“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” – B.B. King Few individuals embody the spirit of lifelong learning as profoundly as Richard Larson. With a career spanning decade in research, academia, and innovation, he has continually sought to push the boundaries of knowledge while inspiring those around him to do the same. From pioneering breakthroughs in queueing theory and operations research to shaping modern approaches in education and decision science, his contributions have left an indelible mark on both theoretical and applied disciplines. More than just an academic, he has always viewed education as a powerful tool for transformation, one that extends beyond university halls and into everyday life. Beyond his professional achievements, Richard’s journey is also a deeply personal one. His career was intertwined with the unwavering support of his late wife, Mary Elizabeth Murray (“Liz”), whose partnership played an integral role in their shared mission of expanding access to quality education. Whether presenting at international conferences, developing innovative learning models, or mentoring future researchers, Richard has remained committed to intellectual exploration and the betterment of society. Even in retirement, his passion for MODEL-Based Thinking and knowledge dissemination continues to drive his efforts, proving that the pursuit of learning is not just a phase but a way of life. Academic Journey and MIT Richard attributes much of his success to a fortunate beginning—being admitted to MIT as a freshman at just 18 after graduating from Needham High School. His father initially hoped he would commute to save on costs, but Larson’s experience took a different turn when he joined the Phi Beta Epsilon (PBE) fraternity. Unlike most MIT fraternities located across the Charles River, PBE was on Memorial Drive, right on campus, providing him with a close-knit community that became instrumental in his academic and personal growth. He fondly recalls the camaraderie and support he received from fellow members, which made his MIT journey all the more enriching. His passion for learning deepened, leading him to pursue graduate studies and ultimately earn a PhD in Operations Research. As he approached the completion of his dissertation, his faculty advisor, Professor Alvin W. Drake, unexpectedly offered him an opportunity to stay on as an Assistant Professor. Initially hesitant, Larson experienced what he calls the “Groucho Marx syndrome”—doubting whether he belonged in a faculty role so soon after being a student himself. However, he accepted the offer, gradually rising through the ranks to become a tenured professor. His decision to stay at MIT for the long term was driven by a deep intellectual curiosity and a love for the academic environment that had nurtured him. Fulfillment in Teaching For Larson, the most gratifying aspect of his academic career was engaging with students, both in the classroom and through research mentorship. “While lecturing was fulfilling, it was the deeper academic relationships formed through advising and supervising graduate students that I cherished the most. These close interactions fostered a culture of innovation and intellectual curiosity, often leading to groundbreaking research that was published in respected academic journals.” He took immense pride in witnessing his students push the boundaries of knowledge, make meaningful contributions to their fields, and go on to achieve remarkable success in their careers. “Teaching, for him, was never just about imparting information—it was about shaping minds, nurturing critical thinking, and fostering a sense of academic rigor and creativity. Seeing students develop into thought leaders and innovators brought him unparalleled fulfillment, reaffirming his belief in the transformative power of education.” Says Larson Shaping Future Innovators Although retired from active teaching and advising, Larson remains deeply committed to intellectual discourse and public engagement. His focus has shifted towards making complex ideas more accessible to a broader audience, a mission he pursues through his book, MODEL THINKING For Everyday Life. This work encapsulates his philosophy that effective decision-making and problem-solving rely on understanding conceptual and exemplary models. His goal is to equip individuals with the tools to think more critically, solve problems efficiently, and make informed decisions in everyday life. Lifelong Learning Larson firmly believes in the idea that continuous learning is the foundation of a meaningful and fulfilling life. He often quotes Einstein’s philosophy: “A day without learning is a day wasted.” For him, learning does not have to be confined to academic pursuits—it can be as simple as observing new behaviors in a pet or as profound as discovering a breakthrough in a research problem. He emphasizes that curiosity should be a lifelong habit, encouraging people to seek knowledge in both expected and unexpected places. Some of his most intriguing learning experiences came in the form of insights gained through dreams. On two separate occasions, he found solutions to complex research problems in his sleep—once at around 3:00 AM, when he awoke to document his findings. One of these instances involved his Hypercube Queueing Model, which became a critical framework for optimizing urban emergency response services. These moments reinforced his belief that the mind continues to process and solve problems even when at rest. His commitment to intellectual exploration remains unwavering, even after decades of academic achievement. Contributions Beyond Academia Larson’s contributions extend well beyond the classroom and the MIT campus. He has been actively involved in supporting educational initiatives, including his past work with Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School. He believes that education should not be limited to elite institutions but should be accessible to students from diverse backgrounds who aspire to create a better future for themselves. “As part of his legacy at MIT, I decided to make a lasting contribution by funding an endowed Faculty Chair in Data, Systems, and Society, now recognized as the Larson Chair. This endowment ensures that future generations of scholars and educators will continue to push the frontiers of knowledge in these critical fields.” His commitment to giving back reflects his deep-seated belief in education as a transformative force, capable of shaping not just individual lives but entire communities and industries. Overcoming Challenges No

