Applied Intelligence

Hosted by Imteaz Ahamed

Business

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Dec 2025

Language

About the show

At the intersection of AI, people, and getting stuff done.

Listen to episodes

21 recent

December 8, 2025Episode 191 hr 12 min

Why Data Clean Rooms Are the Future of CPG and Media Collaboration

What do data clean rooms really do—and why should every CPG leader care? In this episode of Applied Intelligence , I sit down with Puneet Gangrade—one of the leading voices in privacy-enhancing tech and data clean room adoption. We unpack how clean rooms are transforming everything from retail media to supply chain visibility, and why every brand, publisher, and platform needs a long-term clean room strategy. Puneet also breaks down: How clean rooms evolved from pharma to ad tech The hidden role of cryptography and trust engineering Non-media use cases (QSR, loyalty, inventory, finance, CPG) Why the real challenge isn’t tech—it’s politics, intent, and trust What it takes to scale clean rooms (hint: org design and full-time owners) The future intersection of AI + privacy—and what to watch out for This is a must-watch if you care about data-driven growth, privacy, and cross-party collaboration. Timestamps: 00:00 – The Hidden Revolution Behind Data Clean Rooms 02:10 – What Clean Rooms Really Do (And Why Everyone’s Confused) 06:20 – Privacy Meets Personalization: The Cryptography Shift 10:30 – How Amazon Quietly Opened the Clean Room Floodgates 15:00 – The Wildest Use Cases: From QSRs to Airlines 24:50 – Building Trust Without Sharing Data 31:00 – The Question That Determines Every Clean Room’s Value 35:00 – The Politics No One Talks About in Data Collaboration 40:00 – Turning a Pilot Into a Scalable Clean Room Engine 46:00 – Why Clean Rooms Are Replacing CDPs 52:00 – The One Skill Every Modern Marketer Needs 56:00 – How Reallocating Spend Drove 10% Extra Revenue 1:02:00 – Why Every Cloud Platform Is Rushing to Build Its Own 1:08:00 – The Tension Between AI and Privacy That Keeps Puneet Up 1:16:00 – The Rule That Defines the Future of Data Collaboration 🎙️ Guest: Puneet Gangrade , LiveRamp ⁠My Social Watch the Full episode ⁠ here .

September 29, 20253 min

CPG Media’s AI Tipping Point: Strategy, Automation, and the Next 12 Months

I break down where retail media is headed—and why AI agents, owned ad accounts, and centralized data are now non-negotiables for CPG brands.

July 14, 2025Episode 181 hr 18 min

Why Most AI Strategies Fail—and What Execs Must Do Differently

Most execs operate on “vibe knowledge.” Here’s how to lead AI transformation with clarity and speed. What do executive decision-making, eCommerce innovation, and AI implementation all have in common? They’re often guided by gut feel—rather than data. In this episode of Applied Intelligence , Chris Perry (Chief Learning Officer, firstmovr) and Oskar Kaszubski (Chief Growth Officer, firstmovr) pull back the curtain on what’s really holding companies back from meaningful change. We go deep on: The difference between core knowledge vs. vibe knowledge Why retailers need to stop treating AI like it’s magic The “Fourth Mover” strategy that may actually be smarter than being first What makes AI operationally useful instead of just shiny How retail media is breaking org structures—and what to do about it Why incremental KPIs are killing transformation What we can all learn from eCommerce’s last 15 years (aka the “training ground”) Whether you’re a CPG exec, AI optimist, or digital transformation skeptic, this conversation is a must-listen. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 03:12 – Retail media is an operating model, not a channel 12:00 – Want change? Change what you measure 17:18 – Vibe knowledge vs. core knowledge in the C-suite 26:05 – The AI treadmill is speeding up 33:00 – Why AI didn’t fail—you did 53:51 – We don’t have 15 years to figure this out 1:16:24 – The last 15 years was just training 🎙️ Guests : Chris Perry & Oskar Kaszubski, firstmovr My Social Watch the Full episode here .

