When people talk about AI and automation, the conversation often starts — and ends — with cost. Efficiency gains. Savings. Cost avoidance. But what if we’ve been looking at automation benefits too narrowly? What if the true power of intelligent agents lies not in replacing tasks, but in enabling people.

In this session, we’ll explore a broader, more human-centered view of automation and agentic AI. Through two real-world examples — including one project helping process foster family applications faster so that children find safe homes sooner, and another focused on crisis response and continuity management — we’ll show how AI agents can do more than optimise workflows. They can enable equity, improve access, and help people act quickly and compassionately in times of need.

Key Takeaways:

• A broader view of automation benefits: Beyond financials toward empowerment, resilience, and equity.

• Real-world agentic AI examples: How intelligent agents are helping in child welfare and emergency management.

• The human + AI superpower: Introducing teams to new capabilities that enhance human strengths, not replace them