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Tired of hearing about "AI transformation" without seeing a clear path to implementation? This discussion takes a different turn. It sets the essential groundwork that makes AI truly effective in insurance. We engage with Heidi Delobelle, CEO of AG Insurance, Belgium's oldest and leading insurer, to explore how AI has been integrated into daily operations while remaining reliable, secure, and transparent.

We focus on where the real value materialises. Heidi reveals that a successful AI strategy goes beyond cost savings to enhance customer experience, streamline distribution, and bolster employee support. We explore hybrid service models in which digital channels manage routine tasks, leaving humans to handle critical interactions. We also delve into how AI and data are reshaping call centres, moving past "press 1" menus to provide agents with real customer insights, enabling quicker and higher-quality resolutions.

Next, we examine the foundations and risks of AI. Clean data, a unified customer view, a shared sandbox, and central standards prevent chaotic tech and help mitigate AI risks. Heidi highlights the importance of governance, cybersecurity, bias checks, and human oversight for significant decisions and external communications. You'll also hear about a specific use case where AI reduces SME underwriting research from days to minutes, freeing up capacity for growth, along with a five-year perspective on claims automation and prevention-focused insurance.

If this conversation has sparked new ideas on applying generative AI, data governance, and responsible AI in your organisation, subscribe, share the episode and leave a review.

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Welcome to a special episode of AI Unscripted, recorded during our recent strategy session in Antwerp. This conversation brings together leading voices to explore the urgency, risks, and opportunities of the AI revolution—and what it means for your business, your teams, and the future of work.

Panelists Xavier Verhaeghe, Rik Vera, Joris Van Der Gucht and Prof. Dr. Ann Nowé draw compelling parallels between the current AI wave and the early days of the internet, noting that AI is an active, rapidly evolving tool that demands swift action from organisations. Unlike previous technological shifts, AI’s accessibility allows even small teams to build impactful products quickly, reducing barriers to innovation and enabling a new generation of creators.

The discussion highlights the importance of responsible AI adoption, focusing on transparency, explainability, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. Social scientists and technologists are working together to address bias and make sure AI aligns with human values. Human input remains essential, guiding AI systems and validating their outcomes, especially as large language models become more prevalent in business and daily life.

Real-world examples showcase how AI’s reshaping industries, from gaming—where AI enhances user engagement—to professional services—where clients increasingly seek validation of AI-generated advice. The panel acknowledged the unpredictable pace of AI’s evolution, urging leaders to foster a growth mindset and embrace experimentation.

Ultimately, the session underscores the critical role of leadership in navigating AI-driven change. Storytelling, vision, and engagement are key to overcoming resistance and making sure organisations thrive ethically and responsibly in the age of AI.

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What does it take to reinvent a bank for the AI era? In this episode, we sit down with Johan Thijs, CEO of KBC Group, who shares how his background in applied mathematics and actuarial science shaped a bold, data-driven strategy for one of Europe’s leading financial institutions.

Johan explains how KBC’s virtual assistant, Kate, was designed to proactively solve customer problems, not just answer questions. The goal: zero hassle, zero friction, and instant solutions—like blocking a lost credit card and issuing a new one in minutes, all without human intervention. He demystifies the investment behind Kate, clarifying that the real cost lies in the infrastructure, not the AI itself, and shares how initial skepticism from staff gave way to widespread adoption as the benefits became clear.

We challenge the common view that AI is just for back-office efficiency. Johan argues that starting with customer-facing solutions delivers the biggest impact, and that KBC’s approach—using AI first to drive sales and value—helped secure buy-in and measurable returns. He warns that Europe risks falling behind global tech giants unless it gets smarter about data sharing and regulation and stresses the importance of trust: KBC never sells customer data, using it only to personalize and anticipate needs.

Johan also shares his optimism for the future, urging everyone to keep learning as AI reshapes cognitive work. He highlights KBC’s internal AI-powered training platform, Stipple, which helps staff match their skills to future roles. The episode closes with practical advice: focus on customer needs, adapt as technology evolves, and embrace the blend of human and machine intelligence. If you want to see how AI can transform not just processes but the entire customer experience, this conversation is essential for listening.

Join us and listen to all episodes on www.pwc.be/aiunscripted