What is Google's Agentic AI Strategy? (Explained by Google Cloud's CTO) | CXOTalk #897

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 AI, 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

Too often, AI breaks in the wild. Why? CXOTalk 890 dissects the adversarial economy with Steven C. Daffron (fintech private equity leader) and Anthony Scriffignano (distinguished data scientist), hosted by Michael Krigsman. Discover the challenges of **ai implementation** and the strategies needed to navigate the **future of work** in an AI-driven world. Stay informed with expert insights on CXOTalk. What you’ll learn:How AI enables and masks adversarial behaviorMisaligned incentives, data/model drift, and biasGovernance vs. regulation; resilient metrics and KPIsInvestor/CFO implications and talent/education needs 🔷 Full episode and summary: https://www.cxotalk.com/episode/ai-misadventures-and-the-adversarial-economy🔷 Newsletter: www.cxotalk.com/subscribe🔷 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cxotalk🔷 Twitter: twitter.com/cxotalk #ArtificialIntelligence #AIEthics #AdversarialAI #DigitalTransformation #CXOTalk #privateequity 00:00 🤖 Introduction to AI and the Adversarial Economy04:38 🧠 Philosophical and Technical Insights into AI Misadventures08:20 🤖 Adversarial AI and Ethical Challenges10:27 ⚖️ Balancing Ethics, Privacy, and AI Development12:16 🌍 Philosophical Perspectives on AI and Responsibility16:03 🤖 Challenges in Designing Resilient AI Systems20:45 📊 Data Quality and Concept Drift in AI Systems22:24 💼 AI in Investment and Operational Strategy25:13 💼 Challenges in AI Investment and Returns27:22 📊 Financial Frameworks and Technical Oversight in AI32:35 ♟️ The Red Queen Problem in AI Innovation34:13 🤔 Navigating Influences and Decision-Making in Innovation38:16 🌍 Challenges in AI Strategy and Global Collaboration40:57 🔒 Data Protection and Ethical Challenges44:08 🤖 Balancing AI Development and Data Protection45:19 ⚖️ AI Liability and Governance Challenges50:56 📜 Governance vs. Law in AI Development

Is AI coming for your job? Boston Consulting Group's Global Lead for People and Organization, David Martin, reveals the truth about workforce disruption, survival strategies, reskilling, and the future of work.With only 20% of employees effectively using AI tools despite 80% expressing excitement, discover why adoption is failing and what leaders must do differently.🎯 Key Insights You'll Gain:-- Why software developers and white-collar workers face unexpected AI disruption-- The shocking adoption gap: 51% frontline vs 85% leadership usage-- How to transform employees into "managers of AI agents"-- Why India's 92% AI adoption dwarfs the US's 64% - and what it means-- The critical cognitive skills that will determine career survival📊 Featured Research:David shares exclusive findings from BCG's global AI at Work study covering 10,000+ employees, revealing surprising patterns in adoption, fear, and success factors. 🔷 Full episode and summary: https://www.cxotalk.com/episode/ai-workforce-disruption-rewriting-the-future-of-work🔷 Newsletter: www.cxotalk.com/subscribe🔷 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cxotalk🔷 Twitter: twitter.com/cxotalk 00:00 🤖 AI's Impact on Jobs and Organizations01:48 📈 Workforce Shifts and AI Adoption Challenges04:22 💡 Adoption and Value Realization in AI08:21 🤖 AI's Impact on Employee Behavior and Training10:08 🧑‍💻 Emotional Attachment to AI and HR Governance13:13 🌐 Adoption, Vision, and Cognitive Skills for AI18:15 🧠 The Evolving Role of Creativity and Cognitive Skills in the Workplace19:20 🤖 Managing AI Agents: A New Workplace Dynamic21:09 🏢 AI's Impact on Leadership and Workplace Structures22:47 🌟 The Role of Leadership in Vision and Strategy24:27 💻 The Expanding Role of the CIO27:33 🤖 AI Adoption and Leadership's Role in Driving Change34:47 🔄 Rethinking Workflows and Organizational Structures37:21 🤖 AI's Impact on Jobs and Education41:44 ⏳ The Time Dividend and Strategic Use of AI46:06 🤖 AI's Role in Consulting and Tailored Solutions49:33 🌍 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption Across Organizations53:25 🌟 Optimism for AI's Future Impact

When AI systems hallucinate, run amok, or fail catastrophically, the consequences for enterprises can be devastating. In this must-watch CXOTalk episode, discover how to anticipate and prevent AI failures before they escalate into crises.Join host Michael Krigsman as he explores critical AI risk management strategies with two leading experts:• Lord Tim Clement-Jones - Member of the House of Lords, Co-Chair of UK Parliament's AI Group• Dr. David A. Bray - Chair of the Accelerator at Stimson Center, Former FCC CIOWhat you'll learn:✓ Why AI behaves unpredictably despite explicit programming✓ How to implement "pattern of life" monitoring for AI systems✓ The hidden dangers of anthropomorphizing AI✓ Essential board-level governance structures for AI deployment✓ Real-world AI failure examples and their business impact✓ Strategies for building appropriate skepticism while leveraging AI benefitsKey ideas include treating AI as "alien interactions" rather than human-like intelligence, the convergence of AI risk with cybersecurity, and why smaller companies have unique opportunities in the AI landscape.This discussion is essential viewing for CEOs, board members, CIOs, CISOs, and anyone responsible for AI strategy and risk management in their organization.Subscribe to CXOTalk for more expert insights on technology leadership and AI:🔷 Full episode and summary: https://www.cxotalk.com/episode/when-ai-goes-off-the-rails-an-executive-action-plan🔷 Newsletter: www.cxotalk.com/subscribe🔷 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cxotalk🔷 Twitter: twitter.com/cxotalk00:00 🤖 Introduction to AI Challenges and Expert Backgrounds01:08 ⚠️ Understanding Generative AI and Its Risks07:11 🔍 Trust, Skepticism, and Responsible AI Deployment10:51 🤖 AI Risk Management and Corporate Integration14:01 ⚠️ AI as Insider Threat and Workforce Adaptation20:09 🤝 AI as a Sparring Partner and Policy Implications21:52 ⚖️ AI Regulation and Public Trust25:27 ⚠️ AI Risks and Corporate Governance29:41 🌐 Agent Management and Spatial Web Protocols31:45 🚀 AI in Space and Business Applications33:28 📜 AI Policy Creation and Regulation40:02 🌱 Opportunities for Smaller AI Players42:04 🤖 AI Innovation and Edge Computing43:28 📊 Future of Jobs and Data Stakeholderism49:42 ⚖️ Ethics, Misconceptions, and Trust in AI53:05 🙏 Closing Remarks and Gratitude53:21 📅 Upcoming Shows and Farewell#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #AIRisk #AIGovernance #EnterpriseAI #AIStrategy #CyberSecurity #DigitalTransformation #AIRegulation #GenerativeAI #AIHallucination #RiskManagement #CXOTalk #TechLeadership #AIEthics