Exploring the AI Frontier: Governance, Risks and Opportunities – with Constantine Boyadjiev and Joel Wuesthoff

Our Blind Spots in the Boardroom series is focused on critical business issues that can significantly impact an organization's strategy and operations, particularly those that the board and/or C-suite are not focused on at all or enough.This episode of Protiviti's Blind Spots in the Boardroom podcast Protiviti Managing Director and host Constantine Boyadjiev welcomes Joel Wuesthoff, a Managing Director in Protiviti’s Legal Consulting practice. They discuss the intersection of AI adoption and corporate governance and explore both the opportunities and risks associated with generative AI and large language models, emphasizing the legal, regulatory, and compliance implications for boards and general counsel. Key discussions focus on the need for structured AI governance frameworks and global compliance strategies amid evolving regulations like the EU AI Act and GDPR.With over two decades of experience in risk management, financial crime analytics, and regulatory compliance, Constantine Boyadjiev advises global clients on the strategic application of data science and advanced analytics to combat fraud, enhance regulatory reporting, and improve operational resilience. A trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies and financial institutions, he has designed and implemented enterprise-wide solutions leveraging AI and machine learning to detect and mitigate complex risk typologies. Constantine is also a three-time patent holder and plays a key role in driving innovation across Protiviti’s analytics offerings.Joel Wuesthoff serves as a Managing Director in Protiviti’s Legal Consulting practice. A licensed attorney and seasoned advisor, he leads strategic initiatives focused on e-discovery, litigation readiness, data governance, and information risk management. Throughout his career, he has counseled Fortune 500 companies, law firms, and government agencies on developing defensible, cost-effective approaches to legal technology challenges. Joel is also a recognized thought leader in the legal services industry, contributing to the advancement of best practices in compliance, regulatory response, and digital investigations.For further information on this and other relevant topics for the boardroom, visit our Board and C-Suite Leadership insights collection on Protiviti’s website.   For information about Joel and to contact him, visit www.linkedin.com/in/joel-wuesthoff-099b711.For more information about Constantine and to contact him, visit www.linkedin.com/in/constantineboyadjiev.

Our Blind Spots in the Boardroom series is focused on critical business issues that can significantly impact an organization's strategy and operations, particularly those that the board and/or C-suite are not focused on at all or enough.In this episode of the Blind Spots in the Boardroom podcast, Protiviti Managing Director and host Constantine Boyadjiev welcomes Rich Kessler, a Director in Protiviti’s Technology Risk and Resilience, to discusses the growing impact of AI, especially generative models, on governance functions. They explore the balance between innovation and risk, emphasizing responsible adoption through structured frameworks, cross-functional collaboration, and secure experimentation. The conversation encourages organizations to proactively manage AI's risks while leveraging its transformative potential.With over two decades of experience in risk management, financial crime analytics, and regulatory compliance, Constantine advises global clients on the strategic application of data science and advanced analytics to combat fraud, enhance regulatory reporting, and improve operational resilience. A trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies and financial institutions, he has designed and implemented enterprise-wide solutions leveraging AI and machine learning to detect and mitigate complex risk typologies. Constantine is also a three-time patent holder and plays a key role in driving innovation across Protiviti’s analytics offerings.Rich Kessler is a director within Protiviti’s technology enterprise data and artificial intelligence practice and leads artificial intelligence governance and risk management. During three-decade career, spent largely in-house at financial services institutions, he's helped clients address challenges in emerging technologies, cyber security and privacy, data and information governance, eDiscovery and investigations, technology strategy, and operational risk management.For further information on this and other relevant topics for the boardroom, visit our Board and C-Suite Leadership insights collection on Protiviti’s website. For information about Rich and to contact him, visit www.linkedin.com/in/rikessler/.For more information about Constantine and to contact him, visit www.linkedin.com/in/constantineboyadjiev.

In this installment of the Board Perspectives podcast, we are joined by Heidi Crebo-Rediker, a senior fellow at the Center for Geoeconomic Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. Crebo-Rediker previously served as the State Department’s first Chief Economist and as a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Agenda Council. Here, she discusses risk, resilience, navigating the unknows and the possible upside of all this uncertainty with Protiviti Managing Director Matt Moore, Global Risk & Compliance lead.You can visit Heidi Crebo-Rediker’s LinkedIn page here: www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-crebo-rediker-0911007a/.You can visit Matt Moore’s LinkedIn page here: www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-moore-9093b629/.To hear more Board Perspectives podcasts and view additional content, please visit Protiviti.com/us-en/podcast-board-perspectives.

