Decisions Now

As AI and smart technology transform the energy sector, how can businesses ensure that innovation aligns with consumer trust and fairness? In this episode of Decisions Now, host Erin Pearson is joined by Marine Cornelis, a leading expert in energy transition and consumer protection, to explore the delicate balance between technical advancements and human-centered approaches in the future of energy.

They discuss how AI and digital tools enhance energy access and efficiency, tackle consumer hesitation in adopting sustainable energy, and highlight the importance of trust, transparency, and accountability in the energy transition. They discuss why companies must actively engage and educate consumers for real impact.

Marine Cornelis, Founder & Executive Director of Next Energy Consumer, leads efforts to ensure energy transitions are fair, inclusive, and people-centered.

How is AI transforming strategic marketing in the power industry?

In this episode of Decisions Now, Erin Pearson sits down with Jim Donohue, a former marketing executive, to explore how AI is revolutionizing data analysis, market forecasting, and commercialization in power generation. 

They discuss the challenges of data overload, AI’s ability to streamline insights, the resurgence of nuclear power, and the need for human validation in AI-driven strategies.

With over 40 years in the industry, Jim shares expert insights on aligning innovation with evolving market needs.

AI is changing the way we communicate about health.

Erin Pearson speaks with Dr. Amelia Burke-Garcia and Dr. Rebecca Soskin-Hicks about the rise of AI-powered chatbots, the role of digital opinion leaders, and how AI can balance accuracy, empathy, and personalization in healthcare.

Amelia, Rebeca and Erin discuss

• How AI can combat misinformation, scale health education, and bridge the gap between institutional expertise and accessible, patient-centered communication.
• Social media influencers shaping health decisions 
• AI vs. human empathy in patient communication
• The paradox of AI adoption in public health
• The risks of AI-driven misinformation & how to prevent them

Dr. Amelia Burke-Garcia is a health communication expert specializing in digital strategy and AI-driven public health messaging.
Dr. Rebecca Soskin-Hicks is a Stanford-trained pediatrician focused on AI’s role in healthcare communication and misinformation prevention.
Together, they explore how AI can enhance empathy, scale health education, and improve trust in digital health interactions.

Subscribe for more insights on AI and business intelligence. 
#AIinHealthcare #HealthCommunication #AIPoweredChatbots #DigitalHealth #PublicHealth #AIandMisinformation

Erin Pearson sits down with Bill Franks, a leading expert in data science and analytics, to discuss how to create and deliver impactful data-driven presentations. The conversation covers everything from bridging the communication gap between technical and non-technical audiences to using storytelling techniques that make data relatable and actionable.

💡Erin and Bill discuss:

• Bridge the gap by tailoring communication for non-technical audiences.
• Keys to connecting data with business outcomes.
• How to enhance engagement by making data relatable.
• Why rehearsal ensures clarity and confidence in delivery.
• How to motivate action and leave a lasting impact.
• Redefining the role of data professionals.
• Balancing positives and negatives for credibility. 

Bill Franks is a renowned data science and analytics expert with decades of experience helping organizations turn data into actionable insights. He specializes in simplifying complex data concepts and delivering high-impact presentations that inspire decision-making.

Erin Pearson speaks with Krista St. George, a seasoned business transformation executive, to explore supply chain in the post-COVID era. From navigating supply chain risks to leveraging AI-driven solutions, this insightful conversation is packed with actionable strategies to help businesses build resilient, future-ready operations.

💡 Key topics covered:

• Identifying supply chain risks early: Learn how to map upstream suppliers and uncover vulnerabilities.
• Smart decision-making with risk matrices: Focus on the risks that matter most to your business.
• The importance of data-driven insights for accurate, informed decisions.
• How to leverage AI for predictive performance and transform procurement processes.

About Krista St. George:
Krista is a recognized leader in business transformation with over 20 years of experience. She has a proven track record in optimizing supply chain management, driving cross-functional collaboration, and promoting product circularity. With a passion for data-driven strategies, Krista helps organizations mitigate risks and embrace sustainable, AI-enhanced solutions to stay ahead in today’s fast-changing environment.

In this episode, Erin Pearson chats with Ananya Ghosh Chowdhury, Senior Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft, to uncover how generative AI is transforming industries. From AI-driven personalization in retail to AI-powered decision-making in call centers, they explore real-world applications and strategies for building AI-ready teams and enhancing customer experiences.

