In PR, we know the importance of a story. Every groundbreaking venture starts with one — a moment of inspiration, a gap recognized, and a drive to create something transformative. AI Realized is no exception.
As AI becomes a “must-have” and not just a “nice-to-have” for enterprises everywhere, we sat down with Christina Ellwood, seasoned Silicon Valley C-level technology executive, startup advisor, and co-founder of AI Realized, to explore the story behind the platform.
Joining her in this journey is co-founder David Yakobovitch, leader of venture capital (VC) firm Data Power Ventures, startup operator, and creator of the HumAIn podcast. Together, they’ve built a vibrant community of over 7000 tech professionals, hosted 150+ events, and empowered enterprise executives with AI insights, use cases, and networking opportunities.
The “why” behind AI Realized
Christina, tell us about the genesis of AI Realized. What inspired you to start this platform?
The rapid evolution of AI is creating unprecedented opportunities and challenges for businesses. Enterprise executives need practical guidance to deploy AI successfully and avoid pitfalls. We support enterprise executives to unlock AI’s potential.
Generative AI, machine learning, and automation are revolutionizing industries, but companies need to figure out how the transformative capabilities can make a significant difference in their organizations, such as where to apply these capabilities, what to spend, and who’s needed to make them happen. David and I both saw this challenge firsthand.
I’ve spent years working as a technology executive in Silicon Valley, helping companies adopt innovative technologies and adapt to change. David, with his background as a VC and operator, is deeply embedded in the startup ecosystem, observing how enterprises often falter in scaling AI solutions. We realized there was a real need to bring together executives to share experiences, learn strategies to overcome the deployment challenges, and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
AI Realized was created to address this gap by providing actionable insights, real-world case studies, and a trusted network of experts. At our networking events and executive summits, we unpack the complexities of enterprise AI deployment and help companies turn cutting-edge technology into tangible business value.
What is the mission of AI Realized?
Our mission is to empower enterprises to unlock AI’s potential while navigating security, data, operational, and organizational complexities. Specifically, we aim to:
- Empower decision-makers: By providing actionable insights, clear strategies, and robust frameworks, we enable enterprise leaders to make informed decisions about AI investments.
- Foster innovation: We curate cutting-edge research, tools, and case studies to inspire organizations to explore new possibilities and drive innovation.
- Bridge knowledge gaps: AI can be complex, but we translate those complexities into practical applications, ensuring that teams understand and embrace AI’s transformative potential.
- Champion ethical AI: Responsible AI use is at the core of our philosophy. We advocate for transparency, fairness, and accountability in every deployment.
Showcasing real-world impact
How does AI Realized stand out in a crowded AI landscape?
What sets us apart is our focus on realizing AI potential in the enterprise — practically and responsibly. This enterprise-focused and community-driven approach is unique. David and I have always believed in the power of community, and we’re building a dynamic ecosystem where industry leaders, researchers, and practitioners can come together to share knowledge and insights.
Our summits have created real-world impact. Executives leave with actionable takeaways and have shared success stories about implementing impactful AI strategies. For instance, 90% of our attendees report applying insights gained at AI Realized to their organizations. This cross-industry relevance — spanning banking, healthcare, media, and HR technology — highlights the transformative potential of AI when deployed effectively.
Our goal is to build the AI Realized executive community as the go-to resource for enterprises deploying AI to production.
Creating a journey
What’s next for AI Realized?
The journey is just beginning. AI Realized started with the first summit in October 2024, where 200 executives came together to share experiences.
We featured Fortune 2000 use cases from banking, healthcare, software, and HR tech; panels on strategies for overcoming challenges; roundtables on strategic planning; and keynotes from industry luminaries.
In 2025, we are expanding with executive roundtable events throughout the year and a fall summit that will be double the size of 2024’s.
We also host the AI Realized Podcast that showcases the work of AI practitioners and leaders, and we plan to add working groups, roundtables, and workshops to help executives operationalize what they learn at the summits.
As AI continues to evolve, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of this transformation. Our focus remains on helping enterprises turn challenges into opportunities and transforming AI’s promise into tangible results. We’re expanding our resources, growing our community, and diving deeper into emerging trends. Whether organizations are just starting with AI or looking to optimize their existing deployments, the AI Realized community is there to support their journey.
Focusing on the community
Can you tell us about the community aspect of AI Realized?
At the heart of AI Realized is the community of executives, which includes AI leaders like Awais Bajwa, the Head of Data & AI Banking at Bank of America and Blake Bassett, VP of Product at Tubi TV. Each and every one generously shares their experience and practical guidance.
There were so many fantastic cases at the last AI Realized! For instance, Nikesh Kotecha, the Head of Data Science at Stanford Healthcare, shared how they are transforming healthcare with AI. Maher Hanafi, the VP of Engineering at BetterWorks, talked about building trust inside and outside the company as a necessary precursor to releasing AI features in a product. Megan Mauck, the SVP of Media Operations at NBCUniversal, discussed using AI in the content supply chain to better serve advertisers.
AI Realized fosters candid discussions among peers, where participants share hard-earned lessons and spark innovation through networking sessions. The diversity of perspectives — from Fortune 2000 leaders to emerging startups — ensures cross-sector learning. We’ve hosted thought leaders who are shaping AI strategy across industries, elevating the conversation and driving impactful change.
Closing thoughts
What final comments would you like to share?
AI Realized is more than an event series; it’s a catalyst for transformation.
We help executives move from “pilot mode” to achieving full-scale AI implementation. By addressing cultural shifts and challenges of adopting a transformative technology, we’re shaping the narrative around what’s possible.
At the heart of AI Realized is our commitment to making AI accessible and impactful. Through visual storytelling, testimonials, and practical insights, we empower enterprises to realize AI’s potential. We invite everyone — from enterprise leaders to curious professionals — to join us on this exciting journey. David and I, together with our incredible community, are turning the potential of AI into reality. Let’s realize AI — together.
