The AI in Business Podcast

Clinical trials are growing more complex, and nowhere is that more evident than in oncology and obesity research. As sponsors push for reliable, real-time patient data, the role of electronic clinical outcome assessments (eCOAs) has never been more critical. These tools determine not only how patients report on their quality of life but also how sponsors capture the endpoints that drive regulatory approval. In this episode of the AI in Business podcast, Emerj Editorial Director Matthew DeMello speaks with Anthony Mikulaschek, Vice President of Commercial Strategy at IQVIA Technologies. Anthony unpacks the evolution of eCOAs, from their early days on Palm Pilots to today’s AI-enabled platforms. He explains how thoughtful design reduces patient and clinician burden, why cultural and linguistic nuance matters for global trials, and what digital libraries and compliance automation mean for faster, more resilient studies. 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! If you’ve enjoyed or benefited from some of the insights of this episode, consider leaving us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and let us know what you learned, found helpful, or liked most about this show!

In this episode, Pavlé Sabic, Senior Director in Generative AI Solutions and Strategy at Moody’s, joins Emerj Editorial Director Matthew DeMello to discuss how agentic AI is redefining workflows in financial institutions. Pavlé explains why large enterprises are turning to AI-driven automation to overcome persistent challenges — from fragmented data and manual inefficiencies to evolving regulatory demands. He shares practical examples, including credit memo automation that reduces production time by 60%, portfolio monitoring tools that detect emerging risks earlier, and sales intelligence workflows that deliver highly targeted client insights. Pavlé also outlines why proprietary data is a strategic advantage in regulated industries and how leaders can implement agentic AI without losing human oversight. 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! This episode is sponsored by Moody’s. Learn how brands work with Emerj and other Emerj Media options at emerj.com/ad1.

In this episode of the AI in Business podcast, host and Emerj Editorial Director Matthew DeMello speaks with Yunke Xiang, Global Head of Data Science for Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality at Sanofi. Together, they examine how generative AI and reasoning models are evolving from simple automation to high-impact copilots across pharmaceutical operations. Yunke shares examples of how AI is enabling “talk to your data” use cases, automating regulatory reporting, and accelerating knowledge transfer for new employees. He also highlights how agentic AI systems may soon extend beyond copilots to function as digital teammates, orchestrating tasks across complex supply chains and ERP migrations. 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! If you’ve enjoyed or benefited from some of the insights of this episode, consider leaving us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and let us know what you learned, found helpful, or liked most about this show!

The ‘AI in Business’ podcast connects enterprise leaders with the best insights on how AI is driving measurable impact across regulated industries. In this episode, we highlight Prudential Financial’s perspective on scaling AI in customer experience, an area facing both significant opportunity and unique regulatory challenges. By featuring Abhii Parakh, VP and Head of Customer Experience at Prudential Financial, this episode links directly into ongoing conversations with financial services leaders about digital transformation, customer trust, and the rise of agentic AI. Listeners will gain actionable context for how insurance companies can responsibly adopt AI, improve employee and customer outcomes, and prepare for a rapidly changing future of customer interaction. This episode is sponsored by Cognigy. 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! If you've enjoyed or benefited from some of the insights of this episode, consider leaving us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and let us know what you learned, found helpful, or liked most about this show!

As AI adoption accelerates in financial services, governance leaders face the challenge of keeping oversight processes aligned with innovation. OneTrust provides data governance and risk management tools, serving over 14,000 customers worldwide across privacy, security, third-party, and AI domains. Traditional data governance models, often designed for structured databases, are not built to manage today’s dynamic, unstructured AI workflows. Without clear frameworks, organizations risk compliance gaps, inconsistent oversight, and even internal conflict over ownership of AI decision-making. In this episode, Shane Wiggins, Director of Product at OneTrust, explores how enterprises can build governance models that not only mitigate risk but also support innovation. He explains why visibility into unstructured data is essential, how to align compliance and product teams through self-service governance, and the importance of making governance “invisible to developers but visible to auditors.” Wiggins also details best practices for staying ahead of regulatory change, from embedding flexible policies to creating system cards that clarify model purpose and limitations for clients. The discussion highlights how governance, when done right, can accelerate time to market, reduce compliance costs, and even create a competitive advantage. 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! If you’ve enjoyed or benefited from some of the insights of this episode, consider leaving us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and let us know what you learned, found helpful, or liked most about this show! This episode is sponsored by OneTrust. Learn how brands work with Emerj and other Emerj Media options at emerj.com/ad1.

