Data and AI leadership at Ericsson shapes the technology industry

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, data and artificial intelligence, leaders on the front lines of this transformation are not only shaping their organizations, but also setting benchmarks for entire sectors.

Among these pioneers are Caitlin Halferty (pictured), global head of data at Ericsson, a 5G network equipment provider in the United States. His journey in data and AI, spanning nearly a decade, reflects a deep commitment to leveraging these tools for business transformation and achieving remarkable results. results.

“Within Ericsson, there is an incredibly smart and highly functional engineering culture,” Halferty said. “There is this desire to innovate and improve the seamless employee experience, as well as the best platform and network connectivity for our customers. It’s increasingly recognized that there is a reliance on data for the evolution of our AI efforts, so accessibility, quality, access, these are things that we really need to address and continue so that we can keep this promise.

Halferty spoke with analysts at CUBE Research Dave Vellante (photo, left), John Furrier (second from left) and Savannah Peterson (right) to MWC Barcelona, in an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s live streaming studio. They discussed the critical role data management and AI play in business transformation, as well as Ericsson’s commitment to putting data and AI first. (*Disclosure below.)

Addressing global challenges with data and AI

Ericsson is on an ambitious path, harnessing data to unlock new potential and overcome complex challenges on a global scale. The “global” designation in Halferty’s title includes both the breadth of its responsibilities and the strategic vision it embodies – one that prioritizes foundational data capabilities as a cornerstone of innovation and growth. She reflected on her previous experience at IBM, drawing parallels that highlight the transformative power of investing in data.

“Those who were investing in data and building that core data capability saw incredible business benefits,” she explained, highlighting the tangible impacts of such investments, from generating significant business benefits to to achieving milestones in process efficiency and compliance initiatives, such as GDPR. preparation.

Ericsson’s journey is based on a similar philosophy of fundamental strength, Halferty added. The organization has adopted a federated data model, improving data governance across various domains and thereby facilitating AI-driven initiatives that promise to redefine industry standards.

“Initial work has been done…to create a federated data model, and we have domain-level data governance,” Halferty said. “(We) identify AI use cases that we can really pursue and show their impact. This is how we approach it at a high level.

This approach is not just about technology; it is a strategic alignment that places data at the heart of digital transformation, enabling Ericsson to navigate the complexities of a global market with agility and foresight.

AI at the forefront of innovation

The enthusiasm around AI and its global attention is something that Halferty sees as a pivotal moment, especially for an organization like Ericsson, which is at the “forefront of this industry.” Integrating core models with AI is not just a trend, but an important step towards leveraging data for actionable insights and game-changing innovations.

“(Ericsson) has really invested and committed to making data a priority, as evidenced by my new role and elevated mandate,” Halferty said.

Its strategy involves a holistic vision, focused on scaling and accelerating AI initiatives across various operational areas, from risk insights to supply chain management. His view on AI is not just about adopting new technologies, but also about embracing a mindset shift – from process optimization to impact-driven strategies. This shift is evident in the projects she leads, aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of data to facilitate business decisions and increase efficiency.

“We’ve really shifted our thinking to start with the business problem,” said Halferty, emphasizing the importance of aligning data and AI initiatives with the company’s strategic goals to create business. value and improve the customer experience.

Halferty’s role and Ericsson’s structured approach speak to a broader trend where data governance and the strategic deployment of AI are key to driving business innovation. His leadership not only enables Ericsson to navigate the complexities of the digital age, but also sets a benchmark for how global businesses can harness data and AI to stay ahead in a competitive landscape.

Here’s the full video interview, part of SiliconANGLE and theCUBE Research’s coverage on MWC Barcelona:

(*Disclosure: TheCUBE is a paid media partner for the MWC Barcelona event. No sponsor has editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Photo: SiliconANGLE