
Hosted by Sirte Pihlaja · EN
Explore how Artificial Intelligence is transforming customer and employee experiences in this engaging podcast series. Hosted by Sirte Pihlaja, CEO of Shirute and Head of Team at CXPA Finland, the series dives into the latest AI innovations, ethical questions, and practical strategies for organisations. Featuring insights from global experts and trailblazers, each episode offers actionable guidance to help you navigate the evolving AI landscape and unlock its potential for better CX and EX. Whether new to AI or a seasoned pro, this is your guide to understanding and leveraging AI responsibly and effectively.
Watch the show on YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@aiexperiencepodcast
More information: www.shirute.fi and www.machinecustomers.fi and www.koneasiakkaat.fi
About Sirte Pihlaja - CEO I CCXP I AI Whisperer I Trained LEGO® Serious Play® Facilitator I Global #1 BestSelling Author I Top 25 CX Influencer I Keynote Speaker I Board Member I CXPA Finland Lead I CX Champion in Caribbean, Europe & South East Asia
AI, artificial intelligence, Agentic AI, machine customers, digital assistants, AI Assistants, AI agents, customer experience, experience, customer service, service, transformation, cx transformation, digital transformation, agility, best practices, customer, acquisition, retention, cost to serve, best in class service, best in class experience, thought leader, transformation manager, cx manager, senior management, cx strategy, voice of the customer, voice of the employee, growth, purpose, improve business results, award-winning strategy, cx community, leadership, improvements, cx governance, experience design, customer journey, CCXP, CXPA, employee experience, innovation, creativity, cx culture, cx design, cx architecture, service culture, people first, human being, purpose

## Why You Can't Miss This EpisodeWhat if getting more out of AI isn’t about the tools, but your mindset? In this episode, AI influencer and keynote speaker Pasi Örn shares how naming his AI assistant AiMo and treating it like a real colleague transformed the way he works. From winning the Elisa AI Vision Challenge overnight to building websites in minutes with vibe coding, Pasi shows that how you think about AI matters more than any tool. Whether you're just starting or already experienced, this episode will challenge your approach.## About the GuestPasi Örn is a Team Manager at Visma Solutions and the founder and AI Influencer at Tekoäly-influensserit (influensseri.ai). He helps creators and businesses use AI in smarter, more creative ways. A keynote speaker and active voice in the AI space, Pasi spoke at our CX Masterclass on using AI creatively in everyday work. He hosts the podcast Tekoälyinfluensserit, where Sirte recently joined to discuss machine customers and the future of CX.## Relevant Links- The AI Experience Podcast: https://www.aiexperience.fi- Read more on AI, CX and machine customers: https://www.machinecustomers.fi- Visit our website: https://www.shirute.fi/en- Pasi Örn: https://influensseri.ai and https://www.linkedin.com/in/pasiorn/## Episode SummaryIn this episode, Sirte Pihlaja and Pasi Örn explore what it really means to use AI as a co-creator instead of just a tool. Pasi shares how everything changed when he named his AI assistant AiMo and began treating it like a colleague: adding context, asking follow-ups, and having real conversations. This shift led to better thinking, better prompts, and better outcomes.He illustrates this through his Elisa AI Vision Challenge win, where talking through ideas with AiMo helped him refine a concept for a personal AI assistant (“tukiäly”) designed to support elderly and digitally excluded users in navigating complex services.Pasi also highlights how voice interaction has boosted his productivity by allowing richer input than typing. He discusses “vibe coding” and tools like Lovable, which enable non-technical users to build dashboards, niche tools, and even websites quickly, lowering the barrier to innovation.The conversation then moves to the future of CX and machine customers. Pasi reflects on his takeaways from CX Masterclass, connecting it to our lives: AI agents could soon make decisions on behalf of users based on real needs, values, budget, and priorities. While this opens the door to better decision-making, human oversight remains essential. For businesses, this means becoming AI-discoverable, building trust for both humans and machines, without losing the human connection at the core of CX.