Hi both, thanks so much for taking the time to speak with us and for speaking at European Women in Technology! Firstly, please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit more about you and your career to date!

Joyce Lopulalan: Hi there! I'm a Business Manager at Future Facts (part of Conclusion) and a specialist in data-driven innovation and AI. With a strong foundation in product development and business strategy, data has been the common thread throughout my entire professional career. I focus on the responsible and practical application of AI within organizations and I'm also an active speaker on digital transformation and responsible AI.

Nicola Fitzsimons: Hello! I am the Chapter Lead for Data Science at Future Facts Conclusion. I'm on a mission to democratize AI across industries, making it accessible to people of all backgrounds and experience levels. I'm driven by the belief that the future is brighter when AI positively augments human capabilities, and focus on solving real business challenges through effective, responsible AI solutions. I'm dedicated to building teams that are supportive, growth-orientated, and accessible. All problems can be solved with the right team, the right energy, and the right AI. 

What are you looking forward to at European Women in Technology?

Joyce: I am especially looking forward to the personal stories of all the women in tech: both on stage and off stage. In previous editions the presentations all showed drive, persistence and ambition. Three key elements to reach your goal as a woman in tech!

Nicola: I am looking forward to the energy of the event. It’s awesome to see so many people come together to share ideas, stories and possibilities, and of course that so many women get the podium to speak. 

What does the Leading the Digital Revolution theme mean to you?

Joyce: In my opinion, leading the digital revolution means shaping the future of business by turning emerging technologies into real-world value. It's not just about adopting AI or digital tools — it's about helping organizations reimagine how they operate, compete, and grow in a world where change is constant.

Nicola: For me, leading the digital revolution truly embodies change in its fullest form. It's not just the way we work that's evolving—the very rules of the game are constantly shifting. Having this as this year's theme is especially important, because it opens the door for honest conversations about change: what drives it, what’s needed, and why it never really stops. In a world shaped by digital transformation, understanding and embracing change is no longer optional—it's essential.

What can attendees expect from your session?

Joyce: Together with my colleague Nicola, we aim to inspire attendees not only to explore the possibilities of emerging technologies, but also to critically assess and improve existing processes. That’s where the quick wins lie — in reducing costs, using capacity more effectively, and addressing challenges related to scarcity.

Nicola: It’s very simple: everywhere we go, we hear about workforce shortages, resource constraints, and supply chain inefficiencies. These are real challenges, but they are not insurmountable. Many of these issues are solvable, or at the very least, manageable to a far greater degree than we often realize. The key lies in how we approach the problem. When we step back, look at the root causes, and understand how technologies like AI can be used as tools (not replacements, but tools) we begin to create solutions that are not just reactive, but lasting and stable. That’s where true impact begins. In our workshop we will explore what to do and how to do it!

What is your biggest prediction for 2025 for technology?

Joyce: In 2025, I believe we will see a significant shift in how organisations and employees interact with emerging technologies. The rapid development and integration of technologies like AI agents will demand new ways of working, greater agility, and a higher level of AI literacy across the workforce. Companies that fail to anticipate and prepare for this shift risk falling behind – and eventually becoming obsolete. Alongside (Gen)AI, I am particularly looking forward to advancements in quantum computing. If quantum capabilities become more accessible to the public and businesses, they could unlock unprecedented acceleration in problem-solving and innovation, opening doors to possibilities we haven't even imagined yet.

Nicola: In 2025, AI literacy (particularly at the boardroom level) should and will be central to the successful realisation of AI within organizations. As AI moves from buzzword to business-critical tool, leadership teams need to do more than just approve investments; they need to understand what AI is actually doing. Increasingly, companies are no longer chasing AI for the sake of innovation alone. They’re looking for stability. They want to know: What real problem is this solving? What process is being improved? How do we navigate change management? And most importantly, what’s the return on investment? Without clarity on those questions, AI remains a risky experiment. With it, AI becomes a strategic advantage.

Register for your place to join Joyce and Nicola for their workshop 'Strategic Capacity Planning in the Age of AI' at European Women in Technology on 25 - 26 June!