At a recent breakfast conference held at BG RH, a human resources and communications consultancy in Fontvieille, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into corporate structures took centre stage…

Founder Sophie Brezo Philips led the discussion, focusing on two key areas: the spontaneous use of AI across roles and the strategic importance of treating AI as a governance issue rather than a purely technical one.

The first notable takeaway was the extent to which AI is already being used informally in business operations. According to Brezo Philips, many professionals—even in companies that have not formally adopted AI—are using it independently for tasks like information gathering, analysis, and personal productivity. AI is increasingly being favoured over traditional search engines like Google due to its more intuitive, human-like interactions and its capacity to synthesise and contextualise data.

This shift is already transforming workplace habits and expectations. AI tools embedded in customer relationship software, for instance, are enabling companies to analyse data with unprecedented precision, driving improved decision-making and enhancing client service.

The second key point raised was that AI adoption should be treated as a governance issue rather than delegated solely to IT departments. Brezo Philips stressed that AI impacts not just technical operations, but also strategic direction and human dynamics across all business levels. Integrating AI responsibly means establishing an ethical and secure framework at the top of the organisational hierarchy—one that protects data, supports employees through change, and ensures human capital remains central to business success.

While acknowledging concerns around job displacement, the conference framed AI not as a threat but as a transformative force. Properly implemented, it can relieve professionals of repetitive tasks, giving them more time to focus on leadership, creativity, and communication. As Brezo Philips concluded, “AI should serve people, not replace them.”

Photo by Steve Johnson