Today, we’re diving deep into the real-world implementation of AI at Colgate Palmolive with Klee Pappas, the Senior Director of Global Predictive Analytics and AI. Klee’s got some serious street cred when it comes to deploying AI effectively across a massive organization, and he’s here to share how he did it. He breaks down the strategies that led to a successful rollout to over 30,000 employees, balancing the needs of both office workers and manufacturing staff. We’ll explore how Klee tackled common barriers, like legal concerns, by fostering a collaborative culture with the legal team that encourages innovation rather than stifling it. Tune in to learn actionable insights that could help you navigate AI deployment in your own organization.

Takeaways:

• Deploying AI effectively requires collaboration with legal teams to navigate risks and approvals.
• Colgate Palmolive has successfully implemented AI across various departments, including manufacturing and logistics.
• The democratization of AI tools allows employees to build their own solutions tailored to specific needs.
• Engaging employees through training and hands-on projects significantly boosts adoption and innovation in AI initiatives.

Links referenced in this episode:

• feedforward
• colgate
• openai
• chatgpt
• aihub
• feedforwardai
• discord
• linkedin

Adam Davidson welcomes listeners to a thought-provoking conversation with Simon Willison, a feedforward expert, as they delve into the intricate relationship between AI and security. Their discussion opens with a humorous yet intriguing benchmark—Simon’s whimsical challenge of generating an SVG of a pelican riding a bicycle, which serves as a metaphor for evaluating AI models. This playful examination leads to deeper concerns around the safety and reliability of AI usage, especially within enterprise contexts. Simon articulates the anxieties many organizations face regarding data privacy and the potential risks associated with feeding sensitive information into AI chatbots. A central theme that emerges is the misconception that AI models retain user input in a way that would jeopardize confidential data. Simon clarifies that while the models do not learn from individual user interactions in real-time, there are still significant complexities around data handling and how different AI providers manage user inputs for future training.

Takeaways:

• Understanding the implications of prompt injection is crucial for developers using AI models.
• AI models are very gullible, which can lead to serious security vulnerabilities.
• Using local models can mitigate risks associated with data leaving your organization.
• Open source models are becoming more capable and accessible for organizations concerned about privacy.
• Jailbreaking models can expose vulnerabilities, but they often lead to harmless outcomes.
• Security measures should focus on limiting the impact of potential exploits in AI applications.

Links referenced in this episode:

• SimonWillison.net

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• FeedForward
• SimonWillison.net
• OpenAI
• Anthropic
• Google
• AWS
• Nvidia
• Alibaba

2024 marked a significant turning point for AI, shifting the narrative from skepticism to enthusiasm as individuals and organizations grappled with its transformative potential. Experts in the FeedForward community reflect on how AI has evolved, emphasizing its role as a human enabler rather than a replacer. From the insights of Lilach Mollick on the increasing acceptance of AI in education to Matt Beane's warnings about the hidden costs of productivity gains, the conversation highlights the need for a thoughtful integration of AI into various sectors. Rekefet Rusak Aminoach shares a compelling example of how AI can democratize expertise in banking, while Christa Stout discusses the overwhelming pace of change in the sports industry. As we head into 2025, the consensus is clear: AI's best use lies in empowering people to achieve deeper, more meaningful work, paving the way for a future where collaboration between humans and machines thrives.

This podcast episode dives into the intricate relationship between law and artificial intelligence, featuring Angela Dunning, a prominent AI lawyer. One of the main points discussed is the balancing act companies must perform when considering the use of AI: while there are significant opportunities for innovation and efficiency, there are equally important legal risks to navigate, particularly around intellectual property and liability. Dunning emphasizes the need for companies to proactively understand how AI is being used within their operations, as the legal landscape is still evolving. The conversation sheds light on the importance of having clear protocols for AI use, especially regarding copyright issues and compliance with legal standards. As organizations increasingly adopt AI technologies, the insights shared provide a valuable framework for making informed decisions that align with both business goals and legal requirements.

The episode features a deep dive into the intersection of law and artificial intelligence, led by Adam Davidson and guest Angela Dunning, a prominent litigation partner with extensive experience in IP law. The conversation begins with an exploration of how AI has increasingly become a part of legal practices, particularly in intellectual property litigation. Angela discusses the varying approaches companies are taking towards AI, with some legal departments adopting a 'stay away' strategy due to perceived risks, while others embrace AI to maximize benefits. This dichotomy highlights the importance of finding a middle ground, where companies can safely experiment with AI while also establishing protocols for its use.

One of the key themes in this episode is the importance of tracking AI's usage within companies. Angela emphasizes that even if a company decides to abstain from AI, it cannot ignore the reality of an AI-driven world. She advocates for a proactive approach where companies identify use cases for AI and develop practical monitoring strategies. The conversation also delves into specific risks associated with AI, such as copyright issues and the potential for employees to inadvertently use AI tools without proper oversight. Angela underscores the need for transparency and communication within organizations regarding AI, as this will help mitigate risks and promote responsible usage.

The episode wraps up with a fascinating discussion on copyright and the implications of using generative AI. Angela explains the current stance of the US Copyright Office, which asserts that AI-generated content cannot be copyrighted, thus entering the public domain. This creates significant challenges for businesses that seek to protect the content created through AI. The discussion touches upon the famous 'monkey selfie' case, which illustrated the necessity for human authorship in copyright claims. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into the legal landscape of AI, offering guidance for businesses navigating the complex world of intellectual property and technology.

