AI Revolution Tests Jamaican Business Leaders

AI Revolution puts Jamaican Business Leadership to the Test as Global Experts Head to Kingston

As artificial intelligence transforms industries, reshapes jobs and changes how businesses operate, Jamaican executives are being challenged to confront a critical question: Are they developing the leadership capabilities needed to guide their organisations through the next wave of technological disruption?

The issue will take centre stage on Thursday, November 19, 2026, when three international technology and leadership experts participate in the Power of Presence Series at S Hotel Kingston.

Presented by Summer Communications in collaboration with PPIVOTT, the executive forum will bring together Allen Rintoul Joseph, Founder and Technology Visionary of Vonnue Innovations; Allwyn Kent, Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Vonnue Innovations; and Dr. Dale Caldwell, former Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State of New Jersey.

The discussions will explore the relationship between technological innovation, organisational competitiveness and the ability of leaders to influence change.

According to Gail Abrahams, Founder and CEO of Summer Communications, Jamaican businesses must recognise that preparing for the future involves more than investing in new technologies. “Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, compete and make decisions. But technology alone will not determine which organisations succeed. Leadership, strategic thinking and the ability to bring people along through change will be equally important,” Abrahams said.

“We have to ask whether our leaders are prepared to challenge established ways of doing business, embrace innovation and create organisations that can adapt to a very different future.”

Abrahams, a seasoned communications and reputation management specialist, said the Power of Presence Series was conceived to connect Jamaican decision-makers with international expertise while encouraging meaningful conversations about Jamaica’s business Future.

Allen Rintoul Joseph will deliver the main presentation, titled “The future won’t wait: How can industry leaders survive the next wave of disruptions?”

With more than 20 years of experience in enterprise software, embedded systems and emerging technologies, Joseph has worked at the forefront of technology-driven innovation. His company, Vonnue Innovations, operates across India, Singapore and Luxembourg and has worked with international organisations including The Economist, GIC, Bosch, SES Satellites and Singtel.

Joseph will examine how emerging technologies are changing productivity, customer expectations, business models and the skills organisations will require to remain competitive.

The programme will also provide an opportunity for participating businesses to undergo AI readiness assessments conducted by Dr. Dale Caldwell, offering insights into their preparedness for technological change. Caldwell, an academic administrator, author and leadership expert, is recognised for his work on intelligent influence and organisational effectiveness.

A former President of Centenary University and author of Intelligent Influence: The 4 Steps of Highly Successful Leaders and Organizations, Caldwell will explore how leaders can build influence, strengthen relationships and guide organisations through uncertainty.

He will join Allwyn Kent in the Exclusive Visionary Circle, a moderated executive discussion examining the intersection of leadership, technology and business transformation.

Kent brings international experience in commercial strategy, enterprise growth and translating technological innovation into business opportunities.

O’Neil Walters, Managing Partner of PPIVOTT, said Jamaica must strengthen the connection between international innovation and local business development. “The future of Jamaica’s economy will depend in part on our ability to develop leaders who understand global change and can translate emerging opportunities into sustainable business growth.

We have the talent and entrepreneurial spirit, but we must continue to expand access to international expertise, strategic relationships and new ways of thinking,” Walters said.

He noted that the collaboration between PPIVOTT and Summer Communications is intended to create opportunities for Jamaican executives to engage with global perspectives and explore partnerships that support innovation and competitiveness.

For Abrahams, the forum represents an opportunity to move beyond discussions about technological change and focus on the decisions business leaders must make today. “We want executives to leave with more than an appreciation of what artificial intelligence can do. We want them to examine their own leadership, the readiness of their organisations and the actions required to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive world,” she said.

The November 19 programme begins at 4:30 p.m. with Joseph’s main presentation, followed by the Exclusive Visionary Circle at 6:30 p.m., featuring executive dialogue and networking.

For registration and enquiries, email bookings@summercomms.com

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