Low-code + AI: The Business Leader’s Advantage with Zoho

SAN FRANCISCO, NOVEMBER 2025 — In partnership with Zoho, The Ortus Club hosted an executive masterclass in San Francisco focused on how low-code and AI are reshaping enterprise innovation. Designed for senior decision-makers, the session explored how organisations can move faster without compromising stability in an increasingly digital-first business environment.

The masterclass format combined expert-led discussion with peer exchange, allowing participants to dive deeply into both strategic considerations and practical applications. The core theme addressed a pressing challenge for modern leaders: how to innovate at speed while preserving a resilient operational core.

THE BRIEF

Why Low-code and AI Matter Now

As organisations face mounting pressure to modernise systems, improve agility, and respond to evolving customer expectations, traditional development models are proving too slow and resource-intensive.

Zoho partnered with The Ortus Club to convene a highly relevant audience of senior leaders to explore how low-code platforms, enhanced by AI, can accelerate innovation while minimising disruption. The objective was to move beyond hype and focus on real-world implementation, measurable outcomes, and responsible use of AI within enterprise environments.

THE SETTING

Creating the Right Environment for Candid Discussion

The masterclass was hosted at Harris’ Restaurant, a classic San Francisco venue known for its understated elegance and discreet private dining spaces. The refined yet relaxed atmosphere provided an ideal backdrop for focused discussion, encouraging open dialogue and thoughtful exchange among senior leaders.

The setting struck a balance between formality and comfort, allowing participants to move beyond surface-level conversation and engage deeply with peers on the practical realities of low-code and AI adoption within complex enterprise environments.

THE GUESTLIST

A Senior, Cross-functional Peer Group

The masterclass convened a highly senior, cross-functional group of technology and business leaders representing enterprise, scale-up, and innovation-led organisations. Attendees spanned roles across AI, data, security, engineering, IT strategy, and executive leadership, ensuring a well-rounded, peer-driven exchange grounded in real operational experience.

Participants included senior decision-makers from organisations such as Databricks, Meta, LinkedIn, Lyft, SAP Americas, and Pure Storage, alongside fast-growing and specialist firms including Fractal AI, Hypernym AI, Async Labs, and AavaTerra.

The audience brought hands-on perspectives from roles such as CIO, CTO, CISO, SVP of Engineering, Head of AI, Enterprise Architect, Data Scientist, and Senior Data Engineer. This mix enabled rich discussion around extending ERP systems, modernising legacy applications, and applying low-code and AI responsibly at scale.

By bringing together leaders actively shaping enterprise architecture, data strategy, and AI adoption across industries, the session fostered candid dialogue, practical insight-sharing, and meaningful benchmarking among peers facing similar transformation challenges.

THE INSIGHTS

What Leaders Are Seeing in Practice

A consistent theme throughout the discussion was the importance of practicality over hype. Participants stressed the value of focusing on real use cases rather than “flashy” AI narratives, highlighting the need for responsible deployment tied to clear KPIs and business outcomes.

Leaders shared that low-code platforms, when paired with AI, are enabling faster problem-solving and intelligent automation without disrupting core systems. However, success depends on strong governance, strategic intent, and alignment between technology teams and business leadership.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Key Takeaways for Enterprise Leaders

Low-code and AI enable faster innovation without compromising core systems
When applied strategically, low-code platforms enhanced by AI allow organisations to build and deploy new capabilities quickly while keeping ERP and core systems stable and secure.

A clean-core approach reduces risk while extending enterprise capabilities
Rather than overhauling legacy systems, leaders are finding value in innovating at the edges, extending functionality through low-code solutions that minimise disruption and cost.

Practical use cases matter more than AI hype
Participants emphasised the importance of focusing on real business problems and proven applications, rather than adopting AI based on trends or headlines.

Responsible AI requires governance, metrics, and accountability
Successful adoption depends on tying initiatives to clear KPIs and business outcomes, ensuring AI investments deliver measurable value and support long-term growth.

Cross-functional alignment accelerates impact at scale
Bringing IT, data, security, and business stakeholders together early helps organisations move faster, make better decisions, and scale innovation with confidence.

THE RESULTS

Outcomes and Ongoing Impact

The masterclass generated strong engagement and high-quality discussion among senior leaders, reinforcing Zoho’s position as a trusted partner in enterprise innovation.

Participants highlighted the value of peer exchange and real-world insight, with feedback emphasising the importance of strategic, responsible AI adoption and measurable outcomes. The session also created opportunities for continued dialogue and collaboration beyond the event, extending its impact well beyond the room.