Dream big and shape the future with Ana Ivanovic-Tongue of academyEX
AI is both exciting and challenging. AcademyEX Chief Delivery Officer Ana Ivanovic-Tongue believes AI represents the biggest disruption and opportunity of our century, and she’s passionate about being part of the conversation that influences what this means for New Zealand and its application to innovation and continuous learning that is required to stay ahead.
Join Ana’s fast-paced, interactive masterclass at our 2025 ACE New Zealand SME Summit on Wednesday 21 May where she’ll inspire you to anticipate and shape the future to strengthen your organisational resilience. With over 20 years’ experience in arts and culture, she is deeply invested in how AI intersects with creativity, education and innovation. This hands-on session will cast your imagination into the future and help you come up with a tangible personal plan for developing future-ready skills.
We asked Ana how a learning mindset can help your business thrive through whatever the future holds.
Why is embracing AI so important for New Zealand?
"As a country I believe we have an incredible opportunity to lead in tech for good. I am passionate about lifelong learning and helping professionals with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in a world in constant motion.
"Advancements in AI and disruptive technologies change daily, so the traditional learning modes are becoming redundant. How do you create daily habits to continue to learn?
"At academyEX, I work with a number of businesses and government agencies to create contemporary and globally relevant learning experiences that are innovative, and bring the joy of experimentation and play back into learning. I use AI daily both in terms of leveraging its capabilities to design and develop new learning experiences, and as a technology that is constantly evolving and impacting business in profound ways."
How will you inspire participants to take an active role in your session?
"During the workshop, we will use academyEX’s innovative Future Scenario Cards to explore challenges and opportunities across technology, society and the environment. Participants will work in teams to analyse scenarios, select a problem or an opportunity they want to work on and generate creative solutions, rapidly prototype their ideas, and collaborate with others to iterate and innovate.
"The session will culminate with a personal reflection exercise, where participants will identify their strengths and areas for growth, and leave with a tangible personal plan for developing skills that are future-focused."
What will be a key takeaway?
"In a world of constant technological, societal and environmental change, the ability to be adaptable and develop a curious mindset to anticipate and shape the future is more critical than ever. My session will equip participants with tools and practices to dream big, look ahead and create collaboratively. They will leave with new perspectives, actionable insights and a renewed sense of confidence and optimism to drive strategic innovation and shape their organisation's future."