BoardTalks Podcast – How Should Boards Prepare for an AI‑Driven Future, Rashmi Kasat-Majakorpi?

In this special BoardTalks episode we speak with Rashmi Kasat‑Majakorpi, an experienced technology leader, advisory board member and investor with more than 25 years in IT and digital transformation. Having led large‑scale transformation initiatives at Metso and now working closely with startups and growth companies, Rashmi brings a practical and forward‑looking perspective to board work.

Hear what role advisory boards play in digital transformation, how artificial intelligence will reshape board decision‑making, and why international diversity is critical for companies with global ambitions. Essential listening for boards navigating rapid change!

The guest is interviewed by Boardman member and Partner at PwC Finland Michael Hardy with commentary by Boardman CEO Taru Lindeman.

Tune in below!

Advisory Boards as a Strategic Asset in Times of Transformation

Rashmi highlights how advisory boards can add significant value, particularly for startups and scale‑ups operating in fast‑moving environments. Advisory board discussions tend to span two extremes: long‑term questions around purpose, growth ambition and exit strategy, and very hands‑on, short‑term challenges such as sales channels, product launches and customer acquisition. This combination makes advisory boards especially effective in supporting management through both strategic direction and operational prioritisation.

For experienced executives, advisory board roles also offer an important learning opportunity. Rashmi notes that working closely with entrepreneurial companies exposes board members to new ways of operating – faster decision‑making, sharper customer focus and more experimental approaches. Established companies and their owners can benefit directly when executives bring these insights back into larger corporate settings.

Michael Hardy and Rashmi Kasat-Majakorpi talking about the future of board work.

AI in the Boardroom: From Curiosity to Capability

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a topic for management – it is rapidly becoming a board‑level issue. Rashmi envisions a future in which boards routinely rely on AI as an “advisor”: a tool capable of analysing vast amounts of data, competitor information and market signals without bias or ego. Used well, AI can help boards identify strategic focus areas faster and challenge assumptions more effectively.

At the same time, Rashmi is clear that AI will not replace board members. Issues such as reliability, hallucinations and data interpretation mean that human judgement remains essential. The board’s role is to ensure AI outputs are validated, understood and placed in proper business context. For boards, the key question is no longer whether to engage with AI, but how to use it responsibly to improve decision‑making and productivity.

International Board Diversity as a Growth Enabler