Why Your AI Strategy Is Failing: Fortune 500 CEO Advisor Explains | CXOTalk #900

How do you turn a 150-year-old industrial giant into an agile, AI-first organization?=======Please support our sponsor Emeritus:Explore executive education programs from Emeritus, in collaboration with top universities: https://cxotalk.partner.emeritus.org/=======For Hexion CEO Michael Lefenfeld, the answer isn't just about technology, but about culture, safety, and rethinking value. In episode 901 of CXOTalk, Lefenfeld details his strategy for integrating AI across every level of a billion-dollar manufacturing enterprise, from the R&D lab to the factory floor.Michael Krigsman and Michael Lefenfeld discuss the practical realities of moving beyond "pilot purgatory." They dive into how to manage workforce anxiety (the "carrot vs. stick" approach), leverage Private Equity for long-term innovation, and maintain strict safety guardrails while moving fast.If you are a leader navigating the complexities of digital transformation, this interview offers a concrete roadmap for driving growth without sacrificing your company's heritage.📋 DISCUSSION TOPICS:-- The AI-First Culture: Why Hexion incentivizes AI adoption rather than forcing it.-- Workforce Strategy: How to upskill employees and ensure AI is a "partner," not a "job taker."-- Operational Excellence: Using AI to achieve the "Golden Batch"—reducing waste and energy usage.-- The Private Equity Advantage: How ownership structure impacts long-term tech investment.-- Strategic Partnerships: Using data to deepen customer intimacy and escape the commodity trap.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 🏭 Introduction to Hexion and Its Role in Everyday Life01:28 🤖 Hexion's Integration of AI Across Operations03:34 🚀 AI as a Tool for Growth and Empowerment at Hexion13:47 🤖 Leadership Philosophy and AI Integration at Hexion16:44 🛡️ AI's Role in Safety and Decision-Making20:25 ⚙️ AI-Driven Efficiency and Learning in Manufacturing26:54 💉 Personal Experience with Diabetes and Continuous Glucose Monitoring28:30 🤖 AI's Role in Customer Service and Business Operations32:53 🌍 AI Learning, Ecosystem Collaboration, and Organizational Growth38:32 🤖 Using AI to Enhance Manufacturing and Investment Decisions40:04 🏢 Hexion's AI-First Strategy and Customer-Centric Approach46:32 💼 Private Equity's Role in AI Investment and Long-Term Growth50:20 🧪 Optimizing Products with Data and Batch Chemistry51:44 🤖 AI's Impact on Business Models and Lessons Learned53:30 🚀 Advice for AI Implementation and Closing Remarks🎯 FEATURED GUESTMichael Lefenfeld is the CEO of Hexion Inc. and a serial entrepreneur with a passion for revitalizing legacy industries.-- He holds 100+ patents and was named a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader.-- Michael specializes in bridging the gap between deep science (chemistry/physics) and practical business strategy (AI/profitability).-- Previously served as CEO of Cyanco and SiGNa Chemistry.📚 RESOURCES🔷 Show notes:https://www.cxotalk.com/episode/ai-first-rewiring-a-150-year-old-industrial-manufacturer🔷 Newsletter: www.cxotalk.com/subscribe🔷 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cxotalk🔷 Twitter: twitter.com/cxotalk Subscribe to CXOTalk newsletter: https://www.cxotalk.com/newsletter🎙️ ABOUT CXOTALKCXOTalk features unfiltered conversations with C-suite executives from major companies about AI, digital transformation, and business strategy. Hosted by Michael Krigsman. Episode 901 | Recorded November 21, 2025

