Applied Intelligence

Applied Intelligence

By Imteaz AhamedBusiness
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Applied Intelligence episodes

  • Why Data Clean Rooms Are the Future of CPG and Media Collaboration

    What do data clean rooms really do—and why should every CPG leader care?


    In this episode of Applied Intelligence, I sit down with Puneet Gangrade—one of the leading voices in privacy-enhancing tech and data clean room adoption.


    We unpack how clean rooms are transforming everything from retail media to supply chain visibility, and why every brand, publisher, and platform needs a long-term clean room strategy.


    Puneet also breaks down:

    • How clean rooms evolved from pharma to ad tech

    • The hidden role of cryptography and trust engineering

    • Non-media use cases (QSR, loyalty, inventory, finance, CPG)

    • Why the real challenge isn’t tech—it’s politics, intent, and trust

    • What it takes to scale clean rooms (hint: org design and full-time owners)

    • The future intersection of AI + privacy—and what to watch out for

    This is a must-watch if you care about data-driven growth, privacy, and cross-party collaboration.


    Timestamps:
    00:00 – The Hidden Revolution Behind Data Clean Rooms
    02:10 – What Clean Rooms Really Do (And Why Everyone’s Confused)
    06:20 – Privacy Meets Personalization: The Cryptography Shift
    10:30 – How Amazon Quietly Opened the Clean Room Floodgates
    15:00 – The Wildest Use Cases: From QSRs to Airlines
    24:50 – Building Trust Without Sharing Data
    31:00 – The Question That Determines Every Clean Room’s Value
    35:00 – The Politics No One Talks About in Data Collaboration
    40:00 – Turning a Pilot Into a Scalable Clean Room Engine
    46:00 – Why Clean Rooms Are Replacing CDPs
    52:00 – The One Skill Every Modern Marketer Needs
    56:00 – How Reallocating Spend Drove 10% Extra Revenue
    1:02:00 – Why Every Cloud Platform Is Rushing to Build Its Own
    1:08:00 – The Tension Between AI and Privacy That Keeps Puneet Up
    1:16:00 – The Rule That Defines the Future of Data Collaboration


    🎙️ Guest: Puneet Gangrade , LiveRamp

    ⁠My Social

    Watch the Full episode ⁠here.

    1 hr 13 min
  • Why Most AI Strategies Fail—and What Execs Must Do Differently

    Most execs operate on “vibe knowledge.” Here’s how to lead AI transformation with clarity and speed.


    What do executive decision-making, eCommerce innovation, and AI implementation all have in common? They’re often guided by gut feel—rather than data. In this episode of Applied Intelligence, Chris Perry (Chief Learning Officer, firstmovr) and Oskar Kaszubski (Chief Growth Officer, firstmovr) pull back the curtain on what’s really holding companies back from meaningful change.


    We go deep on:

    • The difference between core knowledge vs. vibe knowledge

    • Why retailers need to stop treating AI like it’s magic

    • The “Fourth Mover” strategy that may actually be smarter than being first

    • What makes AI operationally useful instead of just shiny

    • How retail media is breaking org structures—and what to do about it

    • Why incremental KPIs are killing transformation

    • What we can all learn from eCommerce’s last 15 years (aka the “training ground”)

    Whether you’re a CPG exec, AI optimist, or digital transformation skeptic, this conversation is a must-listen.

    Timestamps

    00:00 – Intro

    03:12 – Retail media is an operating model, not a channel

    12:00 – Want change? Change what you measure

    17:18 – Vibe knowledge vs. core knowledge in the C-suite

    26:05 – The AI treadmill is speeding up

    33:00 – Why AI didn’t fail—you did

    53:51 – We don’t have 15 years to figure this out

    1:16:24 – The last 15 years was just training


    🎙️ Guests: Chris Perry & Oskar Kaszubski, firstmovr

    My Social

    Watch the Full episode here.

    1 hr 19 min
  • The AI Mistake That Killed a Healthcare Project with David Norris

    In this episode of Applied Intelligence, I speak with David Norris, CEO of Infinitus Systems, about what happens when healthcare AI is “almost right”—and why that’s not good enough.


    We dive into how AI is helping burned-out doctors reclaim their time, how trust is built through background mode, and why some healthcare incumbents won’t survive the next 5 years.


    If you care about building ethical, scalable, human-centered AI—especially in high-stakes industries like health—this episode is a must-listen.