June 13, 2025Episode 1739 min

The AI Mistake That Killed a Healthcare Project with David Norris

In this episode of Applied Intelligence , I speak with David Norris, CEO of Infinitus Systems, about what happens when healthcare AI is “almost right”—and why that’s not good enough. We dive into how AI is helping burned-out doctors reclaim their time, how trust is built through background mode, and why some healthcare incumbents won’t survive the next 5 years. If you care about building ethical, scalable, human-centered AI—especially in high-stakes industries like health—this episode is a must-listen. 00:00 – Welcome and intro to David Norris 00:45 – Is AI burnout real in healthcare? 02:00 – Automating the clinical inbox and freeing doctors’ time 03:50 – Using ChatGPT to analyze job candidate feedback 06:00 – Training AI to understand thousands of lab results 08:00 – The difference between speed and impact in healthcare 09:20 – “AI won’t replace doctors, but…” 10:30 – The moment David knew AI was ready for medicine 12:00 – When 80% accuracy is dangerous: A failed AI rollout 14:00 – Why healthcare needs deterministic AI, not probabilistic guesses 15:30 – What is background mode, and why it builds trust 17:15 – Instant relief: Inbox load cut in half 18:00 – Patients getting lab responses in minutes, not days 20:00 – Making providers superhuman 21:30 – What legacy healthcare companies don’t understand about AI 24:00 – The UX pain of hospitals: Lag, delay, and context switching 25:45 – “We eliminate clicks before they happen” 27:00 – Real-time briefings for providers before they enter a room 28:15 – Why selling AI to hospitals is brutally hard 29:40 – Gaining trust in AI: Small pilots, not big promises 30:30 – What regulation is helping—and what’s hurting innovation 32:00 – The most important value: Transparency with patients 33:00 – David’s story: Why he built this company 34:15 – Dogs in the office and leadership lessons from cycling 35:40 – The book he’s gifting: The Brothers (Van Halen bio) 36:30 – Where to connect with David 🎧 Watch the full episode also on Youtube → https://youtu.be/IyzrDSJhCD8 My Social → https://linktr.ee/imteaz Guest Social → https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidnorris430/

February 19, 2025Episode 1643 min

How AI is Revolutionizing CPG: Insights from Industry Leaders

In this episode, I sit down with Sri Rajagopalan to delve into the transformative power of AI in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. We talk about how AI is reshaping media buying, content creation, and talent development, while also addressing volume challenges and the need for responsible AI practices. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why generative AI is the next industrial revolution. How retail media and data clean rooms are driving efficiency. Why CPG companies need to rethink team structures for AI integration. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction: Welcome to the Applied Intelligence & CPG Podcast 3:14 - AI and the Promise of Agentic Transformation 6:13 - Absorbing E-commerce into Sales & Marketing: Pros & Cons 12:46 - Why E-commerce Talent Faces Limited Career Paths 18:42 - AI’s Role in Media Buying & Content Creation 24:04 - How AI Can Solve Volume Challenges in the CPG Sector 31:13 - Responsible AI and Governance in Media & Content 38:40 - Structuring Teams for AI Success in CPG 44:12 - Final Thoughts: The Future of AI in CPG Follow the Applied Intelligence Podcast for more insights on the intersection of technology and business!

February 7, 2025Episode 1538 min

Generative AI, Data Science & Leadership Insights with Tanika Gupta

Welcome to this insightful episode of the Applied Intelligence Podcast, where Imteaz Ahamed interviews the inspiring Tanika Gupta from Sigmoid. Join us as we explore the intersection of innovation, data, and leadership in the ever-evolving world of AI. 🎙️ In this episode, Tanika shares her unique perspectives on: ✔️ Generative AI: Why it's revolutionizing the industry and how to harness its potential. ✔️ Problem-Solving: Building impactful solutions for fraud detection, demand forecasting, and more. ✔️ Leadership: Empowering teams and fostering inclusivity in the workplace. ✔️ Life Lessons: Parallels between long-distance running and tackling complex challenges in data science. 🚀 Whether you're a tech enthusiast, business leader, or aspiring data scientist, this episode offers practical advice and fascinating stories to inspire your journey. 📖 Key Moments & Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Tanika Gupta 02:00 – The 5 Chapters of Tanika’s Life and Career 07:15 – Transformational Data Science Solutions: Insights from AmEx to Sigmoid 14:00 – Bridging the Gap: Business Needs and Data Science Teams 21:30 – Diversity in Tech: Building Inclusive Teams and Ethical AI 28:00 – Generative AI: Real-World Use Cases and Challenges 34:15 – Personal Productivity Tips: Running Marathons & Tackling Data Science 40:00 – Advice for Aspiring Women in Data Science 44:00 – Closing Thoughts and Where to Connect with Tanika 📲 Watch now to dive into Tanika’s journey and discover actionable strategies for leveraging AI and driving innovation! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more enriching conversations. 🔗 Learn more here: https://shorturl.at/CWnQS Tanika Gupta Social Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanika-gupta-78242423/ My Social: linktr.ee/imteaz Watch the full Podccast: https://youtu.be/ine9SMgFgDE Listen to the full Podcast: https://shorturl.at/CWnQS Subscribe to my newsletter: appliedintelligence.beehiiv.com/subscribe Applied Intelligence: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@imteaz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/analytics/newsletter/urn:li:fsd_contentSeries:7058063714679152640/ #GenerativeAI #DataScience #Leadership #MachineLearning #Innovation #InclusionInTech #AI #Podcast #AppliedIntelligence #TechTalks #WomenInSTEM #ProductivityHacks #GenerativeAIApplications #ArtificialIntelligence

