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THE LONGER VERSION

Born in Latin America, Danilo McGarry began his remarkable journey in a place untouched by technology. The adversities he faced in his early years only strengthened his determination and drive. As his family moved between countries, he learned to adapt to new cultures and overcome language barriers, developing an extraordinary resilience that would define his future success.

By the age of 15, Danilo had already lived in multiple countries due to his father's work assignments. These diverse experiences shaped his worldview and eventually led him to pursue a degree in business and technology from the prestigious University of Bath. This formal education would serve as the foundation for his innovative career path.

Danilo's professional journey began in banking, where his exceptional talents quickly propelled him through renowned financial institutions such as BNP Paribas and JP Morgan. His career reached a defining moment when he joined the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) during the tumultuous 2008 financial crisis. At RBC, he pioneered AI and automation strategies that were instrumental in allowing the bank to operate safely and navigate safely the credit crisis. His visionary approach and methodologies throughout his 6 year tenure at the bank earned him one of the youngest directorships in the bank's storied 161 year history.

As his expertise evolved, Danilo transitioned from traditional finance to consulting, eventually founding his own AI consultancy. His impact has been extraordinary: he has helped hundreds of companies across diverse sectors including Finance, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Utilities, Logistics, Technology, Education, and Automotive develop innovative products and services, generating an impressive $2 billion in additional sales and cost savings. His influence extended to the public sector as well, where he collaborated with governments to modernize their services and worked alongside regulators worldwide to implement more effective AI governance frameworks.

Danilo's career continued to reach new heights as he led major AI programs at Citigroup and UnitedHealth Group, America's fifth-largest Fortune 5 company. In his most recent achievement, he helped transform a 15-year-old accounting and business services company, dramatically increasing its valuation from $900 million to $4.9 billion in just four years—a remarkable feat accomplished in an intensely challenging private equity environment.

Throughout his intense career, Danilo has remained dedicated to democratizing practical AI knowledge globally. He guides organizations on leveraging cutting-edge technology to address tangible business challenges, with his insights reaching millions through speaking engagements, publications, and advisory roles. On a weekly basis, he trains partners, leaders, and employees at the world's top consultancy firms on Digital Transformation, AI, and related topics. To date, he has educated over 100,000 senior leaders, consistently earning an impressive average feedback score of 4.8 out of 5.

Danilo's story is particularly inspiring because of where he started—without early access to technology or language fluency. His journey demonstrates that with focus and determination, any obstacle can be overcome. Through his continued work, he hopes to inspire others to believe in their own potential to achieve extraordinary success, regardless of their starting point.

My life's mission

"As one of the world's top 20 AI experts, I have the unique privilege of collaborating with global industry leaders and pioneering companies that are the driving forces behind our economies. This access also extends to cutting-edge research and technological innovations that only a select few are privy to. What I've observed is a staggering pace of technological advancement that promises to reshape our world in ways we can't yet fully comprehend. This seismic shift poses challenges, including the potential for widening social and economic inequalities until governments and societies adapt.

My life's work is dedicated to bridging this gap. Through my podcasts, social media channels, publications, and speaking engagements, I aim to democratize knowledge in the realms of AI, Generative AI, and General Artificial Intelligence. My goal is to empower as many people as possible with the understanding and tools they need to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape."

Danilo McGarry

Those that have influenced me the most

"My mother is my first and greatest source of inspiration. Raising me on her own for many years, her hustle and determination were nothing short of remarkable. She juggled multiple jobs, faced numerous challenges, yet always provided a loving and nurturing environment for me. Her relentless work ethic and unyielding spirit taught me the value of perseverance and hard work.

Later on a huge influence in my life has been my wife. Her journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. She migrated to another country with nothing to her name, overcoming countless obstacles to build a new life. Today, she is not only an astonishing mother and wife but also the person who makes me laugh the most. Her resilience, strength, and unwavering support have been my anchor, providing me with the encouragement and joy that fuels my daily pursuits. Marriage also teaches you so much, which is a journey I am grateful to be a student at with her.

My children have also profoundly shaped who I am. They have taught me invaluable lessons about compassion, sacrifice, and responsibility. The experience of bringing up another human being is both humbling and enlightening. It has shown me the depths of love and the importance of being a role model. Their innocent yet insightful perspectives continually remind me of the simple, yet powerful values in life.

Beyond these personal connections, I draw inspiration from everyone I encounter—from farmers I have met who work tirelessly to cultivate the land to world leaders who shape the course of history, who I have also been lucky to meet too. Each person’s story and struggle offer unique insights and lessons.

Inspiration is a universal gift, available to all of us if we remain open to it. My life is a testament to the fact that we can learn from everyone around us, and it is this diverse tapestry of influences that has shaped me into the person I am today."

Danilo McGarry