Banks face some of the highest stakes when it comes to IT reliability. Even small disruptions can ripple into regulatory exposure, reputational harm, and major financial losses. Yet many financial institutions still rely on reactive monitoring systems that chase alerts without addressing the root causes of outages. On today’s episode of the ‘AI in Business’ podcast, Dale Skeen, CTO and Co-founder of Vitria Technology, explains how AI and agentic systems are reshaping IT operations in financial services. Vitria Technology is a global leader in AI-driven operations platforms, helping enterprises move from data analysis to automated action with its flagship VIA AIOps solution. Built for scale, VIA AIOps delivers total ecosystem observability and intelligent automation, reducing downtime, improving customer experience, and accelerating ROI. Dale’s appearance goes into great detail on how knowledge graphs improve explainability and trust, how automation is already reducing time to resolution for common failures, and how AI copilots are helping teams tackle the most complex system outages. Dale also shares a roadmap for financial leaders looking to reduce downtime, cut manual toil, and scale toward self-healing IT systems—one sprint at a time. 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! This episode is sponsored by Vitria Technology. Learn how brands work with Emerj and other Emerj Media options at emerj.com/ad1.

As enterprises scale their AI initiatives, leaders face mounting challenges in balancing compute demands, sustainability goals, and hybrid cloud strategies. Many organizations rush to secure GPUs and cloud resources without accounting for hidden costs, data bottlenecks, and sustainability trade-offs. In this episode of the AI in Business podcast, Emerj Editorial Director Matthew DeMello speaks with Jason Hardy, Chief Technology Officer of AI at Hitachi Vantara, about the realities of scaling AI infrastructure at the enterprise level. Want to share your AI adoption story with executive peers? Hitachi Vantara is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. that provides data infrastructure foundations that help leading innovators manage and leverage their data at scale. Through data storage, infrastructure systems, cloud management and digital expertise, the company helps customers build the foundation for sustainable business growth. To learn more, visit www.hitachivantara.com. Click emerj.com/expert2 for more information and to be a potential future guest on the ‘AI in Business’ podcast! If you’ve enjoyed or benefited from some of the insights of this episode, consider leaving us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and let us know what you learned, found helpful, or liked most about this show! This episode is sponsored by Hitachi Vantara. Learn how brands work with Emerj and other Emerj Media options at emerj.com/ad1.

As universities and enterprises both turn to large-scale digital learning, the challenges of scaling education look remarkably similar across sectors. From managing data pipelines to ensuring learners feel a sense of connection, success depends on more than just technology. In this Pure Storage-sponsored episode of the ‘AI in Business’ podcast from Emerj, Norma Scagnoli, Chief Learning and Innovation Officer at the Illinois Institute of Technology, discusses how higher education institutions are navigating cultural resistance, accreditation hurdles, and governance demands while scaling MOOCs and degree programs. She also shares lessons enterprises can apply as they build partnerships with universities and adopt AI-driven personalization for workforce training. 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! If you’ve enjoyed or benefited from some of the insights of this episode, consider leaving us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and let us know what you learned, found helpful, or liked most about this show! This episode is sponsored by Pure Storage. Learn how brands work with Emerj and other Emerj Media options at emerj.com/ad1.