Our Blind Spots in the Boardroom series is focused on critical business issues that can significantly impact an organization's strategy and operations, particularly those that the board and/or C-suite are not focused on at all or enough.In this episode of Blind Spots in the Boardroom, host Frank Kurre and guest Mark Rogers discuss the strategic and often lengthy process of securing a board position. They highlight the importance of preparation, gaining relevant experience, and clearly presenting one’s value to a board. The conversation also touches on alternative pathways, such as private and advisory boards, and the usefulness of platforms like BoardProspects for networking and opportunities.With more than 40 years of experience in consulting, Kurre guides Protiviti’s global board, CEO and alumni programs. He is also a senior advisor to Protiviti's Global Private Equity and Public Sector (Not for Profit) practices and leads several of the firm's strategic initiatives and accounts. During his career, Kurre has advised more than 200 boards – including many Fortune 1000 companies, and Russell 1000 and Russell 2000 public companies – on board governance, finance, financial reporting, internal audit, leadership development, risk management, and strategic planning.Mark Rogers is the Founder and CEO of BoardProspects, Inc., a leading online platform for board recruitment. He also serves as a recognized expert in the field, having lectured across the U.S. on best practices for modern boardrooms. Mark has advised numerous public and private companies on enhancing their boards with top-tier directors and executives. Under his leadership, BoardProspects has become a prominent resource for board recruitment and governance. Mark’s insights have been featured in major publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and USA Today.For further information on this and other relevant topics for the boardroom, visit our Board and C-Suite Leadership insights collection on Protiviti’s website. For information about Mark and to contact him, visit www.linkedin.com/in/markcrogers5.For more information about Frank and to contact him, visit www.linkedin.com/in/frankkurre/.

In our latest installment of Board Perspectives, we’re discussing the state of ESG around the world. Protiviti Associate Director Alyse Mauro Mason is joined by Rachel Lowe of Proskauer and Matt Toohey of Modern West Advisory.Matt, based in Canada, is the chief sustainability officer for Modern West Advisory. He has close to 20 years of experience supporting corporations with sustainability strategy and reporting. Matt helps companies across the globe to advance their adoption of sustainability.Rachel, based in the UK, is Special Regulatory Counsel at Proskauer. She advises on financial services regulation specializing in sustainable finance and ESG regulation. She has particular expertise in drafting and advising on the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation and the Taxonomy Regulation.Alyse is an Associate Director with Protiviti and helps lead the firm’s ESG and Sustainability practice.Learn more about Rachel and contact her here: www.linkedin.com/in/wattsrachel/.Learn more about Matt and contact him here: www.linkedin.com/in/matt-toohey-66295414/.Learn more about Alyse and contact her here: www.linkedin.com/in/alysemauro/.For further information on this and other sustainability topics, visit www.protiviti.com/esg. We also invite you to read our paper, Sustainability FAQ Guide: An Introduction: www.protiviti.com/us-en/research-guide/esg-sustainability-reporting.

Our Blind Spots in the Boardroom series is focused on critical business issues that can significantly impact an organization’s strategy and operations, particularly those that the board and/or C-suite are not focused on at all or enough.In this episode, host Frank Kurre speaks with digital asset and risk expert Ann Rodriguez for a timely conversation on the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) implications of digital assets and blockchain technology. Their discussion explores critical ESG dimensions. Ann outlines how boards can embed ESG considerations into digital asset strategies. This episode equips board members and C-suite leaders with a strategic lens to assess the ESG impact of digital innovation and ensure responsible, sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving landscape.With more than 40 years of experience in consulting, Kurre guides Protiviti’s global board, CEO and alumni programs. He is also a senior advisor to Protiviti's Global Private Equity and Public Sector (Not for Profit) practices and leads several of the firm's strategic initiatives and accounts. During his career, Kurre has advised more than 200 boards – including many Fortune 1000 companies, Russell 1000 and 2000 public companies – on board governance, finance, financial reporting, internal audit, leadership development, risk management, and strategic planning.Ann Rodriguez is passionate about guiding value creation through aligning business strategy with effective non-financial risk management, focusing on opportunities and risks from change, emerging risks, and known risks. She has extensive global financial services leadership experience with Fortune 100 companies and consulting, managing risks in various industries and navigating complex transformations and regulatory situations. Ann has held leadership roles at Deutsche Bank, GE Capital, Wells Fargo, Wachovia, and Goldman Sachs, focusing on risk management governance and global regulatory considerations. She is currently on the Advisory Board for Metrika and has past board experience with several organizations including Deutsche Bank and the University of Connecticut School of Business. Ann is a published author, frequent industry conference speaker, and former adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut.For further information on this and other relevant topics for the boardroom, visit our Board and C-Suite Leadership insights collection on Protiviti’s website. For information about Ann and to contact her, visit www.linkedin.com/in/ann-rodriguez-a0511310/. For more information about Frank and to contact him, visit www.linkedin.com/in/frankkurre/.

