E148 ‘Demystifying AI: Practical Applications and Business Integration’ with Google’s Dajana Achelpohl

Today’s guest is Dajana Achelpohl, Head of EMEA Service Management at Google. The discussion focuses on the practical applications of AI in the workplace and to demystify some of the hype around AI, as Dajana shares her insights on integrating AI into business processes.

Dajana explains that while Google is a tech-centric company, her approach is more business-oriented. She emphasises the importance of understanding AI’s capabilities and limitations, comparing generative AI to an enthusiastic intern that needs guidance to produce quality results. Key steps include establishing what AI can and cannot do, determining appropriate data to share with AI, and setting clear problem statements and goals.

A practical example she shares involves using AI to streamline report preparation, reducing the time spent from four hours to one hour per team member. This approach highlights the need for good prompts and clear objectives.

Dajana also addresses different attitudes toward AI adoption within teams, noting the need for education and alignment on AI’s benefits and uses. She highlights the importance of starting with the problem to be solved and choosing the best tool, whether AI or another solution.

Additionally, she mentions the significance of familiarising all team members with AI to ensure everyone understands its potential and limitations. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of AI adoption, including reimagining roles and organisational structures to enhance employee and customer experiences.