Strategy World 2025 Day 1 Recap: Bold Moves, Smart Insights, and a Look Ahead

Keynote – "Bold means doing what others won’t do"

In yesterday's morning keynote, CEO Phong Le and Executive Chairman Michael Saylor reflected on Strategy’s transformation—beginning with a powerful rebrand.

“Strategy is universally positive and foundational to success,” said Saylor. “It embodies empowerment, success, unity, and strength.”

The conversation emphasized why boldness matters in a world defined by noise and sameness. As Saylor put it:

“If 100 people agree with your plan, it’s probably not bold. Being bold means doing what others think is foolish—then proving them wrong.”

The keynote also spotlighted the role of AI in powering Strategy’s digital and capital transformations, and teased upcoming product releases from Strategy that would be announced the next day in the Day 2 keynote. From streamlining complex research to enabling breakthrough financial strategies, AI was a recurring theme—both on stage and in sessions throughout the day.

What’s Hot from Day 1 Breakout Sessions

Breakout rooms were buzzing as customers and partners shared how they’re solving big business problems with Strategy One. Here are a few standout sessions from Tuesday:

🛋️ American Signature: Smarter Supply Chains

The home furnishings giant showcased how Strategy dashboards and the Semantic Graph are optimizing distribution operations. With real-time visibility into orders, fulfillment, and forecasting, they’re cutting costs and staying ahead of delays.

🧾 Amica + Enova: Streamlining BI Sprawl

These financial services leaders walked through their journey consolidating legacy systems into a single governed BI library, reducing report duplication and increasing trust in the data.

🏨 Hilton: A Modern Reporting Hub for Complex Programs

Hilton shared how they built a centralized reporting hub to support both internal decision-making and external programs—including a critical initiative supporting wildfire response in Los Angeles. With Strategy, they’ve streamlined access to trustworthy data and enabled rapid reporting for high-impact programs.

✈️ Emirates Airlines: Fly Better with Data

Emirates demonstrated how Strategy One powers personalized inflight experiences and smarter operations—now enhanced with AI to deliver insights when and where they’re needed.

🍴 Darden + Halperns’: Inventory Intelligence

This foodservice story highlighted how HyperIntelligence and mobile analytics are empowering teams on the ground to make smarter inventory decisions, fast.

🌐 Rakuten + Enova: Modern BI, Less Complexity

These tech and finance leaders shared how Strategy helped them simplify their data stack, reduce reliance on manual workflows, and embrace governed self-service analytics.

Spotlight: Women Leading the Future of Data

One of the most impactful moments of Day 1 wasn’t on the keynote stage—it was over lunch.

At the Transformational Leadership by Women in Tech networking luncheon, leaders from across the data and analytics industry gathered to share insights, swap stories, and explore what it really takes to elevate women in tech. Hosted by At The Table and moderated by Strategy's Kelley Diab, Strategy’s initiative dedicated to championing women in technology, the session combined candid conversations with practical strategies.

Attendees heard firsthand how to foster cultures that value innovation, risk-taking, and inclusive leadership. From building high-performing teams to navigating career pivots, the panelists inspired action with authenticity.

This wasn’t just a networking event—it was a call to lead boldly and build workplaces where everyone can thrive.

Evening – Celebrating Innovation at the AI+BI Party 🌇

We closed out Day 1 with a the big AI+BI party – with food, drinks, music by a live DJ, and big conversations about the future of AI + BI.

Want more insights from World 2025?

👉 Missed the keynote? Watch the recording here.

👉 Check out our LinkedIn for daily recaps and session takeaways.

👉 Or tour Strategy One to see how bold data strategies drive bold business outcomes.