    00:00 – Welcome and intro to David Norris
    00:45 – Is AI burnout real in healthcare?
    02:00 – Automating the clinical inbox and freeing doctors’ time
    03:50 – Using ChatGPT to analyze job candidate feedback
    06:00 – Training AI to understand thousands of lab results
    08:00 – The difference between speed and impact in healthcare
    09:20 – “AI won’t replace doctors, but…”
    10:30 – The moment David knew AI was ready for medicine
    12:00 – When 80% accuracy is dangerous: A failed AI rollout
    14:00 – Why healthcare needs deterministic AI, not probabilistic guesses
    15:30 – What is background mode, and why it builds trust
    17:15 – Instant relief: Inbox load cut in half
    18:00 – Patients getting lab responses in minutes, not days
    20:00 – Making providers superhuman
    21:30 – What legacy healthcare companies don’t understand about AI
    24:00 – The UX pain of hospitals: Lag, delay, and context switching
    25:45 – “We eliminate clicks before they happen”
    27:00 – Real-time briefings for providers before they enter a room
    28:15 – Why selling AI to hospitals is brutally hard
    29:40 – Gaining trust in AI: Small pilots, not big promises
    30:30 – What regulation is helping—and what’s hurting innovation
    32:00 – The most important value: Transparency with patients
    33:00 – David’s story: Why he built this company
    34:15 – Dogs in the office and leadership lessons from cycling
    35:40 – The book he’s gifting: The Brothers (Van Halen bio)
    36:30 – Where to connect with David


    🎧 Watch the full episode also on Youtube → https://youtu.be/IyzrDSJhCD8

    My Social → https://linktr.ee/imteaz

    Guest Social → https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidnorris430/

    40 min
  • How AI is Revolutionizing CPG: Insights from Industry Leaders

    In this episode, I sit down with Sri Rajagopalan to delve into the transformative power of AI in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. We talk about how AI is reshaping media buying, content creation, and talent development, while also addressing volume challenges and the need for responsible AI practices.

    What you’ll learn in this episode:

    • Why generative AI is the next industrial revolution.

    • How retail media and data clean rooms are driving efficiency.

    • Why CPG companies need to rethink team structures for AI integration.

      Timestamps:

    0:00 - Introduction: Welcome to the Applied Intelligence & CPG Podcast
    3:14 - AI and the Promise of Agentic Transformation
    6:13 - Absorbing E-commerce into Sales & Marketing: Pros & Cons
    12:46 - Why E-commerce Talent Faces Limited Career Paths
    18:42 - AI’s Role in Media Buying & Content Creation
    24:04 - How AI Can Solve Volume Challenges in the CPG Sector
    31:13 - Responsible AI and Governance in Media & Content
    38:40 - Structuring Teams for AI Success in CPG
    44:12 - Final Thoughts: The Future of AI in CPG

    Follow the Applied Intelligence Podcast for more insights on the intersection of technology and business!

    44 min
  • Generative AI, Data Science & Leadership Insights with Tanika Gupta

    Welcome to this insightful episode of the Applied Intelligence Podcast, where Imteaz Ahamed interviews the inspiring Tanika Gupta from Sigmoid. Join us as we explore the intersection of innovation, data, and leadership in the ever-evolving world of AI. 🎙️


    In this episode, Tanika shares her unique perspectives on:
    ✔️ Generative AI: Why it's revolutionizing the industry and how to harness its potential.
    ✔️ Problem-Solving: Building impactful solutions for fraud detection, demand forecasting, and more.
    ✔️ Leadership: Empowering teams and fostering inclusivity in the workplace.
    ✔️ Life Lessons: Parallels between long-distance running and tackling complex challenges in data science.

    🚀 Whether you're a tech enthusiast, business leader, or aspiring data scientist, this episode offers practical advice and fascinating stories to inspire your journey.

    📖 Key Moments & Timestamps:

    00:00 – Introduction: Meet Tanika Gupta
    02:00 – The 5 Chapters of Tanika’s Life and Career
    07:15 – Transformational Data Science Solutions: Insights from AmEx to Sigmoid
    14:00 – Bridging the Gap: Business Needs and Data Science Teams
    21:30 – Diversity in Tech: Building Inclusive Teams and Ethical AI
    28:00 – Generative AI: Real-World Use Cases and Challenges
    34:15 – Personal Productivity Tips: Running Marathons & Tackling Data Science
    40:00 – Advice for Aspiring Women in Data Science
    44:00 – Closing Thoughts and Where to Connect with Tanika

    📲 Watch now to dive into Tanika’s journey and discover actionable strategies for leveraging AI and driving innovation! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more enriching conversations.

