Most buzzwords are more hype than substance; however, artificial intelligence is a notable exception. AI is in the process of revolutionizing business as we know it, and those who do not keep pace with its advancement could be left behind. 

In the second episode of the Ahead of the Curve Podcast, host Chris Henry examines AI’s impact on the manufacturing sector. He also connects with Ally Witherspoon, the Senior Director of Einstein AI and Analytics at Salesforce, and Tony Kratovil, the vice president for Salesforce Industries’ manufacturing vertical, to obtain insiders’ perspectives on the evolving industry. 

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Episode Highlights Include: 

1:17 — How manufacturing executives can leverage AI to gain deeper insights into their operational data and make well-informed strategic decisions

6:01 — Why fear has slowed adoption of AI in the manufacturing sector and what executives can do to overcome the roadblock it poses

9:07 — What Salesforce’s Einstein AI does to simplify and democratize AI usage for manufacturers

16:28 — Why integrating AI is both an HR and operational priority

Episode Guests:

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Ally Witherspoon-Johnston

Senior Director of Einstein AI and Analytics, Salesforce 

Ally Witherspoon-Johnston is a seasoned Salesforce expert with over a decade of experience in corporate communications and brand marketing. As the Senior Director of Product Marketing for Salesforce Einstein, she spearheaded product messaging and provided an authoritative voice on the product at AI conferences and events. In March of 2020, she accepted a promotion to Vice President of Corporate Messaging at Salesforce.  

Tony Kratovil

VP and Manufacturing Solution Leader, Salesforce

Tony Kratovil is a seasoned executive who knows what it takes to run a world-class IT organization. He has proven himself to be an expert in organizational change management, particularly within the manufacturing sector, and has a track record of delivering multi-year, multi-region supply chain transformation initiatives with benefit cases exceeding $50 million.