Shows
AI or DieAudience Q&A: Ethical Enterprise AIOn this episode, our hosts Nick Woo, Rehgan Bleile, and Brendan Kelly return for another audience Q&A episode, providing insight into the ethical implementation of AI systems within the enterprise.The team dives into how to responsibly enhance model performance and evaluate the ROI from generative AI. We also discuss and address questions around automation inside the enterprise. Additionally, we focus on recent AI developments and how these may shape current and future conversations between leaders and their teams.AlignAI LinkedinAlignAI WebsiteAlignAI Instagram2025-06-1148 min
AI or DieOperational AI in Biotech: Lessons from the LabOn this episode, we welcome Scott Brown, an architect at Andelyn Biosciences. Scott has a focus on data flow enablement, operational excellence and innovation to serve analytics and AI.We discuss the critical importance of human-in-the-loop oversight, the evolving role of evaluation frameworks for AI outputs, and the broader shift toward hybrid AI systems that blend generative and traditional machine learning techniques. From building early, low-risk use cases to preparing for more advanced agentic AI applications, we highlight actionable strategies for responsibly scaling AI across industries.Scott BrownAlignAI Linkedin2025-04-2948 min
AI or DieThe New Playbook: AI and Workforce ReadinessOn this episode, we welcome Nan Li, an experienced AI and machine learning leader at Nationwide. Nan shares her insights from years of enabling AI and machine learning adoption within large enterprises, with a focus on workforce readiness, human-AI interaction, and operating model design. We explore how enterprises are evolving to support AI adoption beyond technical teams, highlighting the shift from centralized innovation to more distributed, domain-embedded use. Additionally, we examine the emerging personas within an AI-enabled workforce—builders, users, and protectors—and the cultural and structural changes required to empower each group. From democratizing low-risk use case...2025-03-2439 min
AI or DieThe Next AI Era: Agents & AdoptionIn this episode, we welcome Mike Alvarez, Chief Technology Officer at NeuZeit, a consulting firm specializing in value acceleration, particularly for AI initiatives. Mike shares insights on agentic architectures, their role in automating complex workflows, the evolving landscape of AI governance, and how businesses can balance innovation with structured AI adoption.We explore the challenges and opportunities in AI value acceleration, discussing how enterprises can move beyond experimentation to real, operationalized impact. We also examine key trends shaping AI in 2025, from advancements in AI-driven automation to the growing need for human-centered governance frameworks.Mike Alvarez...2025-02-1947 min
AI or DieEnterprise AI is Evolving: Key TakeawaysThis week, our hosts Nick Woo, Rehgan Bleile, and Brendan Kelly celebrate their 20th episode with a reflection on AI advancements in 2024 and predictions for 2025.In this episode, the team dives into the diverse maturity levels of enterprise AI adoption, from early experimentation to large-scale deployment, the role of executive buy-in, and collaboration between business and technical teams. They highlight the rise of AI agents, growing reliance on data quality, and the shift toward optimization and governance as enterprises consolidate tools and processes. Looking ahead, they predict faster deployment cycles, deeper integration of AI into workflows, and...2025-01-1551 min
AI or DieGoverning AI: Ethics & Impact in HealthcareOn this episode, we welcome Bhavna Mehta, Assistant Vice President of Data and Analytics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Bhavna leads initiatives in data governance, AI governance, analytics, and business intelligence, leveraging her technical expertise and strategic insight to bridge the gap between innovation and practical implementation in healthcare.We explore the critical role of AI ethics and governance in healthcare, focusing on explainability, trustworthiness, and alignment with organizational values. Additionally, we discuss how fostering a culture of data-driven innovation empowers organizations to adopt AI responsibly and effectively. Finally, we examine the transformative potential of AI...2024-12-1048 min
