The Improving Edge Podcast
A podcast for the innovators at the intersection of technology and AI
Welcome to The Improving Edge Podcast! This is where we have real conversations with real people who are doing the work in technology. We're sharing unique insights, trends, and updates about what is new and exciting in the tech world. Make sure you follow along on Spotify so you don't miss an episode!
Check Out Our Latest Episode
Episode #14 - Beyond the Pipeline: AI, Metadata, and Autonomous Data Systems
In this episode, Michael Slater, VP of Technology at Improving, explores how AI is transforming enterprise data pipelines and accelerating value delivery. Learn why data quality is the competitive advantage in an AI-driven world. Explore how metadata enables AI agents to prioritize the right information for smarter decisions. Understand the evolving role of data engineers as they shift from manual transformation to strategic quality assurance. From food science to cross-functional systems, see how real organizations are automating complex data workflows. Find out why giving AI the right contextual data is the difference between mediocre results and measurable ROI. This conversation reveals the architecture decisions that separate AI implementations that deliver results from those that don't.
Previous Podcast Episodes
Episode #13 - Cognitive Surrender: The Hidden Cost of AI Speed
When AI makes you faster, it's easy to stop paying attention. Don McGreal, author of The Professional Product Owner, breaks down why teams shipping code and strategies they don't understand is becoming the biggest hidden risk in AI-enabled development. Learn why one executive's 14-page AI-generated strategic plan tanked (full of holes and fake details), how ownership gets lost in the pursuit of velocity, and why product managers are more critical than ever. Don covers what AI is actually good at (synthesis, naming, wordsmithing) and where humans can't surrender: strategy, judgment, and accountability. For product managers and decision-makers who need to move fast without moving blind.
Episode #12 - Agentic Commerce: Retail's Next Shift
In this episode, David sits down with Kapil Dabi from Google to talk about why agentic commerce is about to blow up the retail game. Kapil breaks down how AI shopping assistants can cut your customer's shopping journey from 10 clicks down to just 3 or 4, which translates to way more conversions. Whether you're selling clothes, groceries, or jewelry, the conversation covers what you actually need to do right now to get ready for this shift, including getting your product data in shape and building experiences on your own website first.
Episode #11 - The Clarity Multiplier: AI in the Human Loop
Claudio Lassala challenges the "human in the loop" approach to AI, arguing that clarity of intent, rather than code output, is the real productivity multiplier. Learn how to shift your leadership mindset to leverage AI as a partner in human problem-solving, using storytelling and clear vision to drive meaningful results.
