At its exclusive Executive Boardroom Dinner at the Buckhead Club in Atlanta November 6, CDO Magazine hosted top data, analytics, and AI leaders for an engaging evening of connecting and collaborating on the timely topic of “Operationalizing AI: How Data Leaders are Turning Innovation into Impact.”

Participants explored how analytics organizations are evolving, emphasizing the importance of embedding trust, transparency, and governance into generative AI initiatives. They also shared real-world examples of data-driven innovation delivering measurable business value, and outlined strategies to upskill teams and foster a culture of AI adoption. The group discussion was moderated by Scott Parsons, ThoughtSpot SVP, Sales.

Karthik Ramasamy, Guardian Industries Chief Analytics Officer, enjoyed the “energizing conversations with industry leaders in data, AI, and analytics” at the event. Sharing his experience, he says, “We compared playbooks for identifying high-potential AI talent and reskilling both technical and business teams, anchored in strong business partnerships. We also discussed strategies to move beyond pilots and build enterprise-wide capabilities that create sustained, long-term value.”

Building on that, Sammi Li, Flagstar Bank Head, Client Insights & Analytics, highlights: “It was a fantastic turnout — a great mix of familiar faces and new peers. The conversations were energizing, especially hearing how different organizations are operationalizing AI in real, measurable ways. We compared approaches to GenAI adoption, aligning innovation with governance, and transforming analytics teams for the future.”

Li points out that, across industries, there’s a growing urgency to rethink the status quo — from how organizations structure data to how they create value. “M&A activity, re-orgs, and new operating models continue to reshape the landscape, and it’s encouraging to learn how leaders are navigating change while pushing toward the next level of impact,” she adds.

Echoing the importance of disciplined execution, Imtiaz Juneja, Macy’s Director, Enterprise Data Analytics, says, “Transforming AI innovation into tangible business impact extends beyond mere proofs of concept and pilot projects. It necessitates a robust operational discipline. Data leaders are advancing GenAI adoption by enhancing team skills and establishing clear governance standards. Trust and transparency in AgenticAI hinge on well-defined frameworks, measurable metrics, and stringent accountability.”

Tracy Daniels, TEVA Pharmaceuticals VP,  Data, Analytics & AI, adds, “I appreciate the unexpected human connections that were made including mutual appreciation for a wonderful mentor and a surprise neighborly connection.”

According to Lexy Smith, CDO Magazine Program Director, “It was a pleasure connecting with so many inspiring data and AI leaders at CDO Magazine’s Executive Boardroom Dinner. The conversations were energizing and insightful — a powerful reminder of how collaboration and shared vision continue to drive innovation in our industry.”

Summing it up, moderator Parsons says, “It was inspiring to see how data and analytics leaders are turning AI ambition into action—anchoring innovation in governance, business value, and trust. The discussions reinforced ThoughtSpot’s vision for Agentic AI: empowering every person to interact with data naturally and drive smarter decisions. Events like this with CDO Magazine remind us how collaboration and clarity of purpose are shaping the future of AI.”

Special thanks to ThoughtSpot for their partnership in making the event a success.

*Karthik Ramasamy and Tracy Daniels are members of the CDO Magazine Global Board.

Executives attending the CDO Magazine Atlanta Executive Boardroom Dinner included: 

Andrew Abner, Travelers Director, Software Engineering, AI Accelerator; Tracy Daniels, TEVA Pharmaceuticals VP,  Data, Analytics & AI; Selma Dogic, Carter’s Director, Analytics COE; Trevvour Garner, Southern Company Gas Manager, Innovation & Development; Sudipto Ghose, former Equifax VP, Master Data, Enterprise Data, Analytics & AI; Siddharth Goyal, MiTek Director, Artificial Intelligence; Imtiaz Juneja, Macy’s Director, Enterprise Data Analytics; Pravin Kakaraddi, Inspire Brands VP, Data Engineering; Sammi Li, Flagstar Bank Head, Client Insights & Analytics; Ronald Menich, Catalina VP, Advanced Analytics & Data Science; Karthik Ramasamy, Guardian Industries Chief Analytics Officer, Data & Advanced Analytics Leader; Adrian Tatsch, Equifax VP, AI Technology & Innovation; Chen Tiryaki, Morgan Stanley VP, Analytics AI & Data Tech; Kenneth Viciana, Total System Services VP, Global Data & Analytics Products; Rich Wise, Macy’s Director, Master Data Management; Keri Karlsen, ThoughtSpot Enterprise Account Executive; Kris Lefebvre, ThoughtSpot Area VP, Enterprise Sales; Scott Parsons, ThoughtSpot SVP, Sales; John Roeder, ThoughtSpot Enterprise Account Executive; Anthony Losanno, CDO Magazine SVP, Sales; and Lexy Smith, CDO Magazine Program Director.