Samuel Hauzel is a PhD researcher at CFE where his work explores the intersection of AI governance, strategic decision-making, and digital transformation in regulated industries. He brings over 15 years of experience in enterprise technology across public (federal and state government) and private sectors. His work has spanned cloud-native architecture, platform engineering, and enterprise data and analytics systems—particularly in environments that demand high levels of operational integrity, information security, and regulatory compliance. He has led the design of secure, future-ready cloud environments for large financial institutions, working across enterprise IT, governance, and delivery functions. These experiences have shaped his interest in how large organisations adopt emerging technologies in ways that balance innovation, accountability, and long-term strategic value. Alongside his professional roles, Sam has contributed to internal AI strategy discussions within enterprise settings. Outside of work, he has actively explored emerging AI technologies, applying his technical background to understand their use cases, limitations, and potential value in enterprise contexts. He holds a postgraduate qualification in Information Technology from Monash University, has undertaken MBA studies at RMIT with a focus on leadership and innovation, and completed executive leadership training through the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School. ________ Research synopsis: Sam’s research examines how AI can be responsibly integrated into enterprise environments, with a focus on building trust, ensuring transparency, and aligning AI adoption with long-term organisational goals. He is particularly interested in how regulated industries, such as financial services, navigate the complexities of governance, stakeholder confidence, and strategic alignment in the face of rapid technological change.