Vanessa Green

Our CEO's Message

October 2026

Vanessa Green

Dear Reader,

AI adoption is no longer the challenge it once was. Most employees expected to use AI at work now have access to organisational tools, yet many are also choosing their own. That’s not a governance problem, it’s a signal that people are actively seeking better ways to work.

This video explores the growing gap between technology investment and genuine workplace transformation. While organisations continue to focus on AI tools, the real opportunity lies in building capability: helping people redesign how work gets done, learn from one another, and develop new skills in real-world settings.

Drawing on research and customer examples, including 🔗Cleanaway’s multi-city Sales Academy, I talk about how experiential, social and peer-driven learning is reshaping workforce development. Rather than flying employees to a single location, organisations can bring learning experiences closer to where people work, creating stronger engagement while reducing travel costs.

The video also examines changing event budget priorities for 2027, revealing why AV, catering and travel costs are putting more pressure on planners than venue hire, and why reliability, seamless execution and integrated event delivery are increasingly valued by customers.

The key takeaway? Success in 2027 won’t be determined by which AI tools organisations buy. It will depend on how effectively they build capability, connect people, and create environments where learning, collaboration and change can happen.

Yours sincerely,

Vanessa Green

CEO

Cliftons