The AI in Business Podcast

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 The conversation highlights the challenges of outdated systems and compliance, the importance of data quality, and the impact of regulations like the EU AI Regulation Act.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.

Kandie Ibaka, Vice President and Sanctions Control Officer at Citi, shares her expertise in compliance and risk oversight within the financial sector. She discusses the challenges compliance teams face while integrating AI with legacy systems. Kandie highlights the shift from basic chatbots to advanced AI, stressing the need for human oversight. She emphasizes building a connected compliance infrastructure that balances speed and risk management, offering insights on sustainable tech investments and improving decision-making processes in financial institutions.

Nathaniel Bell, Data Management Director at Wells Fargo, specializes in risk management and enterprise automation in banking. He discusses how AI transforms risk management and compliance, balancing innovation with caution. Nathaniel highlights the shift from manual auditing to continuous processes, the need for quality data, and the importance of human oversight. He explains how simple AI systems improve efficiencies in audit workflows, while addressing the complexities of integrating AI in banking operations.

Kandie Ibaka, Vice President and Sanctions Control Officer at Citi, discusses the challenges compliance leaders face in an ever-evolving regulatory landscape. She emphasizes the shift from basic monitoring to real-time risk interpretation, highlighting the crucial role of AI and machine learning in managing sanctions compliance. Kandie also addresses the need for high-quality data integration and the collaboration between tech teams and compliance professionals, as well as the evolving skill sets necessary for navigating this complex environment.

Deep Srivastav, Chief AI Officer at Franklin Templeton, shares his expertise on the transformative power of AI in wealth and asset management. He discusses the challenges of accuracy, regulation, and data integration that firms face when implementing AI. Srivastav emphasizes the importance of strategic, cross-functional collaboration over isolated use cases. He reveals how to craft an effective AI roadmap that balances impact and feasibility, highlighting the critical role of data quality in personalizing financial services and enhancing client relationships.

Scott Bradley, VP of AI and Innovation at Novartis, shares insights on how AI is revolutionizing early drug development. He discusses the shift from intuition-based decisions to data-driven strategies in the pharmaceutical industry. The conversation highlights the advancements in protein design and the emergence of niche therapies targeting smaller patient populations. Bradley emphasizes how predictive analytics are reshaping timelines and decision-making, pushing pharma towards a tech-centric model for innovation.

In this discussion, Mathew Paruthickal, the Global Head of Data Architecture, Utilization, and AI Engineering at Sanofi, reveals how AI is revolutionizing clinical trials. He delves into the integration of advanced data strategies to eliminate bottlenecks in trial design and safety signal detection. Mathew explains the shift from isolated AI pilots to comprehensive systems, enhancing real-time decision-making across teams. He also emphasizes the importance of balancing human empathy with AI's analytical prowess for effective implementation.

In this insightful discussion, Oleg Savin, an Enterprise Architect and MES Expert at Unilever, shares his expertise on neurobiological and cybernetic AI for manufacturing. He emphasizes the critical role of data in enhancing operational efficiency and the need for smarter systems that empower frontline workers. Oleg discusses the integration of IT and OT to boost stability and ROI, and highlights how understanding AI architectures can transform leadership in manufacturing. This compelling conversation is a must-listen for those aiming to bridge innovation and practical application.

Join Shawn Rosemarin, Vice-President of R&D in Customer Engineering at Pure Storage, as he dives into the vital role of storage efficiency in scaling AI. He discusses the transition from outdated systems to modern flash storage, highlighting how this shift reduces energy consumption and enhances scalability. Shawn also tackles historical challenges in AI adoption, emphasizing the importance of data quality and management strategies. Discover why sustainable infrastructure is key for future-proofing AI applications and optimizing operations.