Good Decisions

ModelOp

Good Decisions, Hosted by Jay Combs, VP of Marketing at ModelOp Good Decisions is the podcast about the choices that shape careers, companies, and the future of AI. In each episode, host Jay Combs sits down with bold thinkers, mission-driven experts, and enterprise leaders navigating the human side of rapidly evolving technology—those who’ve faced unique moments, career pivots, and complex decisions with major consequences and lasting impact. From CIA officers turned CTOs to tech pioneers and data scientists managing billion-dollar risks, these are the stories you won’t find on LinkedIn. We go beyond buzzwords to explore what drives the people behind tech, data, and AI—their values, lessons, regrets, and their favorite cocktails or hottest takes. Whether you’re leading AI strategy or still figuring out what “agentic” means, you’ll find something here to challenge your thinking and sharpen your decision-making. In the end, good technology depends on good decisions.

Episodes

  1. How PayPal is building the future of commerce with AI agents & trusted personalization - Mitesh Shah

    10/23/2025

    How PayPal is building the future of commerce with AI agents & trusted personalization - Mitesh Shah

    Agentic AI is here. Is your governance ready? Download the FREE Enterprise’s Guide to Preparing for Agentic AI for your essential 3-step plan to safely establish visibility into, enforce policies over, and scale autonomous systems. 👉 https://bit.ly/guide-to-preparing-for-agenticai —-------------------------------- In this episode of Good Decisions by ModelOP, host James Combs sits down with Mitesh Shah, Lead Product Manager for AI Personalization & Agent eCommerce at PayPal, to discuss the future of AI-driven e-commerce, the transformation of PayPal from a payment provider to a comprehensive commerce platform, and the evolving role of product managers in the AI space. Mitesh shares his journey from mechanical engineering to tech, insights into personalizing the user experience, and how PayPal is addressing challenges around privacy, trust, and AI ethics. He also reflects on the importance of balancing technology with human-centered design, emphasizing the need for responsible innovation and trust in product development. Expect to Learn: - Insights on the transformation of PayPal and its vision for becoming a global commerce platform. - How AI personalization is reshaping the way we shop, including the integration of AI agents in e-commerce. - Balancing data privacy with personalized experiences for users. - The importance of simplicity and user focus in product management. - Mitesh’s journey from mechanical engineering to product management in tech. - The key lessons learned from working with small businesses and entrepreneurs to build impactful tech products. - Responsible AI practices and the regulatory landscape in AI development. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00] – Teaser [02:01] – Introduction [03:26] – Mitesh's Current Role at PayPal [06:19] – PayPal's Transition to a Commerce Platform [09:46] – The Future of AI in E-Commerce [11:53] – Starting the Transformation [15:37] – PayPal's Challenges in Product Management [19:37] – Trust, Risk, and Privacy [26:01] – Navigating AI Regulations. [28:40] – Transition from Mechanical Engineering to Data Science and Product Management [33:47] – Importance of Simplifying Products for Users [40:13] – Convincing Leadership to Simplify [44:16] – Responsible AI Development [50:01] – Lessons Learned from AI and Tech [55:44] – Rituals for Reflection and Gratitude [59:30] – Closing Remarks 🔗 Follow Mitesh Shah on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitesh-shah-19673039/ 👉 Company LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/paypal 👉 Website - https://www.paypal.com/ 🔗 Follow James Combs on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwcombs/ 🔗 Follow ModelOp on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modelop/ 👉 Website - https://www.modelop.com/ 👉 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modelop_ai/ 👉 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577339019152 👉 X - https://x.com/ModelOp_Co 👉 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@modelop_aigov 🔗 Follow Good Decisions Podcast: 👉 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5MQJXoylEhVQwwyNKMfo3c 👉 Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-decisions/id1823071460 👉 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@modelop1023/podcasts

    1 hr
  2. How Microsoft Balances AI Innovation with Compliance & Safeguards in Finance with Ravi Shankar Goli

    10/02/2025

    How Microsoft Balances AI Innovation with Compliance & Safeguards in Finance with Ravi Shankar Goli

