Podcast
AI in Action
Hosted by IBM · EN
AI in Action explores what it takes to put artificial intelligence into action across a rapidly evolving business and tech landscape. Each episode focuses on responsible AI implementation and real-world business challenges, examined through a practical use case lens.
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Foundation models accelerate space and climate science
Feb 2400:39:12Tap to summarizeOn AI in Action, IBM researcher Campbell Watson explains how foundation models are accelerating discovery across Earth and space science. Moving beyond traditional numerical methods, his team applies concepts from large language models to multimodal satellite data to build powerful, open-source AI systems. In collaboration with NASA and the European Space Agency, they have developed foundation models for Earth observation, weather and heliophysics. They are using AI for sustainability use cases, such as flood detection, biodiversity monitoring and solar flare forecasting. Designed for hybrid cloud environments and even deployed in orbit, these models point toward a future where AI and quantum computing unlock deeper planetary insights.
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Turning AI into business impact through data and strategy
Feb 1000:37:36Tap to summarizeIn the latest episode of AI in Action, Bernard Marr shares his perspective on how AI is changing the way we work and why AI literacy is becoming essential for every organization. He explains that real AI-driven business growth starts with a clear strategy. To make AI work at scale, companies need strong data foundations, modern data architecture and solid data management practices. Many organizations still struggle with siloed systems, weak governance and low data literacy, which hurts their competitive edge. Bernard encourages leaders to connect business intelligence with AI goals, rethink existing processes and give teams space to experiment. From agentic AI to quantum computing, he reminds us that change is happening fast and that a thoughtful, strategic approach to AI is key to building future-ready organizations.0:00 Intro03:47 What AI really means for companies in 202606:47 Scaling AI starts with strategy10:42 Leading the cultural shift to AI13:17 Competitive advantage starts with AI awareness18:14 The real barriers to scaling AI28:33 What enterprises can learn from AI startups30:58 Top trends for data and AI leaders34:24 Overcoming data and governance challengesThe opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity. AI news is moving fast. Keep your business ahead with updates about AI advancements, strategies and expert perspectives → https://ibm.biz/BdpEkq
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Thoughtful AI integration at the Recording Academy
Jan 2700:27:35Tap to summarizeThe Recording Academy is thoughtfully integrating generative AI to improve efficiency, accuracy and fan engagement across the GRAMMYs. David Gregory, CIO of the Recording Academy, describes using AI solutions, machine learning and large language models to streamline the GRAMMY Awards submission and voting process while preserving human oversight and strong AI governance. Fan-facing tools like GRAMMY IQ, an AI-powered chatbot, enhance grammy.com through interactive trivia and historical insights. Collaborating with IBM and others, the Recording Academy is exploring AI agents and advanced analytics across archives, membership platforms and operations. Their overall vision is to drive innovation balanced with responsibility, creativity and trust.0:00 Intro05:01 How GRAMMY IQ elevates the fan experience06:43 Beyond GRAMMY IQ: The future of AI at the GRAMMYs12:10 Leading the AI initiatives with caution and clarity17:43 Driving member value with AI and digital transformation21:54 Operationalizing AI across the Recording Academy25:08 What every CIO should know about getting started with AI27:14 What’s next for AI at the Recording AcademyThe opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity.
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How IBM uses data and AI to modernize procurement
Jan 1300:34:52Tap to summarizeIn this AI in Action episode, David Levy speaks with Lorie Meola about how IBM is transforming procurement through AI adoption and data management. Lorie explains how focusing on good-enough enterprise data, supported by data transparency and data visualization, leads to faster insights and better decisions. She shares how agentic AI helps teams move away from manual work and focus on higher-value outcomes. The conversation also highlights the cultural change required for digital transformation, including leadership support and iteration. The episode shows how modern procurement can drive efficiency, insight and business impact across the enterprise.Inside IBM's Client Zero journey: https://ibm.biz/BdbW4b
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Making enterprise content actionable with AI
Dec 3000:33:24Tap to summarizeIn this AI in Action episode, David Levy talks with Yashodha Bhavnani, Head of AI at Box, about how enterprises can turn massive volumes of unstructured data into high-value intelligence. Yashodha explains how Box is embedding AI into its content platform for easier data management without compromising security or governance. She shares real-world examples of enterprise content management and explains how agentic AI powers smarter workflows. The conversation also covers the role of IBM watsonx® in Box AI and what it takes to bring AI from experimentation into production.
