Funding Agentic AI in HR Without Losing Control - with Carey Smith of Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Funding Agentic AI in HR Without Losing Control - with Carey Smith of Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Author: Daniel Faggella March 6, 2026 Duration: 14:36
Today's guest is Carey Smith, Former President and CIO of XcelerateHealth and Chief Technology Innovation Officer (CTIO) of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. XcelerateHealth is a health-tech startup and business unit of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, focused on AI-driven digital products to transform healthcare insurance experiences. Carey joins Emerj's Nick Gertsch to discuss how leaders can structure talent and workforce AI so decisions are consistent, reviewable, and aligned with organizational controls. Smith also shares practical steps for tightening decision rights, improving data readiness, and designing workflows where AI accelerates hiring and mobility without increasing risk. This episode is sponsored by Eightfold AI. Learn how brands work with Emerj and other Emerj Media options at go.emerj.com/partner

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Hosted by Daniel Faggella, The AI in Business Podcast cuts through the technical jargon to focus on what matters for leadership. This is a conversation for executives and decision-makers who know artificial intelligence is a strategic imperative but need clarity on how to actually integrate it. The focus is squarely on identifying real-world opportunities, ensuring AI projects align with broader business goals, and ultimately demonstrating a tangible return on investment. Rather than theory, each episode delivers grounded insights through interviews conducted by Emerj's research team with top AI practitioners. Their guests come directly from the trenches of major Fortune 2000 companies and pioneering unicorn startups, sharing firsthand accounts of what works. You'll hear specific use-cases, emerging trends, and the often-overlooked best practices that separate successful adoption from costly missteps. This podcast provides a direct line to the actionable knowledge needed to make informed, confident decisions about where and how to apply AI in your organization. It’s an ongoing resource for any leader looking to move beyond the hype and translate capability into concrete business advantage.
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