AI or DieListener Q&A: AI Adoption and GovernanceThis week, our hosts Nick Woo, Rehgan Bleile, and Brendan Kelly return for a special Q&A episode, addressing listener questions about AI adoption and governance in large enterprises. They explore how organizations balance AI innovation with practical implementation, focusing on integrating AI into existing systems while managing data privacy and security.The hosts dive into how enterprises can approach AI use case prioritization, weighing internal applications against more complex, customer-facing solutions. They also discuss the shift from building AI in-house to purchasing specialized solutions for greater efficiency. Additionally, they highlight the critical role of governance, including...2024-10-2253 min
AI or DieFinding Truth in AI Generated ContentThis week, our hosts Rehgan Bleile (Avon), Nick Woo, and Brendan Kelly discuss the latest in AI, including AI regulation, synthetic data, and risk management. We discuss the push for watermarking AI-generated content to increase transparency and the challenges of enforcing these regulations. We then cover the risks of using synthetic data repeatedly for training, which can lead to a decline in AI model accuracy and reliability over time.We also dive into how organizations are setting up AI Centers of Excellence (COEs) and councils to better manage AI initiatives and navigate the balance between innovation and...2024-08-2844 min
The Tech TrekFrom Nonprofit to AI Startup FounderIn this episode, Amir interviews Rehgan Bleile, Co-Founder and CEO of AlignAI, about her transition from founding a nonprofit organization to leading a for-profit AI company. Rehgan shares insights into the differences between nonprofit and for-profit ventures, the skills required, and the lessons learned. She discusses the origins and mission of Women In Analytics (WIA), a nonprofit aimed at increasing visibility for women and diverse voices in AI and analytics. She details the challenges and strategies involved in scaling both WIA and AlignAI. Rehgan also talks about her passion for entrepreneurship, the importance of intentionality in business, and the...2024-08-1623 min
AI or DieManaging an AI WorkforceOn this episode, we welcome Kathy Koontz, who currently serves as the Global Head HCLS Data & AI at AWS. Her career includes significant roles at Nationwide, Teradata, and Wells Fargo, where she has focused on embedding core data practices into organizational frameworks.During this episode, we dive into Kathy's expertise, gaining valuable insights for integrating core data fundamentals and practices. We explore how change management is essential for effectively deploying AI across organizations. Additionally, Kathy highlights the significance of understanding the content and quality of unstructured data, explaining that this knowledge is essential for accurately representing and...2024-07-2551 min
AI or DieA UX Perspective on AIThis week, we are joined by Sharybeth Lopez Rojas, a User Experience (UX) designer with a unique background in visual design, graphics, and user interaction. Sharybeth is currently enhancing her portfolio by pursuing a master’s degree focused on design for AI.During this episode, we discuss practical examples of AI-driven design improvements and the future of AI in enhancing user interactions. We explore how AI can help professionals become more efficient by automating routine tasks, allowing them to focus on more complex and creative aspects of their work. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of proper design an...2024-06-2847 min
AI or DieAI Strategy Needs Data StrategyOn this episode, we welcome Maria Villar, a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience as a practitioner in data management and strategy. Maria has spent the last few years of her career working at SAP as the Head of Enterprise Data Strategy and Transformation. She is also a member of the Women Leaders in Data & AI (WLDA) network.During this episode, we dive into her expertise in business data leadership, gaining valuable insights into the key challenges encountered in designing and executing data strategies. We discuss the leaders who are spearheading these initiatives and examine the...2024-05-2848 min
AI or DieThe Impact of AI on TeamsOn this episode, we are joined by Alex Rogozhin, the Senior Director of Artificial Intelligence at Bread Financial. Alex has over twelve years of leadership experience in developing data science and machine learning solutions within the financial services sector. In his current role, Alex empowers high-performing teams to deliver AI/ML solutions that have a direct impact on the business performance.During this episode, we discuss recent data and AI trends, the impact of emerging technologies on AI teams, and AI solutions as products for businesses. We also dive into how teams should evaluate the success and...2024-04-1641 min
