EP. 1 - Tim sanders: Maximizing AI through a business lens
Tim Sanders Bio
Tim leads client strategy at Upwork where he helps businesses implement better ways of working through the adoption of on demand talent solutions. He has more than 25 years of experience working with companies on innovation and change management. In 2024, he was appointed Executive Fellow at the Digital Data Design Institute at Harvard Business School. In that role, his focus is on delivering insights on the “Return on AI” for business leaders.
Tim began his career as an early-stage member of Mark Cuban's broadcast.com and, once acquired, he became the Chief Solutions Officer at Yahoo!. He is also the author of five books, including the New York Times bestseller, Love is the Killer App: How to Win Business and Influence Friends.
show notes
For our first episode we’re welcoming Tim Sanders, the Vice President of Customer Insights at Upwork and a New York Times best-selling author. Tim, recently appointed as an executive fellow at Harvard Business School's Digital Data Design Institute, shares his mission to bridge AI research and practical business applications. We explore the necessity of AI literacy for C-suite executives, strategies to mitigate AI risks, and key metrics for measuring AI success. Tim also discusses his personal approach to staying ahead in the AI field, including his custom GPT tool named TLDR, and the importance of reframing business challenges as prediction problems.
Key topics in this episode include:
How AI can transform business leadership and why it's crucial for modern executives.
Why AI literacy is becoming imperative for C-suite executives to stay competitive.
What "return on AI" means and how to measure AI investments effectively - download McKinsey & Company chart.
How to mitigate risks and identify hidden costs associated with AI implementation.
What key metrics should be used to gauge the success of AI initiatives.
How Tim stays ahead in the fast-paced world of AI through continuous learning.
What resources Tim recommends, including books, podcasts, and academic studies.
How Tim uses his custom GPT tool, TLDR, to digest and annotate information efficiently.
Why connecting with the audience is vital for Tim before speaking engagements.
How reframing business challenges as prediction problems makes AI more accessible.
What insights Tim offers to make AI impactful and clear for business leaders.
How AI application can be tailored to different business contexts and industries.
How Tim customizes his talks based on the specific needs and challenges of each business.
What practical AI strategies can drive significant business growth and efficiency.