AI-First, Not AI-Overwhelmed
Thu Oct 9, 13:00 - Thu Oct 9, 14:30
Innovation City
ABOUT
AI-First, Not AI-Overwhelmed: A Playbook for Incumbents
Date: Thursday, 9 October 2025
Time:13h00 – 14h30
Venue: Innovation City Cape Town
For CEOs, CMOs, and Strategy Leads navigating the age of AI.
About the Masterclass
AI is here and it’s not waiting for your five-year strategy plan. For established businesses trying to protect what they’ve built while tapping into new AI-driven growth, the challenge isn’t if to act, but how.
In this practical, high-impact masterclass, Per Lagerstrom shares the framework behind GAIN, his new AI-first advisory venture designed specifically for traditional businesses under pressure. With a focus on clarity over hype, Per will break down what actually matters, what doesn’t, and how to take action quickly, with minimal disruption and maximum results.
You’ll leave with a clear, tested approach to:
* Responding to AI with speed and strategic intent
* Future-proofing your core business operations
* Identifying and executing on new growth opportunities
* Doing all of the above without stretching your bandwidth
Whether you’re an executive, transformation lead, or board advisor, this session offers a rare chance to cut through the noise and tap into real-world lessons from the frontier of AI-enabled change.
Who Should Attend
* CEOs and Executive Leadership Teams
* CMOs and Heads of Strategy
* Transformation, Digital, and Innovation Leads
* Board Members and Corporate Advisors
* Business owners looking to act, not just react, to AI
Seats are limited.
SPEAKER
Per Lagerstrom – Venture Builder, Founder of GAIN and Senior Advisor to Boards & CEOs
Per Lagerstrom is a former McKinsey partner, founder of multiple ventures (including BehaviorTech and GAIN), and a senior advisor to boards and CEOs navigating digital transformation. A global strategist with deep experience across Europe and Africa, Per has advised businesses in sectors ranging from financial services and retail to private equity and marketing. His current focus? Helping established organisations move fast, with confidence, in the age of AI.
INNOVATION CITY MEMBERS
NOTE: Innovation City members can get free access to all IC weekly events. (You will find the discount code on the IC app.)
EVENT ATTENDANCE
Our team spends an immense amount of time creating and curating our weekly events. We would like to encourage a culture of commitment and follow through. Please note that participants who register but do not attend without prior notice will be blacklisted from future events.
Should you no longer be able to attend the event, please change your RSVP status, which you are able to link to on your emailed ticket.
We look forward to welcoming you to Innovation City and appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
Should you no longer be able to attend the event, please change your RSVP status, which you are able to link to on your emailed ticket.
We look forward to welcoming you to Innovation City and appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
VIDEO
DISCLAIMER
*Disclaimer: By purchasing a ticket to this event, you acknowledge and agree that your access to the venue is contingent upon presenting your ticket for entry. Additionally, you understand that you will receive one parking validation valid only for the 2-3 hour slot at Kloof Lifestyle Center. To claim one free parking, please present the parking ticket from Kloof Lifestyle Center and we will validate it after the event. Please note that this offer is subject to availability and may be subject to change without prior notice. The event organisers reserve the right to modify or withdraw this offer at any time. By registering for this event, you agree to subscribe to Innovation City's weekly newsletter. You are welcome to cancel the subscription at any time. Innovation City and Workshack members attend for free.
PARKING
Location: We're just off Kloof Street on Darter Road.
Traffic Alert: Please be cautious of traffic heading into town.
Parking Options:
Traffic Alert: Please be cautious of traffic heading into town.
Parking Options:
- Behind the Spar on Kloof Street.
- Kloof Street and surrounding areas.
- Parkade Kloof Lifestyle Center on Park Road.
DIRECTIONS
AI-First, Not AI-Overwhelmed
Innovation City
Darter Studios, Darter Road, Longkloof, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
Get Directions