The AI in Business Podcast

Marie Flanagan, Director of Product Management at IQVIA, delves into the transformative impact of AI and automation on drug safety workflows. She discusses how natural language processing (NLP) and automation tools enhance adverse event detection, especially through social media monitoring. Marie highlights the partnership between technology and regulatory bodies like the FDA, emphasizing a shift towards transparent, patient-centric safety practices. She also stresses the importance of optimizing workflows before digital adoption to maximize the benefits of AI in healthcare.

Join Zar Toolan, General Partner and Head of Data & AI at Edward Jones, as he dives into the critical strategies for aligning AI with corporate goals in financial services. He discusses overcoming barriers to AI adoption and the importance of human-centered change management. Zar emphasizes responsible AI principles, the competitive edge of data, and the evolving talent strategies necessary for success. With insights on whether to build, buy, or partner for AI technologies, this discussion is essential for leaders aiming to thrive in the intelligence age.

Join Bryan Willett, Chief Information Security Officer at Lexmark, as he explores transforming cybersecurity into a strategic advantage through AI partnerships. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and proactive security measures that enhance collaboration and streamline processes. Bryan highlights the critical role of development hygiene in identifying risks before product release and discusses the cultural shifts needed in security teams to keep pace with AI innovations. Discover how attention management and automation are becoming essential in navigating emerging cyber threats.

Miranda Jones, SVP of Data & AI Strategy at Emprise Bank, discusses the crucial role of responsible AI in the financial sector. She highlights the need for safe, experimental environments for employees to cultivate their skills. The podcast touches on why domain-specific models are more effective than generic ones, especially in ensuring compliance and building trust. Jones also emphasizes the importance of a measured, human-centric approach to AI adoption, balancing innovation with ethical considerations to mitigate risks.

Neil Bhandar, Chief Data Analytics Officer at Generac, shares his extensive AI expertise. He highlights the hidden costs of in-house AI development and the risks of overly relying on large models. Neil emphasizes how GenAI can streamline service processes, reducing the need for expensive site visits. He also underscores the importance of human empathy in service roles despite advancing AI technologies. Additionally, Neil offers practical advice for leaders on evaluating AI partnerships, focusing on cultural alignment and maintaining competitive advantages.

Brian Lutz, Vice President of Agricultural Solutions at Corteva Agriscience, is at the forefront of integrating AI into agricultural innovation. He discusses how Corteva collaborates with Deloitte to leverage AI for enhanced discovery in biology and chemistry. Lutz explains the application of digital simulation tools in sustainable product development and the vital role of robust data strategies in scientific discovery. The conversation highlights transformative advancements in molecular optimization and the necessity of human insight to navigate AI's complexities.

Neil Bhandar, Chief Data Analytics Officer for Generac, shares his expertise on aligning technology investments with business value. He discusses the pitfalls of overbuilding infrastructure and advocates for a strategic, less-is-more approach. Bhandar emphasizes the importance of making data-driven decisions in compliance and AI contexts. He uses travel metaphors to clarify data governance and highlights the need for short-term goals in a rapidly changing AI landscape. His insights aim to help leaders focus on actionable strategies rather than speculative technology.

In this engaging discussion, Josh Haddock, Director of Contact Center Technology at Herbalife, shares insights on enhancing customer and distributor support using AI. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the entire customer journey for effective engagement. Josh contrasts Herbalife's service-oriented approach with more transactional financial services. He highlights how AI improves internal efficiencies, like call summarization, while also addressing the transparency challenges associated with deploying generative AI to distributors. Personalization, he explains, goes beyond just names.

Phil Christianson, Chief Product Officer at Xurrent, delves into the transformative role of AI in IT service management. With a focus on sectors like healthcare and finance, he discusses the shift from reactive to proactive incident management. Phil highlights how automation is evolving traditional 'war rooms', enabling faster responses and accountability. He emphasizes IT's unique position to lead AI adoption, stressing the requirements of executive support and cultural readiness. Discover how these changes can reshape operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Brad Kennedy, Senior Director of Business Solutions Strategy at Orlando Health, discusses how healthcare leaders can leverage emerging technologies to enhance patient care. He emphasizes the growing federal focus on patient experience and the importance of small wins in AI-driven clinical support. The conversation delves into barriers to technology adoption, including provider trust and the need for collaboration. Kennedy also highlights the critical balance between utilizing patient data for innovation while maintaining privacy and transparency to foster trust.