Ready to see how AI is revolutionizing the construction industry?

In this episode of the AI First Podcast, Jon Herstein, Chief Customer Officer at Box, speaks with Colin Stoner, Chief Innovation and Information Officer at NOVO Construction, about the cutting-edge ways AI is reshaping operations on the job site and in the office. From automating tedious tasks like processing certificates of insurance to improving coordination across multiple teams and projects, Colin explains how technology is driving efficiency and reducing manual workloads.

Learn about NOVO Construction's innovative approach to digital transformation, how they're using AI to streamline construction workflows, and the importance of balancing human expertise with AI capabilities. Colin also shares his insights on overcoming skepticism, embracing change, and building a culture that thrives on new technology.

Key moments:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:58) Colin’s early thoughts on AI and its potential in business settings

(03:01) Administrative pain points and using AI to process certificates of insurance

(04:17) Searchability, system of record, and tying COIs back to projects

(06:04) Check processing, lien releases, and Box Sign automation

(07:45) Job security fears and how AI frees people for higher-value work

(09:09) Knowledge sharing between sites, partners, and the office

(09:28) Moving project content to the cloud and improving governance

(09:54) Building a knowledge graph to connect project records and Box files

(11:14) AI-powered search, answers, and source-based retrieval across project docs

(11:58) Security, permissions, and project-level access control

(13:14) Change management and adapting to AI with patience

(16:06) Why teams should keep experimenting as AI improves

(17:06) Colin’s thoughts on how AI could shape construction in the next 3–5 years

(18:54) Advice for peers: lay the right foundation

(20:56) Security, integration, and using AI carefully

(21:40) Rapid-fire: AI value, culture, and enterprise readiness

Many are confusing AI adoption with AI access.

In this episode of the AI First Podcast, Jon Herstein, Chief Customer Officer at Box, speaks with Peter Mulford, EVP and Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at BTS, and Ranjit Pookkottil, Global Head of Global IT and Compliance at BTS about the real journey of AI adoption in enterprise environments. Peter and Ranjeet share their firsthand experience navigating the complexities of integrating AI, overcoming resistance, and driving meaningful change within organizations.

They discuss how AI can alter workflows, from boosting operational efficiency to redefining business outcomes, while emphasizing the importance of trust, governance, and clear communication to make AI a sustainable part of the business transformation process.

Key moments:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:21) Discussing AI adoption versus access with Ranjeet and Peter.
(04:01) AI’s impact on professional identity and team behavior.
(05:34) AI's operational impact in sales, especially CRM and workflow improvements.
(07:59) Key ingredients for scaling AI: clarity, humility, and rapid learning loops.
(10:24) The importance of clarity in problem definition and measurable goals.
(13:06) Embedding AI into workflows for tangible, measurable change.
(15:02) Balancing AI governance with innovation speed.
(18:41) The risks of late governance and the need for early intervention.
(21:27) Data sensitivity and managing cross-client contamination risks.
(23:03) How top-down leadership can stifle innovation in AI adoption (jazz analogy).
(26:42) Deciding whether to scale, pivot, or kill an AI initiative.
(28:54) Closing thoughts

AI is turning what was once theoretical into transformative real-world solutions.

In this episode of the AI First Podcast, Jon Herstein, Chief Customer Officer at Box, speaks with Annie Baymiller, Global CIO and Executive VP at Owens Corning, about the company’s journey into AI-driven transformation. Annie shares how Owens Corning is using AI to streamline operations, improve manufacturing processes, and create a culture of continuous learning and innovation. She zooms into the strategies for overcoming resistance, building scalable AI initiatives, and embedding AI across the organization to drive business value and growth.

Key moments:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:17) Annie Baymiller’s background and her role at Owens Corning

(03:02) The shift in IT from a utility to a transformative business driver

(04:17) Exploring AI’s impact on industrial companies

(06:29) Leading change at Owens Corning and the importance of AI integration

(09:02) The groundswell of AI ideas and innovation from within Owens Corning

(11:17) Focus on digitizing R&D and integrating technology in manufacturing

(16:37) Deciding when to build or buy AI solutions

(19:37) Organizing AI governance: community of practice and responsible AI

(22:17) Advice for other CIOs in traditional industries adopting AI

(26:56) Closing remarks