### Follow and Subscribe- Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3VNKTMP- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4iJKy7G- Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gpLY60- YouTube: https://bit.ly/aiexperiencepodcast

Why You Can't Miss This EpisodeBerner’s AI transformation is more than a case study; it’s a blueprint. In this episode, Joona Honka, Head of AI & Analytics at Berner, shares how the company turned AI into an organisational superpower. From training 89% of their knowledge workers to saving over 6,300 hours every month, Berner shows what it takes to scale AI sustainably, responsibly, and with measurable business impact.Whether you're starting your own AI journey or already mid-transformation, Joona’s real-world insights and practical advice will inspire and inform. This episode reveals how culture, leadership, and custom solutions come together to create real value with AI.About the GuestJoona Honka is the Head of AI & Analytics at Berner, a Finnish company with over 140 years of history. Since joining in 2019 as the company’s first-ever data analyst, Joona has led Berner’s transformation into an AI-empowered organisation. He has built a cross-functional AI team, launched company-wide training, and helped embed AI into daily operations, all while driving forward a culture of learning, experimentation, and ethical AI use.Relevant LinksThe AI Experience Podcast: https://www.aiexperience.fiRead more on AI, CX and digital assistants: https://www.machinecustomers.fiVisit our website: https://www.shirute.fi/enEpisode SummaryHow does a legacy company with no analytics background become one of Finland’s most AI-forward organisations? In this episode, Joona Honka walks us through Berner’s incredible shift toward becoming AI-native.Joona explains how Berner started its journey in 2020 with limited resources and a one-person AI team. He outlines the evolution from piloting machine learning to training over 300 employees in generative AI tools, and why custom projects like sales forecasting and LLM-powered customer service automation became the key to unlocking measurable ROI.We talk about the challenges Berner faced: outdated mindsets, siloed data, lack of training. But also into the powerful solutions: creating internal training courses, launching weekly “AI Morning Coffees,” embedding ethical guidelines, and building a cross-functional AI team to govern tools and innovation.AI at Berner isn’t just about productivity. It’s part of how people work, learn, and grow. It’s embedded in onboarding. It’s used in everything from packaging design to public tenders. And it's backed by a strategy that puts people first, builds competence, and drives continuous innovation.Follow and Subscribe to usPodcast page: https://www.aiexperience.fiApple Podcast: https://apple.co/3VNKTMPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4iJKy7GAmazon: https://amzn.to/4gpLY60YouTube: https://bit.ly/aiexperiencepodcast

Why You Can't Miss This EpisodeHow do leading Finnish organisations approach AI to drive customer experience and business growth? In this high-level CX Masterclass panel, five C-level executives from Finnair, Fujitsu, Wolt, Veikkaus, and Microsoft Finland share their real-world insights, strategic shifts, and leadership lessons in becoming AI-native. It’s a dynamic conversation full of practical advice, vision, and inspiration for any company ready to transform with AI.About the GuestsPia Aaltonen-Forsell is CFO of Finnair, with a focus on operational efficiency and financial strategy in a highly regulated, low-margin industry. Hanna Kivelä is Managing Director at Fujitsu Finland and a member of its European leadership team, known for her digital transformation and resilience leadership. Juhani Mykkänen is a tech entrepreneur, AI communicator, and podcast host, previously co-founder of Wolt. Sari Nevanlinna is Chief Strategy Officer at Veikkaus, steering strategic responses to regulatory change and competition. Teemu Vidgrén is General Manager at Microsoft Finland, helping organisations translate AI into meaningful business outcomes.Relevant LinksThe AI Experience Podcast: https://www.aiexperience.fiRead more on AI, CX and digital assistants: https://www.machinecustomers.fi Visit our website: https://www.shirute.fi/enEpisode SummaryIn this energising panel episode recorded live at the CX Masterclass, Sirte Pihlaja guides a conversation with five distinguished leaders shaping the future of AI in CX. The discussion begins by unpacking what it means to be “AI-native” and quickly dives into the real challenges and opportunities that AI and automation bring to businesses.From Pia Aaltonen-Forsell’s insights into balancing cost pressures with innovation at Finnair, to Hanna Kivelä’s take on organisational blockers in AI adoption, each speaker shares lessons grounded in leadership, data, and cultural change. Juhani Mykkänen offers a visionary look at Finland’s potential to lead globally in AI-driven public services, while Sari Nevanlinna highlights the importance of regulation-ready CX reinvention at Veikkaus. Teemu Vidgrén explains how Microsoft helps customers scale AI safely and effectively across industries.The panel also discusses the role of AI agents, mindset shifts, trust-building with digital services, and what every company can do right now to take the first steps toward becoming truly AI-native. This is a must-listen for CX professionals, AI leaders, and decision-makers looking for concrete advice from the front lines.Follow and Subscribe to us on your favourite platformsPodcast page: https://www.aiexperience.fiApple Podcast: https://apple.co/3VNKTMPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4iJKy7GAmazon: https://amzn.to/4gpLY60YouTube: https://bit.ly/aiexperiencepodcast

