Crunchbase CRO Ann Davis on the pressure to show ROI from AI

Crunchbase CRO Ann Davis on the pressure to show ROI from AI

Author: The Agile Brand July 10, 2026 Duration: 23:00

What if the biggest obstacle to AI-driven ROI isn't the AI itself, but everything you’re feeding it?

Agility requires not just the speed to adopt new technologies like AI, but the clarity to recognize when foundational elements, like your data strategy, must be fixed first to unlock true potential.

Today, we're going to talk about the intense pressure on revenue and marketing leaders to demonstrate ROI from AI. We’ll explore the counterintuitive idea that simply chasing 'better AI' is a distraction, and that the real gains come from addressing the foundational data gaps that plague most organizations.

To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Ann Davis, Chief Revenue Officer at Crunchbase.


About Ann Davis

Ann Davis is the Chief Revenue Officer at Crunchbase, where she leads global sales strategy and drives adoption of the company’s AI-powered predictive intelligence solution. With more than 30 years of experience scaling enterprise sales teams at high-growth SaaS companies, Ann brings deep expertise in data analytics, customer engagement, and revenue growth. She joined Crunchbase from Google Cloud, where she led sales for data analytics solutions—including BigQuery and Vertex—across multiple U.S. regions. Prior to that, she was Vice President of Sales at Looker, playing a key role in expanding its enterprise business ahead of its acquisition by Google. At Crunchbase, Ann is focused on helping customers unlock the power of AI-driven market insights to anticipate shifts and act faster.


Ann Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anndavis3/


---------- Resources ----------


Crunchbase: https://www.crunchbase.com


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Each conversation on The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström®: Expert Mode Marketing Technology, AI, & CX moves beyond surface-level trends to explore the practical realities of modern marketing. Host Greg Kihlström guides discussions with executives and thought leaders from prominent brands and technology platforms, focusing on the tangible strategies that drive growth. You’ll hear detailed explorations of topics like the real-world adoption of AI, the construction of effective first-party data strategies, and the evolving landscape of customer experience. This podcast is built for leaders who need to translate complex technological shifts into sustainable business value and deeper customer relationships. Rather than offering quick fixes, these episodes provide a deeper understanding of how to integrate marketing technology, artificial intelligence, and customer-centric thinking into a cohesive strategy. The dialogue consistently centers on building customer lifetime value, ensuring that every technological investment contributes to long-term brand strength. If you're looking for a clear, expert-level analysis of what actually works in today's market, this series delivers substantive insights directly from the professionals shaping the industry.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström® | What CMOs Need to Know About Marketing Technology, AI & CX
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