Human Insights & AI: Panel Discussion Recap

In today’s panel discussion on the DATAcated show, I chatted with some of the industry’s most renowned Gen AI and BI leaders about the interplay between data, AI, and human insight in driving business success. 

The conversation began with this question: What is the most important factor for a successful business—data, AI, or human insight?

The consensus from the panel overall is that it takes a holistic approach. However, each expert gave commentary to support their opinion: 

• Steve Nouri, the founder of Generative AI, highlighted the role of human insight in maintaining ethical and responsible AI practices. He said, “AI is spearheading the change, but we always need human insight to maintain ethical practices and ensure responsible AI frameworks."

• Carsten Bange, founder and CEO of BARC, prioritized data as the ultimate competitive differentiator, noting that unique data assets provide significant strategic advantages as technology becomes commoditized. He mentioned that new technology will eventually become available to everyone, but what remains unique to a company is its data and how effectively it can leverage this data.

• Omri Kohl, co-founder and CEO at Pyramid Analytics, said robust data governance and human insight enhance AI's effectiveness, ensuring reliable and actionable outcomes. He mentioned, “If your data is not strict, you face massive problems. AI's potential is best realized when combined with robust data governance and human insight.

Demonstrating the Power of AI: Pyramid’s Demo

A highlight of the session was a demo video showcasing Pyramid's innovative tool, which allows users to interact with data through natural language. We saw firsthand how the tool generates insights without requiring complex commands and makes data analysis more accessible and efficient.

I was really impressed by how easy it was to use the tool. The lingual engine behind it is strong, so you don’t need tech or code experience.

Omri said reactions to Pyramid's tools have been overwhelmingly positive. The demo showcases how access to data insights can be democratized, making analytics accessible to more personas and fostering a data-driven culture.

Carsten said that BARC’s recent survey indicated that natural language interaction is a favorite feature of many companies because it simplifies user interaction with data. Right now, companies are in the early stages of implementing generative AI and BI—with less than 10 percent of companies using it operationally, Carsten said. The leading companies, however, are moving quickly in that direction to gain a competitive advantage.

Omri said Pyramid’s large enterprise clients are most excited about the tool’s capabilities. He thinks this is because efficiency and quick decision-making are crucial in those environments.

Which industries will benefit most?

Steve said the financial services and healthcare sectors stand to benefit significantly from AI  and BI tools like Pyramid’s. These tools will help companies in those industries streamline data analysis, optimize outcomes, and democratize access to data insights. 

Addressing Challenges and Opportunities

The integration of AI in business intelligence presents numerous opportunities but also brings significant challenges that organizations must navigate to ensure successful implementation and utilization. Each panelist provided insights into these challenges:

Data Privacy, Security, and Regulatory Compliance

Carsten’s research revealed that the major challenges in implementing generative AI and BI solutions include data privacy, security, quality, regulatory compliance, and the need for adequate expertise.

“Organizations must address these issues to ensure successful adoption," he said.

Omri said Pyramid's platform is designed to address these challenges by providing a highly secure and governed environment. 

He said, “Our tools support stringent data governance and compliance measures, which are crucial for clients in highly regulated industries such as healthcare and finance."

Lack of Know-How and Expertise

Carsten said his research found that many organizations struggle to integrate AI into their existing processes and leverage its capabilities effectively. This knowledge gap can hinder the successful adoption of AI technologies. The complexity of AI technologies can be daunting, especially for organizations that do not have a dedicated analytics team.

Steve said, “This is where tools like Pyramid can play a crucial role by simplifying the interaction with data through natural language processing, thus reducing the barrier to entry and enabling more users to benefit from AI insights."

Creating a Data-Driven Culture

Building a data-driven culture is essential for organizations looking to leverage the full potential of data, AI, and human insight. A data-driven culture fosters an environment where data is at the core of decision-making processes, enabling more accurate, efficient, and impactful business outcomes. During the panel discussion, the experts emphasized the importance of cultivating such a culture and shared their insights on how to achieve it.

Steve said that even the best AI tools can fall short without a data-driven culture. Carsten seconded this by saying, “A strong data culture is crucial for generating and utilizing human insights. For data to be effective, organizations need to have a mindset that values and understands the importance of data.”

Continuing the Conversation

Stay up to date with these panelists by following their LinkedIn pages: 

Steve Nouri, founder of Generative AI

Carsten Bange, founder and CEO of BARC

Omri Kohl, co-founder and CEO at Pyramid Analytics

Want to see the replay? Check it out here.