Episode 38 - Implementing Artificial Intelligence with Brian Weaver

Brian serves as CEO of Torch.AI and has more than 20 years of experience leading mission-driven, high growth, technology-focused companies. Torch.AI helps leading organizations leverage artificial intelligence in a unique way via a proprietary enterprise data management software solution. Prior to Torch. AI, Brian launched or acquired several companies all focused on technology-enabled services and data connectivity. His companies serve nearly 1,300 clients and have been recognized as Small Business of the Year by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.

Brian shares so much of his knowledge about artificial intelligence. He shares the problems companies are facing that inhibit the use of AI. He also shares practical steps for getting started with AI in your company.

Show Notes:

• [00:27] Brian is the CEO of Torch.AI.
• [01:38] He left his company at the time and started his own company. Within 3 years, he was so successful he had the opportunity to buy his last employee.
• [02:14] Brian shares his journey and how his position evolved over time.
• [04:39] He needs to be doing something, solving a problem, or using his brain creatively.
• [07:01] Brian has been featured in Forbes Magazine for concepts around data encapsulation using blockchain technologies.
• [07:34] As a business they specialize in high-risk environments dealing with sensitive data on a large scale.
• [08:46] He shares about the impact of his Iron Man racing on his life personally and professionally.
• [11:41] The job of a CIO has changed. Now the CIO is a business-critical role and they have a tough challenge the way work is changing.
• [13:14] The point of AI is to provide more flexibility and improve the cost-effectiveness of some time of technology application. AI should be flexible and adaptable to a specific environment.
• [14:08] Right now there is not a lot of successful application of AI because the IT side has so many problems dealing with enterprise information.
• [15:17] The purpose of AI is to create an automated rule to improve an outcome and make use of data on a scale that a human being just can’t do. Unless we solve all these other huge issues, it is not possible to do that at scale.
• [17:51] The remote working phenomenon gives the CIO a massive opportunity to go back and look at the fundamental underpinnings of the organization.
• [18:09] Companies should be paying attention to the framework that underpins all the information in the enterprise.
• [19:21] Many companies are focusing on the application layer that makes use of the data, but if they can’t get the data into their fancy analytic application there isn’t a point.
• [21:21] Right now if we develop an AI model and we want to deploy it we have to wrap it in code and we end up having a stand-alone application. When that changes across the landscape, you will see an easier adoption.
• [22:22] The CIO that does the best job will get the rest of the C-suite just as passionate about dealing with the challenges with messy data as they are the pretty pictures.
• [24:46] Agriculture is ahead of manufacturing in AI. Agriculture has a set of standardized data that is friendly with advanced technology.
• [26:43] Brian shares his advice for his younger self including trying to be self-aware.
• [27:11] Be honest with yourself and others about what you are good at and not good at. Understand where you get your energy, how you make decisions, and what other personality types you need around you.
• [28:36] At the end of the day, if you’re a good person, you mean well, and try to treat others well you will make a good decision. You make the best decision you can based on the information you have.
• [29:24] His last piece of advice is to enjoy the journey.
• [30:42] Brian shares his best worst boss story.
• [31:06] Lighten up a little. He shares about a fun work culture that he enjoyed being a part of.
• [32:26] The CIO has a very challenging set of circumstances ahead. The most successful seek to understand the foundational components first and the fancy applications second. They are happier in their job, inspire those around them, and are the best at their job.

Links and Resources:

• State of the CIO Podcast Website
• State of the CIO Podcast on Apple Podcasts
• Dan on LinkedIn
• Brian on LinkedIn