Why You Can't Miss This EpisodeIn this insightful episode, Mari Eklund shares what truly happens behind the scenes when AI is introduced to enhance customer experience. Beyond the tech buzz, Mari breaks down the leadership, cultural shifts, and governance structures needed to build AI that supports rather than replaces human interaction. If you're looking to implement AI in a meaningful, human-centred way, this conversation is a must-listen.About the GuestMari Eklund is the Vice President of Communication Solutions for DNA’s Corporate Business Division. With a background in IT and a passion for practical innovation, Mari has led the development of customer-centric AI tools at DNA. She believes in combining technology with empathy and structure to create solutions that truly serve both employees and customers.Relevant LinksMari Eklund on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marieklund/The AI Experience Podcast: https://www.aiexperience.fi Read more on AI, CX and digital assistants: https://www.machinecustomers.fi Visit our website: https://www.shirute.fi/enEpisode SummaryIn this episode, Mari Eklund takes us inside DNA’s approach to AI in customer experience. Starting from a foundation of need-based development, Mari explains why understanding the real problem is more important than selecting the perfect platform. Her insights show that true success with AI begins not with technology—but with people, processes, and leadership.Mari explains DNA’s AI governance model, including an AI board that evaluates all tools for regulatory, security, and operational alignment. She shares how curiosity-driven culture, structured experimentation, and strong internal communication have enabled a scalable and safe AI rollout.From 24/7 multilingual AI support for SMEs to seamless collaboration between human and digital agents in large enterprises, Mari offers real-world examples of AI making CX smarter and more human. She also reflects on lessons learned: the value of failing fast, productizing Follow and Subscribe to us on your favourite platformsPodcast page: https://www.aiexperience.fi Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3VNKTMP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4iJKy7G Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gpLY60 YouTube: https://bit.ly/aiexperiencepodcastPlease leave a comment, share, and help us promote this podcast. Thank you!

Why You Can't Miss This EpisodeThis episode takes you to the frontline of the AI-native transformation. AI entrepreneur and agentic systems expert Mikko Alasaarela joins host Sirte Pihlaja to discuss the shift from using AI as a tool to designing businesses around AI agents and machine customers.From agent swarms to data strategy and the rise of autonomous machine interactions, this conversation will radically change how you think about customer experience, digital strategy, and the future of work.About the GuestMikko Alasaarela is a responsibility-driven AI entrepreneur, founder of Agion, and co-founder of Agentics Finland. He has founded and invested in tech companies that have raised over $30 million and employed more than 700 people globally. With a career spanning London, Berlin, and San Francisco, Mikko holds several international patents and has won awards such as the Red Dot Design Award and the Global Blockchain Competition in AI. His writings on algorithmic influence have reached tens of millions, and he’s known for making complex ideas deeply accessible.Relevant LinksMikko Alasaarela: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alasaarela/Agentics Finland: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E5aRuzzVUE6156dqWj7lqsThe AI Experience Podcast: https://www.aiexperience.fi CX Masterclass: https://www.cxmasterclass.fiRead more on AI, CX and digital assistants: https://www.machinecustomers.fi Episode SummaryThis episode explores what it means to move from using AI tools to becoming a fully AI-native business. Mikko explains how companies can design agentic organisations, where swarms of AI agents coordinate autonomously and serve both internal operations and external customers.The discussion dives into machine customers, showing how they’re already transforming customer relationships and market dynamics, e.g. how agents buy, negotiate, and interact independently, raising new challenges for CX, governance, and business models.We also explore the European context: Mikko discusses the EU's regulatory response, the importance of digital sovereignty, and why Finland must seize the moment to lead in agentic AI. He highlights Agentics Finland, a fast-growing community building the skills and systems needed for this transformation.Whether you’re a CX leader, strategist, or tech enthusiast, this episode gives you a framework for navigating the agent-powered future.Follow and Subscribe to us on your favourite platformsPodcast page: https://www.aiexperience.fi Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3VNKTMP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4iJKy7G Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gpLY60 YouTube: https://bit.ly/aiexperiencepodcastPlease leave a comment, share, and help us promote this podcast. Thank you!

