30 business and technology leaders gathered at The Vineyard Hotel, Newlands, for a focused executive showcase on AI, security, and the future of the Modern Workplace.
The Braintree Modern Work Power Session in Cape Town brought together business and IT decision-makers for a curated executive afternoon. designed to cut through the AI noise and focus on what is actually working inside real organisations today. In partnership with Microsoft and supported by Arctic Wolf, the session covered AI adoption at scale, security governance, responsible AI, and the latest AI-enabled Surface devices.
Setting the Scene for AI-Powered Work
Guests arrived to a thoughtfully curated environment. round tables set for collaboration, screens showing live Copilot integrations across Microsoft 365, and a palpable energy that comes with standing at the edge of a genuine technological shift. Braintree's CEO opened with a direct challenge to attendees: "The question is no longer whether AI will change how you work. It's whether you'll lead that change or be led by it."
Microsoft's regional team followed with a deep-dive into Copilot's current capabilities. from intelligent meeting summaries and email drafting in Teams and Outlook, to advanced data analysis in Excel and automated slide creation in PowerPoint. What resonated most was the emphasis on Copilot as an assistant that learns the language and priorities of each business, not a one-size-fits-all automation tool.
A Keynote That Challenged the Room
Nicky Verd delivered the session's headline moment. a high-energy, thought-provoking keynote on AI, leadership, and competitive advantage in a rapidly changing economy.
Her message to the room was direct: the organisations seeing real results from AI are not the ones with the most technology. They are the ones treating AI as a change management initiative. embedding it into how people work, how teams are structured, and how decisions are made. Technology is the enabler. Leadership is the differentiator. Attendees also experienced Braintree's Hardware as a Service model firsthand, with the latest AI-enabled Microsoft Surface devices on display. from the Surface Pro Copilot+ PC to the Surface Hub 3. The demonstrations made a compelling case: in an AI-first world, the device is no longer a commodity. It is a strategic decision. The session concluded with sundowners and peer networking. giving leaders the space to continue the conversations that started in the room.
Key Takeaways from the Session
- Microsoft Copilot is now production-ready business automation. embedded across Microsoft 365, Teams, and Dynamics 365, moving well beyond the chatbot phase.
- AI governance is not a blocker, it's a competitive advantage. businesses with clear AI policies are adopting faster and with fewer compliance headaches than those making it up as they go.
- Braintree's Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) model makes Copilot-ready device upgrades accessible without large capital outlay, removing one of the most common barriers to AI readiness at the endpoint level.
- Change management is the real work. the technology is the easy part. Organisations that invest in training, communication, and cultural readiness are seeing dramatically better Copilot adoption rates within the first 90 days.
Moments from the Afternoon
A look back at an inspiring few hours with South Africa's business community.
Relive the Experience
Watch the official aftermovie and share the highlights with your network.
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