Not everyone who is using AI is a tech native or algorithmic expert – just ask Bryan Kloster, investor relations manager at Autonation. He attended last year’s IR Magazine Forum – AI & Technology and had his imagination sparked for how the technology might streamline his own IR team’s workflow.
Fast forward to this year’s event – due to be held in New York on December 3 – and Bryan is now speaking on how he has adopted generative AI in his own daily workflows, as well as how he managed to get his C-suite’s buy-in for developing his use of the technology.
Below, he tells IR more about his journey with AI and what he hopes to impart to his audience at the upcoming event.
You'll be talking on a panel titled ‘Gain c-suite buy-in: Teach your c-suite to escape the “AI as an experiment” mentality’ at the AI and Technology Forum. Which aspects of this topic are you keen to explore?
After attending the 2023 AI for IR forum, I was inspired to take a fresh look at how AI and automation might fit more narrowly into our IR team's workflow. What started as an experiment last year has enhanced many traditional processes over the past twelve months, showing me the power of the technology and the art of the possible. My goal through our discussion is to inspire you by sharing how small steps to socialize the technology internally can build the trust necessary for broad-based adoption.
Can you tell us about how you are implementing AI in your role and some of the things you're looking forward to hearing about at the event?
I came into IR through a Corporate Development function where gathering competitive intelligence played an integral role in shaping the company's strategy. By bringing a best practice-focused approach to the IR function, we leaned into asking how AI could assist at every stage of our programming. My attention at the conference will be focused on learning from the ways that others are deploying generative AI in hopes of further refining our own team's strategy.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in your profession so far and what do feel is the next big challenge on the horizon?
I have been fortunate to work with great management teams who have welcomed creative approaches to traditional tasks that lead to better outcomes. Demonstrating positive value from larger-scale AI initiatives and gaining approval for broad-based implementation is often the greatest challenge. There is a certain comfort in consistency of approach, and change creates inherent risk. I have learned that patience, planning, and building trust are critical to gaining acceptance for these initiatives.
If you were to give your audience at the AI and Technology Forum one piece of advice, what would it be?
I know it's cliché, but ‘just do it!’ I find that the more creative I get with AI problem-solving (even for the most basic tasks), the more I learn about what the technology is capable of. In the process, your familiarity and comfort will drive you further into discovering the possibilities and get excited about the future. It's an intimidating but empowering platform all at once!
