The AI in Business Podcast

Sandro Venturini, Executive Director at UBS Asset Management, dives deep into the complexities of data governance in the financial sector. He reveals how fragmented fund data creates operational silos in mergers and launches. Sandro emphasizes the importance of a single source of truth for AI-driven compliance and reporting. He shares fascinating insights on using AI to anticipate stakeholder concerns and efficiently produce customized investor reports. Practical takeaways highlight reducing legal fees and minimizing errors, making data a valuable ally in financial services.

Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, discusses transforming global sourcing through agentic AI and workflow automation. He explains how this technology simplifies supplier outreach for SMBs, enhancing procurement processes. Kuo highlights the importance of real supplier data for improved accuracy and emphasizes the fundamentals of demand and supply. He advocates for diversifying suppliers to boost resilience and shares insights on how AI drives productivity across teams. This engaging conversation reveals actionable strategies for businesses looking to thrive in the digital landscape.

Nina Edwards, Vice President of Emerging Technology at Prudential Insurance, brings decades of expertise in AI and innovation. She discusses why a staggering 95% of AI pilots fail, attributing it to outdated measurement systems. Nina advocates for shifting focus from hours saved to measuring speed and deployable capacity. Practical strategies like protected sandboxes and unified KPI glossaries are highlighted, alongside a human-centered approach that empowers teams to govern AI processes. She emphasizes the importance of outcome charters to ensure measurable ROI in AI initiatives.

In this insightful discussion, Robert Wenier, the Global Head of Cloud and Infrastructure at AstraZeneca, shares his expertise on the evolution of enterprise systems. He highlights the shift from service-oriented architectures to agentic systems that prioritize business outcomes. Robert emphasizes the importance of speed to value over mere efficiency in the AI era, advocating for upskilling individuals into strategic decision-makers. He also cautions SaaS providers about misinterpreting AI as just a tool, stressing the need for adaptability in a rapidly changing landscape.

Naveen Kumar, Head of Insider Risk, Analytics, and Detection at TD Bank, dives into the complexities of governing AI in the banking sector. He discusses overcoming foundational challenges like data leakage and hallucinations while advocating for role-based AI access. Naveen shares essential principles for strong AI governance, emphasizing full data visibility and treating AI agents like employees. He balances innovation with regulatory obligations and suggests practical steps for building a secure AI foundation.

Kun He, Lead Scientific Advisor at Bayer Crop Science, shares insights on the intersection of AI and agriculture. He discusses how to balance data-driven efficiency with human intuition in decision-making. Kun emphasizes the importance of transparency in AI systems while navigating public skepticism and competitive secrets. He highlights the need for thoughtful regulations that protect without stifling innovation and addresses the limitations of AI in resolving complex human beliefs. Overall, it's a fascinating exploration of AI's transformative role in crop breeding and R&D.

In this discussion, Chris Joynt, Director of Product Marketing at Securiti, sheds light on the critical role of data trust in AI for financial services. He explains the urgent need for organizations to modernize their data architectures to tackle challenges posed by unstructured data. Chris shares practical workflows for effective data governance, including mapping data flows and detecting shadow AI. He emphasizes that strong governance not only reduces risks but also enhances ROI by facilitating swift and reliable AI deployment.

Shefali Kakar, Global Head of PK Sciences and Oncology at Novartis, shares her insights on how AI is revolutionizing drug development. She discusses the use of in silico modeling to predict safety and efficacy before producing molecules. Shefali emphasizes the importance of strategic capital allocation through advanced modeling to optimize R&D investments. Additionally, she highlights challenges like fragmented data and urges companies to learn from past failures to refine their approaches. Her advocacy for a 'fail fast' ethos aims to enhance patient safety while streamlining drug development.

In this conversation, Umesh Rustogi, General Manager of Dragon for Nursing at Microsoft, shares insights on how to alleviate nurse burnout through ambient AI technology. He discusses the staggering impact of documentation on nursing time and the innovative features being developed to streamline workflows. Umesh highlights real-world applications, like mobile ambient recording and one-click note drafting, which enhance documentation quality and nurse-patient connections. He also predicts a future filled with agentic AI and frictionless interactions in healthcare settings.

Cody Barrow, CEO of EclecticIQ and leader in cybersecurity, discusses how AI-driven analytics are transforming threat detection and response. He highlights the challenges faced by regulated and mid-market sectors, including the risk of deepfakes and supply-chain vulnerabilities. Cody stresses the importance of organizational culture in enhancing security defenses and suggests practical measures like multi-factor authentication and active monitoring. He emphasizes knowing when to partner for security, particularly when facing multiple partners or high risks.