CDO Vision NY 2025: Embracing AI-First Approaches in Enterprise Tech

AIM Research organized an exclusive networking event in New York, the CDO Vision New York, which brought together industry experts, CEOs, and prominent Chief Data Officers (CDOs). This event, featuring an intimate luncheon, provided a platform for insightful discussions on critical business challenges.

A key highlight was a panel discussion moderated by Pankaj Chopra, Vice President of Analytics and Insights at Mondelez International, titled “AI-First Approaches in Enterprise Tech.” Panelists Michaela Wallin, SD of Product Lifecycle at Deckers Brands, Ash Dhupar, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Analog Devices, Anshuman Bhar, Founder & CEO at Aays, and Ashok Reddy, CEO at KX, shared their perspectives on leveraging AI within their organizations. Pankaj skillfully guided the conversation, ensuring a balanced exploration of the multifaceted topic.

The discussion explored the evolving landscape of enterprise technology, focusing on the opportunities and challenges of generative AI. Panelists emphasized the importance of an “AI-first” mindset, clear prioritization, effective communication, and bridging the gap between technology and business teams. They also addressed data management, generative AI techniques, and the balance between quick wins and long-term strategy. The panelists provided valuable insights on navigating AI adoption and driving business impact through thoughtful implementation.

Moving Beyond the Hype and Making AI a Reality

We are past the point of treating AI as a distant concept. It is here, it is now, and it is fundamentally changing how businesses operate. To truly understand its impact, we need to strip away the jargon and focus on the practical steps that make AI effective. And that journey begins with a solid foundation: data.

Data, The Engine Driving AI’s Potential

It’s tempting to view AI as a magical solution, but without quality data, it’s merely a collection of empty promises. As Ashok pointed out, “Data is becoming the strategic advantage.” It’s not about the sheer volume of data you possess, but its quality and relevance. “It is the product, it is the algorithm,” he emphasized, illustrating that data isn’t simply a resource to be stored, it is the very core of AI’s functionality. This realization highlights the vital importance of clear communication, as Michaela pointed out.

Bridging the Gap Between Tech and Business

“We need to teach each other,” Michaela stressed, emphasizing the importance of closing the divide between technical teams and business stakeholders. She illustrated this with an example of optimizing fabric ordering. By structuring the data input and coding fabrics, her team was able to improve fabric purchasing and utilize models to predict fabric needs. This led to tangible bottom-line improvements. “Ask the question, what would AI mean in this context?” she urged, reminding us that understanding the value proposition is essential for successful implementation. It is about demystifying AI and making it accessible to everyone, ensuring a shared understanding across the organization. Pankaj, throughout the discussion, reinforced the importance of these practical applications, encouraging panelists to provide real-world examples.

Strategic Implementation

With a robust data foundation and clear communication channels in place, the focus shifts to strategic implementation. Ash highlighted the urgency of embracing an “AI-first” mindset. “If you are not thinking AI, you are getting left behind,” he declared, emphasizing the need for proactive integration. However, he also cautioned against a reckless approach. “There are use cases where accuracy is not as important. For those, you may not need to slow down, but when absolute accuracy is required, you must slow down.” It’s about finding the appropriate pace, ensuring that AI initiatives align with specific business needs, and delivering reliable outcomes.

Focusing on Tangible Results

This strategic implementation directly connects to Anshuman’s focus on ROI. “Enterprise tech should always be about value and ROI,” he reminded us, grounding the discussion in practical business outcomes. It is not about deploying AI for the sake of innovation, it is about driving tangible improvements in efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction. This requires clear goals, measurable metrics, and a commitment to continuous improvement. AI, in essence, is a tool for progress, not a technological novelty.

Human Collaboration

Ultimately, the successful integration of AI is not solely about technology, it is about people. Michaela’s emphasis on communication underscores the importance of collaboration, while Anshuman’s focus on ROI highlights the need for alignment. We need to ensure that everyone, from the C-suite to the frontline, understands how AI contributes to the organization’s overall objectives. It is about building a culture of innovation, where AI is seen as a collaborative tool for growth, not a disruptive force.

In the end, AI is transforming businesses, but it’s not a quick fix. It demands a strategic approach, a focus on data quality, clear communication, and a relentless pursuit of value. Those who prioritize these elements will be the ones who navigate the AI landscape successfully, building resilient and innovative organizations for the future.