    Curious why enterprises struggle to scale AI innovation and how your AI governance compares to industry peers? Get your FREE copy of the AI Governance Benchmark Report today and gain valuable insights for accelerating AI time-to-value. 👉 https://bit.ly/2025-aigovernance-benchmark-report ------------------------------------------------------- In this episode of the Good Decisions Podcast by ModelOP, James Combs explores the rapid evolution of generative AI in enterprise products, specifically Microsoft Copilot for Finance with Ravi Shankar Goli. The conversation goes deeper into how leaders can balance innovation, responsibility, compliance, and productivity while navigating the fast-paced AI landscape. Our guest, Ravi Shankar G.(Ravi Shankar Goli), is the Lead Principal Software Engineering Manager at Microsoft, where he leads the Copilot for Finance team. His journey spans from serving in the Indian Air Force, to global consulting, to multiple master’s degrees, including AI and Machine Learning. Ravi is not only a seasoned technologist but also a passionate mentor, actively supporting Microsoft’s Technology Education and Learning Support (TEALS) program to advance computer science education. Expect to Learn - How Microsoft is building Copilot for Finance and addressing the challenges of generative AI adoption. - The decision-making frameworks that balance speed, compliance, and innovation in enterprise AI products. - Why probabilistic AI systems pose unique challenges compared to traditional deterministic software. - The role of engineering fundamentals in the age of AI-powered coding and the truth about “vibe coding.” - Ravi’s personal journey from discovering Windows 98 in a military post to leading AI innovation at Microsoft. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00] Teaser [01:51] Introduction of Ravi Shankar [02:45] The Pace of AI at Microsoft [04:05] Team Structure & Collaboration [08:33] Regulation & Responsibility in Finance AI [13:06] Biggest Challenge: Probabilistic vs Deterministic Systems [14:59] Using Generative AI to Build Copilot [17:54] Vibe Coding & Risks [21:41] Military Lessons in Software Leadership [31:29] Why Ravi Pursued a Third Master’s in AI [35:06] First Encounter with Computers [40:21] Mentorship & TEALS Program [42:18] Celebrating Success & Team Rituals [44:14] Conclusion 🔗 Follow Ravi Shankar Goli on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravisgoli 👉 Company LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft 👉 Website - https://www.microsoft.com/ 🔗 Follow James Combs on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwcombs/ 🔗 Follow ModelOp on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modelop/ 👉 Website - https://www.modelop.com/ 👉 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modelop_ai/ 👉 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577339019152 👉 X - https://x.com/ModelOp_Co 👉 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@modelop_aigov 🔗 Follow Good Decisions Podcast: 👉 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5MQJXoylEhVQwwyNKMfo3c 👉 Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-decisions/id1823071460 👉 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@modelop1023/podcasts

    46 min
  3. How 60% of Startups Fail Legally and Use AI to Get Affordable Legal Support with Stephen Candelmo

    09/18/2025

    How 60% of Startups Fail Legally and Use AI to Get Affordable Legal Support with Stephen Candelmo