    🔗 Learn more here: https://shorturl.at/CWnQS

    Tanika Gupta Social
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanika-gupta-78242423/


    My Social: linktr.ee/imteaz

    Watch the full Podccast: https://youtu.be/ine9SMgFgDE

    Listen to the full Podcast: https://shorturl.at/CWnQS

    Subscribe to my newsletter: appliedintelligence.beehiiv.com/subscribe


    Applied Intelligence:
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@imteaz
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/analytics/newsletter/urn:li:fsd_contentSeries:7058063714679152640/

    #GenerativeAI #DataScience #Leadership #MachineLearning #Innovation #InclusionInTech #AI #Podcast #AppliedIntelligence #TechTalks #WomenInSTEM #ProductivityHacks #GenerativeAIApplications #ArtificialIntelligence

    39 min
  • Why Most Digital Transformations Fail (And How To Fix Them) | Mark Adams

    Welcome to the latest episode of the Applied Intelligence Podcast, where Imteaz Ahamed sits down with the incredible Mark Adams to explore the crossroads of innovation, leadership, and human culture. 🎙️

    In this episode, Mark shares thought-provoking insights on:
    ✔️ Digital Transformation: Why culture matters more than technology in driving change.
    ✔️ ADHD as a Superpower: How it fuels creativity, opportunity spotting, and innovation.
    ✔️ Human Needs: The key to building meaningful products and brands that resonate.
    ✔️ Leadership Lessons: Strategies for navigating the modern state of nature in business.

    🚀 Whether you're a business leader, marketer, or innovator, this conversation is packed with wisdom and actionable strategies to inspire your journey.


    📖 Key Moments & Timestamps

    00:00 – Introduction: Meet Mark Adams
    02:10 – The 5 Chapters of Mark's Life: From ADHD to Innovation
    10:35 – "Making it up as you go": Usher’s liberating insight
    16:50 – Human Needs as the Foundation of Innovation
    22:30 – Why Digital Transformation is Cultural Transformation
    30:12 – ADHD as a Superpower: Spotting Breaks in the Game
    38:45 – Productivity Tips for ADHD and Contracting with Yourself
    45:20 – Social Media’s Evolution and the Role of AI
    52:15 – Leadership Lessons for Driving Transformation
    1:03:00 – Democratizing Digitization: How Companies Can Innovate Inclusively
    1:10:50 – Final Thoughts: The Power of Networks and Empathy


    📲 Watch now and explore Mark’s unique take on leadership, empathy, and transformation! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more engaging discussions.

    🔗 Learn more here: youtu.be/uR31HGLrKMM

    Mark Adam Social

    Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/markadams-topvoice/


    My Social: linktr.ee/imteaz

    Watch the full Podccast:https: www.youtu.be/uR31HGLrKMM

    Listen to the full Podcast:

    Subscribe to my newsletter: appliedintelligence.beehiiv.com/sub

    1 hr 6 min
  • Is Disruption Always the Answer? The Future of Brands and AI

    In this exciting episode of Applied Intelligence, host Imteaz Ahamed is joined by tech innovator David Shing.

    Together, they dive deep into career-changing moments, the adoption of groundbreaking technology like AI, and the creative strategies that drive today’s digital transformation.

    🚀 Key Topics Covered:

    • David’s 5-Chapter Life Story (includes a near-death experience!)

    • Tech Trends: What’s hot and what’s not

    • How to balance creativity with data-driven decisions

    • Building a career that spans multiple disciplines (you are the polymath!)

      • 🎧 Timestamps:

      • 00:00:18 – Welcome and introduction to David Shing

      • 00:01:09 – Chapter 1: David’s early life and the significance of number 8.

      • 00:01:26 – Chapter 2: The car accident that shaped his resilience.

      • 00:01:51 – Chapter 3: The shift in graphic design and his breakthrough at AOL Europe.

      • 00:03:43 – Predicting technology trends: Why it's harder than ever.

      • 00:04:57 – Metaverse vs. ChatGPT: Key differences in tech adoption.

      • 00:07:16 – How to identify trends before they explode.

      • 00:08:47 – Creativity vs. data: The art of balancing the two.

      • 00:14:07 – You don’t own your brand: Democratizing brand identity.

      • 00:16:22 – Being a polymath: Why it’s crucial in today’s world.