The consumer goods and retail industries face an overwhelming challenge: too much fragmented data and too little clarity. From mismatched retailer reports to legacy systems that can’t keep up with today’s SKU volumes, many organizations find themselves bogged down in “data indigestion” instead of actionable insights. Today’s guest is Henrique Wakil Moyses, Vice President of Data Science at Crisp. Crisp is a data platform designed for the consumer goods ecosystem, helping brands, retailers, and distributors harmonize fragmented data from multiple sources. By providing real-time visibility into sales, inventory, and supply chain signals, Crisp enables faster, data-driven decisions that reduce waste and improve business outcomes. Henrique joins Emerj Editorial Director Matthew DeMello to break down how CPG and retail leaders can cut through this complexity. He explains why building a data-driven culture is the first barrier to overcome, how to align AI adoption with ROI, and where brands are already seeing the biggest payoffs—such as supply chain optimization, inventory forecasting, and personalized retail experiences. 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! This episode is sponsored by Crisp. Learn how brands work with Emerj and other Emerj Media options at emerj.com/ad1.

As AI capabilities evolve, financial institutions face pressure to balance innovation with security, trust, and regulatory compliance. From fraud prevention to customer experience, deterministic AI applications continue to form the backbone of financial services—even as new technologies like generative and agentic AI emerge. In this episode, JoAnn Stonier, Data and AI Fellow at Mastercard, joins us to share how Mastercard is navigating these dynamics. She explains how AI-driven analytics reduce false positives in fraud detection, why “agent-ish” AI marks an important transition toward more autonomous systems, and how responsible governance ensures privacy and security remain at the forefront. 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! If you’ve enjoyed or benefited from some of the insights of this episode, consider leaving us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and let us know what you learned, found helpful, or liked most about this show!

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!

In today’s high-volume service environments, the smallest misstep can erode both efficiency and customer trust. In this episode, Eric Rivas, Director for Service Repair at Electrolux, joins Emerj Editorial Director Matthew DeMello to share how frontline data and technician expertise can be better captured, organized, and applied to deliver consistent, first-visit success. Rivas advises service leaders on best practices for approaching the challenges of tribal knowledge transfer, skill development, and diagnostic accuracy in large service organizations. He also breaks down the build-versus-buy dilemma facing many service leaders when it comes to new technology—and why effective partnerships often prove more valuable than internal development. Listeners will gain insights into balancing efficiency with reliability, empowering frontline teams, and building long-term trust with customers at scale. 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! This episode is sponsored by Aquant. Learn how brands work with Emerj and other Emerj Media options at emerj.com/ad1.

In this episode of the AI in Business podcast, Pallab Deb, Managing Director in SI & Industry GTM Partnerships at Google, joins Emerj CEO Daniel Faggella to discuss how AI infrastructure has evolved into a platform-centric foundation for enterprise transformation. Pallab explains why the modern AI stack extends beyond compute and storage to include network performance, data governance, multi-model integration, and agentic interfaces that enable real-time, multilingual, and multimodal engagement. He outlines the shift from proof-of-concept pilots to proof-of-value initiatives, where production readiness and security are expected from the outset. 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! If you’ve enjoyed or benefited from some of the insights of this episode, consider leaving us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and let us know what you learned, found helpful, or liked most about this show! Watch Daniel and Pallab’s conversation on our new YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@EmerjAIResearch

Joe Lang, Vice President of Service Technology and Innovation at Comfort Systems USA, joins the AI in Business podcast to discuss why a clear data strategy must come before investing in storage infrastructure for AI adoption. Joe outlines the risks of assuming that cloud providers or storage solutions alone will produce reliable intelligence, and why organizations should approach AI initiatives as iterative R&D projects rather than instant ROI efforts. He shares practical guidance on right-sizing storage to business goals, addressing the skilled trade gap through scalable systems, and the advantages of a cloud-first approach with sequestered, trusted data. 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! This episode is sponsored by Pure Storage. Learn how brands work with Emerj and other Emerj Media options at emerj.com/ad1.

AI-powered video intelligence is transforming the retail environment from one of surveillance to one of support. In this episode, Joe Troy, Senior Manager of Site Risk at Amazon, shares how generative AI is helping organizations not only reduce shrink and detect fraud, but also foster transparency, trust, and operational efficiency across frontline teams. Joe explains how AI can detect patterns that traditional systems miss—like organized fraud rings and duplicate refund behaviors—while still relying on human judgment to determine context and action. He highlights the importance of building a culture of “mutual visibility,” where employees feel supported rather than monitored, and risk teams evolve from gatekeepers into trusted business advisors. 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! If you've enjoyed or benefited from some of the insights of this episode, consider leaving us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and let us know what you learned, found helpful, or liked most about this show!

