How do you respond when your boss or board asks “What's our AI strategy?” In this episode, Lena Reinhard talks with Daniel Paulus, VP of Engineering at Checkly, about developing a pragmatic approach to AI initiatives that creates real value while avoiding the pitfalls of hype-driven development.
Daniel shares his experience leading AI initiatives and provides actionable insights for engineering leaders, including:
How to identify genuine problems AI can solve vs. solutions looking for problems
Ways to validate and experiment with AI solutions while containing risks and costs
Practical considerations around compliance, privacy, and security
Strategies for managing team excitement and maintaining focus on core deliverables
Tips for evaluating AI technologies and building initial proofs of concept
Whether you're facing pressure to "do something with AI" or genuinely exploring how AI could benefit your organization, this episode provides a practical framework for moving forward thoughtfully rather than just chasing the latest trend. Lena and Daniel discuss how to balance innovation with pragmatism, and share specific approaches for validating AI initiatives before making major investments.
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Chapters
00:00 Navigating the AI Landscape
02:48 Understanding AI Strategy
06:07 Identifying Real Use Cases for AI
08:49 Building an AI Strategy
12:05 Feasibility and Risk Assessment
14:56 Finding AI Expertise
18:08 Developing Proof of Concepts
21:04 Budgeting for AI Initiatives
23:55 Compliance and Ethical Considerations
27:11 Managing AI Risks
29:59 The Future of AI in Business
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