Why You Can't Miss This EpisodeIn this compelling episode of The AI Experience Podcast, Member of the European Parliament Aura Salla pulls back the curtain on the EU’s ambitious yet contested AI regulation efforts. With experience on both sides of the policy table—from Meta to Brussels—she shares a rare insider view on how Europe can lead in AI without regulating itself into irrelevance.We unpack the real-world implications of the AI Act, the gaps in the new Apply AI strategy, and what Europe must do now to scale trustworthy, competitive AI. We also spotlight how regulation impacts digital experience design, customer trust, and innovation—core concerns for CX and EX professionals.About the GuestAura Salla is a Member of the European Parliament representing the Finnish National Coalition Party (EPP). She serves on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO) and is an influential voice on EU digital policy. Previously, she was Head of EU Affairs at Meta and has held several senior advisory roles in the European Commission and Parliament.Connect with Aura SallaLinkedInInstagramFacebookBlue SkyRelevant LinksRead more on AI, CX and digital assistants: https://www.machinecustomers.fiVisit our website: https://www.shirute.fi/enAnd don’t miss our upcoming CX Masterclass in November (www.cxmasterclass.fi) where we’ll explore how Agentic AI and machine customers are reshaping service experiences.Episode SummaryIn this episode, host Sirte Pihlaja and MEP Aura Salla dive deep into the strategic, competitive, and ethical questions shaping Europe’s AI future.Aura critiques the lack of cohesion and scale in current EU strategies like the Apply AI roadmap and challenges the notion that more regulation leads to more trust. She calls for harmonisation, capital markets union, and bold procurement reform to empower European innovators.We also explore CX-relevant topics like how to regulate when the “customer” may not be a human, discussing the role of Agentic AI, machine customers, and how EU policy is (or isn’t) keeping up.This episode is a must-listen for CX and EX leaders navigating AI in Europe—and anyone wondering whether the EU can stay globally competitive while setting the rules of the game.Follow and Subscribe to us:Podcast page: https://www.aiexperience.fiApple Podcast: https://apple.co/3VNKTMPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4iJKy7GAmazon: https://amzn.to/4gpLY60YouTube: https://bit.ly/aiexperiencepodcastPlease leave a comment, share, and help us promote this podcast. Thank you!

