Lessons from 50 Years on the Other Side of the Desk brings together a small, invitation-only group of C-suite and executive leaders for a thoughtful, open conversation on leadership, trust, cost and risk in an increasingly AI-accelerated world.
Hosted at IBM’s UK headquarters on London’s South Bank, the evening is both forward-looking and reflective. Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE will share insights drawn from a distinguished career spanning five decades in technology, business and public service – revisiting the art of the deal as it was learned in the 1970s at IBM, and reflecting on a hard-won truth: that delighting customers matters far more than merely closing deals.
It is particularly fitting that this conversation takes place at IBM. Sir Kenneth’s career began there, making the evening a symbolic return to where an extraordinary professional journey started, and an opportunity to reflect on successive waves of technological change, leadership responsibility and judgement.
The discussion will be complemented by IBM’s enterprise perspective, with insights into responsible AI adoption, governance and modernisation, including how organisations can move forward with confidence as AI and automation reshape the technology landscape.
This is not a product showcase. It is an informal, senior-level conversation, followed by drinks, canap?s and peer networking in a distinctive setting that showcases both IBM’s heritage and its future direction.
This is a senior, curated evening designed for leaders shaping the future of their organisations. The discussion will explore how enterprises can:
The evening positions IBM and Thebes Group together as trusted partners, focused on long-term value rather than short-term technology hype.
5:00 – 5:30: Arrival, registration and welcome drinks
5:40 – 5:50: Welcome and framing – Michael Hall
5:50 – 6:10: Leadership reflections – Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE
6:10 – 6:30: IBM perspective – Leon Butler
6:30 – 7:00: Fireside discussion & audience Q&A – Sir Kenneth Olisa & Leon Butler
7:00 – 7:30: Networking, drinks and canapés
Sir Kenneth brings a unique perspective shaped by a long and distinguished career spanning technology, business and public service. Having begun his career at IBM in the 1970s, he reflects on a lifetime spent largely on the other side of the desk - marked by enthusiastic pitches, optimistic assumptions and frequent customer resistance - and the lessons learned along the way.
Drawing on five decades in the industry, Sir Kenneth will revisit the art of the deal as it was once practised, and share a hard-won truth from experience: that delighting customers matters far more than merely closing deals. His reflections span successive waves of technological change and leadership responsibility, alongside a distinguished period of public service as Lord-Lieutenant, serving both Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Majesty King Charles III.
Leon Butler was appointed CEO of IBM UK & Ireland in January 2025 and brings over 25 years of global technology leadership experience. He previously served as IBM Vice President, responsible for worldwide data and AI sales, leading multi-billion-dollar engagements supporting large-scale digital transformation. Leon will share IBM’s enterprise perspective on AI, governance and modernisation - including the role of watsonx in helping organisations innovate responsibly, manage risk and maintain confidence as they modernise complex legacy environments.
Host for the evening, Mike will set the strategic context, framing the discussion around leadership, trust, cost and risk in an AI-accelerated world
The event will be hosted at IBM’s flagship UK headquarters, a modern, purpose-built space on London’s South Bank. The venue itself is very much part of the experience. IBM’s York Road headquarters showcases both the company’s heritage and future direction, with opportunities to explore highlights from across IBM’s innovation journey – from quantum computing and AI to robotics and immersive demonstrations – within a modern South Bank setting.
Guests will enjoy:
FINAL NOTE: This is a rare opportunity to step back from day-to-day pressures and engage in a senior-level conversation about leadership, responsibility and confidence in the age of AI – while reflecting on an extraordinary period of public service alongside a distinguished career in technology and business.
An evening designed to inform, inspire and connect.