January 22, 2025Episode 141 hr 5 min

Why Most Digital Transformations Fail (And How To Fix Them) | Mark Adams

Welcome to the latest episode of the Applied Intelligence Podcast, where Imteaz Ahamed sits down with the incredible Mark Adams to explore the crossroads of innovation, leadership, and human culture. 🎙️ In this episode, Mark shares thought-provoking insights on: ✔️ Digital Transformation: Why culture matters more than technology in driving change. ✔️ ADHD as a Superpower: How it fuels creativity, opportunity spotting, and innovation. ✔️ Human Needs: The key to building meaningful products and brands that resonate. ✔️ Leadership Lessons: Strategies for navigating the modern state of nature in business. 🚀 Whether you're a business leader, marketer, or innovator, this conversation is packed with wisdom and actionable strategies to inspire your journey. 📖 Key Moments & Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Mark Adams 02:10 – The 5 Chapters of Mark's Life: From ADHD to Innovation 10:35 – "Making it up as you go": Usher’s liberating insight 16:50 – Human Needs as the Foundation of Innovation 22:30 – Why Digital Transformation is Cultural Transformation 30:12 – ADHD as a Superpower: Spotting Breaks in the Game 38:45 – Productivity Tips for ADHD and Contracting with Yourself 45:20 – Social Media’s Evolution and the Role of AI 52:15 – Leadership Lessons for Driving Transformation 1:03:00 – Democratizing Digitization: How Companies Can Innovate Inclusively 1:10:50 – Final Thoughts: The Power of Networks and Empathy 📲 Watch now and explore Mark’s unique take on leadership, empathy, and transformation! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more engaging discussions. 🔗 Learn more here: youtu.be/uR31HGLrKMM Mark Adam Social Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/markadams-topvoice/ My Social: linktr.ee/imteaz Watch the full Podccast:https: www.youtu.be/uR31HGLrKMM Listen to the full Podcast: Subscribe to my newsletter: appliedintelligence.beehiiv.com/sub

October 15, 2024Episode 1341 min

Is Disruption Always the Answer? The Future of Brands and AI

In this exciting episode of Applied Intelligence , host Imteaz Ahamed is joined by tech innovator David Shing . Together, they dive deep into career-changing moments, the adoption of groundbreaking technology like AI, and the creative strategies that drive today’s digital transformation. 🚀 Key Topics Covered : David’s 5-Chapter Life Story (includes a near-death experience!) Tech Trends: What’s hot and what’s not How to balance creativity with data-driven decisions Building a career that spans multiple disciplines (you are the polymath!) 🎧 Timestamps: 00:00:18 – Welcome and introduction to David Shing 00:01:09 – Chapter 1: David’s early life and the significance of number 8. 00:01:26 – Chapter 2: The car accident that shaped his resilience. 00:01:51 – Chapter 3: The shift in graphic design and his breakthrough at AOL Europe. 00:03:43 – Predicting technology trends: Why it's harder than ever. 00:04:57 – Metaverse vs. ChatGPT: Key differences in tech adoption. 00:07:16 – How to identify trends before they explode. 00:08:47 – Creativity vs. data: The art of balancing the two. 00:14:07 – You don’t own your brand: Democratizing brand identity. 00:16:22 – Being a polymath: Why it’s crucial in today’s world. 00:19:10 – David’s best advice for managing career pivots. 💥 Hit play NOW before everyone else gets the jump on these insights! Watch the full Podccast: https://youtu.be/GOmDB2Y9cTU Subscribe to my newsletter: appliedintelligence.beehiiv.com/subscribe My Social: linktr.ee/imteaz David Shingy Social Website: www.shingy.com/ Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/shingy/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/shingerviews Facebook: www.facebook.com/theshingy Instagram: www.instagram.com/davidshingy/