ThinkData PodcastS2 | E11 | Helping enterprises get value from AI quickly & safely with Rehgan Avon - Co-Founder & CEO @ AlignAIThis is the ThinkData podcast in partnership with Dataworks, and in this episode, I spoke with Rehgan Avon. Rehgan is the Co-founder and CEO at AlignAI who are a fast-growing startup, set up to tackle one of the hottest topics in the world of AI right now, Governance!Their platform has been set up to ensure that companies are building the right solutions, in the right way!We covered a lot of ground in this episode:Rehgans background and what was the original idea behind AlignAi?What specific challenges does AlignAi tackle?Historically, governance...2024-03-0631 min
Women Lead DataNavigating the Politics of Data Roles with Rehgan Avon of AlignAIIn this episode, I'm joined by Rehgan Avon, CEO and Co-founder of Align AI to learn more about her leadership journey in the data industry. Rehgan is also the founder and former CEO of Women In Analytics, a group she started in 2016 to help increase the representation of women in the data and analytics industry. Rehgan shares more about her career journey, how she started in Engineering, transitioned into the data and ML space, and became the CEO and co-founder of Align AI. We dive deeper into the topics of navigating the politics of data roles and why this...2024-03-0636 min
AI or DieBeyond Code: AI Data & DesignThis week we are joined by Nicolay Christopher Gerold. In this episode, Nicolay (Nico) brings a unique blend of expertise with his rich background in GenAI, NLP, and LLMs. Nico discusses a practical approach to the real-world applications and implications of generative AI technologies. During this episode, we dive into the multifaceted impacts of GenAI, discussing its role in data extraction, the challenges surrounding data governance and privacy, and the significance of synthetic data. Nico offers valuable insights on the future of AI user interfaces and the shift towards specialized AI models by making AI integrations more...2024-02-2648 min
AI or DieAI In 2024: Emphasizing ExecutionOn this episode, our team welcomes guest Cal Al-Dhubaib, Founder of Pandata. The company specializes in AI solutions for high-risk sectors such as healthcare, financial services, and defense. This approach focuses on integrating trust into AI systems, while addressing the unique challenges and restrictions of these sensitive areas.During this episode, we explore the transition from experimental AI projects in 2023 to a more execution-focused approach in 2024, highlighting the shift from innovation to operational budgets. We also cover the complexities of AI in high-risk areas, how best practices for AI safety are being established, and the significant role...2024-01-2945 min
AI or DieAdopting AI for a ROI Ft. Maya MikhailovThis week we are joined by Maya Mikhailov. Maya is the Co-Founder & CEO of SAVVI AI and on a mission to make all companies more competitive to leverage the power of AI and machine learning. The company has created a platform and tool to build, launch, and manage their own purposeful machine learning apps for practical everyday business decisions. The company does this in a responsible, transferable and auditable way that is crucial for enterprises who are leveraging machine learning and AI today.On this episode, we discuss recent data and AI trends, how AI is impacting...2023-12-0648 min
Women in Data PodcastEp.96 Rehgan Avon - Decoding the Hype and Reality of Generative AIDoes Generative AI have the potential to revolutionise your business strategy? In this episode, Karen is joined by Rehgan Avon, CEO of Align AI and founder of Women in Analytics, to discuss Generative AI and how it is affecting data strategies. Prepare to unravel the pros and cons of the hype cycle surrounding Gen AI, as well as how organisations should navigate this landscape by conducting proofs of concept and tackling the task of educating their teams about this groundbreaking technology. Listen to Rehgan talk about how business and AI strategy should not be separated from each other i...2023-11-1530 min
Workmorphis WiredDemystifying Artificial Intelligence with Rehgan Avon, Co-Founder and CEO of AlignAIIn the inaugural episode of Workmorphis Wired, Emily sits down with Rehgan Avon, co-founder and CEO of AlignAI and host of the AI or Die Podcast, to explore the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications for the future of work. Rehgan shares her background and expertise in the AI space, highlighting the importance of understanding human behavior and decision-making in the development of AI technologies.
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Key Topics:
- Exploring the basics of AI and generative AI, demystifying the technology and its applications.
