On the 47th episode of Enterprise Software Innovators, hosts Evan Reiser (Abnormal Security) and Saam Motamedi (Greylock Partners) talk with Ramesh Razdan, Global CIO & CTO of Bain & Company. Bain & Company is a “Big Three” management consulting firm with 65 global offices, 19,000 employees, and over $8 billion in annual revenue. Bain helps Fortune 500 companies optimize performance, enhance operational efficiency, and implement innovative technology at scale. In this conversation, Ramesh shares his thoughts on how generative AI is transforming Bain, the evolution of the CIO role in the AI era, and how Bain’s clients harness the latest AI capabilities.

Quick hits from Ramesh:

On AI’s exciting potential to enhance security: “I remain to be extremely bullish on where AI can take us. I believe AI as a human oversight can really increase the velocity of our defense. We have to do that. Human beings cannot respond fast enough.”

On choosing which use cases to apply generative AI first: “A famous two by two exercise is to say, ‘What data is available and what value is at stake there?’,  and then plot what's the most valuable data for what you are trying to do. What you don't want is the most complex use case up front because the engine is not warmed up. We need to prove the value.”

On understanding risk and compliance before adopting AI: “ This technology doesn't come with its own sets of risks. It doesn't come with its own set up. You need to establish proper risk and compliance forums. You need to make sure you are in lockstep with legal teams and risk teams. We want to make sure we're training the right way. We want to change the right behavior.”

Recent Book Recommendation: Optimal by Daniel Goleman

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Enterprise Software Innovators is a show where top tech executives share how they innovate at scale. Each episode covers unique insights and stories that will help you succeed as a technology leader. Find more great lessons from tech leaders and enterprise software experts at https://www.enterprisesoftware.blog/ 

Enterprise Software Innovators is produced by Luke Reiser and Josh Meer.