My philosophy
The most significant AI decisions do not belong to the technical department; they belong in the boardroom. The question is not which technology to select, but how to architect the organization to capture AI's full potential safely and strategically. Realizing the benefits of AI demands clear thinking, conviction, and decisive action.
About
My name is Stephan Hartgers, an independent advisor in Digital & AI.
For more than 25 years I have operated at the intersection of strategy, technology, and leadership. Whether it's multinationals, mid-sized companies, or different sectors—I help turn complex challenges into concrete results. My background at McKinsey and my hands-on experience as CIO and IT Director enable me to quickly grasp new contexts and deploy broad expertise wherever is needed.
The most important decisions about Digital and AI are not made by technologists. They are made in boardrooms, by the leaders shaping the future of their organizations. And too many leaders are flying blind. That's why I believe in the value of an independent advisor, for clarity, for confidence, and sometimes for rolling up sleeves.
To help leaders realize their business, their role, and their future, with AI as the lens, not the obstacle. I bring experience, knowledge, clarity, and energy to the table. What helps is my ability to easily connect with board members, executive teams, and people on the work floor, making the abstract tangible and the overwhelming actionable.
My contribution is my knowledge and experience. I work personally with every client. No junior consultants. No handoffs. Only honest thinking and real progress. I also bring my network of creators, builders, and fighters. Not to focus on PowerPoints and plans, though that's possible if needed, but mainly to achieve real impact.
My focus: helping organizations embrace an AI-first mindset, increase productivity, enhance value, and innovate faster, smarter, and with confidence.
- 35+ years in IT, from young programmer to advisor and executive
- 30+ years in AI and all its precursors, as an econometrician, leader of data science, big data, and AI projects
- 25+ years as a strategy consultant, 7 of which at McKinsey
- 15+ years in leadership roles, including CIO and Head of IT & Ops
The Fluid Reality
Even if I could devise a fixed script, every situation is different and requires its own answer. To that end, I have all my experience and the tools at my disposal, enabling me to move fluidly between education and strategy, transformation and implementation—whatever the company and the moment require.
What I bring: insight, direction, and confidence.
I am also available for positions on your supervisory or advisory boards to stay connected to your Digital and AI agenda for the long term.