Why You Can't Miss This EpisodeIn this powerful episode of The AI Experience Podcast, Alec Dalton shares how AI can be used not to replace—but to elevate—the human elements of service. With stories drawn from his experience at Disney and the Ritz-Carlton, Alec shows us how AI, when grounded in empathy, can deepen customer and employee experiences in meaningful ways.From operationalizing emotional intelligence to enabling hyper-personalized service, this episode is packed with insights that will shift your thinking on what truly makes service exceptional in the digital age.About the GuestAlec Dalton is Executive Director at Accelerating Leaders and a Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP). With a background at world-renowned brands like Disney and the Ritz-Carlton, Alec brings deep expertise in hospitality, leadership development, and emotional service design. He helps organizations across the globe design emotionally intelligent cultures and integrate AI to enhance—not diminish—human connection.Relevant LinksAlec Dalton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alecdalton/Accelerating Leaders: https://www.acceleratingleaders.com/ The AI Experience Podcast: https://www.aiexperience.fiRead more on AI, CX and digital assistants: https://www.machinecustomers.fiVisit our website: https://www.shirute.fi/enEpisode SummaryIn this episode, host Sirte Pihlaja and Alec Dalton explore the future of customer and employee experience in the age of AI.Alec shares his journey from luxury hospitality into CX leadership, emphasizing that the core of great service is empathy and emotional intelligence—qualities that can and should be infused into AI systems.They discuss how today’s AI has evolved from rigid scripts to truly conversational tools, and the importance of overcoming customer skepticism rooted in outdated experiences. Alec highlights how brands must now serve both human and machine customers, designing content and interactions for both audiences simultaneously.From practical tips on training employees for AI literacy to inspiring use cases like Disney’s AI-enhanced character experiences, Alec emphasizes that humane intelligence must remain central in all digital transformation efforts. He calls for intentionality in how we design and deploy AI, ensuring it reflects brand tone, context, and care—making every interaction feel personal and real.Follow and Subscribe to us on your favourite platformsPodcast page: https://www.aiexperience.fiApple Podcast: https://apple.co/3VNKTMPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4iJKy7GAmazon: https://amzn.to/4gpLY60YouTube: https://bit.ly/aiexperiencepodcastPlease leave a comment, share, and help us promote this podcast. Thank you!

Why You Can't Miss This EpisodeIn this groundbreaking episode of The AI Experience, we sit down with digital transformation leader Kieran Gilmurray to explore the rise of Agentic AI—autonomous systems capable of learning, reasoning, and acting like human coworkers. We also unveil Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO), the next evolution beyond SEO. From emotionally intelligent avatars to AI-powered psychometric targeting, this episode shows how the future of CX is hyper-personal, always-on, and powered by AI that truly “gets” us.About the GuestKieran Gilmurray is a globally recognised thought leader in Generative AI and digital transformation. As CEO, author, and Top 50 Global Generative AI Influencer, Kieran helps businesses unlock the power of Agentic AI and data to drive growth, innovation, and exceptional customer experiences.Relevant LinksWebsite: https://KieranGilmurray.comDigital Twin: https://hey.speak-to.ai/kieran-gilmurrayX: https://twitter.com/KieranGilmurrayYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KieranGilmurraySpotify: https://tinyurl.com/KieranSpotifyEpisode SummaryKieran Gilmurray joins Sirte Pihlaja to share his insights on Agentic AI, a new era of autonomous AI systems that collaborate, adapt, and even converse with emotional intelligence. These AI agents are transforming everything from customer support to content strategy.We dive deep into GEO, a crucial response to the shifting digital landscape where traditional search engines no longer dominate discovery. Kieran explains how brands must now optimise their presence for LLMs and AI-driven interactions, or risk becoming invisible.The episode also explores real-world applications: from one-person companies powered by digital coworkers to AI-driven avatars delivering emotionally intelligent customer service. Kieran challenges listeners to adapt their business models before generative search takes over—and urges leaders to embrace psychometric profiling, multilingual AI, and always-on digital agents that elevate the human experience.Top 3 Key LearningsAgentic AI enables self-directed, emotionally intelligent digital coworkers who transform how businesses operate and serve customers.GEO is replacing SEO—brands must now optimise for generative engines, not just human search behaviour.Emotion is the new frontier of AI, with psychometric profiling and avatars delivering truly personalised, human-like experiences.Follow and Subscribe to usPodcast page: https://www.aiexperience.fi Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3VNKTMP Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4iJKy7G YouTube: https://bit.ly/aiexperiencepodcast

