The AI in Business Podcast

Dale Skeen, CTO and Co-founder of Vitria Technology, dives into the transformative power of AI in banking IT operations. He discusses how many banks still rely on outdated reactive systems, risking regulatory and reputational fallout. Skeen explains how AI and knowledge graphs enhance predictive capabilities and automate incident resolutions, ultimately reducing system downtime. He emphasizes building trust in AI applications and shares strategies for financial leaders to evolve towards autonomous, self-healing systems.

Jason Hardy, Chief Technology Officer of AI at Hitachi Vantara, brings decades of expertise in sustainable AI infrastructure. He dives into the critical balance between compute demands and sustainability goals as businesses scale AI initiatives. Hardy discusses common misconceptions about AI implementation and the need for a strategic approach to hybrid cloud solutions. He emphasizes lessons learned from failed AI pilots, stressing the importance of data quality and robust infrastructure for long-term success. Prepare to rethink your AI strategy!

Norma Scagnoli, Chief Learning and Innovation Officer at the Illinois Institute of Technology, shares her expertise in scaling online education. She discusses the challenges of integrating Massive Open Online Courses into traditional programs and emphasizes the importance of social presence in online learning. Scagnoli explores how enterprises can partner with universities and leverage AI for personalized workforce training. She also highlights cultural barriers in education and the need for effective governance to support a diverse student demographic.

Henrique Wakil Moyses, Vice President of Data Science at Crisp, dives into the tangled world of consumer goods data. He discusses how brands can tackle fragmented data to improve decision-making in retail. Overcoming cultural resistance to data-driven strategies is essential. AI's role in providing real-time insights is transformative, optimizing inventory and enhancing customer experiences. Henrique highlights the importance of aligning AI adoption with ROI, showcasing how powerful analytics can streamline operations and cut down waste.

JoAnn Stonier, Data and AI Fellow at Mastercard, shares her expertise in AI and fraud prevention. She discusses how financial institutions can leverage AI-driven analytics to reduce false positives in fraud detection. Stonier highlights the rise of 'agent-ish' AI and its potential for more autonomous systems. The conversation emphasizes the importance of responsible governance to maintain privacy and security while fostering innovation. Listeners will gain insights on navigating the complexities of AI in finance and enhancing customer experiences.

What if the real AI revolution isn't in the models — but in the reimagined systems beneath them? In this episode, Deborah Golden, U.S. Chief Innovation Officer at Deloitte, joins Emerj CEO and Head of Research Daniel Faggella to rethink what powers (or derails) AI at scale. The conversation challenges conventional wisdom – proposing that the future of AI may hinge less on algorithms and more on the invisible infrastructure that surrounds them. Golden surfaces the hidden risks of silo systems, unchecked shadow AI, and the all-too-common "speed trap" mindset – making a bold case that infrastructure isn't just operational – it's strategic. From governance to cross-functional orchestration, this conversation explores what it takes to embed AI with resilience, trust, and sustained ambition. This isn't about chasing the next model. It's about elevating the questions we're asking – and reimagining the systems that will define whether AI fulfills its promise or fractures under pressure. This episode is sponsored by Deloitte. Learn how brands work with Emerj and other Emerj Media options at emerj.com/ad1. Want to share your AI adoption story with executive peers? Click emerj.com/expert2 for more information and to be a potential future guest on the 'AI in Business' podcast!

Eric Rivas, Director for Service Repair at Electrolux, delves into the art of balancing efficiency and customer trust in field service. He discusses the crucial role of frontline data and technician expertise in enhancing service outcomes. Rivas highlights the challenges of knowledge transfer and advocates for partnerships over in-house tech development. He emphasizes the importance of user feedback in AI integration and predicts a future where data science revolutionizes customer experiences, ultimately empowering teams and fostering long-term trust.

Pallab Deb, Managing Director in SI & Industry GTM Partnerships at Google, dives into the evolution of AI infrastructure from basic systems to a holistic platform for enterprise transformation. He highlights the importance of network performance, data governance, and integration in today's AI stack. Pallab discusses the crucial shift from proof-of-concept to proof-of-value, emphasizing that production readiness and security are now essential from the start. He also explores how businesses can effectively navigate AI integration and leverage it as a strategic asset.

Joe Lang, Vice President of Service Technology and Innovation at Comfort Systems USA, dives into the intersection of data strategy and AI in the field services sector. He emphasizes the importance of a robust data strategy before investing in AI technologies, warning against the pitfalls of relying solely on cloud solutions. Joe discusses the need for organizations to view AI initiatives as long-term R&D projects and addresses the skills gap in the industry. He advocates for responsible data ownership to foster trustworthy AI models while maximizing scalability and efficiency.

In this conversation, Joe Troy, Senior Manager of Site Risk at Amazon and AI expert, reveals how generative AI is revolutionizing loss prevention. He discusses the shift from traditional surveillance to supportive systems that enhance transparency and trust among employees. Joe highlights AI's ability to uncover hidden fraud patterns while underscoring the importance of human judgment. He advocates for a culture of mutual visibility, transforming risk management teams into trusted advisors, ultimately creating a more efficient and collaborative retail environment.