      • 00:19:10 – David’s best advice for managing career pivots.

        • 💥 Hit play NOW before everyone else gets the jump on these insights!


        Watch the full Podccast: https://youtu.be/GOmDB2Y9cTU

        Subscribe to my newsletter: appliedintelligence.beehiiv.com/subscribe

        My Social: linktr.ee/imteaz


        David Shingy Social


        Website: www.shingy.com/

        Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/shingy/

        YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/shingerviews

        Facebook: www.facebook.com/theshingy

        Instagram: www.instagram.com/davidshingy/

        42 min
      • Navigating the Challenges of AI and Recruitment

        Jonathan Taylor Miller, Director of Taylor-Miller Ltd., delves into his journey as the owner of a recruitment firm, stressing the importance of cultural fit and the limitations of AI in the hiring process. He highlights the significance of understanding company culture, maintaining authenticity, and advocating for diversity and inclusion. Jonathan emphasizes the gap between companies' diversity claims and their actual practices, calling for a reform in hiring managers' attitudes and behaviors. He believes that evolution, valuing time, and authenticity are key to attracting the right talent and driving change.
        Key Takeaways:
        Cultural fit is vital for a candidate's success.
        AI can't replace the value of human connections in recruitment.
        Understanding company culture is essential when placing candidates.
        Authenticity and focusing on quality build a strong reputation.
        True diversity in hiring requires fundamental changes in company practices.
        Companies must value time, evolve, and be authentic to drive change.
        Chapters:
        00:00 - Sociology degree led to unfulfilling HR career.
        05:32 - Pushing through exhaustion, realizing inner strength.
        08:12 - Building a fulfilling life requires hard work.
        10:10 - AI streamlines recruitment for small firms.
        16:02 - Business success hinges on strong culture.
        16:48 - Networking defines business culture understanding.
        21:34 - Recruitment focused on numbers, not value.
        24:09 - Discrepancy between company talk and actions on diversity.
        28:29 - Need for fundamental changes in hiring practices.
        29:42 - Recruiting outside CPG for innovation.
        34:39 - Disengaged workforce and talent loss in big CPGs.
        38:23 - Companies retracting on remote work trend.
        39:27 - Importance of in-person interaction for career success.
        43:26 - Dismissive attitudes toward progress in life.
        46:22 - Adaptability and authenticity are key for success.
        49:51 - Take action without overthinking—just do it.

        Watch the full Podcast: https://youtu.be/Yvnu3XfUW_U

        Subscribe to my newsletter: https://lnkd.in/e5VtgV2f

        My Social: https://linktr.ee/imteaz


        Jonathan Taylor-Mille'r Socials:

        Linkedin: / jonathantaylormiller

        Instagram: / jtaylormillerltd

        Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jtaylormiller...

        Website: https://taylormiller.co.uk/


        52 min
      • The Evolution of Leadership and Innovation with Steve Dennis

        Join Imteaz Ahamed as he delves into the profound insights and experiences of Steve Dennis, a distinguished figure in the realms of retail and leadership. In this episode of Applied Intelligence, Steve shares his journey through personal challenges and professional triumphs, discussing his thoughts on transformational leadership and the necessity for innovation in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Dive into a discussion that spans the intricacies of corporate leadership, the impact of technological disruption, and the profound personal growth that defines a true leader.

        Timestamps & Main Ideas:

        • 00:36 - Steve's early life challenges and career beginnings.

        • 01:05 - Career exploration and finding personal drive.

        • 03:10 - The importance of extracurricular activities and gaining affirmation.

        • 05:20 - Lessons from leadership roles in traditional retail giants.

        • 07:09 - Adapting to the new world order and the impact of digital transformation.

        • 10:44 - The seven mind leaps for future leadership success.

        • 13:30 - The challenge of communicating complex ideas in traditional settings.

        • 16:50 - Personal revelations and the decision to leave corporate leadership.

        • 19:17 - Balancing rapid transformation and strategic development.

        • 27:44 - Encouraging innovation within a corporate structure.

        • 41:42 - The importance of customer focus and understanding market segments.

        • 52:28 - Personal productivity hacks and the influence of mindset on leadership.

          • Watch the full Podcast: https://youtu.be/teXi3kIuPbk

          Subscribe to my newsletter: https://lnkd.in/e5VtgV2f

          My Social: https://linktr.ee/imteaz

          Steve Dennis Social:

          Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenpdennis/

          Website: https://stevenpdennis.com/

          Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpdennis/


          52 min

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