In this episode from Cisco Live, Maribel Lopez sits down with two Cisco executives, Vijoy Pandey, SVP of Outshift at Cisco and Nathan Jokel, SVP of Corporate Strategy and Alliances at Cisco, to discuss how AI is fundamentally changing enterprise infrastructure over the next year. The conversation explores the evolution from deterministic to probabilistic computing, the emergence of agentic workflows, and practical advice for business leaders navigating the AI transformation.

Host: Maribel Lopez
Guests:

• Vijoy Pandey, SVP of Outshift at Cisco
• Nathan Jokel, SVP of Corporate Strategy and Alliances at Cisco

Recorded at: Cisco Live

Episode Overview

In this episode from Cisco Live, Maribel Lopez sits down with two Cisco executives to discuss how AI is fundamentally changing enterprise infrastructure over the next year. The conversation explores the evolution from deterministic to probabilistic computing, the emergence of agentic workflows, and practical advice for business leaders navigating the AI transformation.

Key Topics Discussed

The Three Waves of AI Infrastructure Evolution

• Wave 1: AI training in public cloud (mostly behind us)
• Wave 2: AI inference moving to enterprise data centers for control, security, and economic reasons
• Wave 3: AI moving to the edge with physical and embodied AI requiring new infrastructure for robots and devices

From Deterministic to Probabilistic Computing

Vijoy explains the fundamental shift happening in computing:

• Traditional computing: deterministic, machine-speed but limited
• Human intelligence: agentic but slow
• New paradigm: AI agents with human-like behavior operating at machine speed and scale

The Internet of Agents

A collaboration platform where AI agents from different vendors can:

• Get discovered and authenticated
• Compose workflows together
• Execute tasks collaboratively
• Be evaluated for performance

Real-world example: Building a sales funnel portal using agentic interfaces from Salesforce, ServiceNow, Microsoft, and Cisco security - all working together without manual UI clicking.

AI and Energy Challenges

• The Problem: By 2028, projected 63 gigawatt shortfall for new data center capacity
• Solutions:
  • Invest in diverse energy sources (nuclear, renewables, battery storage)
  • Build data centers near power sources (e.g., Cisco's Middle East partnerships)
  • Develop more energy-efficient infrastructure
  • Focus on smaller, specialized models instead of racing for maximum parameters

Cisco's Specialized AI Models

• Foundation SAC 8B: 8 billion parameter model specialized for security policy
• Deep Network Model: Expert model trained on network configurations

Outshift: Cisco's Innovation Engine

Cisco's internal incubator tackling problems adjacent to core business in:

• Space: Areas adjacent to networking, security, observability, collaboration
• Time/Risk: Higher-risk ventures that can't enter at Cisco scale initiallyCurrent Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs):

1. Internet of Agents
2. Quantum Internet - building quantum networks for distributed quantum computing

Description: In this episode from Google Cloud Next 2025, we dive deep into Best Buy's AI transformation with Ashley Daniels, VP of Product Management. Discover how one of America's largest retailers approached AI implementation strategically, moving from 93 contact center applications to a unified solution.

Ashley shares the real story behind Best Buy's AI journey - the quick wins, unexpected challenges, and why your foundation matters more than the technology itself. From gift finder tools to revolutionizing customer care, learn practical strategies for implementing AI that actually drives business outcomes.

Key insights covered:

• Why treating AI as a "tool in the toolbox" leads to better results
• The importance of starting with customer experience, not technology
• How to build strategic partnerships for AI implementation
• Why domain expertise becomes more critical in an AI world
• Real timeline: Getting AI summarization live in 6-8 weeks

Whether you're in retail, customer service, or leading digital transformation initiatives, this conversation offers actionable insights for your AI strategy.

Hosted by Maribel Lopez, founder and principal analyst at Lopez Research who interviewed Ashley Daniels, the VP of Product Management at Best Buy.

You can follow Ashley here  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-daniels1219/ and Maribel here https://www.linkedin.com/in/maribellopez/

Guest Profile

Liz Centoni brings over 25 years of experience at Cisco where she currently leads a team of 20,000+ people dedicated to helping customers maximize the value of their technology investments. She also serves on the boards of Mercedes-Benz and Workday.

