Loading…
← Back to schedule
Conscious AI Adoption: People, Planet, Governance
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Room 302
Most organizations are adopting AI faster than they are thinking about it. Tools arrive, teams experiment, workflows quietly reshape themselves—and the questions that matter get asked after the fact, if at all. This panel is an invitation to pause and ask them now, while the choices are still open.

We'll examine the impact AI is having on two fronts: on people and on the planet. On the people side, we'll explore how AI adoption affects employees mentally and emotionally, how AI is driving organizations toward a mission of productivity and
efficiency above all else regardless of the cost, and how it is changing the culture of the workplace — including what it means for a younger workforce entering an environment where entry-level tasks are increasingly being automated. We'll look honestly at the potential impact of that, and at how we can move forward intentionally to do the least harm possible.

We will examine what leadership is avoiding by this big AI adoption push, and what important issues are not being addressed properly as we rush forward. Also, we will explore the opportunities that AI is creating for doing good work, like
investing in our colleagues, mentoring up and coming professionals, and investing in our well-being.

On the planet side, we'll explore how the energy costs of running AI systems align with our values and our goals regarding environmental protection and sustainability. We will explore potential contradictions, where real costs are hidden, and how we can better account for our AI use as it pertains to energy costs. What are the real costs? How can
businesses do a better job of calculating them, given that much of the burden lives in integrated systems and is not necessarily obvious to those doing the calculations? And how should we respond once those costs reveal themselves?

This is an opportunity to pause long enough to think about how we use these tools intentionally and consciously, so that we do the least harm possible to the people using them and the planet supporting them. You'll hear from people managers, founders, advisors, and leaders with real-world experience who can offer practical guidance and concrete examples of intentional adoption in practice, potential issues at play, and the real costs. Through live polling, audience questions, and cross-panel discussion, we'll work toward a shared picture of conscious adoption — the road that makes us all feel clearer on the path forward, and a bit more optimistic about the future.
Speakers
avatar for Hazel Horvath

Hazel Horvath

Founder & CEO, Ecolytics
Hazel Horvath is the founder and CEO of Ecolytics, a software platform that helps companies build data-driven sustainability programs, specializing in working with B Corps to streamline the rigorous certification process. With a background in global sustainability analysis and a degree... Read More →
avatar for Kaley Cross

Kaley Cross

Sustainability Manager, Grove Collaborative
Kaley Cross serves as Sustainability Manager at Grove Collaborative, where she leads a variety of sustainability initiatives focused on advancing both human and environmental health. With a career dedicated to circular economy solutions, plastic reduction, and corporate sustainability... Read More →
avatar for David Shove-Brown

David Shove-Brown

Partner, //3877
David Shove-Brown is the co-founder and partner of Washington D.C.-based, multidisciplinary architecture and design firm //3877. As co-founder of //3877—named in the Washington Business Journal's ‘Best Places to Work’ for three consecutive years, and the only D.C.-based architecture... Read More →
avatar for Jed Fiato

Jed Fiato

Principal Consultant, E4 Consulting
Jed Fiato is a Principal Consultant at E4 Consulting with expertise in organizational and
community resilience, focusing on preparedness, substance misuse prevention, mental
health, and employee well-being. Over his 15-year career spanning federal government,
consulting, and the non... Read More →
avatar for Whitney Hayes

Whitney Hayes

Senior Market Research Strategist, Human8
Whitney Hayes is a trained sociologist with research experience in academia, nonprofit, and industry sectors. Her specialty is on identity and culture.
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Room 302
  Session, Panel

Attendees (34)


Sign up or log in to save this to your schedule, view media, leave feedback and see who's attending!

Tweet Share

Get help with the event

Contact event planner Event login
View support guides Find upcoming events
Create an event you'd love to attend!
Explore why organizers choose Sched • Success stories
Event App • Event scheduling • Event registration • Event ticketing • Sched forms • Call for papers • Badges • Conferences
© 2026. SCHED LLC - All rights reserved - Helping events since 2008
Event Planning App • Privacy • Terms
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link