The Agentic Insider | How to Drive Real Business Value with AI - Todd James - The Agentic Insider

How to Drive Real Business Value with AI - Todd James - The Agentic Insider - Episode #21

August 28, 2025 / 48:12/E21

AI comes from a business-first strategy, not technology-first.

Today’s episode features Todd James, a seasoned expert with 30 years of experience in information security, technology, data, and business consulting. Todd shares his visions for the future of AI, emphasizing the democratization of AI capabilities and the reduction of friction in organizational transitions. With a rich history in both the US Coast Guard and leading companies like Kroger and Fidelity Investments, Todd discusses the complex roles of data, talent, and culture in driving successful AI implementations. He highlights real-world use cases, including advanced routing algorithms at Kroger, and underscores the importance of top leadership buy-in for AI transformation. The conversation also delves into the ethical obligations of AI, the rapid advancement of AI-driven digital customer experiences, and the role of AI in hyper-personalization. Todd's insights offer a nuanced view of AI's impact on various industries and the critical factors for successful adoption.

Takeaways:

Embrace AI as a Collaborative Partner: Use AI as one of several partners in your decision-making process, but continue to value human collaboration and diverse perspectives.
Start Now, Don’t Wait: The velocity of AI adoption is increasing. Companies that move beyond pilots and embed AI and a data-driven culture throughout the organization see outsized returns.
Secure Leadership Buy-In: True transformation with AI requires commitment and understanding from the top leadership. Without C-suite support, efforts will remain isolated and incremental.
Integrate Business and Tech Teams: Reduce the distance between technical and business teams. Involve those impacted by AI solutions early and often to ensure adoption and better outcomes.
Focus on Value for the Workforce: When implementing AI, ensure there is clear value for the people affected. Engage them in the process, help them transition to higher-value work, and maintain their dignity and purpose.
Prioritize Ethical and Fair Use: Always consider the broader impact of AI solutions on individuals. Treat all users fairly, ensure a virtuous value exchange, and maintain dignity in every interaction.
Be Intentional About Culture Change: The shift to an AI-driven organization is as much about culture as technology. Set the conditions for organic, ground-level innovation by fostering business intimacy and cross-functional understanding.

Quote of the Show:

“Between business people who now understand technology better and technology and data scientists who now understand the business better, that's when your best ideas start coming up.” - Todd James

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to The Agentic Insider

00:33 - Meet Todd James: A Veteran in Information Security

01:21 - The Future of AI: Democratization and Challenges

03:25 - Historical Lens on AI and Business Transformation

06:05 - AI as a Collaborative Partner

09:08 - The Continuum of AI Adoption in Companies

11:53 - Leadership's Role in AI Integration

16:42 - AI Success Stories: Kroger and Fidelity

22:04 - Bringing the Workforce Along in AI Transformation

26:18 - Navigating Business Challenges

26:30 - Integrating Workforce Insights