Why You Can't Miss This EpisodeIn this episode, we explore how Verkkokauppa.com, Finland’s leading online retailer, has pioneered AI governance, balancing innovation with responsibility. Our guest, Ilja Ikonen, the company's CIO and CISO, shares how they built their AI governance framework, the principles guiding it, and how they ensure transparency, fairness, and compliance while driving AI-powered innovation.Relevant Linkshttps://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/principles-and-approachhttps://www.iso.org/standard/81230.htmlhttps://www.ibm.com/docs/en/watsonx/saas?topic=ai-risk-atlashttps://incidentdatabase.ai/Episode SummaryIn this episode, Ilja Ikonen from Verkkokauppa.com joins us to explore how AI governance plays a crucial role in ensuring ethical AI implementation.We discuss the principles of AI governance, including transparency, fairness, and compliance, and how Verkkokauppa.com applies them in real-world business operations. Ilja also shares insights into the challenges and opportunities that arise when deploying AI-driven solutions in e-commerce and how they ensure their AI models remain ethical and accountable.Additionally, we touch on the European AI regulations, how companies can prepare for compliance, and what best practices businesses should adopt to stay ahead in responsible AI adoption.Top 3 Key LearningsAI Governance is a Business Imperative – Companies that proactively establish AI governance frameworks can enhance trust and mitigate risks.AI Impact Assessment: Conducting comprehensive AI impact assessments helps identify potential risks, fairness issues, and compliance requirements effectively.AI Strategy Hierarchy: Developing a multi-level AI strategy that empowers individual departments to manage their own AI use cases fosters innovation and accountability.Follow and Subscribe to us on your favourite platformsPodcast page: https://www.aiexperience.fiApple Podcast: https://apple.co/3VNKTMPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4iJKy7GYouTube: https://bit.ly/aiexperiencepodcastPlease leave a comment, share, and help us promote this podcast. Thank you!

Why You Can't Miss This EpisodeIn this engaging episode, Iiris Lahti, Head of Services and Customer Success at Saidot, explores the critical intersection of AI governance and innovation. Learn how organisations can balance creativity and compliance, develop responsible AI solutions, and foster trust among customers and employees. From actionable steps for small businesses to insights on regulatory frameworks like the EU AI Act, this episode is a must-listen for leaders navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape.About the GuestIiris Lahti is a seasoned expert in AI and data with extensive experience helping businesses implement ethical and trustworthy AI solutions. At Saidot, she leads efforts to create governance frameworks that ensure safe and effective AI use across industries such as media, healthcare, and government. Her hands-on approach to fostering innovation through governance makes her a leading voice in responsible AI practices.Relevant Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/iiris-lahtiwww.saidot.aihttps://artificialintelligenceact.euwww.agenticai.fiwww.machinecustomers.fiEpisode SummaryIn this episode, host Sirte Pihlaja from Shirute discusses the world of AI governance with Iiris Lahti. They focus on how businesses can align their AI strategies with ethical practices. With her extensive experience in AI and data, Iiris offers practical advice for navigating compliance requirements like the EU AI Act. She also discusses the importance of creating AI inventories, understanding risks, and implementing effective governance frameworks.Iiris highlights how companies can empower their teams through AI literacy, risk management, and accessible governance tools like Saidot. By adopting a structured, transparent approach, organisations can meet regulatory standards and accelerate their AI time-to-market, creating trust and driving impactful innovation. Whether it's deploying AI in CX, EX, or operational systems, this conversation offers valuable insights for all AI enthusiasts and professionals.Top 3 Key LearningsAI Governance as an Enabler: Implementing governance frameworks increases AI time-to-market and supports responsible innovation.Empowerment through Literacy: Enhancing AI literacy within organisations builds confidence in AI usage and mitigates risks effectively.Balancing Innovation and Compliance: Clear guidelines and sandbox environments foster innovation while maintaining regulatory adherence.Follow and Subscribe to us on your favourite platformsPodcast page: https://www.aiexperience.fiApple Podcast: https://apple.co/3VNKTMPSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4iJKy7GYouTube: https://bit.ly/aiexperiencepodcastPlease leave a comment, share, and help us promote this podcast. Thank you!