MBS Lunchtime Masterclass Series
FEAL’s formal education partner, the Melbourne Business School, runs a series of lunchtime online masterclasses to allow FEAL members to access leadership insights in short, one hour sessions led by MBS academics.
The Decision-Maker's Guide to Data, Analytics and AI
FEAL Masters of Organisational Leadership - MBS Executive Education Lunchtime Masterclass
This Masterclass is being delivered in advance of the Data Analysis – Analytics, Uncertainty and AI module of the FEAL Masters Program, which Simon Holcombe will lead at Melbourne Business School from 14 – 18 September 2026.
Data and AI are transforming how organisations make decisions – but more information does not always lead to better outcomes. In many cases, analytics gives leaders confidence before it gives them certainty.
Delivered through a series of real-world case studies, attendees will learn how to:
Distinguish insight from misleading or incomplete evidence
Recognise the limitations of dashboards, predictive models, and AI-generated outputs
Ask better questions when interpreting data and analytics
Apply critical thinking to support sound managerial decision-making
Date: Wednesday 22 July 2026
Time: 12:30pm - 1:30pm AEST
Delivery: This course is online
Fees: Complimentary
Taught by: Simon Holcombe, Academic Director of the Masters of Business Analytics Program at Melbourne Business School
Simon has over ten years’ experience in industry utilising a range of analytics in the design and administration of infrastructure within the financial services sector, during which time he worked on Bayesian filters in email and various banking channels. With a passion for education he has spent over 20 years teaching in tertiary and secondary schools, including data analysis in the executive MBA at Monash university and the Melbourne Business School.
Leading AI Transformation: What Works and What Doesn't
This 60-minute masterclass explores what it takes to move beyond AI pilots and achieve enterprise-wide adoption. Participants will examine the key factors that drive successful AI transformation, alongside the common pitfalls that prevent organisations from realising clear ROI. Drawing on the latest research and practical experience with Australian businesses, you'll gain actionable insights into what works – and what doesn't – when leading AI transformation at scale.
Date: Tuesday, 28 July 2026
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST
Delivery: This course is online
Fees: Complimentary
Taught by: Professor and Distinguished Fellow, Melbourne Business School
Jon is Australia's leading thought leader on AI for business, currently a Distinguished Fellow at the Institute for Digital Innovation and AI (IDIA) at Melbourne Business School. A former technical lead at NASA and director of CSIRO's AI capability, he also founded Australia's National AI Centre.
He has a global reputation for applying AI to achieve real world impact with a human-centred approach, having worked with or advised Boeing, the Federal Aviation Administration in the US, Google, Microsoft, NASA, Australian Super, Medibank, BHP, Supreme Court Justice of Victoria, state and federal governments. He has worked extensively in the US, the UK, UAE, Germany and Australia.
He is author of two books on AI: Responsible AI - Best Practices for Creating Trustworthy AI Systems, and AI for Business - A Guide to AI Adoption. He also hosts the award winning podcast, CSIRO Presents Everyday AI. He regularly appears in the media, having recently been interviewed for ABC Radio, The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, The AFR, Sky TV and ABC TV.