Episode Highlights

Cisco's Unique Position in the AI Landscape

• Liz outlines Cisco's three-pillar approach to AI:
  1. Investment in back-end AI networks with hyperscalers
  2. Enterprise deployment of secure AI use cases
  3. Meeting increased capacity requirements for both private and public front-end cloud networks
• Recent partnership with NVIDIA to accelerate AI adoption and simplify building AI-ready data centers

Transforming Customer Experience

• Vision for customer experience: personalized, proactive, and predictive
• Goal: Make every customer "feel like they are our only customer"
• Leveraging data across tech stacks to break down silos and deliver proactive experiences
• Using AI to reduce cognitive load and workplace friction for employees

AI Renewals Agent: A Case Study in Predictive AI

• Jointly developed with Mistral AI and announced in February 2025
• Consolidates data from 50+ signals and sources (both structured and unstructured)
• Provides real-time sentiment analysis by incorporating customer support data
• Expected to reduce time spent on renewal proposals from 40% to less than 5%

The Future of Agentic AI

• Moving from AI as a tool to AI as a teammate
• Current focus on assisting and augmenting tasks, not replacing roles
• Human oversight remains critical for complex customer networks
• Evolution from reactive to proactive customer care

Impact on Jobs and Work

• Expectation that everyone needs baseline AI skills
• Historical pattern of rebalancing versus complete replacement
• Focus on using AI to eliminate busy work and reduce cognitive load
• Importance of emotional intelligence and empathy in areas where AI still falls short

Closing Thoughts

Liz's definition of success: "Customers walk up and say, 'You really know me better than I know myself'... and they feel they can't live without three things: Cisco's security, Cisco's networking portfolio, and Cisco services."

Summary
In this conversation, Maribel Lopez and Jeetu Patel discuss the transformative potential of AI in business, the challenges organizations face in adopting AI, and the importance of security in AI applications. They explore the need for visibility, validation, and guardrails in securing AI, the rise of specialized AI models, and the future of AI agents in automating workflows. Patel emphasizes Cisco's commitment to innovation and the urgency for companies to embrace AI to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Takeaways

• AI is transforming business strategies across industries.
• CEOs are optimistic about AI but feel unprepared.
• Security practitioners face significant staffing shortages.
• AI can both complicate and simplify security challenges.
• Organizations must secure AI models and use AI for defense.
• Visibility, validation, and guardrails are essential for AI security.
• Specialized AI models can be more effective and cost-efficient.
• AI agents will enhance productivity and workflow automation.
• Cisco is innovating rapidly and operating like a startup.
• Companies must embrace AI to thrive in the future.

Chapters

00:00
The Exciting Intersection of AI and Business

02:47
Challenges in AI Adoption and Security

06:34
Securing AI: Visibility, Validation, and Guardrails

12:47
The Rise of Specialized AI Models

18:00
The Future of AI Agents and Automation

25:31
Cisco's Transformation and Innovation

31:10
Embracing AI: A Call to Action

Follow us at: 

Jeetu Patel  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeetupatel/

Maribel Lopez https://www.linkedin.com/in/maribellopez/

In this episode, Maribel speaks with  Shub Bhowmick, the CEO and Co-founder of Tredence on how its using AI internally and externally. Bhowmick also provides advice on what's important for enterprise buyers looking to leverage AI. 

Takeaways

• The shift from proof of concept to proof of value is crucial for businesses.
• AI is enabling organizations to achieve more with fewer resources.
• Agentic solutions are becoming increasingly relevant in various industries.
• Internal innovations at Treatance are focused on developing interconnected AI agents.
• Organizations must prepare for a future where they need to do more with less.
• Crawl, walk, and run is a practical approach to AI implementation.
• Creating a robust monitoring and operations foundation is essential.
• Small language models can be more effective and cost-efficient than larger models.
• AI can significantly enhance productivity and creativity in the workplace.
• Health and personal well-being are important considerations in a fast-paced professional environment.

Sound Bites

• "Proof of value is the new proof of concept."
• "AI is enabling you to do more with less."
• "Agents are like smart interns, very analytical."
• "The speed of AI is moving much faster."
• "AI can 10x your productivity."
• "Crawl, walk, and run with AI implementation."
• "Small language models are the new thing."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Treatance and AI Trends

07:28
Emerging Use Cases in AI

11:46
Real-World Applications of AI in Business

18:33
Internal Innovations at Treatance

30:33
Advice for Organizations on AI Implementation

Summary

In this conversation, Maribel Lopez speaks with Markus Nispel about the integration of AI in networking solutions, particularly at Extreme Networks. They discuss the evolution of AI capabilities, the importance of data governance, and the role of AI in enhancing operational efficiency and security. Markus emphasizes the need for trust in AI systems and the potential of agentic AI to transform networking operations. The discussion also touches on the challenges of skill development and the future of AI in the industry. 

