Member-only

The Big AI Debate

Name: The Big AI Debate
Start: 2026-01-29T18:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-01-29T21:15:00+01:00
Location: The Original Ivy, West End

A Member-Led Blend Experience

The Original Ivy, West End

January 29, 2026

6:00 pm - 9:15 pm

About this event

AI dominates boardroom agendas, yet many leaders sit between excitement and unease. Innovation moves fast, while ethical, cultural, and operational questions remain unresolved. Few environments allow leaders to challenge what they really think about AI.

The Big AI Debate is a member-led Blend session designed to create that space – an open, guided discussion where leaders can question assumptions, challenge prevailing narratives, and explore the realities of leading through AI-driven uncertainty.

Our speakers

Julia Belle

Head of Community - London

Julia is a broadcaster, political commentator, corporate event host and business trainer. She has been covering news, current affairs and entertainment for BBC Three for three years and before this she featured weekly on BBC 5 Live – discussing the newspaper headlines and the latest breaking news.

She hosted a BBC election show, diving into key voter topics, as well as a TED Talk titled “The Secret to Being Right” which was instantly selected amongst TED’s “Editor’s Picks.”

She has interviewed some of the most influential figures in politics and business, on a range of topics from general elections to generative AI.

She runs the London community of Blend as well as the members’ exclusive Blend Book Club, interviewing prolific business authors and sharing key learnings from a range of titles covering topics like leadership, negotiation, DEI, productivity and handling difficult issues.

Key themes & discussion topics

Is AI an enabler or a distraction for human potential?

Are boards moving too fast, or not fast enough?

Will the AI bubble burst, or are we only at the beginning?

Can AI and human judgment truly work in harmony?

Event agenda

Registration & networking

6:00-6:45 PM

Guided debate & discussion

6:45-8:00 PM

Dinner

8:00 – 9:00 PM

Event wrap-up, reflection & networking

9:00 – 9:15 PM

Why should you attend?

You want a safe, off-the-record space to voice real concerns without the corporate filter.

You value honest debate, myth-busting, and constructive disagreement over polished viewpoints.

You want to sharpen your thinking around AI’s role in leadership and strategy.

You’re willing to challenge assumptions – not dominate the room.

Event Organizer

Emily Osgood

emily@joinblend.com

Venue

The Original Ivy, West End

The Original Ivy
London
WC2H 9NQ
United Kingdom

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