Conference SessionArtificial Intelligence and Machine LearningBeginner

Digital Transformation or Digital Chaos? A Practical Guide for Leaders Who Are Done Playing Catch-Up

Oct 30, 2026, 3:45 PM · 60 min · Room B

Most organizations don't fail at digital transformation because of bad technology. They fail because they started with the tool instead of the problem. After nearly 30 years leading technology modernizations — from a 10-person shop to the U.S. Federal Government — Matt Russell has seen the pattern repeat itself at every scale.

This session cuts through the noise with a frank, data-driven look at what actually works: how to audit your digital foundation, make smarter technology decisions without analysis paralysis, manage change when your team isn't buying in, and position your organization for an AI-driven future that's already underway.

You'll leave with a practical decision framework, a clear picture of where AI fits in your operations today, and several concrete actions you can take before the week is over.

No jargon. No vendor pitches. Just hard-won lessons from the field — and a few laughs along the way.

Speaker

Matt Russell

Founder and President, Cynerge Consulting

Matt is the founder and President of Cynerge Consulting, Inc. (Cynerge), the co-founder of LocalHop, and the co-founder of Paissa Properties, all based in Pontiac. He is an accomplished leader with over 25 years of management experience, with a focus on information technology and business improvement. Matt is experienced at working with C-level executives and senior management on a variety of activities, including strategy, operations, and budget. His projects have saved taxpayers millions of dollars, supported tens of thousands of users, and reduced process times by over 50%. He is a motivated self-starter, speaker, and entrepreneur that is skilled at bringing groups together to orchestrate solutions. Matt moved his companies to Pontiac in the spring of 2017 and loves the gritty up-and-coming attitude in Pontiac, both from the business community and the residents, and is always looking for ways to help drive the city and Michigan forward! He serves on the board of directors for the Small Business Association of Michigan (aka SBAM). Matt has a B.S. in Environmental Planning and an MBA, both from the University of Michigan-Flint.

Speaker profile →

Want to be in the room?

Register through Matt’s link and the speaker code takes 10% off the Conference + Workshop Bundle, applied automatically at checkout. Codes expire Sept 30.

Digital Transformation or Digital Chaos? A Practical Guide for Leaders Who Are Done Playing Catch-Up

Session description