Delivering his keynote titled “The Disruptive Technology Of AI And How It Affects The C-Suite,” Gary challenged business leaders to look beyond AI buzz and focus on how the technology can meaningfully align with their company’s vision, mission, and customer outcomes. Using vivid analogies and real-world cautionary tales like Kodak’s decline and Shopify’s strategic rise, he urged executives to “ride the wave” of AI’s sweet spot—not fall behind or rush in blindly.

Contributing to the panel “Negotiation Strategies: Achieving Win-Win Pricing Agreements,” Gary unpacked the power of intentional communication in deal-making. Drawing on his hands-on experience in global sourcing, he explained that success in negotiation often stems from curiosity and empathy. “You don’t always need to lower your price. Sometimes, you just need to ask better questions,” he shared, underscoring the role of trust-building in long-term partnerships.

During the “Leading For Tomorrow: C-Suite Outlook 2025” panel discussion, Gary emphasized the importance of culture over tools, noting that while AI and technology are essential, the true foundation of any organization lies in its people. He also addressed the generational shift in expectations, particularly among younger hires fluent in tools like ChatGPT, urging leaders to create a work environment that attracts and retains forward-thinking talent. Additionally, he highlighted the significance of clarity, active listening, and accepting failure as key leadership traits, concluding with the advice that “the secret to business is being less screwed up than your competitor.”