AI in the Wild for the Hospitality Industry w/ Derek Henry CPA, CFE (ExcelEvate & OneStream)

Unlock the transformative power of AI in finance and hospitality! Discover the real differences between generative, agentic, and traditional AI, and learn how to leverage these game-changing tools effectively.Most people are overwhelmed by the AI buzz, mistaking superficial features for true innovation. Derek Henry, a CPA, fraud examiner, and AI educator with over 20 years of experience, reveals how AI is fundamentally reshaping industries, especially accounting, restaurants, and retail, by boosting efficiency, reducing errors, and creating new roles, not replacing them.He shares insights on the buzzwords you need to understand: what makes AI truly impactful versus just trendy. If you're evaluating AI tools or thinking about integrating AI into your processes, this episode will give you the clarity needed to cut through the noise.You'll discover:Why prompt engineering is the new career path and how to master itHow AI thrives on quality data and why a strong foundational data layer is essential for meaningful resultsThe practical ways AI is automating routine tasks in Excel, finance, and restaurant operationsWhat makes agentic AI different, and how it can perform tasks beyond simple queries, like building reports and making decisionsHow to avoid common pitfalls—using AI as a bandaid rather than fixing root problemsWhy humans remain irreplaceable in hospitality: the importance of warmth, human connection, and excellent customer service in an AI-driven worldCritical steps for restaurant operators and finance teams to start their AI journey without getting overwhelmedThis episode is perfect for finance professionals, restaurant owners, and managers eager to harness AI’s potential without the hype. Derek Henry’s insights will empower you to leverage AI responsibly, avoid hallucinations, and create new opportunities for your team, all while maintaining that essential human touch.Derek Henry is a senior solutions consultant at OneStream, a CPA, certified fraud examiner, and AI educator known for making complex topics accessible. His passion for efficiency, accountability, and hospitality shines through as he explains how AI can serve as a powerful ally, if used with purpose and consciousness.Don't miss out on the practical guidance that could redefine your approach to automation, data, and customer experience. Grab the knowledge to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving AI landscape.Reference Tip: Here’s the link to a video of my favorite custom Excel hack: Watch hereCompanies:ExcelEvateOneStreamMusic Licensed Through SoundstripeCode: EMVEXMFCJPAJJGFZ