Killian O'Rawe
AI is advancing at an unprecedented speed. Breakthroughs in compute power, scalable data platforms, and large language models have brought capabilities within reach that were unthinkable even a few years ago. Organisations everywhere are racing to apply this technology for productivity, innovation, and customer engagement - and those who hesitate risk falling behind.
But this isn’t just a technical arms race, it’s a cultural shift. The real opportunity lies in building environments where people can embrace AI safely, responsibly, and with confidence. Governance, ethics, and fairness must sit alongside performance and speed if AI is to deliver lasting impact.
Insights from the Women x AI panel
This week, Reward had the privilege of putting that principle into action by hosting “Women x AI: Driving Innovation” during Belfast Tech Week, in partnership with Women in Tech Belfast. Led by Alwyn Craig, Reward’s Director of Operations, we welcomed a panel of brilliant women driving innovation in AI, from technical breakthroughs to leadership impact. The discussion reinforced a belief I hold strongly: AI is not simply a technical revolution, it’s a human one. Key takeaways included:
Roles are changing: Technology roles are evolving as AI becomes part of the toolkit. Developers and cross-functional teams will grow alongside it, adopting new ways of working and collaborating.
Human skills count: Preparing for an AI-driven future isn’t just about developing tech expertise. Critical thinking, empathy, creativity, philosophy, and environmental awareness are essential skills that complement technology.
Experimentation needs safety: Innovators need cultures that allow them to explore and learn without fear of failure. This psychological safety fosters continuous growth and breakthrough ideas.
Our commitment to representation and people-first AI
At Reward, we’re proud of the progress we’ve made in building a more equitable, inclusive workplace. We’ve achieved gender pay parity, 43% of our leadership roles are held by women (vs. 35% industry average), and 39% of our tech teams are women (vs. 29% benchmark). Beyond the numbers, our Women in Tech initiative champions representation and allyship through events, talks, and engagement with the wider tech community.
This people-first approach extends to AI. From the start, we’ve been clear that AI should empower our people. Every employee is equipped to use it responsibly and confidently, in a culture where curiosity is encouraged, experimentation is safe, and innovation thrives.
Looking ahead
The panel discussion highlighted that the promise of AI is not just technical - it requires a human touch. In customer engagement, AI’s potential is transformative - hyper-personalised experiences delivered at scale and in real time, automation freeing teams from repetitive work to focus on creativity and innovation, and unique data insights becoming a new frontier of competitive advantage. AI-powered journeys will reshape how consumers shop, bank, and interact with brands.
Closing thought
Hosting this event was a proud moment for Reward. It reinforced what we believe deeply as a technology organisation, that AI is not just about systems and code - it’s about people, purpose, and the communities that shape innovation. Collaborating with organisations like Women in Tech Belfast matters because it expands networks, strengthens the ecosystem, and accelerates inclusive innovation.
Together, we create spaces where experimentation with AI carries no stigma, curiosity is celebrated, and diverse voices are empowered to lead. The future of AI will be written by equitable workplaces, values-driven innovation, and the collaborative efforts of the wider tech community.
