AI & Business Transformation Executive Roundtable

Presented by

Speakers

The AI and Business Transformation Roundtable brings together a powerful mix of voices — from industry pioneers to academic experts — who are shaping how organizations leverage Artificial Intelligence for innovation, growth, and impact.

Here’s the current list of speakers — with more being added regularly, so check back often for the latest updates.

VIP Speakers:

Ross Gittell

Ross Gittell

Ross Gittell, Ph.D., is the ninth president of Bryant University. Under his leadership, Bryant is ascending in rankings and national recognition that affirm the superior value of a Bryant education. Drawing on his expertise in strategic management and as an economist and economic development scholar, President Gittell is leading Bryant through the development and implementation of the Vision 2030 Strategic Plan.

Vision 2030: Innovation and Agility with Purpose charts a bold path for the university, building on Bryant’s foundational strength in business education and integrated liberal arts and its new strengths in health and behavioral sciences. With a focus on academic excellence, a vibrant student experience, community and well-being, and economic mobility, Vision 2030 will take Bryant University to the next level of recognition and accomplishment.

President Gittell previously served as Chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire. Highly regarded for his economic analysis and forecasting, he has frequently served as an expert resource for government, non-profit, and business leaders. With an extensive background in university teaching, strategic planning, and management, President Gittell’s focus has been on applying economic, organizational, and management theory to regional, state, and community economic development issues.

President Gittell’s teaching career in management and economics spans more than 20 years. He is extensively published, including books, numerous articles, and professional studies. He holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy from Harvard University, a MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Chicago.

Rupendra Paliwal

Rupendra Paliwal

Rupendra Paliwal, Ph.D., is Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Bryant University, where he works closely with Academic Affairs leadership, faculty, and the President’s Cabinet, Dr. Paliwal strengthens Bryant’s integrated academic and student life environment, advances research and academic visibility, supports faculty recruitment and retention, and supports Bryant’s rise in national rankings.

At Bryant, Dr. Paliwal has spearheaded initiatives that have significantly expanded the university’s academic portfolio and elevated its national reputation. He led the establishment of the School of Health and Behavioral Sciences in 2022, launched Bryant’s first doctoral program (Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology), and expanded graduate and professional education.

He also leads Bryant’s university-wide AI education initiative, positioning the institution at the forefront of emerging technologies. This initiative includes developing faculty expertise and launching an interdisciplinary undergraduate major, minor, and an online graduate degree in Applied AI in Fall 2025.

Dr. Paliwal has also overseen the design of cutting-edge facilities, including eight specialized labs and 12 state-of-the-art classrooms in the Business Entrepreneurship and Leadership Center (BELC). A strong advocate for experiential learning, he has expanded opportunities such as internships, undergraduate research, corporate projects, and study-abroad programs. His strategic vision has strengthened corporate partnerships, advanced international enrollment, and expanded Bryant’s global reach.

Before joining Bryant, Dr. Paliwal spent 17 years at Sacred Heart University, where he served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs from 2016 to 2021. Earlier in his career, Dr. Paliwal held senior administrative roles at Sacred Heart in strategic planning and business school leadership, and worked as a Senior Officer at the National Stock Exchange of India. He holds a Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Connecticut, a Postgraduate diploma in Business Administration and CFA from ICFAI Business School in India, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering from Rani Durgawati University in India.

John Boccuzzi, Jr.

John Boccuzzi, Jr.

John Boccuzzi, Jr., is an entrepreneurial sales leader, author, keynote speaker, and recognized thought leader in customer experience. As a Partner at ISG and President of ISG Research, Boccuzzi leads a global team of more than 200 professionals and serves on the ISG Executive Board. He works closely with technology and services providers to deliver research and insights that help enterprises and advisors make smarter decisions about technology services and solutions.

Since joining ISG in 2019, Boccuzzi has transformed the firm’s research sales organization, driving consistent revenue growth and client satisfaction. Appointed Chief Sales Officer for ISG Research globally in 2021, he helped double revenues while maintaining strong margins—achievements recognized with the 2022 ISG Chairman’s Club Award. In 2023, Boccuzzi co-chaired the ISG Partner Summit, curating keynotes, panel discussions, and breakout sessions that advanced thought leadership across the industry. He also created two of ISG’s most successful podcasts, The John & John Show and The John & Ola Show, which became the firm’s top drivers of social engagement.

In 2024, Boccuzzi’s leadership expanded further. He joined the ISG Executive Board, delivered a keynote to global leaders at Novo Nordisk’s U.S. headquarters, and helped guide enterprise CXOs on the ISG Digital Innovation Tour in India. That same year, he released his Amazon No. 1 bestselling book, The Art of Seducing Your Customers, which explores strategies for creating unforgettable client experiences.

Boccuzzi is a Bryant University graduate with a degree in Management and Entrepreneurial Studies. Known for his positive, can-do energy, he inspires teams and clients alike with a relentless focus on results.

Speakers and Panelists: