AI – Fast, Furious and Sustainable?

Chair – Communications Manager at Atlantic Technological University (ATU)

With more than 25 years’ experience in public- and private-sector communications. A former journalist and radio producer, he later moved into public relations and held senior communications roles with Foróige, the Flight of the Earls Commemoration and the Mayor of London’s Office. At ATU, he leads the University’s communications function, supporting its internal and external communications strategy, media relations and institutional profile.

Founder & CEO of Digital Training Institute, Author, Podcaster & Journalist

Joanne Sweeney is Founder and CEO of the Digital Training Institute, helping public and private sector organisations build practical AI skills and apply them responsibly.

A four-time author whose latest book is AI Playbook, Joanne also hosts the AI SIX podcast, which has surpassed 500 episodes. She brings over 20 years of experience in journalism, public relations and digital marketing and has completed executive education in AI and public policy at Harvard Kennedy School.

Joanne delivers bespoke, CPD-accredited AI training for businesses, public bodies, universities and governments. She is also the founder of GovComms.ai, a platform supporting government and public sector communications, with governance and human oversight at its core.

An internationally recognised speaker, Joanne has addressed audiences at the United Nations AI for Developing Countries Summit and the World AI Assembly. In 2026, she was named Network Ireland’s National Established Businesswoman of the Year.

Her mission is to equip half a million people with practical AI skills, free of charge.

SVP of Agentic GTM Engineering, HubSpot

Richard Archbold is SVP of Agentic GTM Engineering at HubSpot, where he leads multidisciplinary teams using AI, data, automation and software to transform how the company goes to market.

Since joining HubSpot in 2023, Richard has led initiatives spanning business and technology transformation, modernising the systems and operating models that support HubSpot’s global customer-facing operations. Over the past 18 months, he has focused particularly on AI enablement and organisational transformation, helping teams adopt new capabilities, redesign workflows and translate advances in AI into meaningful business impact.

Prior to HubSpot, Richard held senior engineering and business systems leadership roles at Intercom, Facebook and Amazon. Throughout his career, he has built and scaled high-performing organisations responsible for mission-critical technology, cloud infrastructure, security, enterprise systems and go-to-market platforms.

Based in Dublin, Richard is passionate about developing leaders, simplifying complex systems and creating environments where teams can move quickly, learn continuously and deliver meaningful outcomes for customers and businesses.

Senior Lecturer and Researcher, Atlantic Technological University

Dr Valerie McTaggart is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo, specialising in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, digital business strategy and organisational change.

She holds a PhD from Dublin City University and is recognised for her work on technology-enabled innovation, digital leadership and the societal impact of emerging technologies.

Before entering academia, Valerie spent more than 20 years in the financial services sector across Ireland and the United Kingdom, holding leadership roles in people management and project delivery. This combination of industry and academic experience provides her with a practical and strategic perspective on digital transformation.

Her research focuses on how organisations adapt to technological change, with particular interests in artificial intelligence, digital ecosystems, remote and hybrid working, and the human factors that influence successful digital transformation. She has published and presented her work nationally and internationally.

Valerie also contributes to a range of European initiatives as an expert evaluator for the European Commission and an active participant in international research networks. Her work aims to support organisations, communities and policymakers in harnessing technology responsibly, ethically and effectively.

PhD Candidate and Student Representative, Atlantic Technological University

AmirPouya Masoumi is a PhD candidate at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and an active student representative, contributing to discussions on research, innovation and the future role of emerging technologies in higher education.

As a researcher working within the academic environment, AmirPouya brings a valuable student and early-career researcher perspective to conversations around Artificial Intelligence, digital transformation and sustainability. His involvement in research and student engagement allows him to offer insights into how AI is influencing learning, research practices and the student experience.

Through his participation in this panel discussion, AmirPouya will share perspectives on the opportunities and challenges that AI presents for students, researchers and future generations, helping to ensure that the conversation reflects both institutional and learner viewpoints.