What happens when one of America's most cutting-edge research labs puts AI to work protecting the very discoveries it's designed to accelerate?

In this episode of the AI First Podcast, Jon Herstein, Chief Customer Officer at Box, sits down with Jesse Henning, Library and Information Manager at Argonne National Laboratory, one of the U.S. Department of Energy's premier research institutions. Jesse digs into how Argonne is using AI to accelerate scientific discovery, from streamlining document review and publication workflows to helping researchers surface insights across thousands of technical reports.

Learn how they're balancing the immense potential of AI with rigorous governance, protecting sensitive research from being scooped, and navigating national security and export control requirements. Jesse also discusses the evolving role of research librarians as AI stewards, the importance of keeping humans in the loop, and how a deeply ingrained safety culture at Argonne is shaping responsible AI adoption across the lab.

Key moments:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:30) The real tension between accelerating discovery with AI and controlling what's exposed
(02:57) What Argonne National Laboratory actually does
(04:15) How Argonne makes research publicly available through the DOE
(05:05) The role of a research library in a national lab
(05:12) Using Box Hub RAG to analyze 300 technical reports instantly
(06:35) Handling hallucinations and why "right enough" isn't good enough in science
(07:51) How AI is freeing librarians to focus on harder, unsearchable questions
(10:51) The travel policy chatbot: a real-world, non-hype AI win
(14:46) AI-assisted document review for national security and export control
(16:47) Amplifying signal-to-noise so expert reviewers focus on actual risk
(17:31) How Argonne uses AI for content governance without losing human context
(20:53) What separates AI experiments from true production deployments
(23:14) Top-down vs. bottom-up AI experimentation and why both are happening
(26:04) The "key turning in the lock" moment that makes AI believers out of skeptics
(26:46) Which AI pilots deserve to survive and why curation is the deciding factor
(29:46) Why librarians were always the original AI stewards

How do you balance the endless potential of AI with the need for strict control?

In this episode of the AI First Podcast, Jon Herstein, Chief Customer Officer at Box, sits down with Jeff Chambers, VP of IT Technology at WongDoody an Infosys Company, a global creative technology company. Jeff digs into how WongDoody is using AI to drive innovation, from automating workflows to enhancing digital marketing strategies for global brands.

Learn how they’re balancing the power of AI with strong governance, ensuring security and privacy while embracing new technology. Jeff also discusses the challenges of scaling AI responsibly, the importance of a human-in-the-lead approach, and the impact of AI on their internal culture and processes.

Key moments:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:04) Jeff Chambers introduces himself and WongDoody

(01:15) What breaks first when scaling AI across an organization?

(01:36) Security and privacy as the primary failure points in enterprise AI adoption

(02:25) The tension between enabling AI experimentation and enforcing governance

(02:47) How WongDoody follows Infosys's ISO 42001 framework to vet AI models

(03:50) Zero trust as the foundation for AI governance and scaling

(04:20) What's allowed, what's restricted, and how it's enforced across geographies

(04:31) Using Box Enterprise Advanced to deploy AI on data in a deliberate, controlled way

(05:49) Managing AI credits, usage tracking, and preventing uncontrolled spend

(05:57) Treating AI credits as an R&D expense and benchmarking models against each other

(08:07) What most organizations are underestimating about AI right now

(08:12) The missing strategy: experimentation lifecycle, change management, and sustained iteration

(09:07) The challenge of model deprecation and the need to continuously maintain AI solutions

(09:35) Why WongDoody recommends against prematurely customizing or fine-tuning models

(10:27) The first controls CIOs need before moving AI from experimentation to production

(10:49) Strategy, change champions, zero trust environments, and defining KPIs

(12:03) Protecting sensitive content in an AI-powered enterprise environment

(12:11) Restructuring user permissions and content access as the foundation for safe AI deployment

(13:13) How AI agents inherit user permissions — and why that creates risk

(14:14) Securing API gateways and monitoring all access points in AI-connected systems

(14:29) Is the concept of zero trust evolving in the age of AI agents?

(14:34) The gap between current AI governance tools and what's actually needed

(15:33) The case for AI agents having built-in guardrails, like employee security training

(15:53) Treating AI agents like new staff — they need training, oversight, and boundaries

(16:26) Defining responsible AI at WongDoody

(16:29) Vetting LLMs for privacy, security, regulatory compliance, and data residency

(17:57) Has AI delivered tangible business value beyond experimentation?

(18:11) Real outcomes: RFP processing, text-to-image generation, and design iteration

(19:53) Unpacking the "human in the lead" concept vs. human in the loop

(20:30) Why continuous human oversight — not just final approval — is essential with AI tools

(21:26) Jeff's most controversial take: the ethical and environmental cost of AI

(21:37) Data centers, energy consumption, and the responsibility of governments and companies

(22:14) Are solutions coming for AI's environmental impact?

(22:53) Closing thoughts and takeaways

Ready to see how AI is revolutionizing the construction industry?

