AISO Talks: Adapting to the Age of AI - Change, Choice, and What Makes Us Human | Anke den Ouden (ex-CEO of Microsoft NL)
- Date
- 2025-09-10
- Location
- Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
- Host
- AISO
About this event
AI is changing how we work, decide, create, and relate to each other. This edition of AISO Talks focuses on a question that matters far beyond technology: as intelligent systems become more capable, what choices do we still need to make deliberately, and what remains deeply, irreducibly human? With Anke den Ouden, ex-CEO of Microsoft NL, the conversation moves past hype and into the real tension between progress, autonomy, leadership, and responsibility. If you want a sharper way to think about AI without losing sight of people, this is the room to be in. About the Event AISO Talks: Adapting to the Age of AI - Change, Choice, and What Makes Us Human is an in-person gathering in Amsterdam for people who want to engage seriously with the human side of AI. Rather than treating AI as only a technical shift, this event looks at it as a social, organizational, and personal one. The theme brings together several questions at once: how do we adapt to rapid change, where do we preserve agency, and how do we make room for judgment, values, and connection in increasingly automated environments? This framing makes the event relevant whether you work directly in AI or are navigating its effects in your field. At the center of the event is a talk by Anke den Ouden, whose leadership background brings a grounded perspective on technology, transformation, and decision-making. Expect a discussion that connects big-picture shifts with practical realities, especially for people thinking about leadership, organizations, and the future of work. Because this is part of the AISO Talks format, the event is also built for conversation and community. It is not just about listening to a speaker; it is about being in a room with others who are actively trying to understand how AI should fit into human systems. What to Expect You can expect a focused in-person session built around a keynote-style talk and shared reflection. The title itself signals a broad but concrete set of themes: adaptation, choice, and human identity in the age of AI. The flow will likely center on: Arrival and informal mingling with other attendees before the main session A featured talk by Anke den Ouden on navigating AI-driven change Exploration of questions around autonomy, leadership, and human judgment Space for community connection and networking with people interested in AI and its wider implications This is a good setting for people who enjoy ideas that have practical consequences. You are not just hearing about tools or trends; you are stepping into a conversation about how AI reshapes decision-making, accountability, and the way we define meaningful work. The event tags also point to the mix you can expect: AI, autonomy, community, networking, meetup. That combination suggests an atmosphere that is thoughtful but accessible, serious in subject matter without being overly academic, and social enough to help you meet others with similar questions and interests. Why Attend Most AI events focus on capability: what systems can do, what products are emerging, what efficiencies are possible. This event takes a more important next step by asking what people should do with that capability, and how we preserve human choice when the pressure to automate keeps growing. That makes the session especially useful if you are trying to develop a clearer personal or professional stance on AI. You may leave with better language for conversations you are already having inside your team, company, classroom, or community. Attending can help you: Think more clearly about AI beyond hype and fear Understand the relationship between technology, leadership, and human agency Reflect on what should remain human-led even as AI tools improve Meet others in Amsterdam who care about the social and ethical dimensions of AI Gain perspective from a speaker with high-level experience in technology leadership It is also valuable simply as a room for calibration. When AI moves fast, it is easy to react in fragments: one article, one product launch, one new workplace policy at a time. Events like this create a chance to pause, compare perspectives, and build a more coherent view of what responsible adaptation actually looks like. Practical Details The event takes place in person in Amsterdam, Netherlands on Wednesday, September 10 at 4:30 PM GMT+2. If you are based in or near Amsterdam, this is a strong opportunity to engage face-to-face rather than through another online panel or recording. Because the gathering is in person, plan for the value that comes before and after the talk as well: quick introductions, informal conversations, and the chance to continue ideas with people you meet in the room. If networking matters to you, arriving on time will help you get more from the event. A few useful points to keep in mind: Format: in-person meetup/talk Location type: physical venue in Amsterdam Best for: people interested in AI, leadership, ethics, autonomy, and community discussion Timing: late afternoon, making it accessible for many professionals after the workday begins to wind down If you want an event that treats AI as a human question as much as a technical one, this is a strong fit. Come ready to listen closely, think critically, and have better conversations about the kind of future we are choosing to build.
Who should attend
This event is for people who want a more thoughtful, human-centered conversation about AI and what it means for real decisions, real work, and real communities. - You work in **technology, digital, innovation, or product** and want to think beyond tools and capabilities toward responsibility, judgment, and long-term impact. - You are a **leader, manager, founder, or decision-maker** facing questions about AI adoption and want a clearer view of where human choice still matters most. - You are curious about **autonomy, ethics, and the future of work**, and you want to explore those topics in a practical setting rather than only through abstract debate. - You enjoy events where you can both **learn from an experienced speaker** and meet others who are actively thinking through similar challenges. - You are part of Amsterdam's **AI, startup, business, academic, or creative community** and want to connect with people who care about the broader implications of intelligent systems. - You are not looking for a highly technical deep dive, but for a smart, grounded discussion about how to adapt to AI without losing sight of what makes people human.