August 29, 202451 min

Navigating the Challenges of AI and Recruitment

Jonathan Taylor Miller, Director of Taylor-Miller Ltd., delves into his journey as the owner of a recruitment firm, stressing the importance of cultural fit and the limitations of AI in the hiring process. He highlights the significance of understanding company culture, maintaining authenticity, and advocating for diversity and inclusion. Jonathan emphasizes the gap between companies' diversity claims and their actual practices, calling for a reform in hiring managers' attitudes and behaviors. He believes that evolution, valuing time, and authenticity are key to attracting the right talent and driving change. Key Takeaways: Cultural fit is vital for a candidate's success. AI can't replace the value of human connections in recruitment. Understanding company culture is essential when placing candidates. Authenticity and focusing on quality build a strong reputation. True diversity in hiring requires fundamental changes in company practices. Companies must value time, evolve, and be authentic to drive change. Chapters: 00:00 - Sociology degree led to unfulfilling HR career. 05:32 - Pushing through exhaustion, realizing inner strength. 08:12 - Building a fulfilling life requires hard work. 10:10 - AI streamlines recruitment for small firms. 16:02 - Business success hinges on strong culture. 16:48 - Networking defines business culture understanding. 21:34 - Recruitment focused on numbers, not value. 24:09 - Discrepancy between company talk and actions on diversity. 28:29 - Need for fundamental changes in hiring practices. 29:42 - Recruiting outside CPG for innovation. 34:39 - Disengaged workforce and talent loss in big CPGs. 38:23 - Companies retracting on remote work trend. 39:27 - Importance of in-person interaction for career success. 43:26 - Dismissive attitudes toward progress in life. 46:22 - Adaptability and authenticity are key for success. 49:51 - Take action without overthinking—just do it. Watch the full Podcast: https://youtu.be/Yvnu3XfUW_U Subscribe to my newsletter: https://lnkd.in/e5VtgV2f My Social: https://linktr.ee/imteaz Jonathan Taylor-Mille'r Socials: Linkedin: / jonathantaylormiller Instagram: / jtaylormillerltd Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jtaylormiller... Website: https://taylormiller.co.uk/

June 12, 2024Episode 1151 min

The Evolution of Leadership and Innovation with Steve Dennis

Join Imteaz Ahamed as he delves into the profound insights and experiences of Steve Dennis, a distinguished figure in the realms of retail and leadership. In this episode of Applied Intelligence, Steve shares his journey through personal challenges and professional triumphs, discussing his thoughts on transformational leadership and the necessity for innovation in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Dive into a discussion that spans the intricacies of corporate leadership, the impact of technological disruption, and the profound personal growth that defines a true leader. Timestamps & Main Ideas: 00:36 - Steve's early life challenges and career beginnings. 01:05 - Career exploration and finding personal drive. 03:10 - The importance of extracurricular activities and gaining affirmation. 05:20 - Lessons from leadership roles in traditional retail giants. 07:09 - Adapting to the new world order and the impact of digital transformation. 10:44 - The seven mind leaps for future leadership success. 13:30 - The challenge of communicating complex ideas in traditional settings. 16:50 - Personal revelations and the decision to leave corporate leadership. 19:17 - Balancing rapid transformation and strategic development. 27:44 - Encouraging innovation within a corporate structure. 41:42 - The importance of customer focus and understanding market segments. 52:28 - Personal productivity hacks and the influence of mindset on leadership. Watch the full Podcast: https://youtu.be/teXi3kIuPbk Subscribe to my newsletter: https://lnkd.in/e5VtgV2f My Social: https://linktr.ee/imteaz Steve Dennis Social: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenpdennis/ Website: https://stevenpdennis.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpdennis/