Read the speakers. Choose the tensions. Walk in with sharper questions.
Pragmatic skeptic of AI hype
Believes speed beats process
Regulation-forward perspective
Sarah and Marcus argue opposite ends of the speed-vs-safety question. Elena has the data on which approach actually works. The tensions are built in.
“You've led AI initiatives at three Fortune 100 companies. What's the most expensive lesson you learned that a startup founder would never understand?”
Forces the speaker to draw from specific enterprise experience and acknowledge constraints that pure technologists dismiss.
How did that shape your current approach at Meridian?
Would you make the same decision today?
“Sarah just described enterprise constraints. You've built four companies by ignoring exactly those kinds of guardrails. Where does that break down?”
Creates direct tension between approaches. Invites Marcus to defend his philosophy while acknowledging limits.
At what scale does 'move fast' become 'move recklessly'?
What's one guardrail you wish you'd kept?
“You're watching this enterprise-vs-startup debate. From your research, which approach actually produces better outcomes for the people affected by these systems?”
Positions Elena as the referee with evidence. Forces both previous speakers to hear an external perspective on their philosophies.
What are they both missing?
Where does regulation fit into this?
You don't start with questions. You start with the speakers. The tensions come next. The questions come last.