AI Through the C-Suite Lens: A Dialogue

The CEO Perspective: Framed by Three Priorities

• Drive revenue
• Reduce costs
• Ensure compliance and mitigate risk

This two-way dialogue will explore how C-Suite leaders view AI's impact on their strategic agenda, focusing on:

• Enhancing or protecting revenue through AI-driven product innovation
• Realizing cost savings and operational efficiencies
• Managing risks related to security, market disruption, bias, and unforeseen expense

Winston Benedict was most recently the Chief Information Officer at ACV Auctions, bringing CIO and CTO experience across industries including advertising, automotive, pharmaceuticals, utilities, aerospace, professional services, and transportation. A lifelong cyclist and alpine skier, he graduated from the University of California, Davis, and grew up in the Lake Tahoe–Reno–Carson City area. He now lives in Ann Arbor with his wife and two children.

Matters for Dialogue

AI for the C-Suite: Focus on Value

• Prioritize business problems and ROI over tech details. AI vs Automation.
• Start small—lower cost, easier wins.
• Highlight impact on customer/employee experience and cost reduction.
• Execs expect real savings—often via headcount reduction.
• Address social impacts proactively.

CIO Watch outs:

• AI needs strong data foundations—past tech failed without it.
• Public model risks: IP, data privacy, legal rights.
• Model transparency—AI risks mirror human ones.

Evaluation & Cost:

• Traditional: requirements → specs → review.
• AI: tasks → roles → model fit.
• Costs: compute, tokens, usage-based pricing.

Deploying AI:

• Don’t just replicate human workflows—reimagine them without human limits.

Pizzas and sodas will be provided by Ann Arbor SPARK to keep the energy up!
Whether you’re a student, researcher, entrepreneur, or hobbyist, everyone interested in AI/ML is welcome.
P.S. Stay connected between meetups on our Discord: https://discord.gg/jc66nmmMGS