Practical use of generative AI for business: Customer insight, strategy and growth

Merri-bek’s community is experiencing strong growth in younger professional cohorts, increasing cultural diversity, and changing household structures. Discover how generative AI can help your business make smarter decisions, better understand your customers, refine products and marketing, and uncover growth opportunities. Through practical exercises and real-world examples, you'll gain hands-on experience using AI tools while learning key risks, tips, and implementation strategies.

In this workshop, you will learn:

• What is AI and why generative AI matters for SMEs: Practical relevance and where value is created

• Understanding Customers Using AI: Applying AI to local demographic and market analysis

• Strategy Development Using AI: Product, positioning, and communication development

• Practical Exercises: Guided, hands-on use of AI tools for business scenarios

• Tips, Risks, and Implementation Guidance: Practical guardrails and common pitfalls
  

Presented by Dr Rob - Founder, OCNUS Consulting 

Dr Rob Leach is a strategy advisory firm helping organisations navigate change through customer insight, technology, and data-driven decision-making. With a doctorate and experience across consulting, research, and advisory roles, Rob specialises in translating complex concepts into practical business outcomes. His expertise includes strategy development, customer discovery, and the application of generative AI to support growth, innovation, and communication. Known for his engaging and structured workshop style, Rob works with businesses to build lasting capability, empowering teams to confidently apply new skills and approaches long after the workshop ends.