10 – 12 November 2026
|
Dubai World Trade Centre Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2 & 3
Annie Nayyar
Director of Leadership - Inspirational Group
With over two decades of experience leading complex, multi-sector programmes, Annie Nayyar is a strategic education and transformation specialist with a proven record of driving innovation, operational efficiency, and stakeholder trust across the UK and Middle East.
Annie began her career with the UK Government, where she led national education reforms and oversaw the successful delivery of high-value programmes, including the establishment of 64 new schools across England. Her work shaped policy implementation at scale and positioned her as a trusted voice in public sector transformation.
Now based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Annie recently led the design and delivery of leadership programmes for schools and universities as well as other industries - combining international best practice with culturally responsive learning. Drawing on her background, she ensured that all content was locally adapted, Arabic-translated, and relevant to context.
Annie is currently a senior leader at the Inspirational Group, where she delivers high-impact education and leadership services across the Gulf. She holds qualifications in Programme, Project, and Commercial Management, alongside strategic leadership credentials. Annie is especially passionate about capability building, youth development, and creating sustainable education ecosystems.
Speaker Sessions
EdTech in Action
1609
-
Beyond Strategy: Why Decisions Define Leadership in the AI Era
Session Summary:
In a world shaped by AI, complexity, and constant acceleration, the true measure of leadership is no longer charisma, confidence, or even communication - it's judgment. In this keynote, Annie argues that the future of leadership lies in the ability to make high-quality decisions consistently, ethically, and under pressure. She explores how leaders can evolve from reactive choices to reflective, intentional decision-making, using insight, ethics, and systems thinking as foundations.
This talk introduces a powerful shift: leadership as a practice of decision-making, not just a position of authority. And it offers practical ideas for how individuals and organisations can build decision capability at every level. Drawing from psychology, leadership development, and responsible AI use, this session challenges assumptions and inspires leaders to reimagine how they choose, act, and reflect.
Audience Outcomes: 1. Reframe leadership as a decision-making practice 2. Learn a practical lens to improve decision quality across roles and contexts 3. Explore how AI can support—not shortcut—judgment
Speakers:
Annie Nayyar
|
Director of Leadership - Inspirational Group
Categories:
AI and EdTech
Workshop Space
1627
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AI as Your Leadership Mirror: Revealing insights to help you work more effectively with others
Session Summary:
How can artificial intelligence help us see ourselves more clearly as leaders? In this fast-paced, 30-minute session, Annie Nayyar explores how AI can act as a mirror, reflecting our leadership style and revealing fresh perspectives. Drawing on real examples and practical insights, Annie will show how AI challenges assumptions, highlights blind spots, and sparks new ways of working with others. Participants will leave with a sharper understanding of how to harness AI as a tool for self-awareness, collaboration, and effective leadership.
Speakers:
Annie Nayyar
|
Director of Leadership - Inspirational Group
Categories:
AI and EdTech
// GESS EDUCATION INSIGHTS
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