UniSuper AI Working Group - Strategic Capability Development

Serving as Business Architect and Strategic AI Advisor, Alex Barakat designed and delivered a comprehensive AI Working Group framework for UniSuper that positioned the organisation at the forefront of AI adoption in the Australian superannuation sector. This strategic initiative addressed the critical need for structured AI governance and capability development in a highly regulated environment. Alex developed a bespoke three-tier governance model, established clear operating frameworks, and orchestrated the successful launch of multiple AI initiatives. Within twelve months, the Working Group delivered measurable improvements in member experience, operational efficiency, and risk management, whilst building sustainable internal AI capabilities.

The Challenge

UniSuper recognised AI's transformational potential but faced fragmented initiatives lacking strategic coordination, governance gaps in a regulated environment, limited internal AI expertise, cultural resistance to change, and concerns about maintaining member trust whilst innovating with sensitive data.

Alex's Solution

Alex developed a comprehensive AI Working Group structure:

Governance Architecture

  • Three-tier model linking board oversight to operational delivery

  • Clear decision rights and escalation pathways

  • Integrated risk management aligned with regulatory requirements

  • Ethical AI framework establishing responsible deployment principles

Operating Model

  • Hub-and-spoke structure enabling centralised strategy with distributed execution

  • Formal collaboration mechanisms across functions

  • Structured innovation pipeline from ideation to deployment

  • Capability development programme with tiered learning pathways

Implementation Journey

Alex conducted comprehensive readiness assessments before securing executive mandate and establishing the Working Group charter. He carefully assembled cross-functional teams and launched strategic pilots demonstrating value. The successful pilots led to scaled deployment across the organisation with continuous capability building.

Results & Impact

Operational Improvements

  • Substantial reduction in member enquiry response times

  • Significant fraud loss prevention

  • Enhanced investment decision accuracy

  • Improved manual processing efficiency

Organisational Transformation

  • Improved member satisfaction metrics

  • Regulatory commendation for risk management

  • Positive cultural shift towards AI adoption

Strategic Positioning

  • Established as sector leader in responsible AI

  • Built sustainable internal capabilities

  • Created innovation pipeline for continuous improvement

  • Enhanced market competitiveness

Key Success Factors

  • Business-First Thinking: Every initiative linked to member value

  • Stakeholder Alignment: Extensive engagement ensuring buy-in

  • Pragmatic Governance: Balanced control with innovation speed

  • Capability Building: Focus on sustainable expertise development

Why This Matters for Your Organisation

The AI Working Group model demonstrates that with strategic guidance, organisations can harness AI whilst managing risk and building capability. Alex's flexible framework adapts to each organisation's unique context, ensuring AI adoption becomes a source of competitive advantage.