AI Leadership programme participant, Katherine Pitts, returns to WBS after completing a previous programme and shares her experience.

I’m Katherine Pitts, Deputy CEO and Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at IC24, a social enterprise delivering urgent and primary care services on behalf of the NHS. I recently completed the AI Leadership programme at Warwick Business School.

I was motivated to apply because AI is no longer something on the horizon, it is already shaping how we lead organisations, make decisions, and deliver impact. In my role within the healthcare setting, I see first-hand both the opportunity and the responsibility to use AI in a way that genuinely improves patient care, supports our workforce, and strengthens operational performance. I wanted to move beyond curiosity and build a more practical, confident understanding of how to lead in this space while keeping both feet firmly grounded in the realities of frontline delivery.

Having previously completed an Executive Diploma in Strategy and Innovation at WBS, I knew the quality and impact of the learning would be high. That earlier experience challenged my thinking, gave me valuable protected time to step back from the day-to-day, and allowed me to return to the workplace with renewed energy and perspective. Choosing WBS again felt like a natural next step, building on a strong foundation, but this time focused on one of the most important leadership challenges we face today.

What really stood out about the programme was its balance between cutting-edge thinking and real-world application. It wasn’t about theory for theory’s sake it was about understanding how to apply AI responsibly and effectively within complex organisations. The programme brought together a diverse cohort, and that variety of perspectives made the learning richer, more relevant, and occasionally (in the best way) a bit uncomfortable as your thinking gets stretched.

One of the most valuable aspects for me was the opportunity to connect with others. The networking was genuinely meaningful bringing together people from different sectors, roles, and experiences created a space where conversations were both stretching and energising. Completing the programme has strengthened my professional network in a way that feels lasting, not transactional.

And learning in The Shard… well, who cannot love learning in The Shard? There’s something quite special about stepping out of a busy working day and into that environment. It creates a sense of focus, perspective, and just a bit of excitement (the lifts alone deserve a mention). It’s a setting that reminds you to pause, think differently, and invest in yourself as a leader.

What I hoped to gain from the programme was a clearer understanding of how to navigate AI at a strategic level both its potential and its risks. The biggest takeaway for me has been greater confidence in how to approach AI in a structured and responsible way, thinking not just about innovation, but about governance, ethics, workforce impact, and real outcomes. Just as importantly, the experience has reinforced the value of staying curious, continuing to explore, question, and learn as the landscape evolves.

Looking back at my previous studies, it was both stretching and energising. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone, challenged how I think about strategy, and introduced me to a network of people I continue to learn from. That experience is what brought me back to continue that journey of development in a new and evolving area.

My advice to anyone considering the programme would be to come with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to be challenged. It’s not something you can simply turn up to; you get out what you put in. But if you are ready to invest the time and energy (and enjoy the occasional moment of looking out over London mid-session), the benefits are significant, both personally and professionally.

For me, this programme has been about more than learning it’s been about continuing to grow my perspective, strengthening my network, and building the confidence to lead in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world… with a healthy dose of curiosity along the way.

Find out more about our AI Leadership programme.