🚨 STOP treating AI like just another automation tool; you're missing the real transformation. Most executives are approaching AI completely wrong. They're focused on automating tasks when they should be reimagining their entire business model. In this landmark 900th episode of CXOTalk, Sangeet Paul Choudary, advisor to 40+ Fortune 500 CEOs, reveals why AI is actually COORDINATION INFRASTRUCTURE, not just a productivity tool. You'll discover:✅ Why the "automation mindset" guarantees you'll fall behind competitors✅ The shipping container parable that explains AI's true strategic impact✅ How to think about AI strategy (hint: it's NOT about "what to do with AI")✅ The dangerous myth of "AI augmentation" and what actually happens to jobs✅ Real examples: How TikTok's logic revolutionized manufacturing (Shein)✅ Above vs. below the algorithm: Where YOU fit in the new economy✅ The word processor paradox—why complementarity doesn't save jobs✅ Strategic foresight: The #1 capability leaders must develop NOW This isn't theoretical. Sangeet breaks down exactly how businesses must reimagine their competitive advantage, how professionals should navigate career decisions, and why yesterday's AI vendors are selling you 1990s solutions. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 🤖 Rethinking AI Beyond Automation01:10 📈 AI's Strategic Role in Business Transformation03:33 🚢 Lessons from the Shipping Container and AI's Potential08:22 🔮 The Importance of Foresight in Career and Organizational Planning11:16 🤖 Automation, Augmentation, and the Changing Division of Labor14:08 📈 Adapting to Shifting Value in the Age of AI19:04 🤖 The Role of CXOs in the Age of AI22:50 🏢 Indicators of Organizational Shift with AI26:00 💡 Lessons Between Startups and Legacy Companies in AI Strategy31:11 📱 TikTok's Influence on Manufacturing and Shein's Success33:58 🤖 Challenges in Implementing AI and System Redesign36:05 🌐 Socio-Technical Systems and Strategic Shifts with AI38:50 🧪 AI's Impact on the Materials Industry41:03 🤖 Strategic Application of AI in Industries42:52 🌐 AI's Role in Ecosystems and Job Dynamics49:23 ⚙️ The Role of Risk and Constraints in Value Creation50:51 🤖 AI's Impact on Knowledge Work and Career Advice55:41 📊 Advice for Companies and Policymakers in the Age of AI 🎯 FEATURED GUESTSangeet Paul ChoudaryAdvisor to 40+ Fortune 500 CEOsAuthor of "Reshuffle: The New Business Playbook for a World Transformed by AI"Expert on platform business models and digital transformation 📚 RESOURCES🔷 Show notes: https://www.cxotalk.com/episode/why-ai-works-but-your-strategy-doesnt🔷 Newsletter: www.cxotalk.com/subscribe🔷 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cxotalk🔷 Twitter: twitter.com/cxotalk Subscribe to CXOTalk newsletter: https://www.cxotalk.com/newsletter 🎙️ ABOUT CXOTALKCXOTalk features unfiltered conversations with C-suite executives from major companies about AI, digital transformation, and business strategy. Hosted by Michael Krigsman.Episode 900 | Recorded November 14, 2025 #AI #AIStrategy #DigitalTransformation #BusinessStrategy #CEOInsights #FutureOfWork #Leadership #AITransformation #Reshuffle #CXOTalk

Microsoft invested $13 billion in OpenAI. Amazon poured billions into Anthropic. The AI oligopoly is here. Lord Tim Clement-Jones and Lord Chris Holmes, architects of UK AI policy, reveal what business leaders must know about Big Tech's grip on AI - from vendor lock-in risks to circular funding patterns signaling bubble collapse. 🔷 Show notes and resources: https://www.cxotalk.com/episode/house-of-lords-members-on-ai-does-big-tech-own-you🔷 Newsletter: www.cxotalk.com/subscribe🔷 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cxotalk🔷 Twitter: twitter.com/cxotalk 🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS: -- Why AI concentration mirrors 19th century monopolies-- The regulation vs innovation false choice-- Vendor dependencies creating strategic vulnerabilities-- UK vs EU vs US regulatory approaches-- Copyright battles over training data-- Board-level AI governance essentials ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 🤖 The AI Oligopoly and Big Tech's Influence02:27 🌐 Opportunities and Risks of AI Development09:03 ⚖️ Regulation and the Future of AI12:43 💻 The Risks of Overdependence on Big Tech15:33 🧠 The Importance of Media and Digital Literacy17:55 🌍 Human Values in Technology and Education21:25 📚 Education and Regulation in the Digital Age24:36 🌈 Optimism and