Ep. 146 - Google & Walmart: AI-Powered Retail Evolution

AI is moving so fast that pretending you “have it handled” is the quickest way to fall behind. I’m joined by Erika McCourt, a Google account executive dedicated to Walmart, for a grounded conversation about what actually matters when technology, expectations, and careers are all changing at once: integrity, curiosity, and the discipline to follow through.We talk about how Erika navigates the Google Cloud and Walmart ecosystem day to day, from sitting with teams to understand what’s not working to matching the right cloud computing, data, and AI capabilities to real business problems. She shares how a growth mindset helps you push through imposter syndrome, why it’s okay to say “I don’t know” if you come back with answers, and how being humble and prepared leads to better questions and faster progress.We also dig into the big moves shaping the future of work and retail. That includes Google’s major West Memphis, Arkansas data center investment, what data centers have to do with the AI boom, and why training matters as much as infrastructure. We cover Walmart’s focus on upskilling and reskilling associates, plus the shift from AI that informs to agentic AI that takes action, including Walmart’s emerging agent strategy. Erica closes with a practical challenge: try AI in your personal life first, build confidence, then bring those efficiencies into your workplace.If you found this useful, subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of business, talent, and technology, share this with a colleague, and leave a review so more people can find the show.