“In an age of AI, conscience, intuition, instinct—all quintessential human traits—start to become more relevant, something AI will never be able to replicate,” Rishi said. “Knowing the difference between right and wrong, noticing a deal that is too good to be true, expressing love even if an algorithm brings us together—these human traits will supersede the work of AI.”
Rishi was the featured speaker at the University of Hartford’s 2026 Theodore D. Veru Symposium. Created by Barney School of Business alumnus Peter Veru '85 in commemoration of his father, the event brings marketers, economists, analysts, and investors to campus to share their knowledge and expertise. With AI very much front and center on campus this year, Rishi, a 10-year member of UHart’s Board of Regents and the chief executive officer at Cognite, led a discussion on “AI and the New Industrial Era.”
Rishi stressed AI’s role in supplementing and accelerating—not replacing—human potential. He also spoke directly to the UHart students in the audience of Wilde Auditorium, telling them that AI literacy will be crucial for them as they enter the workforce.
“When you go to the job market as you graduate as a senior, it is incumbent upon you to convey your AI bona fides,” he said. “How have you used AI? How do you see AI? In which projects have you used? How do you use those AI tools? Employers will be interested in understanding that.”
Girish Rishi M'92, speaking at the Theodore D. Veru SymposiumIn an age of AI, conscience, intuition, instinct—all quintessential human traits—start to become more relevant, something AI will never be able to replicate. Knowing the difference between right and wrong, noticing a deal that is too good to be true, expressing love even if an algorithm brings us together—these human traits will supersede the work of AI.
Rishi also acknowledged some of the worries around AI. The data that drives AI algorithms needs to be accurate, he said, and there need to be mechanisms to guard personal information from being used without permission. “Data management and governance for companies, countries, and at a personal level are areas of work ahead.”
Still, Rishi says, the goal should not be to shun AI. The use of the technology will continue to accelerate—but, Rishi says, it can also make room for skills only humans can bring: leadership skills, ingenuity, thoughtfulness.
“We must be curious about AI, understand it, embrace it and demand its responsible use driven by a foundation of data that can be relied upon,” Rishi said. “Use AI responsibly and have guardrails, yet not stifle it with overregulation.”
After his address, Rishi held a Q&A session with audience members, moderated by Aarti Ivanic, dean of the Barney School of Business. Throughout the evening, Rishi spoke in glowing terms about his time at Barney, where he received his MBA and which he called his “Plymouth Rock.” He was inducted into the Barney Board of Visitors Hall of Fame in 2019.
At the end of the event, the University presented Rishi with a framed map of Hartford engraved with “Once your Plymouth Rock, forever your legacy.