Build vs. Buy in the AI Era

Session description

Artificial intelligence is changing the way organizations operate, but one of the biggest questions leaders face remains the same: Should we build it ourselves or buy it? The answer isn’t just about cost. It impacts how quickly your organization can move, how adaptable your solutions are, who owns your data, and ultimately how you create a competitive advantage.

Drawing from his experience leading technology and AI initiatives at enterprise scale, United Wholesale Mortgage Chief Technology Officer Jason Bressler will share a practical perspective on what it means to own the technology that truly sets your organization apart. He’ll discuss why successful AI adoption involves more than simply automating existing processes, how intelligent agents are creating opportunities to rethink the way work gets done, and why trusted, high-quality data is still the foundation of every meaningful AI effort.

Rather than focusing on hype or future predictions, this keynote will highlight real-world lessons learned from bringing AI into production. Jason will explore the leadership decisions, organizational challenges, and strategic tradeoffs that come with AI transformation. Attendees will walk away with a practical framework for evaluating build-versus-buy decisions and a new perspective on AI: not just as a tool to do today’s work faster, but as an opportunity to rethink what’s possible and create entirely new ways of working.