The AI in Business Podcast

Alain-Sam Cohen, Head of Product at InstaDeep, is revolutionizing PCB design using advanced AI techniques like reinforcement learning. He discusses the persistent challenges engineers face in PCB layout and how AI can overcome these bottlenecks. Alain-Sam highlights real-world examples of improved efficiency and ROI. The conversation also delves into the balance of human oversight with automation, the future of AI in electronic design automation, and the ethical considerations that come with this technological transformation.

Damion Nero, Head of Data Science at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, shares his extensive experience with AI and machine learning in drug development. He discusses how AI streamlines clinical trials, enhancing efficiency in regulatory processes and saving time for healthcare professionals. Damion highlights the potential for AI to transform supply chains while addressing the complexities of localized drug development for better patient outcomes. He also anticipates significant changes in global supply chains by 2028-2030 amid ongoing political and economic challenges.

Alan Ranger, CMO of Cognigy, shares insights on the evolution of customer service with AI. He highlights the shift from simple chatbots to advanced, agentic systems that enhance human agents' roles. The discussion underscores the importance of choosing the right AI partner and the need for effective governance in AI implementation. Ranger emphasizes that AI should not only meet customer expectations but also streamline interactions across industries like telecom, retail, and finance, paving the way for more personalized service.

Xiong Liu, Director of Data Science and AI at Novartis, shares his expertise in modernizing clinical trials with AI. He discusses how AI streamlines data workflows and enhances study readiness while ensuring regulatory compliance. The conversation highlights the shift towards decentralized trials, the innovative use of AI to predict COVID-19 patient outcomes, and the transformative power of federated learning in healthcare. Liu emphasizes the importance of integrating diverse data sources and building patient trust as AI reshapes drug development.

Jiaxi Zhu, Head of Analytics & Insights at Google, dives into the critical world of data security in customer analytics. He discusses how companies can bolster data governance amidst the rise of unstructured data from sources like social media and call transcripts. Jiaxi emphasizes the need for modern data dictionaries and metadata management to ensure compliance and trace data lineage. He also highlights the unique challenges posed by regulations and the risks of personal information leaks, advocating for a zero-trust approach in data governance.

In this discussion, Chris Tapley, VP and Head of Financial Services Consulting at EPAM Systems, shares his expertise on AI adoption in banking. He highlights common obstacles like legacy systems and the need for effective data strategies. Chris emphasizes the importance of executive alignment and the role of leadership in steering AI initiatives. He also addresses fears surrounding job displacement while advocating for a balanced, customer-centric approach to AI integration. Discover how AI is set to revolutionize personalized banking experiences!

Shreyas Becker, Head of AI & Data Products at Sanofi, dives deep into the intersection of AI and life sciences. He discusses how AI tools are revolutionizing supply chains, especially during geopolitical upheaval. Shreyas highlights AI's role in optimizing drug manufacturing, identifying bottlenecks, and enhancing decision-making. He also shares insights from pandemic-driven innovations and underscores the essential balance between AI automation and human expertise in ensuring reliable medication delivery.

In this engaging discussion, Daniel Ferrante, AI Leader in R&D and Data Strategy at Deloitte, sheds light on leveraging AI to enhance efficiency in agriculture, life sciences, and materials science. He addresses the challenges organizations face in data utilization and the importance of Deloitte's Atlas framework for unifying datasets. Ferrante discusses how large language models can aid in navigating complex data landscapes and emphasizes fostering a flexible approach to ontology to drive innovation. Key insights for pharmaceutical leaders on integrating AI into drug development are also explored.

Greg Cucino, Managing Director at RoundTable Strategy Advisors, is on a mission to redefine the CFO role through AI. He discusses how AI is automating tedious finance tasks, allowing executives to concentrate on strategic planning. Emerging technologies like agentic AI are transforming financial operations and reshaping mergers and acquisitions. Cucino emphasizes the critical balance between human intuition and automated insights, arguing for ethical practices in AI to safeguard nuanced decision-making in finance.

Sidharth Ojha, Head of Process Optimization in Data and AI at AXA XL, unveils how AI is transforming the commercial insurance landscape. He discusses enhancing underwriting efficiency and portfolio decision-making through machine learning. The conversation highlights the challenges of outdated systems and compliance, the importance of data quality, and the impact of regulations like the EU AI Regulation Act. Sidharth shares strategies for scaling AI responsibly and fostering a culture of innovation within the industry.