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Trust meets technology in this illuminating conversation with Mark Fitzgerald, who leads global development initiatives at KPMG. Speaking from the Ideagen Future Summit in Washington DC, Fitzgerald challenges our understanding of digital transformation with a startling assertion: "The future is already here."

Through compelling real-world examples, Fitzgerald reveals how our relationship with technology is fundamentally changing. He shares how younger team members view AI not as tools but as colleagues—opening separate devices each morning to work alongside their digital counterparts. This shift signals profound changes in how we'll approach everything from education to professional services in the coming years.

The conversation weaves through critical questions about trust in digital systems, the massive energy demands of data centers, the evolution of impact investing, and how technology is reshaping international development across 70+ countries. Fitzgerald offers unique insights into how organizations are already planning their workforce needs for 2029-2030, underscoring that AI's transformation of work isn't hypothetical—it's happening now.

Most powerfully, Fitzgerald frames digital transformation around two essential elements: data (the objective component) and trust (the subjective human element). As he explains, "Data about yourself is yours," highlighting the growing importance of personal data ownership in our increasingly connected world.

Whether you're a professional wondering how AI will reshape your career, a leader navigating organizational change, or simply curious about how technology is transforming global development, this conversation offers valuable perspective on navigating a future that has already arrived. As Fitzgerald concludes with his call to action: understand that your role has already changed, and you have the opportunity to shape what comes next rather than merely responding to it.