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How UFC uses AI to turn data into real-time insights
Dec 1600:35:38Tap to summarizeExplore the partnership → https://ibm.biz/BdbTR7In this AI in Action episode, David Levy talks with Alon Cohen about how the UFC has turned its deep history of data into clear, meaningful insights. Alon shares how the team has moved from basic number tracking to smart systems powered by machine learning, computer vision and NLP. Thanks to better data management and processing, the team can measure speed, power and even fighter intent with far more accuracy. He explains why combat sports are challenging in terms of AI and data analysis, and how IBM watsonx® helps deliver real-time insights to fans and commentators. The episode also covers why building good AI takes patience, steady improvement and the careful judgment of people who truly understand the sport.0:00 Intro04:11 Understanding MMA athletes and the culture07:17 Identifying the opportunity for statistical analysis in UFC09:28 The challenges of AI with real-time fight data16:24 How the UFC uses IBM watsonx® to power UFC Insights21:34 What data reaches UFC commentators25:14 How IBM and UFC built and trained the models31:08 How UFC measures the success of AI-driven fan experiences34:02 Advice for businesses advancing with AIThe opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity.
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Bringing smarter, accessible wealth management through agentic AI
Dec 200:43:28Tap to summarizeCan agentic AI solve the scalability challenge in wealth management while expanding access to underserved communities? Ramona Ortega believes it can, but only with the right foundation. She explains how WealthBuild has moved from basic chatbots to RAG and now to agentic workflows that can deliver accurate and personalized guidance at scale. In her opinion, the real blockers aren’t algorithms but messy data, governance gaps and enterprise-grade security. Since traditional financial services can’t reach many everyday consumers, she partners with community banks to close the gap. For her, the future lies where AI, APIs and blockchain meet, opening the door to accessible and democratized financial advice.Explore the podcast → https://ibm.biz/BdbuaR
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The power of AI starts with better data
Nov 1800:34:35Tap to summarizeExplore the podcast → https://ibm.biz/BdbbwtEvery company is sitting on a mountain of data, but only a few know what to do with it. In this episode of AI in Action, Madison Faulkner talks with David Levy about turning data chaos into clarity. She explores how agentic AI depends on strong data management and data governance, and why unstructured data and big data only create value when they’re organized with purpose. In other words, the real competitive edge isn’t the AI itself; it’s the data behind it. Because in the end, intelligent systems are only as powerful as the data that trains them.0:00 Intro1:35 Madison Faulkner’s journey 2:40 The birth of data science4:00 Bridging Silicon Valley hype with real-world industries8:40 Structuring unstructured data for agentic AI12:00 Automation, knowledge graphs and agentic sourcing16:40 Tactical and organizational failures in data strategy20:30 Data as code: The next wave of infrastructure24:00 Rethinking data foundations for agentic AI30:12 Turning data governance into a real business advantage33:45 Final takeaways: Clarity over chaos in the AI eraThe opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity. AI news is moving fast. Keep your business ahead with updates about AI advancements, strategies and expert perspectives → https://ibm.biz/Bdbbw6#DataStrategy #EnterpriseAI #AIforBusiness #DataLeadership #BusinessIntelligence #AgenticAI #DataDrivenBusiness #DataManagement #MadisonFaulkner #DavidLevy
Transcribe →When AI governance meets cybersecurity
Nov 400:36:06Tap to summarizeExplore the podcast → https://ibm.biz/Bdbvh4AI can drive transformation or create new vulnerabilities. The difference lies in how we lead. In this episode of AI in Action, former CISA Director Jen Easterly joins David Levy to discuss the intersection of AI governance and cybersecurity, and how leadership and accountability shape both. Watch the episode to understand how security guardrails, robust systems, and a culture that values safety as much as speed can help organizations innovate boldly yet responsibly. Because real AI-based innovation isn’t just smart. It’s also safe.Timestamps:0:00 Intro0:55 Jen Easterly’s journey from national security to AI governance2:28 How imagination shapes innovation and risk4:06 Innovation under pressure in the field7:04 The power of data and information-driven defense8:25 Agentic AI is transforming both defense and attack9:45 Making security part of software design13:50 Accountability and leadership in AI governance17:39 Creating a culture that values safety and innovation24:17 Collaboration, resilience and the future of AI security28:04 Emerging AI threats and the evolving security landscape30:12 Key takeaways on leadership, accountability and trustAI news is moving fast. Keep your business ahead with updates about AI advancements, strategies and expert perspectives → https://ibm.biz/BdbSUvThe opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity.
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Procurement moves at AI speed
Oct 2100:32:11Tap to summarizeExplore the podcast → https://ibm.biz/BdbYhMLearn about AI agents for procurement → https://ibm.biz/BdbYhSProcurement is stepping into the future with AI. In this AI in Action episode, expert Daniel Barnes chats with David Levy about how agentic AI is shaking up procurement, which has long been stuck in spreadsheets and slow processes. Watch the episode to understand how AI is pulling insights from contracts, vendor documents and other datasets, empowering procurement teams to make smarter, faster decisions. Also, learn how some companies are stumbling by trying to AI everything at once. Companies need to understand that the smart move is to start small and then scale up. 0:00 - Intro02:14 - Data management in procurement 08:45 - How agentic AI has changed procurement13:10 - How AI and data are redefining vendor evaluation17:17 - Getting CPOs started with the right technology23:54 - The rise of agentic negotiators26:37 - Risks of ignoring AI-driven procurement opportunitiesThe opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of IBM or any other organization or entity.
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