“AI isn’t simply a technology—it’s a business game changer.” Luca Collina Luca Collina, an AI Value Decoder and Business Integrator, has made a significant impact in the field of AI-powered transformation. With a background as a professional trainer, award winner, published author, and columnist for The World Financial Review, Luca has dedicated his career to helping businesses harness the full potential of AI. His strategic outlook, mastery in AI, and clear vision of value generation have positioned him as a trusted advisor for leaders looking to drive competitive advantage through AI. Luca’s approach to AI is not just about technology; it’s about transforming businesses and creating measurable impact. His ability to simplify AI complexity and focus on strategic opportunities has enabled him to guide executives, senior managers, and organizations toward releasing real business value. Luca’s commitment to continuous learning and thought leadership has made him a respected figure in the AI and business transformation landscape. Converting AI Complexity to Competitive Advantage “AI isn’t simply a technology—it’s a business game changer. But unleashing its full potential takes more than technical know-how. It requires a strategic outlook, mastery in AI, and a clear vision of value generation.” Says Luca. As an AI Value Decoder, Luca makes sense of AI complexity by articulating guidance for leaders to separate hype from reality and focus their efforts on what will truly drive competitive advantage. He has been working as a Business Integrator, focusing on measurable business impact and maximizing total customer lifetime value that an AI-based approach can provide. Luca’s expertise in AI strategy for growth, executive AI literacy, research and insights, and decision intelligence bridges the gap between AI, strategy, and foresight for improved decision-making. His ability to translate complex AI concepts into actionable business strategies has been instrumental in helping organizations achieve their goals. Helping Leaders Win with AI Luca helps leaders win with AI by providing AI strategy for growth, simplifying complexity for better AI decisions, offering data-based analysis of AI’s effects on business, and bridging the gap between AI, strategy, and foresight for improved decision-making. He works alongside executives, senior managers, professionals, and organizations who don’t just want to learn about AI; they want to be trailblazers with it. “As a chief executive officer, strategist, and decision-maker in the field of AI-powered transformation, I guide clients towards releasing real business value. My approach is centered on understanding the unique needs of each client and developing tailored strategies that leverage AI to drive growth and innovation.” Luca’s commitment to empowering leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed has made him a trusted advisor in the industry. Leading Transformation at TRANSFORAGE TCA LTD At TRANSFORAGE TCA LTD, Luca has been providing solutions to business organizations by helping them establish efficient and results-oriented transitional and transformational strategies. Since January 2017, he has been leading the company in AI and business, digital transformation, automation, business continuity, and growth. TRANSFORAGE’s framework HIT™ (HIGH-iMPACT TRANSFORMATION) connects transformation with company and business strategies, supporting the delivery of activities required to achieve the company’s goals for a safe GTA™ (Go-to-Adoption) with their integration model. His focus on AI and business continuity involves leaving out the hype and supporting CEOs to strategize, implement, and adopt AI functionalities for businesses, reducing risks and maximizing benefits. By addressing unmet customer needs and aligning business strategies, Luca ensures that TRANSFORAGE delivers impactful and sustainable solutions. His leadership has been pivotal in driving the company’s success and establishing it as a leader in business transformation. Extensive Experience in Business and Financial Analysis Luca’s extensive experience in business and financial analysis has been a cornerstone of his career. He has held various roles, including Senior Business and Financial Analyst at Fedrigoni SpA, where he was responsible for process analysis, requirements management, and support for ERP implementation systems. Luca also designed and developed controlling systems and BI structures. At Semar, he served as a Business and Financial Analyst, managing budgeting, accounts, financial statements reporting activities, and implementing ERP systems. His role as Assistant Financial Manager at Proto Spa and Financial Auditor at Deloitte Italia further honed his skills in project management, resources management, and business process improvement. Luca’s diverse experience has equipped him with a deep understanding of business operations and financial management, enabling him to provide valuable insights and solutions to his clients. Skills and Expertise Luca possesses a wide range of skills and expertise, including project management, team management, organizational culture, general AI, strategic planning, stakeholders management, lead change, professional mentoring, management consulting, communication culture, decision-making, change management, adoption, values alignment, teamwork, team leadership, problem management, team building, project planning, business process improvement, culture change, stakeholder engagement, resources management, organizational development, business continuity, business process, business transformation, leadership, risk management, change impact analysis, helping clients, JBTD (Jobs To Be Done) – customer persona and segmentation, enterprise design thinking, consulting, stakeholder analysis, business analysis, management, risk management, business strategy, business strategy – growth, and organizational readiness. His comprehensive skill set allows him to address complex business challenges and drive successful transformations. Luca’s ability to integrate AI with business strategies and his focus on delivering measurable results have made him a sought-after expert in the field. Vision for the Future Luca envisions a future where AI is seamlessly integrated into business operations, driving innovation and competitive advantage. He aims to continue helping organizations navigate the complexities of AI and leverage its potential to achieve their strategic goals. Luca’s long-term aspirations include expanding TRANSFORAGE’s reach into emerging markets, where the maturity of AI risk management is low but legislation and enforcement are increasing. He plans to amplify the company’s messaging and establish TRANSFORAGE as a global leader in AI-powered business transformation. “By fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, I am committed to staying at the forefront of AI developments and ensuring that his clients remain ahead of the curve. My vision for the future is one where AI is not just a technology but a catalyst for meaningful and sustainable business