Today, it is no longer a question of whether AI will affect our work, but how quickly we will learn to use its capabilities. And because development is progressing at an incredible pace, now is the right time to start sharing practical experiences within the entire group.

We have already addressed the topic of artificial intelligence several times in the MND Report. We have written about strategy, technologies, and the possibilities they offer. But now we are coming up with something new – a series in which we will ask you, our colleagues, how you use AI in your work and personal life.

We want to show you specific stories of people from different positions – from operations to management – across the entire MND group.

The aim of this series is not to offer technical instructions or comprehensive analyses. We want to create a space for exchanging experiences and providing mutual inspiration. We want you to see that AI is not just a matter for the IT department or top management, but a tool that can make work easier for all of us – if we know how to use it. We believe that shared stories will help others discover new possibilities, gain the courage to try something new, and save time thanks to tips from colleagues who already have practical experience.

But first, we asked ourselves: Where to start? The answer was clear – with the person who manages the AI strategy in our group. That is why we asked Jiří Ječmen, Executive Director, for an interview. His view of AI will help us understand the broader context of where we are heading as a group and show us that even at the highest levels, AI is a practical tool, not just a strategic topic.

In the following issues, you will gradually meet colleagues from different parts of our group. Some stories may surprise you, while others may inspire you to experiment on your own.

So we are beginning our journey towards the practical use of AI at MND – and we are starting with the person who is helping to guide this journey. The interview with Jiří Ječmen opens up not only the topic of personal experience, but also the key principles on which our entire approach to AI at MND will be based.

"I see AI as a tool that helps people – it doesn't replace them," says Jiří Ječmen

Jirko, what is your personal view on artificial intelligence and where do you see opportunities for MND?

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the way we work – just as computers and the internet did in the past. And it is no longer a futuristic technology, but a tool that is already in active use today. AI does not just bring us efficiency. It frees people up to focus on work with higher added value – and that, in my opinion, is its greatest opportunity.

At MND, we have a clear strategic vision: to systematically and securely integrate artificial intelligence into the key processes of the entire group. This involves two levels. The first is a general AI solution for creative and managerial positions, which we are already implementing today. The second is specialised models for specific activities across the group. Our ambition is to automate all processes that can be automated – always with an emphasis on data security.

Can you give specific examples of where AI is already working at MND?

We see great examples in Trading and Retail. A year ago, we provided MND Report with an article on the use of AI, and since then the situation has changed significantly.

We now have 17 different AI solutions in place in Retail. We use them, for example, to communicate with customers – from sorting incoming mail to transcribing and processing calls. AI also helps us with reporting to management and predicting gas consumption. We even have a solution that automatically searches for solar panels on satellite images.

We see clear results in all these areas – faster processing of agendas, fewer errors, better customer experience and time savings for teams. So it's not just about technology, but about the real impact on our daily operations.

Importantly, in addition to general tools, we also have a number of our own solutions developed specifically for our needs. We see this as a great added value.

How is MND preparing to use AI?

It's not just a question of technology. I am convinced that AI is no longer just a matter for ICT experts – implementation must be led directly by top management.

That is why, at the beginning of October, I approached all the directors of our companies with an offer to participate in the Future AI Leader Masterclass programme. This is a long-term project – ten intensive seminars that prepare leaders for the inevitable and very near future with AI.  I really appreciate that my colleagues have joined me in this endeavour – and the energy with which they are approaching it.

It is essential for me that our managers not only know how to use AI, but also understand its limitations and risks. Implementation must therefore be systematic, secure and meaningfully embedded in processes.

What do you see as the biggest challenge?

 The first is security and control. We need to be sure that AI works with data securely and responsibly. That is why we carefully distinguish between when to use a general tool and when to use our own specialised solution.

The second challenge is finding the right balance. Not everything that can be automated should be automated immediately. We need to find a balance between efficiency and maintaining human control where necessary.

And the third challenge is cultural – helping people learn to work with AI as a tool that makes their work easier, not replaces them. Part of this is building an "AI mindset" – although this is a frequently used phrase today, it accurately captures the change in approach that we need. That is why we invest in education and development across the entire organisation.

What message do you have for your colleagues at MND regarding AI?

AI is an opportunity, not a threat. Just as we have learned to work with digital tools that we now take for granted, AI will soon be a natural part of every working day. At the same time, it is necessary to approach it responsibly – with the courage to experiment within clear rules.

In the next issue, you can read about how our colleagues in operations use AI. We ask those who work with it every day. Added value will also be provided by commentary from IT and legal experts.