Diversity in Technology27:13 ⚠️ Dependency and Vulnerability in Technology29:58 🤖 Navigating AI's Impact on Employment and Society34:46 🏛️ The Role of Government and Lifelong Learning in the AI Era39:16 ⚖️ Challenges of AI Transparency and Regulation43:07 ⚖️ The Importance of AI Regulation and Transparency45:00 🌐 Open Source and Diverse AI Models52:18 ⚙️ Balancing Regulation and Innovation in AI55:04 💰 Economic Interdependence in AI Development55:48 📈 Advice for Business Leaders in the AI Era56:54 ⚖️ Guidance for Regulators and Policymakers on AI 💡 ABOUT CXOTALK: CXOTalk connects you with the world's most innovative business leaders, senior executives, and experts sharing insights on digital transformation, leadership, and innovation. Every episode brings you actionable strategies from those leading change in their organizations. #ArtificialIntelligence #AITransformation #monopoly #bigtech #cxotalk #houseoflords #inclusion #aiethics

Is your organization stuck in AI pilot purgatory? CIO strategic advisor Tim Crawford reveals how enterprise AI is fundamentally transforming the CIO role, and why the decisions you make today will determine which IT leaders succeed tomorrow. =======Please support our sponsor Emeritus:Explore executive education programs from Emeritus, in collaboration with top universities: https://cxotalk.partner.emeritus.org/======= In CXOTalk episode 898, Tim breaks down the massive multi-dimensional impact AI is having on CIOs: from daily operations and decision-making to board-level relationships and business transformation. You'll discover why efficiency gains are just the beginning, and how strategic CIOs are leveraging AI to drive real business outcomes—not just run technology projects. 🔗 RESOURCES: 🔷 Show notes and resources: https://www.cxotalk.com/episode/the-cios-new-mandate-enterprise-ai🔷 Newsletter: www.cxotalk.com/subscribe🔷 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cxotalk🔷 Twitter: twitter.com/cxotalk 🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS: - How AI is changing the CIO's day-to-day responsibilities and strategic influence- Why 75% of AI projects fail to prove ROI (and how to avoid this trap)- The critical difference between efficiency plays and transformational innovation- Why change management is now the CIO's #1 responsibility for AI success- The truth about Chief AI Officer roles vs. strategic CIO positioning- How to escape AI pilot purgatory and achieve measurable business outcomes ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 🤖 The Role of AI in Transforming the CIO's Responsibilities05:40 🚀 Overcoming AI Pilot Purgatory and Achieving Business Outcomes11:20 🌐 Navigating the AI Hype and Embracing Innovation12:21 🤖 Adapting Business Operations for AI Integration13:20 📊 Measuring AI Value and Business Outcomes22:35 🔒 Security and Governance in AI Implementation24:07 🤖 Challenges in AI Governance and Data Management26:03 💼 AI's Impact on Business Processes and Workforce28:58 🌍 Sustainability, Partnerships, and AI Proof of Concept Challenges35:16 ⚖️ Balancing Business Objectives and AI Project Success38:39 🤝 The Importance of Relationships and Process Understanding43:56 🤖 AI Ownership, Decision-Making, and Vendor Relationships46:26 🤝 Strategic Use of External Partners in Organizations49:33 🤖 The Role of AI in the C-Suite51:16 📅 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events 💡 ABOUT CXOTALK: CXOTalk connects you with the world's most innovative business leaders, senior executives, and experts sharing insights on digital transformation, leadership, and innovation. Every episode brings you actionable strategies from those leading change in their organizations. #CIO #ArtificialIntelligence #AITransformation #DigitalTransformation #ITLeadership #BusinessStrategy #EnterpriseAI #TechnologyLeadership #CXOTalk #ExecutiveLeadership #AIStrategy #ChangeManagement #Innovation #BusinessOutcomes 👍 If you found this valuable, please LIKE and SHARE with your network.