Today’s guest is Madhav Madaboosi, who is with bp. Madhav Madaboosi leads a global Digital Transformation Team in Future Midstream and Strategy at bp, where he is involved in leading initiatives spanning supply chain, logistics, energy movement, and customer-facing operations. With over two decades of experience in AI, advanced analytics, strategy, and portfolio management, he specializes in driving enterprise-wide transformation that bridges business strategy and digital innovation. bp is an integrated energy company operating across oil, gas, and low-carbon energy solutions, with a presence in more than 60 countries. Madhav joins Emerj Editorial Director Matthew DeMello to explore how companies can operationalize digital transformation at speed and scale — balancing short-term ROI with long-term infrastructure goals. He shares insights on aligning transformation roadmaps with both regulatory and commercial imperatives, emphasizing the role of culture, frontline engagement, and digital literacy in driving successful change. Madhav also highlights the value of rapid-turnaround pilots and explains why simplicity and self-service are essential for effective platform design. This episode is sponsored by Arkestro. 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!

Today’s guest is Joe Lang, Vice President of Service Technology and Innovation at Comfort Systems USA — a leading national provider of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing building systems services, with more than 45 operating companies across 170+ locations. Joe shares insights on managing data complexity in large field service operations — from translating tribal knowledge into clean, usable data to building internal tools that treat technicians like their own customers. He explains why cleaning data too early can slow progress, how AI tools can gradually align terminology across legacy teams, and which KPIs matter most when moving from reactive to predictive service. This episode is sponsored by Aquant. 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!

Today’s guest is Amit Gupta, Chief Digital Officer, Life Sciences Manufacturing Industry, at Danaher. Amit returns to the program to share the operational playbook behind building enterprise-ready AI infrastructure. While AI headlines tend to focus on models, Amit emphasizes that success begins with what’s underneath — the data. He outlines a four-part architecture that includes data aggregation, integration, transformation, and harnessing, walking listeners through how Danaher built a system that enables — not constrains — AI deployment. He also explores how tiered storage strategies address not just technical needs, but real-world challenges in compliance, cost control, and security. 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! This episode is sponsored by Pure Storage. Learn how brands work with Emerj and other Emerj Media options at emerj.com/ad1.

Today’s guest is Sidharth Ojha, Head of Process Optimization in Data and AI at the AXA XL Global Underwriting Office. AXA XL is the property and casualty and specialty risk division of AXA, serving mid-sized companies and large multinationals across more than 200 countries and territories. In this episode, Sidharth breaks down where insurers are seeing real GenAI adoption beyond the back office — including use cases in underwriting efficiency, regulatory alignment, and internal risk triage. He discusses how summarization tools are evolving into more advanced applications like quote comparison and submission prioritization, helping insurers shift from cost savings to growth-focused outcomes. We also explore how AI is helping insurers unlock unstructured policy data and why data governance is critical for enabling the prescriptive workflows many organizations are aiming toward. 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! If you’ve enjoyed or benefited from some of the insights of this episode, consider leaving us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and let us know what you learned, found helpful, or liked most about this show!

In today’s enterprise landscape, many AI initiatives stall before delivering real business value—especially in service operations, where data lives in disconnected systems and frontline speed is critical. For Amit Gupta, Chief Digital Officer, Life Sciences Manufacturing Industry, at Danaher, overcoming these challenges requires a structured, business-first approach. On this episode of the AI in Business podcast, Amit shares how Danaher uses a 70/30 buy-versus-build strategy to accelerate time to value while maintaining flexibility. He details a step-by-step framework for identifying high-impact AI use cases, involving cross-functional teams early, and guiding projects from strategic concept to measurable results—what he calls moving from “strat to street.” 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! This episode is sponsored by Aquant. Learn how brands work with Emerj and other Emerj Media options at emerj.com/ad1.