Home Podcasts The Lean AI Podcast presented by Eric Ries
The Lean AI Podcast presented by Eric Ries

The Lean AI Podcast presented by Eric Ries

Lean Startup Co 18 Episodes Jun 12, 2025

The Lean AI Podcast, hosted by Eric Ries, aims to transform the conversation around artificial intelligence by focusing on practical applications and real-world challenges. Each episode features guests who provide disruptive perspectives and actionable strategies for implementing AI using Lean Startup methodologies. The podcast offers insights into how companies can effectively integrate AI into their operations.

Episodes

From Data to Dollars: Building Practical AI in Large Organizations
From Data to Dollars: Building Practical AI in Large Organizations Jun 12, 2025 2229 In this episode of The Lean AI Podcast, host Ben Hafele is joined by Siddarth Anand from Royal Bank of Canada. Together, they explore the critical gap between business leaders and technologists in AI initiatives, the importance of starting with business problems rather than technology, and how to build cross-functional teams that deliver real value through strategic prioritization and execution.
How to Lead in the Wild West of AI with Philip Chew
How to Lead in the Wild West of AI with Philip Chew May 29, 2025 2430 In this episode of The Lean AI Podcast, host Ben Hafele is joined by Philip Chew, a veteran technologist with experience building platforms at financial companies since the 1990s. Together, they explore Philip's unique approach to leading AI transformation in large corporations, including his portfolio management methodology, the importance of breaking down professional silos, and why this technol
Best practices for Corporate AI transformation with Adam Newton
Best practices for Corporate AI transformation with Adam Newton May 15, 2025 2790 In this episode of The Lean AI Podcast, host Ben Hafele is joined by Adam Newton, AI transformation leader with experience at EON, Danone, and Amazon. Together, they explore the critical difference between problem-focused and technology-focused AI initiatives, the importance of strategic speed over operational speed, and practical frameworks for securing funding and scaling AI projects.
Avoid "Burning Star Syndrome" using Smart AI Investment Strategies with Kunal Sawarkar
Avoid "Burning Star Syndrome" using Smart AI Investment Strategies with Kunal Sawarkar Apr 24, 2025 2344 In this episode of The Lean AI Podcast, host Ben Hafele is joined by Kunal Sawarkar, Chief Data Scientist and Distinguished Engineer at IBM. Together, they discuss practical strategies for embedding AI into products successfully, including Kunal's "burning star syndrome" approach to AI investment, the importance of customer-focused problem solving, and building the right talent composition for AI
How to Get Senior Leadership Buy-In and Alignment with Supreet Kaur
How to Get Senior Leadership Buy-In and Alignment with Supreet Kaur Apr 10, 2025 2350 In this episode of The Lean AI Podcast, host Ben Hafele is joined by Supreet Kaur, AI professional at Microsoft. Together, they discuss strategic approaches for securing leadership buy-in for AI initiatives, the importance of aligning AI with business problems, and how to effectively communicate AI progress to maintain momentum and support from executives.
Cultivating AI Use Cases to Move Beyond 'Magical Thinking' with Chris Reitz
Cultivating AI Use Cases to Move Beyond 'Magical Thinking' with Chris Reitz Mar 27, 2025 2049 In the first episode in Season 2 of The Lean AI Podcast, host Ben Hafele is joined by Chris Reitz, a seasoned product management professional and AI educator. Together, they discuss the importance of cultivating AI use cases through problem-focused approaches, avoiding "magical thinking" in AI initiatives, and making strategic small bets rather than overinvesting in uncertain outcomes.
The Future of Innovation: AI & Lean Startup with Eric Ries
The Future of Innovation: AI & Lean Startup with Eric Ries Dec 19, 2024 3197 In the dynamic season #1 finale of The Lean AI Podcast, host Ben Hafele is joined by Eric Ries—bestselling author of The Lean Startup and The Startup Way, and creator of the transformative Lean Startup methodology. Known for redefining how companies innovate, Eric shares actionable strategies to develop AI-powered solutions that drive real impact. This conversation explores critical topics like t
Data Is The New Oil with Mike Hollinger
Data Is The New Oil with Mike Hollinger Dec 3, 2024 2361 In this episode of The Lean AI Podcast, host Ben Hafele is joined by Mike Hollinger, Distinguished Engineer at IBM and President of the Austin AI Alliance. Together, they explore the critical importance of understanding user intent, leveraging organizational data effectively, and avoiding common pitfalls in AI implementation.
Top Episode of 2024: Leveraging AI for Transformative Results with Chris Withers
Top Episode of 2024: Leveraging AI for Transformative Results with Chris Withers Nov 28, 2024 2087 In this episode of The Lean AI Podcast, host Ben Hafele is joined by Chris Withers, a seasoned leader known for his transformative roles in data and AI at BT Group, EY, and IBM. Together, they discuss deploying AI tools to enhance productivity and spearhead initiatives, the challenges of collecting "ground truth" data, and the value of testing assumptions early.
Implementing Lean AI Practices for Successful Innovation with Christina Mongan
Implementing Lean AI Practices for Successful Innovation with Christina Mongan Nov 14, 2024 1788 In this episode of The Lean AI Podcast, host Ben Hafele is joined by Christina Mongan, Global Director of AI Practice at Unisys. Together, they discuss driving successful AI transformation in large organizations. Christina shares insights on prioritizing business outcomes, creating a human-centered approach to AI, and avoiding common pitfalls in AI adoption.
Navigating AI Governance Frameworks with Dr. Meeta Vouk
Navigating AI Governance Frameworks with Dr. Meeta Vouk Oct 31, 2024 1902 In this episode of The Lean AI Podcast, host Ben Hafele is joined by Dr. Meeta Vouk, AI Product and Strategy Leader. Together they discuss essential strategies for executives navigating AI, including the importance of starting with clearly defined problems, establishing robust governance frameworks, and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
A 4-Step Approach for Developing AI Use Cases with Mike Schubert
A 4-Step Approach for Developing AI Use Cases with Mike Schubert Oct 17, 2024 2182 In this episode of The Lean AI Podcast, host Ben Hafele is joined by Mike Schubert, Vice President of Technology at Unum. Together, they discuss Mike’s four-step framework for successful AI initiatives, the importance of grounding AI efforts in real business needs, and the value of learning from both successes and failures.

Recommended