Enterprise Signals

Tom Welke and Richard Doran
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In this series of podcasts, we will uncover the 'real story' of AI in the mid market space by talking with Chief Information Officers, VP's of IT and Directors of IT to understand what is really happening with AI in the mid market space. We will also uncover that leaders are looking for when they create their SME or CoE AI team. Finally, we will assist candidates on what talents they should hone to help grow their careers and meet the demands of these CIOs, VPs and Directors of IT

Episodes

  1. May 28

    Jean Johnson discusses Ai in PE backed firms, strategic investment, and the seat at the big table

    The conversation covers a range of topics, including the importance of a multivariate background, understanding the language of the organization, balancing quick wins with long-term work, defining worthy projects and speaking CFO, time value of money and ROI challenges, balancing quick AI wins with long-term data governance and change management, customer impact, efficiency, and revenue as project criteria, and lessons learned from working with PE firms. The conversation delves into the strategic investment in AI, the importance of defending points of view, evaluating AI initiatives, shielding from polished vendor traps, earning a seat at the table, and coaching and understanding business seasons. Key takeaways include the significance of speaking CFO, building trust, and strategic IT leadership in the context of AI projects and IT leadership roles. Takeaways Multivariate backgroundUnderstanding the language of other parts of the organizationBalancing quick wins with long-term workCustomer impact, efficiency, and revenue as project criteriaModeling behavior for othersNuances of speaking to a PE firm Speaking CFOBuilding TrustStrategic IT Leadership Chapters 00:00 Lessons Learned from Working with PE Firms34:34 Strategic Investment in AI40:08 Shielding from Polished Vendor Traps51:23 Earning a Seat at the Table01:02:09 Coaching and Understanding Business Seasons

    1h 8m

  2. May 27

    Ricki Koinig Discusses Human in the Loop, Watson, and Change Management for Ai Projects to Succeed

    Ricky Koenig, a CIO with extensive IT experience, discusses the importance of human involvement in technology, the challenges of AI implementation, and the significance of data readiness and governance for AI evolution. He shares his experience with IBM Watson and AI failures, highlighting the impact of Central European corporate culture on AI decision-making. The conversation delves into the critical themes of the role in the loop, misconceptions about AI roles, role evolution and organizational readiness, the shiny object problem, and leadership, human-centric approach, and organizational mindset. It emphasizes the importance of the right role at the right time, problem-centric approach, and the need for new blood and new ideas. Additionally, it highlights the danger of shiny object syndrome and the impact of organizational mindset on innovations. Takeaways Human involvement is crucial in technology projectsData readiness and governance are essential for successful AI evolution The importance of problem-centric approach in AI implementationThe need for celebrating small wins and the danger of shiny object syndrome Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ricky Koenig05:41 Benefits and Misunderstandings of HCI and HIDL13:47 The Significance of Innovation Maturity18:54 The Impact of Idea Management on Innovation25:14 The Role of Innovation Maturity in AI Readiness35:19 Experience with IBM Watson and AI Failures42:14 The Impact of Central European Corporate Culture on AI Decision-Making55:28 Misconceptions About AI Roles01:01:34 Role Evolution and Organizational Readiness01:12:37 The Shiny Object Problem

    1h 19m

  3. May 26

    Vidhya Belapure Discusses the Future of the CIO and Why AI projects Succeed and Fail

    The conversation covers the evolution of the CIO role, emphasizing the shift from a service-oriented mandate to that of an advisor and strategic partner. It also highlights the importance of empathy in leadership, the challenges of AI implementation, and the talent gap in organizations. Additionally, it explores the building of a subject matter expertise team and the leadership skills required for the future CIO role. The conversation delves into the transition of CIOs to CEOs, the reasons behind AI project failures, success factors for AI projects, and the mid-market AI talent myth. It also explores the impact of AI on job roles and the importance of practical solutions over technology hype. The discussion emphasizes the need for a shift in mindset from technology solutions to problem-solving and the role of functional and institutional knowledge in AI projects. Takeaways Evolution of the CIO roleImportance of empathy in leadership CIOs transitioning to CEOsAI project failuresLeadership challenges in AI projectsThe impact of AI on job roles Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Career Background05:29 The Role of Empathy in Leadership20:19 AI Implementation and Talent Gap30:02 Leadership Skills and Future CIO Role35:38 CIOs Transitioning to CEOs41:00 Success Factors for AI Projects

    1h 8m
  • 3 Episodes

About

In this series of podcasts, we will uncover the 'real story' of AI in the mid market space by talking with Chief Information Officers, VP's of IT and Directors of IT to understand what is really happening with AI in the mid market space. We will also uncover that leaders are looking for when they create their SME or CoE AI team. Finally, we will assist candidates on what talents they should hone to help grow their careers and meet the demands of these CIOs, VPs and Directors of IT

Information

  • Creator
    Tom Welke and Richard Doran
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tom Welke and Richard Doran
  • Show Website
    Enterprise Signals