In this episode of the AI First Podcast, Jon Herstein, Chief Customer Officer at Box, speaks with Colin Stoner, Chief Innovation and Information Officer at NOVO Construction, about the cutting-edge ways AI is reshaping operations on the job site and in the office. From automating tedious tasks like processing certificates of insurance to improving coordination across multiple teams and projects, Colin explains how technology is driving efficiency and reducing manual workloads.

Learn about NOVO Construction's innovative approach to digital transformation, how they're using AI to streamline construction workflows, and the importance of balancing human expertise with AI capabilities. Colin also shares his insights on overcoming skepticism, embracing change, and building a culture that thrives on new technology.

Key moments:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:58) Colin’s early thoughts on AI and its potential in business settings

(03:01) Administrative pain points and using AI to process certificates of insurance

(04:17) Searchability, system of record, and tying COIs back to projects

(06:04) Check processing, lien releases, and Box Sign automation

(07:45) Job security fears and how AI frees people for higher-value work

(09:09) Knowledge sharing between sites, partners, and the office

(09:28) Moving project content to the cloud and improving governance

(09:54) Building a knowledge graph to connect project records and Box files

(11:14) AI-powered search, answers, and source-based retrieval across project docs

(11:58) Security, permissions, and project-level access control

(13:14) Change management and adapting to AI with patience

(16:06) Why teams should keep experimenting as AI improves

(17:06) Colin’s thoughts on how AI could shape construction in the next 3–5 years

(18:54) Advice for peers: lay the right foundation

(20:56) Security, integration, and using AI carefully

(21:40) Rapid-fire: AI value, culture, and enterprise readiness

Many are confusing AI adoption with AI access.

In this episode of the AI First Podcast, Jon Herstein, Chief Customer Officer at Box, speaks with Peter Mulford, EVP and Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at BTS, and Ranjit Pookkottil, Global Head of Global IT and Compliance at BTS about the real journey of AI adoption in enterprise environments. Peter and Ranjeet share their firsthand experience navigating the complexities of integrating AI, overcoming resistance, and driving meaningful change within organizations.

They discuss how AI can alter workflows, from boosting operational efficiency to redefining business outcomes, while emphasizing the importance of trust, governance, and clear communication to make AI a sustainable part of the business transformation process.

Key moments:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:21) Discussing AI adoption versus access with Ranjeet and Peter.
(04:01) AI’s impact on professional identity and team behavior.
(05:34) AI's operational impact in sales, especially CRM and workflow improvements.
(07:59) Key ingredients for scaling AI: clarity, humility, and rapid learning loops.
(10:24) The importance of clarity in problem definition and measurable goals.
(13:06) Embedding AI into workflows for tangible, measurable change.
(15:02) Balancing AI governance with innovation speed.
(18:41) The risks of late governance and the need for early intervention.
(21:27) Data sensitivity and managing cross-client contamination risks.
(23:03) How top-down leadership can stifle innovation in AI adoption (jazz analogy).
(26:42) Deciding whether to scale, pivot, or kill an AI initiative.
(28:54) Closing thoughts

AI is turning what was once theoretical into transformative real-world solutions.

In this episode of the AI First Podcast, Jon Herstein, Chief Customer Officer at Box, speaks with Annie Baymiller, Global CIO and Executive VP at Owens Corning, about the company’s journey into AI-driven transformation. Annie shares how Owens Corning is using AI to streamline operations, improve manufacturing processes, and create a culture of continuous learning and innovation. She zooms into the strategies for overcoming resistance, building scalable AI initiatives, and embedding AI across the organization to drive business value and growth.

Key moments:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:17) Annie Baymiller’s background and her role at Owens Corning

(03:02) The shift in IT from a utility to a transformative business driver

(04:17) Exploring AI’s impact on industrial companies

(06:29) Leading change at Owens Corning and the importance of AI integration

(09:02) The groundswell of AI ideas and innovation from within Owens Corning

(11:17) Focus on digitizing R&D and integrating technology in manufacturing

(16:37) Deciding when to build or buy AI solutions

(19:37) Organizing AI governance: community of practice and responsible AI

(22:17) Advice for other CIOs in traditional industries adopting AI

(26:56) Closing remarks

AI is more than a tool. It’s a catalyst for what humans can achieve.

In this episode of the AI First Podcast, Jon Herstein, Chief Customer Officer at Box, sits down with Jake McCoy, Chief Operating Officer at RWS Global, to discuss how leveraging AI with purpose can unlock new efficiencies, boost creativity, and elevate human performance across enterprises. From streamlining operations to enhancing creative processes, Jake shares the lessons and principles that guide RWS in turning AI into a true business enabler.

