 in organizations. The conversation is sparked by a recent survey revealing that nearly two-thirds of practitioners feel unprepared to effectively utilize AI due to a lack of high-quality data, security, governance policies, and role-specific training.){kind=link}
“I hear CFOs out there saying, I am drowning in data but starving for insights.” – 00:02:40
Steve Soter, Vice President of Industry Principle at Workiva, joins Remy Blaire to discuss the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) in organizations. The conversation is sparked by a recent survey revealing that nearly two-thirds of practitioners feel unprepared to effectively utilize AI due to a lack of high-quality data, security, governance policies, and role-specific training.
Remy highlights the survey’s findings, noting that while 74% of respondents use AI daily and 88% report increased value from AI compared to the previous year, the significant gaps in foundational elements signal potential challenges ahead. Steve elaborates on the pressures faced by CFOs in 2025, where the abundance of data comes with heightened expectations for rapid and reliable decision-making.
The discussion shifts to the implications for investors, as Remy asks Steve how they should interpret the current risks and opportunities in the market. Steve emphasizes the importance of narrative and confidence in corporate disclosures, suggesting that CFOs who effectively communicate their data-driven insights will gain the trust of investors. He also addresses the overwhelming volume of data available, stressing the need for CFOs to quickly extract actionable insights, particularly in response to changing tariffs and taxes.
As the conversation progresses, they explore the impact of AI on company valuations, especially in key sectors. Steve argues that role-specific AI can drive significant value, framing AI as a tool to enhance talent rather than replace it. He underscores the necessity of governance and security to build trust in the data used for decision-making.