AI at the Heart of the First Edition of EXPLORE, the Grand Annual Alumni Evening

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Nearly 500 participants in Paris, Clermont, Lyon, and online took part in the inaugural edition of the Grand Annual Alumni Evening, EXPLORE. This event, blending inspiring discussions and moments of conviviality, was highlighted by a keynote address from by Luc Julia (world-renowned expert and co-creator of Siri), who shared his accessible approach to Artificial Intelligence.

Artificial Intelligence: Above All, a Tool

Since its inception in the 1950s, AI has sparked both fascination and concern, reactions often fueled by science fiction scenarios. During the EXPLORE evening, organized by the School’s Alumni Association, Luc Julia challenged these perceptions, emphasizing the central role of humans in designing and utilizing this tool, which is now at the forefront of global debates.

By debunking myths around AI and presenting this technology in a pragmatic and realistic view, Luc Julia highlighted its true essence: AI is a highly efficient tool for specific tasks, yet it is not without weaknesses. While ideal for automating large-scale data processing, it remains vulnerable to biases, a lack of transparency, and limited comprehension.

Well-used, AI is a Lever, Not a Threat

To maximize AI’s positive impact, Luc Julia emphasizes the importance of adopting it in an informed and ethical way, by setting appropriate frameworks and leveraging complementary human skills such as creativity and emotional intelligence.

Luc Julia advocates for harmonious collaboration between humans and AI, where AI amplifies human abilities without replacing them. According to him, the future of AI relies on three fundamental pillars:

Training professionals to interact effectively with AI by integrating these tools into their daily practices.
Highlighting inherently human skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
Promoting thoughtful and ethical adoption, ensuring AI remains a tool for innovation and sustainable progress.

A Successful First Edition

The inaugural EXPLORE evening offered participants—including alumni, students, and staff—a captivating dive into the world of Artificial Intelligence. With expert insights from a renowned speaker, the event laid the foundation for an unmissable annual gathering that will “explore” relevant and tangible contemporary topics.

Save the date: November 2025 for the second edition of EXPLORE!

Did You Know?

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming integral to the professional world. Clermont School of Business has recognized the societal significance of this shift and has incorporated it into both staff training and academic development.

The School’s Continuing Education department has also developed a dedicated AI program tailored to address HR professionals’ challenges. Launching in February 2025 under the guidance of Jérôme Iavarone, this training will help leaders and teams optimize productivity through the strategic adoption of AI tools.