Key moments:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:22) Jake McCoy's background and role at RWS Global

(04:43) The potential of AI in improving operations and enabling creativity at RWS

(05:46) The necessity of AI in large-scale operations to ensure consistency and mitigate risk

(07:11) Starting with AI in operations to eliminate friction before tackling creativity

(08:22) Addressing challenges in managing decades unstructured content

(09:44) How AI can assist with compliance checks in the cruise industry

(12:08) The importance of maintaining human oversight in AI-assisted processes

(16:25) Why clear communication and developing policies around AI usage is vital

(21:40) How business teams contribute to improving operational workflows through AI

(23:53) "AI for everyone" approach and how to foster broader adoption within the company

(26:13) Leadership responsibility in driving AI integration and maintaining trust

(28:24) Governance around AI tools: shared access and authority to ensure proper use

(30:15) Importance of incorporating guardrails into AI workflows to avoid mistakes

(34:37) Data readiness and the importance of getting the content structure and hygiene right before applying AI

(35:52) Lessons learned about AI implementation and the need to earn the right to automate

(39:44) The future of AI in content management and the implications for industries

(47:34) The role of experiences in evaluating AI impact on both employees and clients

(48:44) Change management tips: building a safe environment for AI adoption across the business

The future of AI is about autonomous agents taking charge.

In this episode of the AI First Podcast, Box Chief Customer Officer Jon Herstein sits down with Beena Ammanath, Executive Director at the Deloitte AI Institute, to explore the shift from AI systems that assist us to AI agents that act on our behalf. They discuss how AI agents are reshaping industries, the vital role of governance in ensuring trust and transparency, and why it’s essential for leaders to prepare for the coming wave of AI-driven autonomy.

Deloitte’s Deloitte's 2026 AI report tracking adoption and impact
https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/what-we-do/capabilities/applied-artificial-intelligence/content/state-of-ai-in-the-enterprise.html

Key moments:

(00:00) Introduction to AI Reliability

(02:12) Beena’s career background and experience in AI

(03:37) Challenges of applying AI in different industries

(04:55) Beena discusses her books and their focus on AI

(05:43) Trustworthy AI: Emphasis on reliability and transparency

(07:17) Zero Latency Leadership and its relevance

(07:49) Deloitte's AI institute and annual AI reports

(08:52) The slow pace of applied AI adoption vs. technology development

(10:03) Failed AI projects and the importance of user adoption

(11:11) Importance of proactive planning for AI adoption

(11:47) Human-led AI: The need for human involvement in AI decision-making

(12:45) AI in healthcare and the importance of trust

(14:16) Building AI that operates beyond human reliability

(15:45) AI’s mistakes and the potential scale of errors

(16:05) The rise of physical AI and humanoid robots

(19:04) Day one approach: Rethinking business processes from scratch

(22:14) Driving AI fluency and literacy within organizations

(25:41) Incentivizing AI adoption among employees

(27:03) Real-world example of AI tool adoption failure and solution

(29:51) Comfort with AI and its non-replacement of jobs

(30:30) AI enabling tasks previously too cost-prohibitive

(31:43) The importance of both top-down and bottom-up AI efforts

(33:06) Internal hackathons and AI engagement at Deloitte

(35:44) AI governance: How to handle model changes and accountability

(37:10) Importance of company-wide governance for AI

(47:04) Setting a north star for AI value metrics

(50:45) Prediction on AI being seamless without explicit labeling

(51:02) Closing thoughts on AI's future in the enterprise

AI is scaling human expertise like never before.

In this episode of the AI First Podcast, Box Chief Customer Officer Jon Herstein sits down with E.A. Rockett, Adobe's Vice President and Legal CTO, to explore how AI is empowering experts across industries by providing the structure and tools to scale their knowledge. They discuss Adobe's unique approach to AI innovation, including the powerful "A-through-F" framework for evaluating AI use cases and the vital role of ethics in creating a trusted AI foundation.

Key moments:

(00:00) The best prompter for AI is AI itself

(00:34) Introduction to the AI First Podcast with Jon Herstein and E.A. Rockett

(02:14) E.A. Rockett explains his role and the concept of being a legal CTO

(03:23) Motivation behind blending legal expertise with AI innovation at Adobe

(04:23) Accelerating iteration and scaling AI to personalize solutions

(05:32) Adobe’s posture on AI innovation and balancing risks

(06:23) The journey with Firefly and creating safe, licensed models for customers

(07:15) Introduction of the A through F framework for AI governance

(09:01) Internal process for submitting AI use cases for evaluation

(10:09) Creating an enabling, not restrictive, environment for AI use

(11:33) Balancing creativity during hackathons with governance in AI use

(11:56) The role of ethics in Adobe's AI framework

(13:06) Ethics being integrated throughout AI projects, not just at the end

(14:20) Discussing where Adobe draws the line on AI use cases

(16:24) AI’s role in retaining talent and keeping employees engaged

(18:18) Attracting A players by providing access to cutting-edge AI technology

(21:06) The GIFTS framework: scaling expert knowledge through AI

(23:23) Using AI to create expert-level solutions even for non-experts

(29:36) Emerging hybrid roles due to AI, especially in legal and compliance fields

(32:33) Challenges in training junior employees while using AI

(34:06) Overcoming resistance in launching AI projects at Adobe

(42:39) AI unlocking scale in legal and compliance fields

(44:22) Filtering through AI to focus on relevant information

(46:47) Addressing AI risk and AI’s role in supporting human creativity

(50:14) Advice for CIOs and legal leaders behind on AI readiness

(53:30) Closing thoughts on the future of AI and its intersection with legal and tech

(59:04) How Adobe measures success of AI initiatives based on user engagement