Extreme Networks, trusted by tens of thousands of customers globally, delivers AI-native cloud networking solutions that seamlessly connect people, applications, data, and devices.

Info on Extreme Networks Platform One: https://www.extremenetworks.com/platform-one and an explainer video https://vimeo.com/1036922077/58472f1411?ts=0&share=copy. 

Takeaways 

• AI has been integrated into networking solutions for measurable business value. 
• Data quality is crucial for effective AI implementation. 
• Generative AI can significantly reduce the time for knowledge acquisition. 
• Agentic AI combines various capabilities for enhanced networking solutions. 
• Trust and transparency are essential for AI adoption in enterprises. 
• AI can optimize security policy configurations and reduce attack surfaces.
• The orchestration of agents is vital for achieving automation in networking.
• AI's role in skill development is critical for new employees.
• The future of AI in networking will involve more autonomous systems. 
• Continuous feedback loops enhance trust in AI systems. 

Sound Bites

• "AI allows for a consistent support experience."
• "Data governance is critical for AI systems."
• "The orchestration of agents is key to automation."
• "Trust is essential for AI adoption in enterprises."
• "The future is dynamic with AI advancements." 

Chapters 

00:00 Introduction to AI in Networking

03:40 Evolution of AI Integration in Networking Solutions

06:54 Understanding AI's Unique Positioning in Networking

10:18 AI's Role in Skill Development and Knowledge Acquisition

13:02 Defining Agentic AI and Its Current Capabilities

16:54 The Importance of Orchestration in AI Systems

19:45 Addressing Trust and Resistance in AI Adoption

23:19 Demonstrating ROI from AI Implementations

25:29 Future of AI: The Rise of Agentic Systems 

Show Notes:

In this episode of "AI with Maribel Lopez," host Maribel Lopez sits down with Vijay Sundaram, Chief Strategy Officer at Zoho, at Zoho Day 25 in Austin, Texas. They discuss Zoho's strategic evolution and approach to AI.

Key Highlights:

• Zoho's Market Evolution: Vijay explains how Zoho has expanded from primarily serving small and medium businesses to increasingly being adopted by larger enterprise customers worldwide. This evolution has happened naturally as their products became more sophisticated and larger customers discovered them.
• Enterprise Adaptation Challenges: To serve enterprise customers, Zoho had to make changes in three areas:
  1. Technology (their strength as a product-driven company)
  2. Operations (building expertise in account management, solutions consulting, etc.)
  3. Transitioning from an inbound to outbound business model
• AI Implementation Strategy: Vijay clarifies that while generative AI has recently captured public attention, Zoho has been implementing various AI technologies (machine learning, NLP, video recognition) for over a decade. Much of this AI has been "headless" - working behind the scenes in applications rather than through conversational interfaces.
• Three Levels of AI: Zoho approaches AI implementation through:
  1. Contextual AI within business applications
  2. Interactive AI for specific purposes
  3. Expert-level insights that enable non-experts to gain valuable business intelligence
• Platform Approach: By integrating applications and creating a comprehensive platform, Zoho can leverage data across domains (finance, sales, HR, operations) to provide more valuable AI-driven insights.
• AI Market Shift: Vijay predicts that AI differentiation will increasingly move from foundational models to the application layer, where companies like Zoho can add value through their access to business data across domains.
• Privacy and Security: Zoho maintains a strong stance on privacy (no trackers on their websites) and has built a "trust layer" into their platform to ensure proper data access controls for AI interactions.

Episode: AI with Maribel Lopez featuring Liz Centoni, EVP & Chief Customer Experience Officer at Cisco

Guest Profile

Liz Centoni brings over 25 years of experience at Cisco where she currently leads a team of 20,000+ people dedicated to helping customers maximize the value of their technology investments. She also serves on the boards of Mercedes-Benz and Workday.

