Agentic AI Bootcamp
- Monika Tylova
- Apr 27
- 2 min read
Decoding the Future: Highlights from the Agentic AI Bootcamp
The air crackled with curiosity and anticipation at the recent Agentic AI Bootcamp, an event designed to demystify the burgeoning world of autonomous AI agents for professionals of all backgrounds. For many attendees, the concept of AI taking initiative beyond simple commands was new territory, but the enthusiastic welcome and practical approach quickly transformed apprehension into excitement.
The Bootcamp kicked off by clearly defining the core difference between familiar AI assistants (think calculators responding to direct input) and true AI agents – intelligent digital assistants capable of autonomously tackling multi-step tasks, much like a dedicated research assistant organizing information and drawing conclusions independently.
The timing couldn't be more crucial. Early adopters stand to gain a significant advantage as these tools transition from novelty to mainstream necessity. Crucially, the Bootcamp underscored that leveraging this power no longer requires a deep dive into coding, making it accessible to anyone who can articulate their work processes. But yes, it still requires learning!
The agenda was packed with practical insights. AI Engineer Marco Tabor illuminated the fundamental distinctions between AI Assistants and Agents while addressing vital data security considerations. Nick DePhillips, Head of GTM at AITOMATIC, dialled in from New York City to tackle the critical "AI Accuracy Gap," showcasing how automated knowledge capture from Subject Matter Experts can bridge the divide between generative AI's potential and reliable output.
Josh McKenty, Founder of AVANT, presented a compelling three-part vision for workflow-centered AI, the crucial steps for data readiness in AI adoption, and a glimpse into the future of marketing with AI. Jake Wu, Head of Machine Learning at AVANT, then brought the concepts to life with a compelling demonstration of building a practical lead generation agent.
A tangible example showcased the power of agentic AI in action: a single prompt – "Find me information about this lead" – triggered an autonomous workflow. Built on n8n, the agent independently scoured multiple platforms, analyzed diverse sources, and compiled a comprehensive report delivered directly to the inbox within seconds – a task that would typically consume hours of manual research.
Monika Tylova, AITHENTIC Founder, addressed the critical element of AI literacy, outlining strategies for training workforces to cultivate their own in-house AI capabilities. Finally,
Stephen Brown, Managing Director at Awesome AI, shared his real-world experience implementing AI in drive-thru operations at Burger King NZ, providing a practical roadmap for AI implementation.
The resounding message of the Agentic AI Bootcamp was clear: the era of passive AI interaction is evolving. Agentic AI offers a pathway to significant gains in workplace efficiency and a smarter way of working. By focusing on practical examples, hands-on demonstrations, and expert guidance, the Bootcamp empowered attendees to move beyond the theoretical and envision tangible applications for these powerful tools within their own workflows. The journey into autonomous AI has begun, and for those who attended, the future of work just got a whole lot more intelligent.
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