- Understanding the difference between artificial in...2023-11-1550 min
AI or DieData Security for AI Models Ft. Jason MontgomeryThis week we are joined by Jason Montgomery. Jason is an entrepreneur with almost 30 years of combined experience in systems, software, and cybersecurity engineering in the Data and AI space. Over his career he has worked with Fortune 500s, startups, and government agencies (Department of Defense) to specialize on system hardening and application security. He has Co-Founded and served as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at two Ohio startups - making him an influential leader for product and enterprise security, cybersecurity, and generative AI.Currently, Jason is the Co-Founder and CTO of his second startup company: Mantium, which...2023-10-241h 13
Conversations on Applied AIRehgan Avon - Applying Artificial Intelligence to Strategic InitiativesThe conversation this week is with Rehgan Avon. Rehgan is co-founder and CEO at Align AI. Align AI helps AI experts scale their knowledge faster and more effectively within their organization. She was the founder and is now a board member of Women in Analytics, whose mission is to increase the visibility of women making an impact in the analytics space. And provide a platform for women to lead conversations for the advancement of analytical research development and applications. And if that wasn't enough to keep her busy, she is also on the advisory board of OhioX....2023-10-2441 min
Women Of InfluenceRehgan Avon, Co-Founder & CEO, AlignAIRehgan Avon felt the time had come to start her own company. She had been thinking about it for a while, reflecting on the ways artificial intelligence was impacting businesses and the unsolved issues she saw across industries.So she made the jump, putting in her notice and readying for her next phase in February of 2020. Of course, that's when the world changed. The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic made Rehgan one of scores of female business owners who took the dive into entrepreneurship during a seismic shift in the global economy.As part of...2023-10-1325 min
AI or DieAI Strategy & Governance Ft. Salema RiceWelcome back to episode 8. This week we are joined by Salema Rice. Salema is the CEO and Founder of CDO Today. Throughout the course of her career, she has established a decorative portfolio by being a builder, lawmaker, and a strategic driver within the Data and AI space. Salema has been an industry Chief Data Officer (CDO) for almost 20 years and has thrived within the industry for over 25 years.Now, with CDO Today, she finds herself in a Strategic Advisor role, as she works with hundreds of C-Level Executives by creating a "think tank" for CDOs by...2023-09-2550 min
AI or DieAI Strategy & Governance Ft. Salema RiceWelcome back to episode 8. This week we are joined by Salema Rice. Salema is the CEO and Founder of CDO Today. Throughout the course of her career, she has established a decorative portfolio by being a builder, lawmaker, and a strategic driver within the Data and AI space. Salema has been an industry Chief Data Officer (CDO) for almost 20 years and has thrived within the industry for over 25 years. She is on several boards and has spent time as the Chief Data & Analytics Officer, Global Managing Director of Applied Intelligence at Accenture.Now, with CDO Today, she...2023-09-141h 00
AI or DieTreating Data & AI as ProductsThis week Rehgan Avon, Nick Woo, and Brendan Kelly meet in-person to chat about recent news in the data and AI world, along with, several other key topics.We discuss how data has transformed into being a product, rather than a project. Not to mention, how the user experience (UX) can benefit from leveraging data in their flow of work. Many organizations and teams are wondering how to learn from and validate generative AI. We talk about how generative AI is a single component within the large realm of the data and AI ecosystem.We...2023-08-1043 min
Super Data Science: ML & AI Podcast with Jon Krohn698: How Firms Can Actually Adopt A.I., with Rehgan AvonCompany-wide AI adoption can take a lot of persuasion. Rehgan Avon talks to host Jon Krohn about why AI has become necessary for forward-thinking businesses and the steps to implement AI in an institution so that everyone benefits.Additional materials: www.superdatascience.com/698Interested in sponsoring a SuperDataScience Podcast episode? Visit JonKrohn.com/podcast for sponsorship information.2023-07-2127 min
