The AI in Business Podcast

Nick Bostrom, Director of the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford, is a leading philosopher on AI ethics and existential risk. He discusses the concept of a 'worthy successor,' which envisions advanced AIs enhancing human values rather than replacing them. Bostrom offers insights from his book, Deep Utopia, optimistic about AI's potential to align with moral progress. The conversation dives into the ethical implications of AI, the evolution of human experiences, and the importance of governance in a future rich with diverse intelligences.

Chloë Domergue, Principal in the Human Capital Practice at Deloitte, discusses the transformative effects of AI on the life sciences workforce. She highlights the urgent need for upskilling and adapting learning pathways to match technological advancements. The conversation also covers challenges in cultivating trust and collaboration between humans and AI. Chloë emphasizes that embracing agentic systems can significantly enhance workflows while addressing concerns about job displacement, making a case for a future where AI and humans work hand in hand.

In this discussion, Mark McLaughlin, Director of Insurance for IBM with over 30 years of experience, shares insights on how AI is revolutionizing the insurance landscape. He highlights the shift from reactive to proactive services, emphasizing personalized risk management. Mark also addresses the need for insurers to transform into risk partners, enhancing customer interactions through AI while balancing technology and human touch. He covers the importance of specialized AI models and robust data governance to foster innovation in the industry.

Yigal Edery, Special VP of Product and Strategy at Sisense, dives into the intricate world of analytics for software development. He discusses the hurdles startups face in integrating actionable insights into their applications, emphasizing the importance of analytics expertise. Edery also outlines the tough decisions startup leaders must make between building in-house solutions or opting for existing tools. Flexibility in design and the use of AI to adapt to user needs are key themes, highlighting the ever-evolving landscape of technology.

In this conversation, Ahmed Azam, Head of Infrastructure and Cloud Services at Northwestern Mutual, shares his expertise in cloud adoption and data governance within financial services. He discusses the company's rich history and its strategic journey into cloud technology since 2015. Ahmed highlights the challenges of hybrid cloud strategies, innovative use of Kubernetes, and the importance of a solid data strategy. He also emphasizes how data governance plays a crucial role in building client trust and achieving business goals in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Vickram Srivastava, Head of North American Supply Chain at SUN Pharmaceuticals, shares invaluable insights into the pharmaceutical supply chain landscape. He discusses the digital transformation in procurement and how automation is reshaping industry roles. The conversation highlights the significant impact of globalization and regulatory challenges, especially post-COVID-19. Vickram also explores how AI is enhancing decision-making and operational resilience in life sciences, making a case for the critical need for an integrated business planning strategy.

Venkatesh Palani, Senior Director and Head of Engineering for Risk and Trust at eBay, dives deep into the complexities of eCommerce fraud. He shares insights on how AI fuels both fraud and protection efforts, discussing pressing issues like deepfakes and synthetic identities. Venkatesh examines the dark web's role in escalating fraud and the struggle of retail leaders amidst inadequate law enforcement. He emphasizes balancing user experience with robust fraud detection and the importance of data collaboration in the fight against evolving threats.

Kimberly Powell, Vice President of Healthcare and Life Sciences at NVIDIA, is at the forefront of AI in healthcare. She discusses how AI is revolutionizing patient care through hybrid cloud solutions and real-time data processing. Kimberly emphasizes the need for robust infrastructure to overcome healthcare challenges and improve operational efficiency. She also highlights innovative AI applications in imaging and sensor technology, along with the importance of addressing privacy and regulatory hurdles for AI agents in the industry.

In this talk, Dean Carignan, Partner Program Manager at Microsoft, delves into the company's Responsible AI journey. He shares insights from his upcoming book, emphasizing principles like fairness, reliability, and transparency. Dean explains why these pillars are crucial for ethical AI deployment and offers valuable strategies for effective AI implementation. He highlights the need for collaboration among stakeholders and advocates for clear guidelines to ensure safe innovation, all while navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Eric Wilson, Director of Internal Audit and Chief Audit Executive at Gulfport Energy, shares his expertise in navigating the evolving landscape of audits in heavy industries. He discusses the critical role of AI in reshaping auditing practices, urging auditors to adapt to technological advancements while managing risks. Eric highlights the importance of collaboration between teams to tackle market volatility and the shift from deterministic to probabilistic auditing methods. He emphasizes a controlled approach to integrating AI for better decision-making in the oil and gas sector.