    Curious why enterprises struggle to scale AI innovation and how your AI governance compares to industry peers? Get your FREE copy of the AI Governance Benchmark Report today and gain valuable insights for accelerating AI time-to-value. 👉 https://bit.ly/2025-ai-governance-benchmark-report ---------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode of The Good Decisions Podcast by ModelOP , host James Combs talks about the intersection of law, entrepreneurship, and technology with guest Stephen Candelmo. As the founder of Paralex, mentor at Capital Factory & Counsel, Corporate Lead at Impresa Legal Group. Stephen is reimagining legal services for startups and small businesses by blending AI technology with attorney oversight making quality legal advice more affordable and accessible. This conversation covers the challenges of disrupting the legal industry, the human element of trust in AI, and the personal journey that led Stefan to this mission. Stephen Candelmo is a corporate attorney, serial entrepreneur, inventor, and founder of Paralex. With nearly 30 years in law and over $3 billion in transactions to his name, Stephen has guided IPOs, venture deals, and major exits. His career spans from big law to tech startups, and now he’s pioneering a new legal tech platform that delivers on demand, fixedmfee legal expertise designed to give entrepreneurs peace of mind without the traditional hourly billing trap. Expect to Learn: - Why 60% of small businesses never work with an attorney, and how Paralex aims to change that. - The deep-seated billing model incentives that make big law resistant to efficiency. - How combining AI with attorney oversight builds trust and reduces costs. - The most common and costly legal mistakes early-stage entrepreneurs make. - Stephen’s career journey from political science to space law, corporate transactions, and legal tech innovation. Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Introduction & Guest Background [00:01:35] The Problem with Legal Access [00:03:03] What Paralex Does Differently [00:05:41] The Big Law Incentive Problem [00:09:13] Building Trust in Legal Tech [00:13:52] Changing Client Relationships [00:18:24] The Rise of AI-Law Behavior [00:20:04] Why Stephen Launched Paralex [00:34:22] Avoiding Common Founder Mistakes [00:40:41] Advice to His Younger Self [00:41:59] Austin Taco Recommendations & Closing ----------------------------------------------------------------- 🔗 Follow Stephen Candelmo on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-candelmo 👉 Company LinkedIn accounts Paralex: https://www.linkedin.com/company/paralexai?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name Capital Factory: https://www.linkedin.com/company/capital-factory Impresa Legal Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impresa-legal-group 👉 Websites Paralex: https://paralex.ai/ Capital Factory: https://capitalfactory.com/ Impresa Legal Group: https://impresalegal.com/ 🔗 Follow James Combs on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwcombs/ 🔗 Follow ModelOp on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modelop/ 👉 Website - https://www.modelop.com/ 👉 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modelop_ai/ 👉 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577339019152 👉 X - https://x.com/ModelOp_Co 👉 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@modelop_aigov 🔗 Follow Good Decisions Podcast: 👉 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5MQJXoylEhVQwwyNKMfo3c 👉 Apple Podcast -...

    45 min
  4. How an Immigrant Doctor Helps Gen Z Tackle AI Job Loss Using Employability Scores - Jasmine Sayyari

    09/04/2025

    How an Immigrant Doctor Helps Gen Z Tackle AI Job Loss Using Employability Scores - Jasmine Sayyari

    Curious why enterprises struggle to scale AI innovation and how your AI governance compares to industry peers? Get your FREE copy of the AI Governance Benchmark Report today and gain valuable insights for accelerating AI time-to-value. 👉 https://bit.ly/2025-ai-governance-benchmark-report _____________________________________________________ In this episode of the Good Decisions podcast by ModelOP, James Combs explores the intersection of career reinvention, the future of work, and artificial intelligence through the story of Jasmine Sayyari. A former medical doctor turned serial entrepreneur, Jasmine shares her remarkable journey of transitioning from frontline healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic to founding innovative AI-driven platforms that help people uncover hidden career opportunities. The conversation goes deeper into the challenges of career pivots, the role of data in shaping the job market, and how AI can empower the next generation of workers. Jasmine Sayyari is the Founder and CEO of New Generation Network and the creator of Chanci AI, a platform that leverages data and AI to assess job market readiness and reveal hidden opportunities. Originally trained as a doctor in Iran, she worked through the peak of the COVID crisis before shifting into the business and tech world. Now based in London, Jasmine is a 2025 Inspiring 50 UK winner, a published commentator, and a passionate advocate for tech-enabled workforce development. Expect to LearnWhy Jasmine transitioned from medicine to entrepreneurship and AIHow Chauncey AI helps users uncover career paths they never considered. Insights into how AI is reshaping the global job market.Lessons in leadership and adaptation from leading teams during uncertain times.Jasmine’s personal framework for making life-changing career and location decisions. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps[00:00:00] - Trailer [00:01:58] - About the Podcast [00:02:41] - Introduction of Jasmine Sayyari [00:03:42] - The Medical Journey [00:06:11] - COVID and Career Clarity [00:08:17] - First Entrepreneurial Steps [00:13:23] - From Istanbul to London [00:20:11] - Birth of Chanci AI [00:26:22] - Impact, AI Bias, and Regulation [00:35:59] - Reflecting on Decisions [00:38:20] - Personal Traditions and Conclusion 🔗 Follow Jasmine Sayyari on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jasmine-sayyari-932928193 👉 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lifearound_me_/feed/ 👉 Company LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/company/new-generation-network 👉 Website - https://www.ukngn.com/ 🔗 Follow James Combs on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwcombs/ 🔗 Follow ModelOp on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modelop/ 👉 Website - https://www.modelop.com/ 👉 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modelop_ai/ 👉 Facebook - a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577339019152" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    40 min
  5. The Leadership Framework for Executives to Master Timing, Ethics, and Innovation with John Donovan