AI or DieScaling MLOps ft. Michael Cavaretta of Ford MotorsThis week we are joined by Michael Cavaretta of Ford Motors. Mike is currently an Analytics Executive in manufacturing at Ford Motors.We discuss scaling MLOps in an organization and delivering capabilities. Not to mention, incorporating models into a critical operation.Many organizations struggle to have business outcomes from implementing MLOps, we discuss how Mike is currently addressing that within his current organization.We teamed up with Ford Motors recently to write a playbook, check it out in our resources.2023-07-0953 min
AI or DieLaw & AI Ft. Carole PiovesanWelcome back to episode 5. This week we are joined by Carole Piovensan. Carole is Managing Partner at INQ Law, focusing her practice on privacy, cyber incident response, data governance, and artificial intelligence (AI) risk management. She regularly counsels clients on a wide range of matters related to privacy, cyber readiness and breach response, data governance, ethical AI, and responsible innovation. On this week's episode, we discuss what she’s hearing from clients around AI & law, use cases, points of concern, big opportunities long term, etc.Google showing you AI-generated ads. How are internet ads going to change with AI?AI Re...2023-05-311h 12
AI or DieLLMs in the Enterprise, Can They Trust Them?This week we are joined by Pete Gordon. Pete has worked with many companies to build NLP solutions. Pete believes that beautiful things happen when Statistics and Software come together on the Internet to bring Automated Inference (AI) and the ideal User Experience. This week we cover topics:Update from Nick at the conference he’s attending in Cincinnati, Ohio.Why are companies avoiding data governance right now?Why Cyber Security should care about AI.Paradigm shift and digital transformation with ChatGPT. How much impact will this have on wo...2023-05-1156 min
AI or DieIs MLOps just hard mode for Data Engineering?Welcome back to AI or Die, episode 3! In this episode, we cover:GDPR violation of ChatGPTWhy companies shouldn't wait to implement AIEmerging Tutorials for DocumentingIs MLOps mostly data engineering? (hot take)2023-04-181h 03
AI or DieIs ChatGPT having AI Hallucinations?Brendan’s Meditation RetreatNew ChatGPT featuresGenerative AI being adopted by companiesAI HallucinationsAre companies avoiding the L and T words?2023-03-3046 minAI or DieJob Titles In Data Are Made UpWelcome to AI or Die's first episode! In this episode, we talk about Brendan's mullet, ChatGPT vs Bard, layoffs in tech, crazy job titles in Data, and much more.2023-03-111h 01
Data & Impact - a Passion2Knowledge ExperienceRehgan Avon | Organizational Data Talent InvestmentOn episode 12 of Data & Impact, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Rehgan Avon, CEO of AlignAI and Co-Founder of Women in Analytics, to discuss organizations investing in their data talent. Diving into Rehgan’s background, we learn how she developed her passion for analytics during the rise of big data analytics. Christian begs the question about the advantages of being a STEM major in the data science space versus someone who may have studied business administration or another non-STEM degree. Also ensuring that you think about how a company’s ecosystem will be conducive to obtain...2023-02-2849 min
Data BytesCareer Advice for Women in Analytics with Rehgan AvonOverview
Rehgan Avon, Co-Founder & CEO AlignAI where she is changing the way companies retain, update, and consume their institutional knowledge around building and using data & AI.
She shares her founder's journey, the struggles and solutions that exist sharing institutional knowledge for AI and how to overcome barriers as a woman in tech.
About Rehgan Avon
Rehgan Avon is the co-founder & CEO of AlignAI, an AI Adoption Platform that is changing the way companies capture, share, and improve institutional knowledge around AI and data across their organization. With a ba...2023-01-1939 min
Data Engineering PodcastIncrease Your Odds Of Success For Analytics And AI Through More Effective Knowledge Management With AlignAISummary
Making effective use of data requires proper context around the information that is being used. As the size and complexity of your organization increases the difficulty of ensuring that everyone has the necessary knowledge about how to get their work done scales exponentially. Wikis and intranets are a common way to attempt to solve this problem, but they are frequently ineffective. Rehgan Avon co-founded AlignAI to help address this challenge through a more purposeful platform designed to collect and distribute the knowledge of how and why data is used in a business. In this episode she...2022-12-3059 min