September 22, 2025
By: Andrea Deckert
In more than four decades in technology, John Roman has never seen a tool rise to prominence as quickly as artificial intelligence.
“It’s the most exciting technology and the quickest in its capability to learn,”
John Roman, CIO, The Bonadio Group.
Roman participated in the Data & AI: Accelerating Adoption and Impact event on Sept. 18 at the Genesee Valley Club.
Hosted by Cause + Effect Strategy in partnership with the Rochester Business Journal, the program drew senior executives, data leaders and technologists to explore how AI is transforming business strategy, operational efficiency and competitive advantage. Attendees also gained insight into how somewhat basic implementation of AI can automate repetitive tasks and make an organization more productive.
The keynote speaker was Phong Le, president and CEO of Virginia-based Strategy, the world’s first and largest Bitcoin Treasury Company and a global leader in AI and business intelligence software. He shared his perspective on how AI and advanced analytics are reshaping enterprise growth, customer engagement and strategic planning at scale. Le, whose company is recognized as a global leader in AI-driven business intelligence, highlighted ways technology can streamline efficiency and reduce costs. AI can help companies do the early groundwork before they seek external support, he explained, noting it allows them to enter those conversations better prepared and more efficient.
An executive panel followed with a discussion between cross-industry business leaders who offered insights into the implementation of AI within complex business environments. Moderated by John Loury, president and co-founder of Cause + Effect Strategy, the panel included Roman, as well as Chris Boebel, chief information officer at Delta Sonic Car Wash Systems and Cindy Donovan, senior vice president and chief information officer of Monro, Inc.
Loury said the event focused on actionable education and provided insights, including ideas on faster and safer adoption, risk and compliance clarity and talent upscaling. Cause + Effect, he noted, helps get companies ready and in position to be successful with AI. The panel discussion underscored both the opportunities and responsibilities of AI adoption. While many organizations are still in the early stages, panelists noted that thoughtful integration of AI can sharpen competitive advantage, strengthen customer relationships and drive long-term growth.
While AI has been in existence for some time, it didn’t gain widespread appeal until the roll-out of ChatGPT, Roman noted. “ChatGPT brought awareness about the capabilities of AI,” he said, noting having a companywide AI policy is critical. Roman said Bonadio uses tools such as AI to support the firm’s business strategy, which ultimately comes down to delivering outstanding client service…