosted by Dean Sophie Leroy, the AI & the Future of Business series brings together industry leaders, practitioners and visionaries to explore how AI is reshaping the retail sector — from customer experience and personalization to supply chain intelligence and operations.

The evening will feature insights from Aseem Datar (Microsoft), Bill Price (Driva Solutions, former Amazon VP of Customer Service), Katie Young (formerly of Starbucks), and Rakesh Menon (Amazon), moderated by Professor Surya Pathak.

“We launched the AI & the Future of Business series to create a space where business leaders, innovators, students, alumni, faculty, staff and the broader community can come together to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the future of work and the future of business.”

“As a business school, we are committed to not only understanding these Al-driven shifts, but also leading the conversation about what they mean for business, innovation, and impact.”

– Sophie Leroy, dean of School of Business at University of Washington Bothell

By starting with retail — one of the most dynamic industries for AI innovation — the School is spotlighting where technology is visibly transforming how businesses engage customers, manage operations and deliver value. This inaugural event bridges academic research with real-world application, connecting those who are studying the future with those who are building it.

Through this series we will continue to explore how artificial intelligence is driving transformation across industries, positioning the UW Bothell School of Business as a regional hub for insight and innovation at the intersection of technology and business.

The Al & the Future of Business: Retail event is made possible with support from Kemper Holdings, LLC.

Registration is open through November 9.