Research-Based Practitioner in
AI Transformation

Combining academic rigour, commercial experience, and executive insight to help organisations navigate AI-driven transformation with realism and strategic clarity.

30+ years building enterprise software • £11M UK National Research Centre Director • IBM Distinguished Engineer • Board-level advisor across pharma, energy, defence, and government

Alan W. Brown

Alan W. Brown

Research-Based Practitioner: Engineering, Research, and Strategy

I bring a unique combination of three perspectives: 30+ years as a practitioner building enterprise software at scale (Carnegie Mellon, IBM Distinguished Engineer, founding CTO roles), 15+ years as a researcher leading major research centers and publishing peer-reviewed work, and extensive experience as a board-level advisor translating complex AI issues into decision-ready insight.

This blend of academic rigour, commercial experience, and executive insight allows me to help senior leaders navigate AI transformation with both empirical grounding and practical wisdom—not just theory or vendor promises.

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The difference between successful leaders and everyone else isn't intelligence or luck—it's the ability to validate AI strategies before committing to them.

Surviving and Thriving in the Age of AI

Featured: Surviving and Thriving in the Age of AI

A handbook for digital leaders navigating transformation with realism and resilience.

Published in 2024, this book translates complex AI strategy and governance into decision-ready guidance for senior leaders in organisations. It covers: AI economics and ROI, organisational governance and change management, building AI-ready operating models, and leadership under uncertainty.

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Three Perspectives, One Advantage

A rare combination of three perspectives that collide at the highest level of organisational transformation.

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Practitioner

30+ years leading large-scale enterprise software delivery and digital transformation programs. From Carnegie Mellon research to IBM Distinguished Engineer to founding CTO roles—I've built and scaled teams, delivered complex systems, and navigated the messy realities of enterprise transformation.

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Researcher

Founded and led the Surrey Centre for the Digital Economy (CoDe), directed a £11M UK National Research Centre on digital transformation in Established Organisations, and lead the Defence Data Research Centre. My work is methodologically rigorous, published in peer-reviewed venues, and grounded in empirical data about how organisations actually change.

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Advisor

Advisory and board-level strategy work with organisations across pharma, energy, defence, government, and regulated industries. I translate complex AI and digital issues into decision-ready insight for busy leaders operating under uncertainty, constraints, and real business risk.

Weekly Newsletter

Every Sunday, I share exclusive insights on AI transformation, digital disruption, and organisational resilience. Read by leaders from IBM, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Accenture, Deloitte, UK Government, and Defence.

Ready to Navigate AI Transformation?

Whether you're looking to understand AI's impact on strategy, design a transformation program, or commission research—let's talk.

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