The Role of Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Future of Work Debated at Universidade Católica Portuguesa
“Generative AI is the driver of transformation,” said Christian Stender, Global Head of AI for Tax & Legal at KPMG International, during the seminar “Shaping the Future: The Impact of GenAI on the Next Generation of Professionals”, organized by Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto Campus, through Católica Porto Business School and Porto Faculty of Law, in partnership with KPMG.
During the event, Christian Stender shared several insights that prompt reflection on a central question: what will be the impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on the future of professionals? He presented the company’s vision on the role of GenAI in reshaping professions: how it is transforming organizations, redefining skills, and simplifying processes. Faced with the undeniable impact of AI in our lives and noting that “artificial intelligence is reaching intellectual equivalence faster than ever before,” he reminded participants that “the only certainty we have is that we need to change, we need to adapt to change.”
The speaker also presented the AI TAX Academy program by KPMG, designed to leverage GenAI through a comprehensive, robust, and practical approach. The three-month program, which includes in-person sessions, emphasizes that the true driver of transformation is knowledge and that people are at the “heart” of this process. In this regard, he stressed that the sustainable integration of AI must start with people, highlighting the importance of preparing teams for new ways of working, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and supporting employees throughout all stages of adoption.
The event was attended by Manuel Fontaine, Director of Porto Faculty of Law of Universidade Católica Portuguesa, João Pinto, Dean of Católica Porto Business School, and Luís Magalhães, Head of Tax at KPMG Portugal.
“This seminar was an opportunity to reflect on how technology can impact such fundamental areas as Law and Taxation. It is essential that future lawyers understand the challenges and opportunities brought by GenAI,” emphasized Manuel Fontaine.
João Pinto stated that Generative Artificial Intelligence is profoundly transforming the way professionals work and will require new skills from everyone. For this reason, he said it is crucial that universities prepare students for this rapidly evolving reality.
Meanwhile, Luís Magalhães highlighted that “GenAI is transforming the mission and processes of the tax function (both ours and our clients’), reinforcing the management and rigor of compliance tasks but, above all, enhancing proactivity and focus on higher-value functions and tasks. KPMG is at the forefront of this transformation and is eager to share this knowledge with the next generation of consultants and with our clients.”
The seminar took place on September 16 at the Porto campus of Universidade Católica Portuguesa, bringing together experts, professors, and students for a joint reflection on the decisive role of GenAI in the future of professions.