Episode 1: The enterprise is changing. Are we?

Episode overview

Agentic AI is rewriting the rules of work—and not in the way most organizations are talking about it. In this inaugural episode of The GuideLine, Stu Brown speaks with Microsoft Corporate Vice President Uli Homann about why the agentic shift is bigger than a technology upgrade or even a change-management effort. At its core, Uli argues, it reshapes how decisions get made, how work gets done, and what an enterprise really is. 

Stu and Uli map the foundations behind AI, share a three‑part framework for understanding agentic systems, and explain what Microsoft calls the “frontier firm.” Along the way, they dig into the practical realities that leaders can’t ignore: data sovereignty, the enterprise memory layer, and the line between automating tasks and building truly intelligent workflows. They wrap with a candid look at what’s next for organizations, and for a workforce stepping into a world where AI agents are part of the team. 

About the guest

Uli Homann, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft

Uli Homann is Corporate Vice President and Distinguished Architect at Microsoft, where he spearheads strategic innovation across the Cloud + AI portfolio. A pioneer in confidential computing and sovereign cloud architecture, he has played a pivotal role in shaping Microsoft’s infrastructure strategy for regulated industries and geopolitical alignment. He is a trusted advisor to global enterprises and public institutions, guiding policy-aware design for secure cloud and data platforms as well as agentic AI systems. 

About the host 

Stuart Brown, Global Leader, Technology & Innovation, Guidehouse 

Stuart Brown is a visionary technology leader with more than 25 years of experience guiding complex transformations across industries. At Guidehouse, he leads the Technology practice, helping organizations shape their digital innovation strategies. Known for connecting big ideas to real outcomes, Stuart brings a pragmatic, people-first approach to solving today’s toughest technology challenges.