Please support our sponsor Emeritus:Explore executive education programs from Emeritus, in collaboration with top universities:https://cxotalk.partner.emeritus.org/=======Will Grannis, Chief Technology Officer of Google Cloud, explains Google's vision for agentic AI and multimodel LLMs, including these key topics on CXOTalk #897:-- The latest AI news from Google-- Why "AI as judge" determines whether your agent deployment scales or stalls-- How regulated industries have an unexpected advantage in agent adoption-- The hidden organizational rules that break agent workflows-- Why generic AI models alone provide zero competitive differentiation-- How multimodal AI changes customer support from chat to visual problem-solving-- The evaluation architecture behind successful agent deployments-- Why CEOs must participate directly in AI experimentation🔷 Show notes and resources: https://www.cxotalk.com/episode/google-clouds-cto-inside-the-ai-strategy🔷 Newsletter: www.cxotalk.com/subscribe🔷 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cxotalk🔷 Twitter: twitter.com/cxotalk#agenticai #cxotalk #googlecloudChapters:00:00 🤖 Google's AI Strategy and Agent Development04:07 🌐 Gemini Enterprise: Google's Unified AI Platform08:21 📈 Best Practices for Agent Deployment and Future Trends11:25 📡 Modernizing Customer Support with Multimodal Experiences13:24 🤖 AI as a Judge: Evaluating and Automating Decision Processes16:55 🔧 Continuous Improvement Through Small Adjustments17:15 🤖 The Evolution and Challenges of AI Agents18:57 🛠️ Task-Specific vs. Role-Based AI Agents25:00 🏢 Organizational Challenges in AI Agent Implementation28:58 🤖 Customizing AI for Industry-Specific Applications31:20 🌐 Practical AI Integration for Businesses and Public Services38:24 🚀 Challenges and Success Factors in AI Deployment41:27 🤝 The Role of Leaders in AI Adoption43:25 🌌 Multimodal AI and NanoBanana45:17 🔮 Practical AI Development and Future Trends

Is your AI built on quicksand? Learn how bad data, poisoned datasets, and deep fakes threaten your AI systems, and what to do about it.In this episode of CXOTalk (#896), AI luminaries Dr. David Bray and Dr. Anthony Scriffignano reveal the hidden dangers lurking in your AI foundations. They share practical strategies for building trustworthy AI systems and escaping the "AI quicksand" that traps countless organizations.🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS:The Five Ms framework for identifying AI failures before they scaleWhy red teams are essential for AI risk managementHow nation-states are actively poisoning AI training dataCritical questions every leader must ask about their AI initiativesThe future of specialized AI models vs. mega LLMs🔷 Show notes and resources: https://www.cxotalk.com/episode/escape-ai-quicksand-data-misuse-misadventures-and-mal-intent🔷 Newsletter: www.cxotalk.com/subscribe🔷 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cxotalk🔷 Twitter: twitter.com/cxotalk00:00 🤖 Understanding AI Quicksand and the Challenges of Data02:16 ⚠️ The Five Ms of AI Risks and Practical Examples07:12 💡 The Disconnect in AI Adoption and the Importance of Purpose09:46 🤖 The Challenges and Risks of Generative AI14:28 ⚖️ Ethical and Intellectual Property Concerns in AI16:30 🛡️ Responsibility and Oversight in Ethical AI20:22 ⚖️ Liability and Critical Thinking in AI Services22:12 📜 AI Regulation and Consumer Advocacy25:55 🤖 Future Directions in AI Development30:59 🤖 Exploring AI's Potential and Limitations33:03 🧪 Data Poisoning and Its Implications40:07 ⚠️ Addressing AI Risks and Perception of Reality41:38 📊 The