AI is here, and it’s sparking conversations about everything from how we work to how we report. This episode of The Pre-Read, brought to you by Workiva, dives into the heart of what happens when artificial intelligence meets the real world of finance and risk. We’re talking about why CFOs, general counsels, and audit chairs are all leaning in—and what questions they’re asking.

Our own CFO, Jill Klindt, spills the beans about how finance teams can use AI to make their jobs better, not replace them. Think augmenting expertise and making those tedious tasks disappear. She’s also got the inside scoop on why data quality is like gold for AI success and why CFOs should lead the charge when it comes to experimenting with this new tech.

Plus, Alan Wilson, Partner at WilmerHale, gives us the straight talk on the legal side of things. He emphasizes getting your legal team involved early, treating AI just like any other business risk, and keeping an eye on how regulatory accountability is already shaping up. It’s a must-listen for anyone ready to navigate the exciting, and sometimes head-scratching, world of AI.

Timestamps:

02:30 Jill K. on AI: Enhancing human expertise versus automating the mundane.

05:10 Unlocking value: Where AI fits into your income statement.

08:00 Inside Workiva’s AI strategy: Collaborating to build better tech.

10:45 Why clean data is the secret sauce for AI success.

13:30 Jill K’s candid advice for executives embracing the AI future.

15:45 Alan W. on looping in legal when implementing AI.

18:30 Public perception: How to talk about AI without overselling it.

21:00 Navigating the legal maze: Agencies, juries, and the “AI washing” problem.

24:30 Peering into the crystal ball: Unforeseen risks and the future of AI.

Tinkerclass (Week 2 Day 2): Explore & Plan