S5 | 408: AI across the enterprise, with Alice Fournier, CIO, ISS Americas

Digital StrategyTechnologyConversational AI

Aug 18

About the Episode

AI4, the world’s premier conference discussing artificial intelligence and its many applications for business was held August 7-9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and featured some amazing speakers on important topics related to AI and business.

Today we’re going to talk about the AI4 show and some of the key insights from the show and I’m happy today to be joined again by one of the many great speakers that will be leading the conversation in a few weeks.

To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Alice Fournier, CIO at ISS Americas.

About Alice Fournier

Alice Fournier is an experienced technology leader with a strategic approach to leveraging technology for growth. With deep experience driving technology-led transformation, Alice is a strong collaborator who successfully manages across functions and regions to establish a secure and agile digital workplace, while actively contributing to business growth.

Alice currently serves as ISS’ Chief Information Officer for the Americas. She brings to the role a multidisciplinary background at the intersection of IT, marketing, sales, and digital. Alice knows how to leverage technology to both optimize costs and drive revenue. She brings a bold, strategic, business-led approach to the IT function; she leads in a servant mindset; and is dedicated to empowering her team to grow, learn, and thrive. Alice has previously held several senior management roles including most recently Chief Digital Office and VP Digital Capabilities for WD-40 Company; Senior VP Digital Commerce for Geometry Global, VP ECommerce and Omnichannel for Kantar; ECommerce Manager for BIC LGS, all in the New York City Metropolitan area.

Resources

Learn more about the AI4 conference: https://ai4.io/usa/

ISS Website: https://issworld.com/

The Agile Brand podcast website: https://www.gregkihlstrom.com/theagilebrandpodcast

Get the latest news and updates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-brand/

For consulting on marketing technology, customer experience, and more visit GK5A: https://www.gk5a.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems.Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow

The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

Synopsis

In this episode, the Alice Fournier from ISS Americas explores the potential of AI and technology to remove barriers and create a more accessible world. They emphasize that AI, as a relatively new field, allows for widespread learning and participation. While some individuals have been working in this space for years and have developed the underlying models, the accessibility of AI is increasing. This accessibility is evident in the applications of AI, which can level the playing field and provide access to previously inaccessible spaces.

The guest also stresses that technology should not replace people but rather enhance their lives and work. They argue that technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), can handle repetitive and less value-adding tasks, freeing up humans to focus on tasks that require a personal touch and bring unique value. The guest shares a resonating quote that technology should be built with and for frontliners, not against them. This highlights the importance of developing technology that understands and improves the lives of the workforce.

Furthermore, the guest provides a specific example of how AI has made the world more accessible in the field of moviemaking. They discuss a filmmaker who utilizes AI to make movie production more affordable and accessible. This approach allows a broader range of individuals to enter the moviemaking market, inspiring more people and creating opportunities. The filmmaker, an immigrant, would never have imagined being part of the moviemaking world, but through AI and technology, he has found a way to participate and contribute.

Overall, the episode underscores the potential of AI and technology to remove barriers, create accessibility, and level the playing field. It emphasizes the importance of developing technology that improves the lives of individuals and understands their needs.

In this episode, the speakers delve into the idea that technology and AI should enhance human lives and work rather than replace them. They emphasize that effective implementation of technology can improve people's lives and work, allowing them to focus on tasks that require a personal touch. The goal is not for robots to take over, but to create technologies that assist people.

The speakers acknowledge the historical fear surrounding technology and AI, with concerns about job replacement and drastic changes. However, they argue that this fear is diminishing as people become more familiar and comfortable with AI technologies like chatbots. These technologies are becoming more accessible, removing barriers, and opening up new opportunities, thus leveling the playing field.

The episode also highlights the importance of involving frontliners, the workforce, in technology development. By understanding their needs and incorporating their input, technology can be designed to serve and support them rather than replace them. This collaborative approach emphasizes building with and for the workforce.

Overall, the episode presents an optimistic perspective on the role of technology and AI in enhancing human lives and work. While acknowledging that some jobs may be replaced or transformed, the speakers believe there is still significant potential for technology to augment human capabilities and improve various aspects of society.

In this episode, the speaker explores the use of AI and technology to create better experiences in offices and workplaces, particularly in a post-pandemic world. They emphasize that the question of how to bring employees back to the office is an evolving and ongoing concern for companies. While some companies may enforce specific days or hours for employees to be in the office, the speaker believes there are still ample opportunities to create a positive experience using technology and AI.

The speaker suggests that technology and AI can enhance the office experience beyond pre-pandemic levels. They highlight the chance to approach things differently and the role technology plays in this transformation. The speaker encourages listeners to consider how they can leverage AI and technology in their offices or workplaces to make employees eager to return. They believe that even without mandates, there are numerous possibilities for improvement through the use of technology.

Additionally, the speaker notes that the accessibility of AI is increasing, allowing everyone to learn and utilize it. They discuss how AI can level the playing field and provide access to spaces that were previously inaccessible. The speaker sees this accessibility as a way to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces.

Overall, the episode suggests that leveraging AI and technology can lead to better experiences in offices and workplaces, enhancing employee satisfaction and promoting inclusivity. The speaker urges listeners to think creatively about how they can utilize technology to improve the office experience and make it more appealing for employees to return.