Evolution of Data Analysis and Critical Thinking44:36 🧠 Teaching Critical Thinking and AI Critique46:36 🤖 Embodied AI, Data Misuse, and Global AI Perspectives50:57 🤖 The Evolution of Work and AI's Role52:59 🌟 AI's Positive Impact on Healthcare and Society56:23 🌈 Hope and Resilience in the Age of AI#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #DataScience #AIEthics #MachineLearning #DataPoisoning #GenerativeAI #EnterpriseAI #AIStrategy #DigitalTransformation #CyberSecurity #AIRegulation #FutureOfWork #TechLeadership #CXOTalk

AI luminary and former Group CEO of Technology at Accenture, author Paul Daugherty, offers a hard-hitting take on enterprise AI and consumer-grade artificial intelligence on CXOTalk episode 895.He examines what's working, where companies stall with their AI transformation, and what new technology trends leaders should monitor. Peer into the future of AI and see the importance of responsible AI development.🔷 Show notes and resources: https://www.cxotalk.com/episode/ai-reality-check-what-works-and-whats-new🔷 Newsletter: www.cxotalk.com/subscribe🔷 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cxotalk🔷 Twitter: twitter.com/cxotalk#AITransformation #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessStrategy #ResponsibleAI #Innovation #EnterpriseAI #Leadership #DigitalTransformation #AIStrategy #ExecutiveLeadership #cxotalk00:00 🌟 Paul Daugherty's Career and Current Roles01:52 🤖 AI Reality Check: Hype vs. Reality05:51 📈 Generative AI's Impact on Work and Organizations07:11 🌱 Challenges and Early Adoption of AI in Organizations08:46 🔄 Invasiveness and Organizational Transformation with AI13:40 📊 AI Applications and Measuring Business Value18:14 🎯 Focusing on Impactful Use Cases in AI19:48 🤖 AI Deployment Challenges and Talent Transformation24:23 🚀 Prerequisites and Challenges in AI Adoption25:56 🤔 Defining Failure in AI Projects29:43 💼 AI's Role in Private Equity and Investment Analysis33:55 🚀 Future Trends Beyond AI and AGI35:07 🤖 AI's Impact on Data Management and EMR Systems36:56 📊 AI's Influence on Jobs and Responsible AI Practices40:15 🌟 Future Technologies and Personal Reflections

How did Salesforce build a $200B company by declaring war on "software"? Branding expert Laura Ries (author of "Strategic Enemy") reveals why the world's best brands choose strategic enemies to dominate their markets.Laura explains the counterintuitive positioning strategy behind iconic brands like Tesla, Chick-fil-A, and White Claw. Learn why opposition creates clarity, how visual hammers make brands unforgettable, and why line extensions destroy established brands.KEY TOPICS:The strategic enemy frameworkVisual hammers that build brand memoryWhy line extensions fail (Bud Light case study)How to respond to market disruptorsPersonal branding for executives🔷 Show notes and resources: https://www.cxotalk.com/episode/the-branding-manifesto-choose-your-enemy-win-the-war🔷 Newsletter: www.cxotalk.com/subscribe🔷 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cxotalk🔷 Twitter: twitter.com/cxotalk00:00 📚 Introduction to Strategic Branding and Positioning00:58 🎯 The Power of a Strategic Enemy in Branding07:13 🤔 Challenges and Context in Branding Strategies10:35 🔗 The Link Between Branding and Customer Experience13:45 🎯 Strategic Positioning and Differentiation18:31 ⚖️ The Power of Contrast in Branding19:51 💻 The Role of Branding in IT and Organizational Alignment21:46 🎯 Perception, Leadership, and Differentiation in Branding25:13 🚗 Strategic Focus and the Power of Defining a Brand28:02 🔁 The Power of Repetition in Branding30:01 🏆 Specialization and Category Leadership32:37 🎨 Visual Hammers and Minimalistic Branding37:58 🎨 The Power of Visual Hammers in Branding41:31 🏢 Strategic Branding for Companies and Products44:48 👔 Building Personal and Leadership Brands47:13 🕶️ The Power of Consistency in Branding48:05 📈 Strategic Responses to Market Disruption54:14 🎙️ Branding Principles and Podcast Advice#Branding #Marketing #BusinessStrategy #CXOTalk #LauraRies #CMO

