Overcoming the Context Gap in Enterprise AI
- 45 minutes watch
Author: This video features the complete CDOIQ panel discussion led by Mark Johnson on how cross-industry executives are architecting data environments to supply AI with domain-specific context.
High-performing AI models require far more than massive volumes of data – they require deep, domain-specific contextual understanding. Without the right business context, active metadata, and operational guardrails, even the most advanced AI models fall short when moving from pilots to enterprise-scale execution. This panel discussion from the CDOIQ Symposium provides a candid conversation with cross-industry data executives on how top enterprises are bridging the “Context Gap.”
Key Takeaways
- What Breaks at Enterprise Scale: Why AI pilots succeed easily but fail when moving to full operational scale
- The “Context Gap” Defined: Why models aren’t the problem – access, metadata, and business domain context are
- Identity & Access for AI Agents: How security, governance, and identity models must evolve when agents act on behalf of humans
- Bridging Data Silos: Overcoming fragmented architectures with overarching semantic layers and knowledge graphs
- Capturing Tribal Knowledge: How organizations harvest human expertise, job aids, and unwritten business logic
- Organizational Change: Implementing frameworks to align business units and technical AI teams
Panelists
Eric Ferguson, Director of Data & Analytics at Wilson Bank & Trust
Global banking executive with 30+ years of leadership experience across data, analytics, AI, digital transformation, and operations. Currently leading Digital, Data & Analytics modernization at Wilson Bank & Trust, including data governance, analytics transformation, AI strategy, and digital growth initiatives. Former leadership roles at Standard Chartered, Bank of America, Bank of Hawaii, and Discover, with international oversight across 30 countries and 3,500+ employees. U.S. patent holder in statistical optimization and MIT Predictive AI graduate. Interested in enterprise AI governance, data strategy, and transformation leadership.
Ken Kaufman, Senior Director of Data & AI at Worthington Enterprises
Ken Kaufman is an experienced data and technology leader with a proven track record of helping organizations develop and execute enterprise data strategies. As CDAO at Worthington Enterprises, he is passionate about building a data-driven culture and enabling business growth through data, analytics, and AI.Under Ken’s leadership, Worthington Enterprises has modernized its data platform and launched a company-wide Data and AI Literacy program, empowering teams across the organization to leverage data and AI more effectively. He is a strong advocate for translating emerging technologies into practical business value and helping organizations unlock the full potential of their information assets.
Steven Nunez, IT Business Analyst Manager and Head of AI Committee at Supply Technologies
Dr. Steven Nunez is the IT Business Analyst Manager and founding Head of the AI Committee at Supply Technologies (ParkOhio Holdings, NASDAQ: PKOH), where he reports directly to the Vice President of IT and leads enterprise program management, PMO-aligned portfolio delivery, a team of business analysts, and the company’s enterprise AI governance program. Previously, he served as IT Operations Leader at Google, directing multi-platform IT operations for 25,000+ users and achieving 99.97% customer satisfaction, and as AI Data Center Operations Lead at Meta Platforms, overseeing infrastructure deployments across five hyperscale data center facilities. Nunez holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration from California Pacificatory University and a Doctor of Business Administration in Information Technology from South College.
Markus Placzek, Head of Data & AI at ams OSRAM
Dr. Markus Placzek is the Head of Data & AI and a member of the IT Management Team at ams OSRAM. As the architect and leader of the company-wide accelerate.AI program, he has successfully transitioned the organization into an AI frontier company, embedding data & AI into the daily workflows of employees through strategic enablement and high-impact projects. Beyond his AI leadership, he directs the global enterprise data management & analytics platforms as well as data governance, providing the unified foundation for data excellence and strategic decision-making. With over two decades of experience in the data domain and corporate strategy, he focuses on challenging key processes and leveraging AI to enhance and evolve the company’s business models. By bridging the gap between operational heritage and disruptive innovation, he drives measurable business value throughout the organization.
Nishit Sadhwani, Corporate Vice President of AI & Data Architecture at New York Life
Nishit Sadhwani is Corporate Vice President of AI & Data Architecture at New York Life Insurance Company, a Fortune 100 company and the largest mutual life insurance company in the United States. He leads the design of enterprise agentic AI platforms and cross-cloud data infrastructure, building systems that make AI trustworthy and production-ready in regulated environments. An active angel investor in 20+ startups, he brings a blend of deep engineering instinct and strategic business perspective to the evolving intersection of data, AI, and enterprise architecture.
MODERATOR: Mark Johnson, CGO and Executive oversight Leader for Data & Analytics at CoStrategix
Mark Johnson is the Chief Growth Officer & Executive Oversight Leader for the Data & Analytics at CoStrategix. Mark’s career spans an impressive array of technical, management, and executive leadership roles, making him exceptionally equipped to drive growth and innovation within organizations. His strategic vision, genuine enthusiasm, and understanding of organizational change management, data, and AI make him a sought-after advisor. Demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit, Mark has twice founded and expanded national technology consulting businesses. He is a Senior Fellow at the CDOIQ Symposium, the largest and longest-running conference for data leaders. He is also a co-founder of the CDO Magazine building a community of data leaders globally to share ideas and best practices.