Our Blind Spots in the Boardroom series is focused on critical business issues that can significantly impact an organization's strategy and operations, particularly those that the board and/or C-suite are not focused on at all or enough.In this Episode, host Frank Kurre welcomes Ann Rodriguez, a seasoned executive who brings extensive leadership experience from Deutsche Bank, GE Capital, Wells Fargo, Wachovia, and Goldman Sachs. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of digital assets and their implications for board governance. Their discussion delves into key elements of effective governance frameworks, emerging risk management practices, and strategic opportunities tied to blockchain and tokenization.  This episode aims to equip board members and C-suite leaders with practical guidance to navigate the complexities of digital assets and effectively prepare for the future.With more than 40 years of experience in consulting, Kurre guides Protiviti’s global board, CEO and alumni programs. He is also a senior advisor to Protiviti's Global Private Equity and Public Sector (Not for Profit) practices and leads several of the firm's strategic initiatives and accounts. During his career, Kurre has advised more than 200 boards – including many Fortune 1000 companies, Russell 1000 and 2000 public companies – on board governance, finance, financial reporting, internal audit, leadership development, risk management, and strategic planning.Ann Rodriguez is passionate about guiding value creation through aligning business strategy with effective non-financial risk management, focusing on opportunities and risks from change, emerging risks, and known risks. She has extensive global financial services leadership experience with Fortune 100 companies and consulting, managing risks in various industries and navigating complex transformations and regulatory situations. Ann has held leadership roles at Deutsche Bank, GE Capital, Wells Fargo, Wachovia, and Goldman Sachs, focusing on risk management governance and global regulatory considerations. She is currently on the Advisory Board for Metrika and has past board experience with several organizations including Deutsche Bank and the University of Connecticut School of Business. Ann is a published author, frequent industry conference speaker, and former adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut.For further information on this and other relevant topics for the boardroom, visit our Board and C-Suite Leadership insights collection on Protiviti’s website. For information about Ann and to contact her, visit www.linkedin.com/in/ann-rodriguez-a0511310/.For more information about Frank and to contact him, visit www.linkedin.com/in/frankkurre/.

Our Blind Spots in the Boardroom series is focused on critical business issues that can significantly impact an organization's strategy and operations, particularly those that the board and/or C-suite are not focused on at all or enough. In this episode, Protiviti Managing Director Frank Kurre is joined by Ann Rodriguez to explore the impact of digital assets on corporate governance and strategic planning. Ann highlights critical areas where technology significantly influences corporate practices. They emphasize the importance of board members staying informed about digital assets, extending beyond just the financial sector.Ann is passionate about guiding value creation through aligning business strategy with effective non-financial risk management, focusing on opportunities and risks from change, emerging risks, and known risks. She has extensive global financial services leadership experience with Fortune 100 companies and consulting, managing risks in various industries and navigating complex transformations and regulatory situations. Ann has held leadership roles at Deutsche Bank, GE Capital, Wells Fargo, Wachovia, and Goldman Sachs, focusing on risk management governance and global regulatory considerations. She is currently on the Advisory Board for Metrika and has past board experience with several organizations including Deutsche Bank and the University of Connecticut School of Business. Ann is a published author, frequent industry conference speaker, and former adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut.With more than 40 years of experience in consulting, Frank guides Protiviti’s global board, CEO and alumni programs. He is also a senior advisor to Protiviti's Global Private Equity and Public Sector (Not for Profit) practices and leads several of the firm's strategic initiatives and accounts. During his career, Frank has advised more than 200 boards – including many Fortune 1000 companies, and Russell 1000 and Russell 2000 public companies – on board governance, finance, financial reporting, internal audit, leadership development, risk management, and strategic planning.For further information on this and other relevant topics for the boardroom, visit our Board and C-Suite Leadership insights collection on Protiviti’s website.For information about Ann and to contact her, visit www.linkedin.com/in/ann-rodriguez-a0511310/.For more information about Frank and to contact him, visit www.linkedin.com/in/frankkurre/.

