Every Exec Wants AI. Here’s the Problem

Beth Falder, AVP of Data Management and Analytics at Nuvance Health, joins Amir to unpack a challenge every tech leader is facing right now: how to stay grounded while everything around you accelerates. From navigating the hype around GenAI to dealing with the slow, foundational work of governance and data cleanup, Beth shares how she chooses where to place bets—and what to ignore. This episode is especially valuable for anyone in tech or data leadership trying to make smart decisions amid pressure, noise, and FOMO. What You’ll Learn Why governance isn’t a slowdown—it’s a survival tactic How to prioritize technical investments when vendors are flooding your inbox What data debt looks like in healthcare, and why it's finally being addressed Where GenAI adds real value now—and where it's still too risky Why low-risk back office use cases are the best starting point in healthcare Conversation Highlights [02:10] GenAI meets governance: why clinicians are excited—and why Beth is cautious [05:45] Vendor noise is deafening: how to stay focused when everyone’s pitching magic [08:15] “Data debt” is real: why poor structuring from years ago is now haunting teams [14:05] Budgeting in the age of AI: how to plan for a future that changes monthly [17:15] The clinical vs. back office dilemma: where GenAI should not go (yet) [20:30] Real opportunities in clinical notes—and how big cloud providers are helping Quote of the Episode “It’s exciting. It’s great to see this much engagement. I haven’t been this important for a while. But we can’t do it all. That’s the frustrating part of the whole conversation.” Pro Tips from Beth Start with governance—it builds the credibility needed to push forward new initiatives Focus on tools or platforms that solve multiple problems across departments Leverage vendor innovation selectively, especially when tackling data technical debt Don’t underestimate the value of peer networks in understanding the shifting AI landscape Choose GenAI use cases with patient safety in mind—back office is the best launchpad Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the show and share it with someone leading data or AI strategy in healthcare. And if you’ve got a favorite GenAI use case—or a cautionary tale—drop us a note or find Amir on LinkedIn.