    08/13/2025

    The Leadership Framework for Executives to Master Timing, Ethics, and Innovation with John Donovan

    Curious why enterprises struggle to scale AI innovation and how your AI governance compares to industry peers? Get your FREE copy of the AI Governance Benchmark Report today and gain valuable insights for accelerating AI time-to-value. 👉 https://bit.ly/2025-ai-governance-benchmark-report _____________________________________________________ In this insightful episode of the Good Decisions podcast by ModelOP, James Combs is joined by John Donovan, a veteran technologist and investor, shares his extensive experience in decision-making, leadership, and navigating the rapidly evolving tech landscape. From his leadership at AT&T to his investments in AI and quantum computing, John discusses his framework for making tough choices in technology, the ethical implications of AI, and the pivotal role of time in decision-making. John Donovan is a seasoned technologist, investor, and author, with more than 30 years of leadership in tech and infrastructure. He is the CEO of Qudit Investments, a firm that backs breakthroughs in AI, quantum computing, and hypersonic technologies. Formerly the CEO of AT&T Communications, John led major innovations like 5G and software-defined networking. He serves on the boards of Palo Alto Networks and Lockheed Martin and has chaired the President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee. 📚Expect to Learn: - John’s decision-making framework and how he narrows down options to make clear, impactful choices. - The importance of understanding time in tech decisions, and how being too early or too late can be detrimental. - Insights on how AI and technology impact businesses and leadership at a corporate level. - Ethical considerations in tech leadership, especially in AI and security. - The challenges and opportunities of leading large tech organizations, and how leadership must evolve to keep pace with change. ⏱️Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00:00] - Teaser [00:01:49] - Introduction of John Donovan [00:03:56] - John’s Early Life & the Influence of Pittsburgh [00:06:13] - Choosing Engineering & The Path to Notre Dame [00:08:50] - The Value of Life Planning [00:12:39] - From Engineering to Telecoms [00:14:55] - Software vs. Hardware Decision Making [00:18:52] - Time as a Key Factor in AI Decision Making [00:25:35] - Ethics in AI and Technology [00:30:00] - Balancing Risk & Opportunity in AI [00:35:24] - Leadership and Decision-Making Frameworks [00:43:01] - Final Reflections on Leadership in the Age of AI 🔗 Follow John Donovan on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndonovanatt/ 👉 Website - https://qudit.ai/ 🔗 Follow James Combs on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwcombs/ 🔗 Follow ModelOp on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modelop/ 👉 Website - https://www.modelop.com/ 👉 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modelop_ai/ 👉 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577339019152 👉 X - https://x.com/ModelOp_Co 👉 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@modelop_aigov 🔗 Follow Good Decisions Podcast: 👉 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/00MD7QQUBNkKzTvSXnjZM6?si=3348e11f194b4cc8 👉 Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-decisions/id1823071460 👉 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@modelop1023/podcasts

    49 min
  6. The $15B AI Platform Blueprint for Leaders to Manage Risk and Unlock Creativity with Skip McCormick

    07/31/2025

    The $15B AI Platform Blueprint for Leaders to Manage Risk and Unlock Creativity with Skip McCormick