Our topic in the latest episode of Board Perspectives is managing climate risk, featuring a discussion with Matthew Sekol, Kimberly Roscoe and Alyse Mauro Mason on the evolving landscape of climate risk and sustainability.These experts highlight the distinction between acute and chronic climate risks and their impact on businesses, and also emphasize the necessity for companies to adapt and plan for these risks. In addition, they stress the importance of integrating climate risk into business strategies and the role of external evaluation. The conversation also touches on the role of technology and data in managing these risks and the need for boards to hold management accountable for climate risk integration. Finally, the focus turns to the interconnectedness of environmental, social and governance factors in strategic planning.Matthew Sekol is a sustainability global black belt on Microsoft's cross-industry team. He leads Microsoft's Sustainability Partners to help companies understand their challenges through data. In 2024, Matthew released a book called ESG Mindset, a guide for companies to think critically about ESG and take a holistic approach to the business. Matthew also serves on the LP Advisory Committee of Morgan Stanley's Next Level fund, which invests in diverse-led and founded startups.Kimberly Roscoe is a Senior Manager at Protiviti who specializes in risk management, regulatory remediation and climate risk. Kimberly spent over a decade as a bank examiner at the Federal Reserve, obtaining her sustainability and climate risk certificate during that time. She now leverages those experiences to help financial services institutions and public companies improve their overall risk management and understand the upcoming existing and ever-evolving regulations related to climate risk.Alyse is an Associate Director with Protiviti and helps lead the firm’s ESG and Sustainability practice.For further information on this and other sustainability topics, visit www.protiviti.com/esg. We also invite you to read our paper, Sustainability FAQ Guide: An Introduction: www.protiviti.com/us-en/research-guide/esg-sustainability-reporting.

Our Blind Spots in the Boardroom series is focused on critical business issues that can significantly impact an organization's strategy and operations, particularly those that the board and/or C-suite are not focused on at all or enough.   In this episode, Protiviti Managing Directors Constantine Boyadjiev and Todd Pleune delve into the various use cases of AI and its future possibilities. They discuss strategies for leaders to cultivate a culture of curiosity that encourages teams to embrace AI effectively. Tune in to discover high-level machine learning opportunities and large language models that can enhance your daily business operations and automation.Constantine Boyadjiev is the Managing Director at Protiviti, leading the Global Regulatory and Compliance Analytics data science practice. He has extensive experience across industries and has held executive roles in Financial Services and Advisory ventures, building robust risk, fraud management, and analytic enterprise capabilities. Constantine is responsible for designing and delivering Protiviti’s Risk, Fraud, and Compliance Analytics offerings globally. He holds an MBA in Finance from NYU's Stern School of Business and a BS in Applied Math and Statistics, Economics from the University of Stony Brook, and is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and a 3-time IP patent holder in AI & ML.Todd Pleune is a Managing Director at Protiviti, where he leads projects in the Risk and Compliance Analytics solution, specializing in risk modeling and model validation for Credit Risk, Conduct/Compliance, and Market Risk, including classical and machine learning models. He has developed model governance and risk quantification processes for some of the world's largest financial institutions and serves as a subject matter expert for internal audits of model risk management functions.  Todd developed Artificial Neural Network models for his Ph.D. work in corrosion modeling at MIT, where he also minored in Finance and Nuclear Physics, and has extensive experience in validating machine learning credit risk models. Additionally, he is a Financial Risk Manager certified by the Global Association of Risk Professionals.For further information on this and other relevant topics for the boardroom, visit our Board and C-Suite Leadership insights collection on Protiviti’s website.  For information about Constantine and to contact him, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/constantineboyadjiev/. For more information about Todd and to contact him, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-pleune-9961305/.