Episode Highlights

Cisco's Unique Position in the AI Landscape

• Liz outlines Cisco's three-pillar approach to AI:
  1. Investment in back-end AI networks with hyperscalers
  2. Enterprise deployment of secure AI use cases
  3. Meeting increased capacity requirements for both private and public front-end cloud networks
• Recent partnership with NVIDIA to accelerate AI adoption and simplify building AI-ready data centers

Transforming Customer Experience

• Vision for customer experience: personalized, proactive, and predictive
• Goal: Make every customer "feel like they are our only customer"
• Leveraging data across tech stacks to break down silos and deliver proactive experiences
• Using AI to reduce cognitive load and workplace friction for employees

AI Renewals Agent: A Case Study in Predictive AI

• Jointly developed with Mistral AI and announced in February 2025
• Consolidates data from 50+ signals and sources (both structured and unstructured)
• Provides real-time sentiment analysis by incorporating customer support data
• Expected to reduce time spent on renewal proposals from 40% to less than 5%

The Future of Agentic AI

• Moving from AI as a tool to AI as a teammate
• Current focus on assisting and augmenting tasks, not replacing roles
• Human oversight remains critical for complex customer networks
• Evolution from reactive to proactive customer care

Impact on Jobs and Work

• Expectation that everyone needs baseline AI skills
• Historical pattern of rebalancing versus complete replacement
• Focus on using AI to eliminate busy work and reduce cognitive load
• Importance of emotional intelligence and empathy in areas where AI still falls short

Closing Thoughts

Liz's definition of success: "Customers walk up and say, 'You really know me better than I know myself'... and they feel they can't live without three things: Cisco's security, Cisco's networking portfolio, and Cisco services."

Summary

In this conversation, Maribel Lopez speaks with Ivana Bartoletti, the Global Privacy Chief Officer at Wipro, about the intersection of AI, privacy, and governance. They discuss the transformative impact of generative AI, the importance of embedding ethics in AI development, and the role of synthetic data in mitigating bias. Ivana also shares insights on the Audrey initiative aimed at promoting human rights in the digital age and highlights common mistakes in AI regulation. The conversation concludes with a positive outlook on the collaborative efforts to build fair and responsible AI.

Takeaways

• Public trust is essential to harness AI's benefits.
• Generative AI is transforming how we live and work.
• Privacy is a crucial collective good that must be respected.
• Ethics in AI goes beyond compliance with laws.
• AI should retain human agency and decision-making.
• Bias in algorithms can perpetuate social inequalities.
• Synthetic data can help mitigate bias but has limitations.
• Transparency in data usage is vital for equity.
• AI regulation should not be seen as opposing innovation.
• Collaboration across sectors is key to responsible AI governance.

You can follow Ivana here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivana-bartoletti-77b2b29/

You can follow me here: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maribellopez/

https://www.youtube.com/@AIwithMaribelLopez

https://x.com/MaribelLopez

Episode Overview:

Maribel Lopez speaks with Tim Marklein, CEO of Big Valley Marketing, about how AI is changing marketing and communications. The conversation explores the practical applications, limitations, and future of AI in the marketing landscape.

Guest:

Tim Marklein - CEO of Big Valley Marketing, an award-winning consulting firm that helps technology companies grow and win in various markets including software infrastructure, AI, cybersecurity, digital health, and supply chain.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Current state of AI adoption in marketing: Despite surveys showing varied adoption rates, most professionals are still "dabbling" with AI rather than fully integrating it into workflows
• Three key areas where AI is proving valuable:
  • As a search alternative for market insights
  • For pattern analysis and audience research
  • For writing and editing assistance
• The continued importance of original thinking: AI can't replace a company's unique point of view, especially in B2B contexts where buyers want to understand a company's beliefs and perspectives
• Brand differentiation concerns: Discussion about whether widespread AI adoption might lead to homogenized marketing content and brand positioning
• AI for audience targeting: How AI can help with audience research but cannot replace strategic decisions about which audiences to prioritize
• Workflow integration challenges: The disconnect between the ideal AI tools and those integrated into existing workflows
• AI and marketing metrics: How AI primarily makes it easier to capture existing metrics rather than creating new ones
• Authenticity and ethics: The research showing that simply disclosing AI use doesn't build trust when 80% of people don't trust AI to begin with
• Appropriate vs. responsible use: The importance of communicating who is using AI and why, not just how it's being used
• Skills development for the AI era: The value of experimentation and curiosity over becoming a dedicated "prompt engineer"

You can follow Tim Marklein, the Founder and CEO, Big Valley Marketing ( bigvalley.co) at LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmarklein/ X: @tmarklein

You can follow me at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maribellopez/

https://www.youtube.com/@AIwithMaribelLopez

https://x.com/MaribelLopez