#124 Wei Manfredi: From a Small Town to Global Transformation: on Leading McDonald’s AI Future

In episode #124 I sit down with Wei Manfredi, Vice President of Global Architecture, Data & Generative AI at McDonald’s - a leader helping redefine how one of the world’s most iconic brands uses technology to serve millions of people every day.

Wei’s story begins in a small town in China, where her early curiosity for problem-solving and perseverance set her on a path that would eventually lead to shaping McDonald’s global technology and AI strategy. Along the way, she’s navigated cultural transitions, corporate challenges, and the rapidly changing landscape of data and innovation.

We talk about her personal and professional journey - from her roots to her rise in global tech leadership - and what it really means to lead transformation at scale. Wei shares how McDonald’s is applying AI, data, and edge technology to reinvent restaurant operations and customer experiences, as well as what she’s learned from both breakthroughs and setbacks, including the company’s much-talked-about drive-thru AI pilot.

We also explore her philosophy on leadership, equality, and technology as a force for empowerment, and her vision for how AI can reshape the future of work and everyday life.