Why AI Is Your Business’s Secret Sauce - If You Know How To Use It

Why AI Is Your Business’s Secret Sauce - If You Know How To Use It,
by Tom Austin, Strategic Growth Manager at FluidOne

Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant promise - it's a present reality, transforming the way businesses operate, compete, and innovate. Yet, simply having access to AI tools is not enough. The real differentiator is how strategically and responsibly your organisation adopts, governs, and empowers its people to use AI. In this talk, Tom Austin, Strategic Growth Manager at FluidOne, will guide you through the practical steps to make AI your business’s “secret sauce” - not just another buzzword.
Tom will begin by exploring where most organisations truly are on their AI journey. Many have started experimenting, but few have a clear strategy or governance in place. Using real-world scenarios, Tom will illustrate how AI can free teams from tedious admin, boost productivity, and spark innovation - provided it’s implemented with intention and oversight.
The session will cover the critical pillars of AI readiness: technical foundations, leadership buy-in, robust governance, and user enablement. Tom will explain why treating AI as a core business capability - not just a background tool - unlocks the greatest value. He’ll reveal the risks of jumping in feet-first without training or policy, from accidental data leaks to wasted investments, and share actionable steps to avoid these pitfalls.
Attendees will leave with a practical playbook: how to audit and clean up your data, pilot Microsoft 365 Copilot for measurable results, write a simple AI policy that everyone can understand, and train teams for secure, impactful AI use. Tom will also share best practices for building an AI council, fostering a learning community, and aligning AI initiatives to business strategy.
Whether you’re an AI skeptic or an enthusiast, this talk will equip you to move beyond experimentation and make AI a true driver of business advantage - safely, strategically, and with confidence.

Bio
Tom Austin is the Strategic Growth Manager at FluidOne's Chorley office, where he leads business development and client strategy with a strong focus on AI-led IT solutions. Working primarily with accountancy firms, legal practices, and SMEs, Tom supports organisations in future-proofing their operations by aligning secure, scalable technology with their commercial objectives.
He is passionate about helping clients make practical use of artificial intelligence to improve performance, strengthen security, and stay ahead of the curve. Tom is committed to delivering solutions that create real impact, helping businesses navigate change with confidence and clarity.