Takeaways:

• AI's integration into business creates both opportunities and risks that must be navigated carefully.
• Legal departments often advise caution with AI, but a balanced approach is essential.
• Companies need to monitor AI use internally to avoid unintended legal liabilities and risks.
• Understanding the copyright implications of AI-generated content is crucial for businesses today.
• There are significant differences in risk levels based on how AI is used across industries.
• Open communication between legal teams and executives can foster smarter AI deployment strategies.

The latest episode of the FeedForward podcast dives into how the Portland Trailblazers, an innovative NBA team, are leveraging AI to enhance fan engagement and improve internal processes. Krista Stout, the head of strategy at the Trailblazers, shares insights on their balanced approach to AI, emphasizing that while they embrace new technology, they remain cautious about its risks. The team has developed systems that allow for rapid responses to fan feedback, showcasing a practical application of AI that enhances customer service. The discussion highlights how organizations can democratize AI, empowering employees at all levels to contribute to AI-driven solutions. Ultimately, the episode illustrates that the lessons learned from the Trailblazers can be applied across various industries, demonstrating that AI is not just about advanced technology but about transforming how businesses operate and engage with their audiences.

Takeaways:

• The Portland Trailblazers utilize innovative AI tools to enhance the fan experience and engagement.
• They focus on internal applications of AI, minimizing fan-facing interactions with AI technology.
• Key strategies include rapid response systems that use AI for customer feedback management.
• The Trailblazers prioritize change management over technical expertise in AI implementation and usage.
• Their approach balances enthusiasm for AI with caution about its risks and implications.
• AI is seen as a tool to empower employees, enabling them to focus on their strengths.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Portland Trailblazers
• FeedForward
• Qualtrics
• Microsoft
• OpenAI
• Accenture
• McKinsey

This episode features a deep dive into the fundamental questions surrounding AI adoption, led by Adam Davidson and Rami El Debs, who runs AI strategy for Accenture. They discuss the common pitfall of jumping straight into tool selection without first understanding the broader context of AI integration within an organization. Rami emphasizes that businesses should focus on identifying their core challenges and how AI can be woven into existing workflows to create real value, rather than merely chasing use cases. The conversation highlights the importance of empowering employees and unlocking insights from within the organization, as well as the evolving role of consulting firms in an AI-driven landscape. Ultimately, they advocate for a proactive approach to AI, urging companies to embrace the technology as an enabler of transformation rather than a separate entity.

Takeaways:

• AI adoption should focus on fundamental business challenges rather than just use cases.
• Understanding the integration of AI into work processes can lead to real productivity gains.
• Companies often overlook how AI can unlock employee insights and creativity from within.
• A holistic view of business operations helps identify where AI can add real value.
• The future of enterprises involves reshaping organizational structures to leverage AI effectively.
• AI should be viewed as an enabler, transforming how work is done across teams.

Dan Shapiro, CEO of Glowforge, discusses how the integration of AI has transformed his company, enhancing productivity and innovation. He emphasizes that AI is not merely an add-on but a fundamental component that can redefine workplace efficiency and creativity. Shapiro shares insights on the development of their AI-driven feature, Magic Canvas, which has proved to be a significant revenue driver by allowing users to create optimized images for engraving quickly. The conversation also delves into the challenges and strategies of adopting AI tools internally, including fostering a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement among employees. Ultimately, Shapiro highlights the importance of leadership in guiding organizations through the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technology, ensuring that every employee can leverage these tools to enhance their work.

Dan Shapiro, co-founder and CEO of Glowforge, is one of the most inventive and aggressive business users of AI. He walks through how his company safely and creatively uses AI throughout the enterprise.

The inaugural episode of FeedForward's exclusive podcast features an engaging conversation between Adam Davidson and Dan Shapiro, CEO of Glowforge. The discussion unfolds around the transformative impact of artificial intelligence not just on Glowforge's product offerings but also on its internal operations. Shapiro shares how Glowforge, known for its innovative desktop laser cutters, has embraced modern AI technologies to enhance its capabilities and customer experience. Highlighting the launch of their popular subscription feature, Magic Canvas, Shapiro illustrates how generative AI tools have revolutionized the design process, allowing users to create intricate designs without needing artistic skills. This technological leap has not only increased customer satisfaction but also significantly boosted the company's revenue. As the conversation progresses, Shapiro emphasizes the importance of integrating AI within company culture, ensuring that every employee has access to cutting-edge tools to improve productivity and efficiency. By fostering an environment where employees are encouraged to experiment with AI, Glowforge stands at the forefront of innovation in a competitive landscape, illustrating a compelling model for other businesses looking to harness the power of AI.

Takeaways:

• The integration of AI at Glowforge has transformed their operations and product offerings significantly, enhancing efficiency and creativity.
• Dan Shapiro emphasizes the importance of leadership in adopting AI tools across all levels of a company.
• Glowforge's 'Magic Canvas' feature, which uses AI to create optimized images, has become a major profit driver.
• Shapiro discusses the rapid pace of AI advancement and its implications for businesses in the current landscape.
• AI has not only improved customer-facing features but also internal operations, leading to productivity gains.
• Encouraging employees to engage with AI tools has created a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• FeedForward
• Glowforge
• Etsy
• Dall E
• Midjourney
• Stable Diffusion
• Amazon
• Costco
• Google
• NPR