Ananya & Erin discuss:

• How generative AI is reshaping business decision-making.
• The role of AI personalization in improving customer satisfaction.
• Proven strategies for upskilling teams to thrive in an AI-driven future.
• Best practices for implementing responsible AI and fostering ethical AI innovation

About our guest:
Ananya is a thought leader in AI innovation, with expertise in machine learning, cloud technologies, and data science. She has driven AI transformation in sectors like retail and healthcare by developing advanced AI platforms and scalable solutions.

Erin and Evan explore analytics in the AI era, with a spotlight on the revolutionary impact of large language models like ChatGPT.
They discuss the challenges and opportunities of AI-driven analytics, emphasizing how successful strategies require a blend of advanced technology and human intuition.

Evan shares compelling real-world examples of how data-driven insights are transforming businesses, showcasing the power of predictive modeling and the often-overlooked importance of causal modeling in crafting effective analytics strategies.

This episode offers actionable insights on everything from leveraging AI tools for workflow optimization to the art of simplifying complex data for better decision-making.

Key discussion points include:

• How AI is reshaping the analytics landscape and what it means for businesses.
• Balancing skepticism and innovation to mitigate risks in AI adoption.
• Why simplicity and storytelling are essential for driving effective decisions.
• Best practices for applying tools like ChatGPT thoughtfully and strategically.
• The future of analytics: a harmonious blend of AI technology and human expertise.

About our guest:
Evan Wimpey is an experienced analytics professional and stand-up comedian who uses humor to make data science concepts more accessible. His unique approach bridges the gap between technical insights and real-world application, offering a fresh perspective on the future of AI-driven analytics.

How can organizations turn data into their most valuable asset while staying ahead of regulations and leveraging the power of AI? This episode dives into the transformative world of data governance, exploring how it drives smarter decisions, streamlines data management, and aligns with business strategy.

Whether you're tackling regulatory hurdles, struggling with data quality, or looking to future-proof your operations with AI, this conversation reveals the secrets to building effective governance frameworks that deliver real impact.

💡 Nicola and Erin discuss:

• Why data quality is the foundation of effective data-driven decision making.
• How the integration of AI is transforming traditional governance models.
• The role of data literacy and organizational culture in successful governance adoption.
• Challenges in balancing sector-specific needs while ensuring robust regulatory compliance.
• Practical steps to kickstart your data governance journey today.

Nicola Askham is a seasoned data professional who sheds light on how organizations can make data governance relatable and engaging for stakeholders, blending it seamlessly into their business strategy.

In this installment, Joëlle Laubner, Business Intelligence Manager at Syngenta, speaks to Erin Pearson, VP of Marketing at Evalueserve, about how the competitive intelligence landscape has already shifted and how AI continues to drive change in the space.

Erin and Joëlle discuss:
✔️ The evolution of competitive intelligence from labor-intensive, manual processes to a more automated landscape.
✔️ The importance of balancing automation and human expertise, or mind and machine.
✔️ Tailoring market and competitive intelligence insights and delivery methods based on stakeholder preferences and needs.
✔️ Strategies to drive adoption and foster collaboration. Feedback loops are critical in creating and maintaining a dynamic market and competitive intelligence program.
✔️ Predictions for where the competitive intelligence field is headed next.

📌 Quote from the Episode:
📣 "I'm deeply convinced that knowledge within organizations like ours is often underestimated or underused. Before going deep into any project, what we try to do is first look at what's available and at hand internally. Who and where are the subject matter experts? What do they know? How can they help? And those are all very critical and crucial questions." – Joëlle Laubner

📌 Speakers in this Episode:
🎙️ Erin Pearson, Vice President, Marketing at Evalueserve
🎙️ Joëlle Laubner, Business Intelligence Manager at Syngenta

Gordon Chu, the Digital Innovation Manager at Cathay Pacific, and host Erin Pearson have an engaging conversation about creating an innovation culture and democratizing AI within an organization.

In this episode, they explore:
✔️ Strategies for upskilling employees and enabling AI adoption.
✔️ Changing perceptions of AI and its transformative potential.
✔️ How to foster a culture of transparency, collaboration, and innovation.
✔️ The importance of storytelling to inspire and drive AI adoption.
✔️ Real-world examples and practical advice for AI implementation.

📌 Quote from the Episode:
📣 "Ultimately, the technology is not for replacing your entire workflow. But there are definitely spaces in your existing workflow where AI can play a role." – Gordon Chu

📌 Speakers in this Episode:
🎙️ Erin Pearson, Vice President, Marketing at Evalueserve
🎙️ Gordon Chu, Digital Innovation Manager at Cathay Pacific