    In this episode of the Good Decisions podcast by ModelOP, James Combs explores the pivotal choices shaping careers and the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence with Skip McCormick. Having served as a Navy officer, a CIA intelligence officer for 17 years, and now as the CTO and founder of Angularis AI. His unique background at the intersection of technology, national security, and financial systems provides deep insights into building responsible and innovative AI systems that prioritize transparency and governance. With a special focus on high-stakes environments - from the military to Wall Street - the discussion centers on AI governance, traceability, and decision-making in both national security and enterprise contexts. 📚 Expect to Learn - How a career rooted in military and intelligence work led to leading an AI startup - The Critical role of traceability and Transparency in AI Decision-making - Why Skip believes metadata is key to ethical AI Governance - Lessons from building supercomputers for the CIA and innovating in 240-year-old financial institutions - How to drive change in traditional organizations with high-stakes regulatory environments ⏱️ Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Introduction & Opening Question - James opens with a powerful question about innovating in entrenched systems. He introduces the podcast’s mission and the relevance of decision-making in AI. [00:02:56] - Skip’s Background & Naval Academy Journey - Skip shares the pivotal story of how he planned to attend the Naval Academy at age 12. [00:10:30] - Transition to Computer Science - How a love for early computing and a surprising exam answer changed his academic path. [00:18:20] - Collaborating & Learning through Programming - Discussion on how AI and LLMs are changing how we learn and write code. [00:26:30] - Early Use of Tech in the Navy - Using early PCs and writing software as a junior officer aboard ships. [00:33:10] - Leadership vs. Management - Skip reflects on leadership styles, self-awareness, and learning to empower others. [00:44:50] - Decision to Join the CIA Post-9/11 - A spontaneous decision to join the CIA and the impactful work that followed. [00:56:41] - The Importance of Metadata & AI Traceability - Exploring how Angularis AI builds on lessons from intelligence work to support AI governance. [01:03:00] - Driving Innovation at BNY Mellon - Skip discusses how he earned trust and drove innovation in a centuries-old financial institution. [01:10:15] - Reflecting on Leadership Mistakes - Honest moments about learning to lead better and the importance of humility. [01:21:06] - Final Reflections & Personal Favorites - Skip shares his hopes for Angularis’ legacy and his go-to meal to celebrate good decisions. 🔗 Follow Skip McCormick on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/skip-mccormick-872b229/ 👉 Company LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/angularis-ai/ 👉 Website - https://angularis.ai/ 🔗 Follow James Combs on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwcombs/ 🔗 Follow ModelOp on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modelop/ 👉 Website - https://www.modelop.com/ 👉 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modelop_ai/ 👉 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577339019152 👉 X - https://x.com/ModelOp_Co 👉 TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@modelop_aigov 🔗 Follow Good Decisions Podcast: 👉 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5MQJXoylEhVQwwyNKMfo3c?si=8e928259d3914106&nd=1&dlsi=9440fa415b964104 👉 Apple Podcast -...

    1h 23m

  7. 06/12/2025

    New Episodes Coming Soon

    Welcome to The Good Decisions Podcast, hosted by James Combs. A seasoned enterprise marketing and product leader, James brings his expertise in AI, SaaS, ecommerce, and finance to explore one of the most urgent topics of our time: AI governance. Each episode takes listeners inside the frameworks, challenges, and breakthroughs shaping responsible AI deployment — from managing risk and ensuring compliance to striking the balance between innovation and oversight. Backed by insights from ModelOp, the leading AI governance platform for enterprises, the show offers a front-row seat to real-world use cases, emerging regulations, and enterprise-grade strategies that drive safe and scalable AI. Whether you're an executive, AI leader, or policy thinker, Good Decisions delivers the practical knowledge and visionary thinking needed to lead with confidence in an AI-driven world. Follow The Good Decisions Podcast coming soon to your favourite podcast platforms

    1 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Good Decisions, Hosted by Jay Combs, VP of Marketing at ModelOp Good Decisions is the podcast about the choices that shape careers, companies, and the future of AI. In each episode, host Jay Combs sits down with bold thinkers, mission-driven experts, and enterprise leaders navigating the human side of rapidly evolving technology—those who’ve faced unique moments, career pivots, and complex decisions with major consequences and lasting impact. From CIA officers turned CTOs to tech pioneers and data scientists managing billion-dollar risks, these are the stories you won’t find on LinkedIn. We go beyond buzzwords to explore what drives the people behind tech, data, and AI—their values, lessons, regrets, and their favorite cocktails or hottest takes. Whether you’re leading AI strategy or still figuring out what “agentic” means, you’ll find something here to challenge your thinking and sharpen your decision-making. In the end, good technology depends on good decisions.

Information

  • Creator
    ModelOp
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 ModelOp
  • Show Website
    Good Decisions