ABOUT US

PracticalAI was founded on a simple premise: companies don't need more AI hype—they need a clear path forward.

Our founder, Michael Hayes, is a former nuclear submarine officer, and that experience is reflected in his approach to AI strategy today: disciplined, practical, and relentlessly focused on execution.

Michael has worked in AI for over a decade—long before it became a boardroom buzzword. He's led AI at global enterprises, founded AI startups, and advised organizations on how to turn AI ambition into measurable results.

Select Experience

• Enterprise Scale: Former Director of AI at Grant Thornton, where he wrote the firm's AI strategy, established the firm's AI Governance Committee, and spearheaded the adoption of Microsoft 365 Copilot for 14,000 employees.

• Global Scope: Former Managing Director of Global AI Engagement at Ernst & Young (EY).

• Startup Leadership: Former CEO of FeatureX, a computer vision AI startup (acquired). Currently serves as part-time COO for an agentic AI startup developing a new path towards AGI.

Ecosystem & Education

Michael is a speaker at the annual MIT/Stanford AI Summit held in conjunction with the World Economic Forum in Davos.

He serves as an advisor at c10 Labs, an MIT-spinout accelerator for AI-first startups, and is a mentor for the AI Global Ventures program at the MIT Media Lab.

He holds degrees from Notre Dame (BS)*, MIT (MS), and the Tufts Fletcher School (MA).

*Michael wrote his first generative AI program in LISP as an undergrad. It produced truly terrible haiku.