In this episode of Conversations with Zena, My AI Colleague, David Espindola and Zena sit down with Chris Hood—AI strategist, author, keynote speaker, and former Google leader who has shaped AI transformation strategies across industries. From building some of the first recommendation engines for entertainment giants like Fox, Disney, and Universal to driving global AI initiatives at Google, Chris brings a unique insider’s perspective on the real challenges and opportunities of AI today.
Together, we explore pressing questions many leaders face:
- Do all businesses really need AI—or are some chasing hype?
- How should small and medium-sized companies decide where to begin?
- What does “AI transformation” actually mean in practice?
- How do we balance rapid innovation with ethics, governance, and human impact?
This conversation cuts through the noise, unpacking why so many AI initiatives fail and how organizations can increase their chances of success. Chris also demystifies agentic AI, sharing where it stands today and where it’s headed.
Whether you’re an executive trying to future-proof your business, a policymaker shaping responsible AI, or simply curious about how AI is reshaping industries, this episode offers clarity, caution, and inspiration.
👉 Learn more about Chris Hood’s books, workshops, and podcast at chrishood.com.
Opening to Conversations with Zena.
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