In my recent talk on the transformative power of Generative AI in business valuations, I guided attendees through practical applications that are revolutionizing how we approach financial analysis. Generative AI is enabling the integration and processing of massive data sets, offering new dimensions to market analysis, risk assessment, and competitor analysis.

I provided specific examples and prompt templates that can be utilized to automate financial model creation, optimize discounted cash flow (DCF) models, and improve due diligence. The session highlighted key variables to include in prompts for more accurate market forecasting and introduced methods for using AI to analyze unstructured text. Attendees left with in-the-box prompts designed to kickstart their use of these powerful tools in business valuations.

I also touched on automating scenario modeling, real-time monitoring, and customizing report generation, stressing the importance of incorporating intangible assets like intellectual property, customer satisfaction, and brand reputation into AI-driven assessments.

At the 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards, I had the distinct honor of serving as the keynote inspirational speaker before an audience filled with exceptional leaders—mayors, bishops, small business owners, and entrepreneurs who have each carved out paths of success and service in their own right. It was a moment to remind this distinguished group of their power to influence through their positions and their passion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to their communities.

In my address, I spoke to the power of leadership that transcends titles, urging everyone present to view their roles not as positions of privilege but as responsibilities that require a commitment to elevate others. Authentic leadership, I emphasized, means standing in the gap for those who don’t have a voice and empowering those who need hope, opportunity, and inspiration. I spoke about the importance of remaining grounded in purpose, even as we rise in prominence because our sense of mission propels us forward and keeps us connected to the communities we serve.

Addressing the entrepreneurs and small business owners, I shared the significance of resilience, innovation, and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. Every setback, I reminded them, is an opportunity to forge a new path and build something even more significant. I encouraged them to embrace their unique vision and trust their instincts, knowing that the world needs their contributions now more than ever. I also highlighted the importance of supporting one another—collaboration over competition—as we push forward into the future, realizing that when one succeeds, we all succeed.

For the mayors and civic leaders, I spoke about the legacy of public service and the imperative to lead with empathy, integrity, and transparency. In a time when so many look to their leaders for stability and hope, I challenged them to build bridges across divides and to inspire their communities by modeling the kind of inclusive, forward-thinking leadership that empowers people from all walks of life.

To the bishops and spiritual leaders, I conveyed the deep impact of faith and moral leadership, emphasizing that they are often the moral compass in times of uncertainty. Their role in fostering unity and promoting healing in communities cannot be overstated. I encouraged them to continue walking with compassion and conviction, guiding not only their congregations but also their communities with a heart for justice and equity.

My message was clear: the world is watching, and it is in our hands to model the type of leadership that uplifts, empowers, and leaves a lasting legacy. Whether in government, business, or spiritual leadership, our most significant responsibility is to serve others with excellence, to lift as we climb, and to inspire the next generation of changemakers. Each person in that room has the power to influence change, and together, we can build a future that reflects the best of who we are.

I encourage the 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards Honorees to KEEP GOING