EMBA Talk | Better Answers, Worse Decisions?

10 November 2026 | 12:30 | Online via Zoom

Registration: Participation is open upon registration. To receive the Zoom link, please contact emba@usi.ch.

Artificial intelligence is transforming how we access information, analyse complex problems, and make business decisions. Large language models can generate sophisticated analyses and convincing recommendations in seconds. But does having better answers necessarily lead to better decisions?

This session will explore the hidden pitfalls of relying on AI for business decision-making. Why can AI-generated advice be persuasive even when it is incorrect? Can AI reinforce existing biases rather than challenge them? And could relying too heavily on intelligent tools actually undermine our decision-making abilities?

Drawing on insights from economics, behavioural research, and practical examples, Prof. Frésard will examine when AI enhances human judgment, when it can undermine it, and how executives can leverage these technologies while maintaining independent and critical thinking.

The presentation will be followed by an interactive discussion, offering participants the opportunity to exchange perspectives and reflect on the implications of AI for leadership and management.

Event details

Date: Tuesday, 10 November 2026
Time: 12:30 (Swiss time)
Format: Online via Zoom
Speaker: Prof. Laurent Frésard

Laurent Fresard
Laurent Frésard is Professor of Finance at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) since 2017, holds a senior Chair with the Swiss Finance Institute (SFI) and is a research fellow at the Center for Economic Policy Research (CEPR). Laurent holds a PhD from the University of Neuchâtel, and was previously a professor at the Robert H. Smith School of Business of the University of Maryland and HEC Paris. Laurent’s research focuses on the interactions between financial markets, technology, and the real economy. His work has been published in the most prestigious academic journals, including the Journal of Finance, the Journal of Financial Economics, and the Review of Financial Studies, and has received several high-profile grants and awards. Laurent has extensive teaching experience at the master, PhD, and executive level. He has developed and directed several custom programs in various industries, with a particular interest in the financial sector. Laurent is a regular speaker at academic and practitioners’ events worldwide, and serves as a consultant and board member for various professional organizations, companies, and foundations.