Our mission is to empower organizations in their journey towards digital transformation and mastery of artificial intelligence. We strive to be the guiding force in setting strategy for digital evolution, providing comprehensive education and training, and establishing robust centers of excellence for AI. By linking the cutting-edge knowledge of academia with the dynamic needs of the practitioner world, we aim to drive innovation that is not only technologically advanced but also ethically grounded and human-centered. Our commitment is to ensure that every strategy and solution we offer is underpinned by evidence-based research and tailored to meet the real-world challenges of our clients.
We envision a future where digital transformation and artificial intelligence are leveraged not just as tools for business efficiency, but as catalysts for ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible growth. Our vision is to be at the forefront of this transformation, inspiring and equipping businesses to harness the power of AI in a way that prioritizes the welfare of humanity. We aspire to bridge the gap between theoretical AI advancements and practical applications, creating a world where technology and human values coexist in harmony for the betterment of society.
- Ethical Integrity: At the heart of all we do, maintaining an unwavering commitment to ethics, ensuring that our strategies and solutions prioritize human welfare and societal well-being.
- Human-Centric Approach: Keeping humans and their needs at the center of our innovation, recognizing that technology is a means to enhance human life, not a replacement for it.
- Innovation Through Education: Constantly pushing the boundaries of knowledge in digital transformation and AI, while demystifying these domains through comprehensive education and training.
- Collaborative Excellence: Fostering a culture of collaboration that unites the best of academia and industry, ensuring that our insights and solutions are both cutting-edge and pragmatically viable.
- Evidence-Based Solutions: Grounding our work in rigorous, evidence-based research to provide solutions that are not only innovative but also effective and reliable in addressing real-world challenges.
Rick Abbott is a seasoned Senior Technology Strategist and Transformation Leader with a rich career spanning over 30 years. His expertise encompasses a broad range of industries including Telecommunications, Financial Services, Public Sector, HealthCare, and Automotive. Rick has a notable background in “Big 4” consulting, having held an associate partnership at Deloitte Consulting and a lead technologist role at Accenture. His proficiency extends to IT Strategy and Business Transformation, Global Business Services Design, Complex Strategic Sourcing, Vendor Negotiation, and Multi-National IT Portfolio Optimization.
Educated at Purdue University with a BS in Computer Science and recently completed a certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Business Strategy at MIT, Rick has been at the forefront of implementing business technology enablement and IT operations benchmarking. His focus on AI strategy is evident in his leadership roles, where he has championed application modernization, legacy migration, and Agile and DevSecOps approaches. Rick’s commitment to AI education and establishing Centers of Excellence is demonstrated through his work in advising on technology asset advisory and sourcing strategies, ensuring technological advancement aligns with organizational goals and efficiencies.
Rick’s dedication to the field of artificial intelligence (AI) is underpinned by a strong commitment to ethical principles. He firmly believes in the symbiotic relationship between humans and machines, envisioning a future where AI is leveraged to advance the human condition. However, Rick emphasizes the critical need for a “human in the middle” approach to ensure that AI development and application are always aligned with the betterment of society. He advocates for the incorporation of ethical considerations in AI strategy, stressing that technological advancement should not just be about what can be done, but also about what should be done for the greater good. Rick’s leadership at FuturePoint Digital is marked by this ethos, as he champions the creation of AI solutions that are not only innovative and efficient but also responsible and beneficial to all segments of society. His vision for AI is one where technology serves humanity, enhancing lives while upholding moral values and societal norms.
On a personal note, Rick hails from Maryland, near Washington, DC, but has since found solace in the serene landscapes of Tennessee, where he currently resides. Away from the bustling world of technology and business strategy, Rick immerses himself in the tranquility of underwater exploration as an avid scuba diver and leverages his innovative spirit and technical acumen to design and test underwater equipment and devices.
Prior to his role at FuturePoint Digital, David was an independent management consultant, researcher, and adjunct professor of management at the College of William & Mary, as well as Harrisburg University of Science & Technology. In industry, David served as a senior technology executive at several multinational firms including, Salesforce, Marsh & McLennan, and AIG. In these roles he led numerous, highly impactful digital transformation initiatives around the globe. Prior to his senior executive experience, David enjoyed an extensive career in management consulting where he acted as a key transformational change agent for a variety of multinational firms.
David continues to conduct and publish empirical research positioned at the intersection of emerging technology and ways of working. He envisions a future where artificial intelligence amplifies the essential human values of collaboration, inclusion, and diplomacy within the workplace, and firmly believes that these principles, when intertwined with human-centric AI, can foster a culture of harnessing AI to uplift and empower every member of the organization. In this way, David is dedicated to shaping a working environment where technology and human values coalesce to create a more effective, equitable, and connected business landscape.
David holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from IE Business School in Madrid, Spain, as well as a Master of Science in Information Systems from Johns Hopkins University, where he received the Edward J. Stegman award for academic excellence, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (with a minor in Information Systems) from James Madison University, and recently completed a certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Business Strategy at MIT. His doctoral research focused on the impact leadership style and national culture on performance in global virtual teams.
On a personal note, David lives in the Washington, DC area with his wife, a native of Chile. Together, they enjoy traveling the world and experiencing new cultures. He is fluent in Spanish and has strong foundations in French and German.