First CDO Magazine SoCal Leadership Dinner Spotlights Practical Uses of AI

CDO Magazine's Southern California Leadership Dinner on September 9, provided a compelling forum for data, analytics and AI executives to examine the practical uses of AI in enterprises. 

The discussions focused on business and risk management use cases, and MLOps:

• How AI is being leveraged to automate routine processes and improve efficiency in areas like customer service and underwriting

• The impact of AI on risk management, including fraud detection and compliance

• The importance of MLOps in executing successful AI strategies, and whether its implementation is more influenced by software, people, or a combination of both.

Das Dasgupta, Starbucks Chief Data Analytics Officer, shares his experience at the event: “When multiple industry leaders meet to discuss pressing needs and use cases of AI, they add up quickly with several outside the box ideas, and make the experience richer. We all came out of the discussions a bit more informed. Ideating together helped us push ourselves out of our comfort zone.” 

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“Tonight's session will be a moment to remember for sure!” says Greg Townsend, AltaMed SVP and Chief Data & Analytics Officer. “There are many chapters I have lived through in my career with regard to this digital golden age. Spending time with my colleagues discussing this current chapter of proliferation of AI across all industries will be a milestone in my career.”

Manish Agarwal, Skechers VP, Data & Analytics, adds that in the era of AI, addressing data security, ethics, and model biases is not just a necessity but a responsibility. “By effectively managing these risks, we can harness the true potential of AI while ensuring fairness, transparency, and trust in our digital future.”

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For Manzoor Mohideen, Pacific Life AVP, Enterprise Data Strategy, Data Architecture, Governance, Risk & Compliance, engaging with fellow data and analytics leaders during the executive session “highlighted AI's tremendous potential to transform business capabilities, elevate customer experiences, enhance operational efficiency, and scale impactful solutions across the organization.”

A key highlight for Monica Kedzierski, Herbalife, VP, Global Data, Analytics & AI, was the deep dive into the challenges of transforming the healthcare industry, focusing on how data can be leveraged to create meaningful, measurable impacts on people's health and lives.

Kedzierski describes the event as “exceptionally well-executed, with an impressive atmosphere that fostered in-depth and insightful conversations.” She elaborates, “It was remarkable to see how discussions among CDOs have shifted toward a more strategic focus on driving impact and measuring what truly matters. The evolving conversations emphasized the importance of using data not just for operational efficiency, but to make a real difference in outcomes."

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From his perspective, Steve Bangsund, CDO Magazine Senior Director of Programs, says, "We are thrilled to have the inaugural Southern California CDO Leadership community come together for a great evening of networking and discussions around the ‘practical uses of AI.’ This is an outstanding CDO community of data, AI, and analytics leaders that are committed to each other and focused on growing together. It’s an honor to be in the room with so many great leaders and practitioners for the first time in Southern California.”

Ahmed Quadri, ThoughtSpot Chief Customer Officer, sums up the event: "A dynamic gathering of cross-industry data and analytics leaders sparked lively discussions on the successes of AI in customer service, risk management, and decision-making effectiveness. However, challenges around data quality, governance, and the ethical application of AI remain, alongside a clear need to improve AI literacy to make these technologies more accessible across organizations."

Special thanks goes to ThoughtSpot, RSM, and Incorta for their partnership in making the event a success.

*Das Dasgupta, Greg Townsend, Manish Agarwal, and Manzoor Mohideen are Co-Chairs of the Southern California Executive Board. Monica Kedziersk is a member of the Southern California Executive Board. All are members of the CDO Magazine Global Editorial Board.

Executives attending the Southern California Leadership Dinner included: 

Sai Achuthan, Integra Connect VP, Data Science and AI; Manish Agarwal, Skechers USA VP, Data, Analytics & Insights; Savitha Anantharaman, Bank of America SVP, Data & Analytics; Patrick Chen, MLK Health Sr. Director, Business Intelligence, Growth & Accountable Care Enterprise; Jeff Dang, Integra Connect Chief Data Officer; Anja Dang, Sony SVP, Global Audience Analytics, Data Science, Business Insights; Das Dasgupta, Starbucks Chief Data & Analytics Officer; Swapnil Neil Jadhav, Neology Chief Digital Officer; Laleh JafarianDehkordi, Accertify Lead Technical Architect; Jack Jeng, Mattel Director, Data; Monica Kedzierski, Herbalife VP, Global Data, Analytics & AI; Saydulu Kolasani, Fisker SVP, Chief Digital, Information & Technology Officer; Vinod Kushawaha, Bank of Hope VP, Data Governance; David Lin, GIA CISO; James Lin, Experian Information Solutions Head, AI/ML Innovation; Majoni Maumbe, Harrison Street Head, Data Analytics & Architecture; Jerry McGlynn, Revelyst Head, IT & Analytics; Manzoor Mohideen, Pacific Life AVP, Enterprise Data Strategy, Data Architecture, Governance, Risk & Compliance; Vijay Panati, County of Los Angeles Probation Department Acting CIO; Siva Periasany, Fisker Director, Data; Mohammad Pourhomayoun, California State University Los Angeles Professor, AI & Data; Prachi Priya, former Team One Chief Data & Analytics Officer; Ghada Richani, Bank of America Managing Director, Data Technology Strategy & Project Management Office; Jay Tomkins, Thrive Market Head, Data; Greg Townsend, AltaMed SVP & Chief Data & Analytics Officer; Sophie Wang, Nordstrom Director, Data Science & Analytics; Robbie Beyer, RSM US Director, Data & AI; Ravi Bodla, RSM Director; Lillian Buziak, RSM Strategic Business Alliance Sales; Rachel Fagut, ThoughtSpot Enterprise Account Executive; Julia Park, ThoughtSpot Revenue Executive; Matt Miller, Incorta Transformation Advisor, Data & Analytics; Ahmed Quadri, ThoughtSpot Chief Customer Officer; Steve Bangsund, CDO Magazine Sr. Director, Programs; Franklin Kessler, CDO Magazine SVP, Program Management.