From Fear to Framework: Safe AI Implementation for Businesses

In this episode, host Melissa Howatson welcomes Steve Browning, VP of Data Privacy and Corporate Security at Vena, and Kaz Takemura, Managing Director of FP&A Technologies at Modelcom, to explore how finance teams can adopt AI safely and strategically. 

Steve and Kaz share practical, cross-functional strategies for embedding AI into business operations, from building the right teams to creating scalable governance frameworks. They also unpack the emotional and organizational barriers to AI adoption and offer tips to drive both innovation and risk management.  

Whether you're just starting your AI journey or looking to optimize existing implementations, learn how to move from fear to forward momentum, without compromising security or trust. 

Discussed in This Episode: 

• Why AI is now a non-negotiable technology 
• The importance of cross-functional teams in AI governance 
• How fear and job insecurity are major blockers to adoption 
• The risks of shadow AI usage and how to spot it 
• Guardrails that enable safe experimentation, not restriction 
• Why employee education is the secret weapon of successful AI programs