When AI moves from answering questions to making decisions and taking action, how confident are organizations in the data guiding those decisions?

That question was central to the discussion at CDO Magazine’s Philadelphia Executive Boardroom Dinner on October 29 at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse.

Executives representing financial services, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, and other industries exchanged experiences with enterprise AI, data readiness, and the challenges of preparing information for increasingly autonomous systems.

The gathering also created opportunities for Philadelphia’s data and technology leaders to connect with peers facing similar challenges.

When Good Data Isn’t Enough

As organizations explore agentic AI, the question of data readiness becomes more complicated.

Traditional measures such as accuracy, completeness, and freshness remain important. But executives considered whether those measures are sufficient when AI systems are expected to make decisions and act independently.

One question challenged participants to distinguish between data quality and data relevance. Information can be accurate and still be unsuitable for a particular decision, especially when business conditions have changed.

The executives also weighed how organizations can assess whether their data is ready for AI, what preparations are necessary before deploying autonomous agents, and which use cases remain out of reach because the underlying information isn’t ready.

Daniel Jornada, Vanguard Head of Analytics for Product, Solutions and Risk, reflected on the value of the gathering:

“Always energizing to spend an evening surrounded by some old friends and bright minds in the data and AI space! It was a timely reminder of why data readiness remains top-of-mind as we navigate the AI landscape.”

Pratik Badri, JPMorganChase Senior Vice President, Connected Commerce Controls Analytics Team, also appreciated the opportunity to connect with industry peers:

“It was an extraordinary evening in Philadelphia, bringing together industry leaders for insightful discussions on building AI ready data foundations. Great conversations, valuable connections, and shared perspectives on how data can unlock the next wave of AI-driven innovation.”

Cat Ihonvbere, JPMorganChase Executive Director, Connected Commerce Controls Analytics Team, emphasized the importance of preparing organizations for AI adoption:

“CDO Magazine successfully brought together Philly’s top data and AI leaders where we had an exciting discussions around AI readiness, and how it isn’t just about deploying tools—it’s about preparing our data foundations, governance, and teams to turn ambition into measurable impact. Can’t wait to be there for the next round!”

Preparing Data for AI That Takes Action

Another important question for the Philadelphia executives was how organizations can ensure AI systems have access to the right information without introducing unnecessary risk.

As AI applications become more capable of acting independently, leaders must consider not only whether information is accurate but also whether it reflects current business conditions, appropriate permissions, and the context required for sound decisions.

The exchange addressed the relationship between data teams and AI teams, particularly when their definitions of readiness differ.

Data teams may prioritize quality, consistency, and governance, while AI teams focus on whether their systems can perform specific tasks successfully. Aligning those priorities becomes increasingly important as organizations move toward autonomous AI applications.

Participants also considered a more difficult question: Could AI systems learn patterns from enterprise information that organizations later regret making available?

These considerations connect directly to the growing importance of AI governance as businesses evaluate how to manage increasingly autonomous systems.

A New Executive Community Takes Shape in Philadelphia

While data readiness provided the focus for the evening, the opportunity to build relationships across Philadelphia’s executive community was equally important.

Leaders representing different organizations and industries had the chance to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and strengthen connections that can continue beyond the dinner.

Gerri Caveness, CDO Magazine Community Director, reflected on the enthusiasm surrounding Philadelphia’s first gathering:

“What an absolutely FABULOUS introduction to the City of Brotherly Love! From finance and pharma to technology and AI, we brought together some serious brainpower, big personalities, and an incredible mix of executive talent! Philadelphia certainly knew how to show up and SHOW OUT! One thing is certain: this community has something SPECIAL, and we’re just getting started.”

Data, AI and Technology Leaders Who Joined the Philadelphia Conversation:

• Zulfiqar Ahmed, Wells Fargo Executive Director, Enterprise AI Product & Strategy – Customer Experience & Operations
• Pratik Badri, JPMorganChase Quant Analytics Manager
• Keona Drakeford, JPMorganChase Executive Director, Head of Cross Connected Commerce and Lifestyle Data and Analytics
• Therese Glennon, Viatris Head of Global Commercial Insights & Analytics
• Abhishek Gupta, GoodLeap Vice President, Credit & Analytics, Capital Markets
• Matt Holtman, JPMorganChase Executive Director, Risk Management Director, CCOR Data Science
• Cat Ihonvbere, JPMorganChase Head of Controls Analytics
• Kumba Janga, JPMorganChase AVP, Risk Data Governance
• Daniel Jornada, Vanguard Head of Analytics for Product, Solutions and Risk
• Sasanka Kasinadhuni, TruMark Credit Union VP, Data and Analytics
• Fernando Levy, Former Vanguard Chief Data Officer – Risk, Fraud, Legal, Compliance and Enterprise Growth
• Steve McWilliams, JPMorganChase Quant Analytics Manager
• Christine Ray, JPMorganChase Product Manager, Senior Associate – Modernization
• Keerthi Reddy, Cencora Vice President, Data Management & Governance | Enterprise Data Strategy
• Jason Beard, Salesforce Regional Vice President, Sector Leader – Professional Services
• Angela Losacco, Salesforce Regional Vice President, Solution Sales
• Chris Moser, Salesforce Solutions Architect
• Alexandra Schaefer, Salesforce Senior Account Solutions Engineer
• Gerri Caveness, CDO Magazine Community Director
• Anthony Losanno, CDO Magazine Managing Director

CDO Magazine thanks Informatica and Mulesoft from Salesforce for supporting the Philadelphia Executive Boardroom Dinner and helping create an opportunity for executives to exchange ideas and strengthen professional connections.