AI Insiders – Details, episodes & analysis

In this conversation, Vincent Pirenne interviews Alberto Prado, who shares insights from his extensive experience in leading AI and digital transformations at major companies like Unilever, Philips, and Nokia. They discuss the evolving landscape of technology disruption, the unique challenges of implementing AI in R&D, and the importance of building a robust data foundation. Alberto emphasizes the need for organizations to embrace change, foster partnerships, and focus on long-term growth strategies rather than short-term efficiencies. He also highlights the significance of leadership in navigating the complexities of AI transformation and the future of organizations in an AI-driven world.

Takeaways

• Technology breakthroughs drive the need for transformation.
• The pace of disruption is increasing in today's landscape.
• R&D requires high reliability and sophistication in AI models.
• Data quality and richness are crucial for AI insights.
• AI transformation in R&D needs a different approach than other functions.
• Building a data lab can accelerate R&D innovation.
• Organizational culture must embrace data as a key asset.
• Partnerships are essential for successful AI transformation.
• Measuring ROI should focus on growth, not just efficiency.
• The future of organizations will require a balance of human expertise and automation.

In this episode of AI Insiders, we dive into how GenAI is reshaping commercial strategy across enterprise with Alyssa Fenoglio.

Alyssa shares how she’s putting GenAI to work to unlock business value at enterprise scale:

• How to build GenAI momentum across global commercial teams
• Lessons from embedding AI in sales, marketing, and agency workflows
• What it really takes to scale GenAI in a compliance-heavy industry
• Why AI literacy, soft skills, and governance matter just as much as technology

What does it take to go from pilot use case to impact at scale?

Tune in to find out.

Dive into this conversation with Sean McDowell, the innovation guru behind Herman Miller's groundbreaking designs and a former creative force at Nike and Converse, who designed the Nike Air Max Plus.

Sean spills the secrets of his dynamic career, from shaping the future of sportswear to steering innovation at global events like the Beijing Olympics. 

Discover how his design philosophy, deeply rooted in problem-solving and consumer focus, has evolved with the emergence of AI. From the importance of diverse teams to the potential of AI as both a creative partner and a challenge, Sean offers a unique lens on navigating the complexities of modern design and innovation.

Listen to this episode if you're eager to peek into the mind of a design and innovation visionary who’s reshaped industries and crafted the future.

In this episode, we speak to Nespresso insights expert, Stéphane Szymerzna, about how Nespresso is using a test & learn approach to innovation – whether that’s inventing a new product for their existing line, or optimizing for sustainability.

Stéphane shares his enthusiasm for coffee and innovation, discussing the challenges of introducing new products while considering consumer adaptability. He reflects on Nespresso's growth from a market challenger to a leader, emphasizing the importance of meeting diverse consumer needs and aligning innovations with brand goals across different regions. The conversation also covers the role of AI in innovation, with Stéphane noting the balance between AI assistance and human oversight. Additionally, Stéphane speaks on Nespresso's commitment to sustainability, including their work with coffee farmers, compostable capsules, and the pursuit of B Corp certification.

In this episode, Nick Tate, Head of NEXT – Haleon’s innovation arm, shares his perspective on the success criteria for launching new products and brands in consumer healthcare.

Haleon is one of the world’s leading consumer health businesses, owning category leading brands like Nicorette, Advil, Voltaren and Sonsodyne.

Nick and Vincent discuss the impact of AI on brands and businesses. Tate emphasizes the transformation brought by generative and interactive AI, emphasizing the need for brands to be more responsive and personalized. Tate highlights the role of AI in improving back-office functions such as legal and regulatory processes, as well as creating delightful experiences for consumers. He also stresses the importance of human involvement, stating that great technology should help humans become more human and enable a symbiotic relationship between humans and machines. Tate also shares his personal journey into innovation, driven by a passion for problem-solving and creativity in business. He expresses a strong belief in the value of asking provocative questions and aligning people to solve problems in a determined way.

In this episode of AI Insiders, we explore what enterprise AI actually looks like in practice inside Bayer Crop Science.

Dan Kurdys and Sachi Desai join us to share how one of the world’s largest companies is putting GenAI to work:

From internal pilots to a full-fledged internal startup, they walk us through how Bayer is building AI-powered tools that scale expert knowledge, support frontline teams, and move fast:

• How Bayer built momentum for GenAI from the inside
• Lessons learned from launching an internal GenAI startup, E.L.Y.
• What it takes to drive real adoption in complex organizations

How does enterprise AI go from an idea to impact? Listen to this episode!

In this episode of AI Insiders, we sit down with Béatrice Dautzenberg, Global Director of Beauty Tech Services at L’Oréal, to explore how AI, computer vision, and GenAI are revolutionizing personalized beauty. From skin diagnostics to virtual try-ons, Beatrice shares how tech is elevating the consumer experience—and what it takes to integrate AI at scale in a global powerhouse.

Ready to decode the future of beauty tech? Let’s dive in.

In this episode, we're joined by Norberto Chaclin, SVP of R&D at Mondelēz International (the company behind Oreo, Cadbury, and other fan favorites), to explore how AI is revolutionizing the food and bev industry. 

From predicting consumer trends to reformulating recipes, AI enables faster innovation, better decisions, and personalized products. We discuss insights on balancing risk, fostering organizational agility, and breaking with traditional "cookie cutter" approaches. With AI transforming everything from regulatory compliance to global product strategy, this discussion underpins how leaders need to embrace digital tools and rethink decision-making to drive efficiency, creativity, and better outcomes in an always rapidly changing industry.

Solving at scale: prioritizing the problem, not the solution. Tune into this episode to get insights into how JP Morgan Chase scale successful corporate-startup relationships.
 
In this episode, we’re joined by Lisa Besserman, a top 100 tech influencer and the force driving innovation at JP Morgan Chase. 

Lisa shares her approach to solving at scale, dives into harnessing AI and emerging tech to boost both employee and customer experiences, and how to find impactful solutions and forging dynamic partnerships between startups and corporate giants.

We’ll also explore how AI fits into her work and personal life—and how mountaineering (yes, she’s climbed Kilimanjaro!) has shaped her thinking around risk and resilience. Her advice? Find your believers, stay flexible in execution, and don’t fear failure.

Tune in for insights on building a career and mindset that fuel real-world impact.

From strategies in a competitive streaming market to AI for customer experiences, we dive into the heart of innovation at Netflix.

In this episode, we chat with Fonz Morris, Netflix's Lead Product Designer for global conversion and monetization, to discuss how Netflix stays ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive market. 

Fonz discusses the strategies Netflix uses to boost revenue, user acquisition, and retention as well as the act of balancing ambitious goals with deliberate planning, particularly in the context of startups. 

Listen in on this insightful episode and get a peek behind the scenes of Netflix.