# AI as a Business Transformation Driver: Lifelong Learning Workshop with Professor Anat Lechner 0 May 13, 2026As part of the School’s Lifelong Learning Initiative, Professor Anat Lechner held a workshop with alumni exploring how artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving from a productivity tool into a fundamental driver of business transformation. ![Professor Anat Lechner giving a workshop to alumni](/sites/default/files/styles/large_825px_wide/public/2026-05/6.png.webp?itok=5kGXsoD_) ![Alumni enjoy a workshop given by Professor Anat Lechner](/sites/default/files/styles/large_825px_wide/public/2026-05/4.png.webp?itok=XJSeW9cG) *Professor Anat Lechner led a workshop on AI as a driver of business transformation.* Through real-world examples, emerging case studies, and insightful prompts, the discussion highlighted how organizations are moving from experimenting with AI to embedding it at the core of their business architecture. AI advancement is being driven by three major forces: national competition, corporate adoption, and rapid technological breakthroughs. Professor Lechner gave attendees important insights into the current landscape of AI: **Time to adapt to AI is shrinking—delayed adoption of AI increases the risk of irrelevance.** *“Time is not your friend. If you want to be part of tomorrow, you have to get on with the program.”* **AI has passed a tipping point (~25% adoption) and is now scaling rapidly.** *“When a phenomenon hits a 25% adoption rate, it rolls fast from that point onward.”* **AI is not just a tool, but a systemic shift in how businesses and society operate.** *“We are waving goodbye to the Industrial Revolution era and entering a completely new logic.”* These insights empowered attendees to change the way they use AI in their professional lives. The workshop was followed by a networking reception, where alumni had the opportunity to mingle and meet Professor Lechner. ![Alumni mingling with Professor Anat Lechner](/sites/default/files/styles/large_825px_wide/public/2026-05/7.png.webp?itok=WXssQxZH) ![Alumni mingling with Professor Anat Lechner](/sites/default/files/styles/large_825px_wide/public/2026-05/8.png.webp?itok=S43q3I1R) *Alumni had the opportunity to meet Professor Lechner after the workshop.* ![Alumni mingled during a networking reception after the workshop.](/sites/default/files/styles/large_825px_wide/public/2026-05/lll_anat_lechner_photos_linkedin.png.webp?itok=AHv5S-P7) *Alumni mingled during a networking reception after the workshop.* [![4.11.26 Lifelong Learning Workshop with Professor Anat Lechner: AI as a Business Transformation Driver](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55222284928_afd816b8e5.jpg)](https://www.flickr.com/photos/sternalumni/albums/72177720333219797 "4.11.26 Lifelong Learning Workshop with Professor Anat Lechner: AI as a Business Transformation Driver") ## **Photo Album** See more photos from the event. [**VIEW THE ALBUM**](https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCRAfZ) --- Photos: ©Creighton: Courtesy of NYU Photo Bureau **Frequently Asked Questions** Show All | Hide All What is the Lifelong Learning Initiative? The Lifelong Learning Initiative offers opportunities for Stern alumni to continually develop new skills and grow professionally. [Learn more about Lifelong Learning.](/index%2ephp/portal-partners/alumni/alumni-resources-benefits/lifelong-learning "Lifelong Learning") Where can I learn more about Professor Lechner’s research? [Read more of Professor Anat Lechner’s research.](/index%2ephp/faculty/bio/anat-lechner "Anat Lechner") ## Related News - [An Evening at J.P. Morgan with Professor Suzy Welch and Fei-Fei Zhang (BS ’12)](https://www.stern.nyu.edu/index%2ephp/portal-partners/alumni/alumni-news-profiles/news/evening-jp-morgan-professor-suzy-welch-and-fei-fei-zhang-bs-12) - [Stern 10 x Stern Corporate Ambassadors on The Business of Luxury: Trends, Technology, and Transformation](https://www.stern.nyu.edu/index%2ephp/portal-partners/alumni/alumni-news-profiles/news/stern-10-x-stern-corporate-ambassadors-business-luxury-trends-technology-and-transformation) - [Will Sheehan (MBA ’23) Establishes Scholarship Supporting Military Veteran Students at NYU Stern](https://www.stern.nyu.edu/index%2ephp/portal-partners/alumni/alumni-news-profiles/will-sheehan-mba-23-establishes-scholarship-supporting-military-veteran-students-nyu-stern) - [Blueprint for an AI Driven Economy with Professor Anindya Ghose](https://www.stern.nyu.edu/index%2ephp/portal-partners/alumni/alumni-news-profiles/news/blueprint-ai-driven-economy-professor-anindya-ghose) - [How Ophelia Snyder (MBA ’16) Expanded Access to Crypto and Redefined Modern Finance](https://www.stern.nyu.edu/index%2ephp/portal-partners/alumni/alumni-news-profiles/how-ophelia-snyder-mba-16-expanded-access-crypto-and-redefined-modern-finance)