Next Steps on Enterprise AI with Ellen Nielsen of Chevron

On The Next Big Question, Evanta’s podcast for C-level executives, we ask one leader a key question on a topic of importance to our community members. In this episode, our host Liz Ramey explores what enterprises should be doing with artificial intelligence with Ellen Nielsen, Chief Data Officer of Chevron. 

It seems like nothing could be a hotter topic than AI this year. Liz kicks off the conversation by asking Ellen how it’s different from other technological advancements and what companies might be challenged by when it comes to implementation. Ellen notes that while there are definitely challenges, “It's nothing different…. When we had a big technology shift in the past, there were challenges coming with it. And the same is happening in AI.”

Ellen outlines the key areas for companies to watch when it comes to AI and specifically, generative AI:

• Data. “AI is only as good as the data provided to it.”
• Talent. “You need people who have a background in this technology and also have the mindset of a lifelong learner.”
• Policy.  “Responsible AI plays a big role. We started that journey a while ago and thought about – what does it mean for us to do this in a responsible, ethical way?”
• Culture. “The kicker is always the culture – everything is adoption. How do you adopt it? How do you use it? Are you using it in the right way?”

On the topic of organizational change and culture and how it intersects with innovation and technology, Ellen goes on to say, “Sometimes you get tired of hearing it, because change management plays a role, people play a role, culture plays a role. But we shift sometimes to the more tangible things and obvious things, which are the technology is there, the process is written down. But, in fact, nothing works if you do not have the people and the culture open to adopting it.”

Liz asks Ellen specifically what C-level leaders should be doing around AI, and Ellen shares that she can see them becoming familiar with the topic, building fluency around it, and trying to understand the impact on their companies. 

While C-level executives are taking it very seriously, Ellen cautions them not to veer too much toward risk aversion to the point of being overtaken by competitors. As she says, “Don't overturn the volume. You have to be careful with the evolution in artificial intelligence, and specifically in generative AI, because the evolution is so fast.”
 

You have to pivot. You have to not be afraid to shut something down and start something new.”
 

“It’s already evolved from January,” she adds. “I don't think that you set something up [with AI], and it will run as such. There is so much velocity and volatility in this topic.” 
 

Ellen Nielsen is the current Chief Data Officer at Chevron – the first to serve in that role. In her 30 years of experience, she has worked in IT, data, procurement and supply chain across multiple industries. At Chevron, Ellen focuses on creating a data-oriented culture partnered with value chain thinking. She oversees Chevron’s data strategy to ensure effective, efficient, and responsible use of data and AI. Ellen is also a Governing Body Member of Evanta’s Houston CDAO Community.

You can listen to Ellen’s full episode here: What Should Enterprises Be Doing with AI? Or, you can also find it on your favorite podcast platform.