In cybersecurity, identity has become the primary attack vector. We explore identity in CXOTalk 892, with the CEO of RSA Security, Rohit Ghai, who explains how stolen credentials, social engineering, and AI-enabled impersonation break defenses. And what boards, CISOs, and executives must do now.What you’ll learn:-- Why credential theft remains the #1 initial access vector and what “phishing resistant” MFA actually requires-- How attackers bypass MFA via help desk social engineering and voice impersonation, and how to stop it-- Managing identity across the joiner–mover–leaver lifecycle to close high-risk gaps-- The “assume breach” mindset: zero trust, least privilege, and blast radius reduction-- The CISO’s evolving mandate: business vs. technology, board communication, and risk quantification-- AI in cyber: sword, shield, and attack surface, and the changing economics of attack vs. defense-- Ransomware beyond backups: data theft, response playbooks, and legal/PR readinessWho should watch:Board members, CEOs, CISOs, CIOs, and security leaders who seek clear actions to improve resilience without slowing the business.🔷 Show notes and resources: https://www.cxotalk.com/episode/rsa-security-ceo-ai-identity-board-level-cybersecurity🔷 Newsletter: www.cxotalk.com/subscribe🔷 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cxotalk🔷 Twitter: twitter.com/cxotalk#Cybersecurity #IdentitySecurity #MFA #ZeroTrust #CISO #BoardGovernance #AI #Ransomware #RiskManagement #CXOTalk00:00 🔐 Understanding Identity in Cybersecurity03:51 ⚠️ How Identity is Breached10:46 🛡️ Improving Identity Security13:03 🔒 Social Engineering and MFA Vulnerabilities16:02 🛡️ Protecting Personal Information and Identity19:43 👩‍💼 The Evolving Role of CISOs in Cybersecurity26:38 🔒 The Role of Regulation in Improving Data Privacy and Cybersecurity28:51 🌐 Reframing Cybersecurity as Cyber Resilience35:11 🛡️ Practical Recommendations for Combating Phishing and Social Engineering38:00 🤖 The Role of AI in Cybersecurity41:59 💰 Economics of AI in Cybersecurity44:25 🏢 Board-Level Cybersecurity Strategy49:08 🛡️ Understanding Ransomware and Response Framework50:56 🔒 RSA Security's Focus Areas for Cybersecurity52:47 📢 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Learn how a unified Zoho platform and centralized data analytics reduced app sprawl, speed decisions, and improved customer experience for Zoho customer Nuvia Dental. The discussion provides a practical playbook for leaders seeking fewer apps, stronger data integrity, and clear ROI. 🔷 Show notes and resources: https://www.cxotalk.com/episode/data-first-operations-a-zoho-playbook-for-measurable-outcomes🔷 Newsletter: www.cxotalk.com/subscribe🔷 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cxotalk🔷 Twitter: twitter.com/cxotalk 00:00 📈 Nuvia Smiles' Growth and Zoho Integration03:53 🤝 Collaboration Between IT and Business Teams07:41 📊 Data as the Core of Business Transformation11:34 🛠️ Simplifying Processes with Zoho13:10 📊 Centralizing Data and Ensuring Compliance18:10 🌟 Benefits and Advice for Simplification #Zoho  #CXOTalk #TechLeadership #DataAnalytics #DigitalTransformation