Innovation Lessons from Nike and Amex

In this episode of The Bridgecast, host Scott Kinka sits down with Elaine Barsoom — Venture Partner at Silicon Foundry and former Global Head of Tech Innovation, Partnerships, and Strategy at Nike — to explore what purposeful AI adoption actually looks like inside complex, global enterprises. Elaine challenges the all-too-common "AI mandate" problem head-on, urging leaders to start with the right questions: What problem are we trying to solve, and can AI actually help? Drawing on her experience at Nike and American Express, she shares battle-tested frameworks for AI governance, cross-functional rollout, and building champion programs that drive sustainable adoption from the bottom up — not just the top down. From Lowe's Milo to Wingstop's Smart Kitchen, this conversation is packed with real-world proof that the most effective AI strategies are designed around humans first, tools second. Essential listening for CIOs, IT leaders, and anyone trying to navigate the gap between AI hype and measurable business impact. To find out how Bridgepointe Technologies helps businesses make IT decisions faster with world-class engineering support and ongoing guidance, head to https://bridgepointetechnologies.com/