Ahead of the AI & Digitalization in HSE Forum, Liam Tiddy speaks with Stéphanie Thery about the questions HSE professionals should ask when considering new technology, and what delegates can look forward to exploring in Madrid.
Taking place on 18–19 November at Meliá Avenida América, the AI & Digitalization in HSE Forum will bring together HSE professionals, technology providers and business leaders to discuss how AI and digitalisation can be applied in practice.
Look beyond the “wow effect”.
Digital tools can bring real opportunities to HSE teams, but for Stéphanie, who has over 25 years of international EHS and sustainability experience, believes organisations first need to understand the issues they want to solve.
Reliable data and effective processes are essential. Where information is incomplete, unreliable or spread across different systems, digitalisation can magnify existing problems.
“Digitalisation can magnify the issues you have rather than solve anything.”
She also cautions against the “wow effect” of AI. A polished output can look impressive, but that does not necessarily mean it is useful or suited to an organisation’s needs. HSE teams need enough digital understanding to assess proposed solutions, ask providers informed questions and consider factors such as data handling, cybersecurity and future costs.
These are some of the practical challenges delegates can explore during the forum.
Hear what works in practice.
One of the aspects Stéphanie is looking forward to is hearing from people who have tested technologies and can share their successes and failures. She hopes the discussions will help delegates understand not only what a solution can do, but how it can be applied.
“It’s not just about the what to achieve, but the how to achieve it.”
When Liam asks who she would encourage to attend, Stéphanie recommends the event to people across organisations. HSE professionals, decision-makers, technology specialists and colleagues in quality, production and maintenance can all contribute to the discussion.
“Safety is not just something for EHS people, but needs to be in everything we do.”
For delegates, the forum will offer an opportunity to compare experiences, ask questions and consider how different teams can work together when introducing new technology.
Liam also points to the value of connecting with other attendees between sessions.
The time spent having a coffee together or a glass of wine, that can add real value to people’s careers.”
Meet Liam in Madrid.
Liam Tiddy will attend the forum on behalf of Shirley Parsons, where he’ll meet with fellow HSE professionals and discuss how digitalisation is shaping the skills and expertise organisations need.
If you’re planning to attend, get in touch with Liam to arrange a conversation.
Liam Tiddy
Liam Tiddy, Global Head of Search at Shirley Parsons, brings extensive expertise in developing high-performing HSE, sustainability, and quality leadership teams. His focus at the forum will include future-facing workforce trends, leadership capability, and best practices for building resilient, adaptive HSE organisational cultures.
