Knowledge at Noon: Building Strategic Teams in an AI World

This practical, thought-provoking presentation by Mary Rapaport, Chief Xceleration Officer and founder of Xcelerate, explores how AI is accelerating the need for deeper thinking across every level of the organization. It’s easy to focus on tools and efficiency—but if we aren’t intentional, we’ll forget to build the strategic capabilities that matter most.

Mary will show how leaders can shift from reactive problem-solving to forward-focused development—and how to embed strategic thinking into the everyday work of your team. You’ll explore why strategic thinking has quietly eroded over time, how today’s pressures are compounding the problem, and what leaders can do right now to turn the tide.

This session is packed with practical, actionable approaches to help leaders strengthen the strategic muscle of their teams—starting now.

What You'll Walk Away With:

• A clearer sense of why strategic thinking is a critical business skill—and how it creates long-term value
• Insight into how AI is creating pressure (and opportunity) to upskill thinking across your organization
• A look at the hidden causes behind the decline in strategic thinking and how they show up today
• Practical ways to help your team focus less on firefighting and more on forward-thinking
• Tools and techniques to embed strategic development into daily work—not just learning sessions
• Approaches for building a culture that supports strategic insight, better decisions, and bolder ideas