Issue 31: A global sales lead and AI expert who's anything but artificial

If you’re going to pitch something with the word “artificial” in it, you better get a genuine guy like Greg Pollack in the room.

“I’m always one of those guys that’s looking for a new challenge, a new puzzle to solve, a new business to operate …” -Greg Pollack

Look, writing newsletters is hard. Last week, I almost asked Kimberly Charleston to ghostwrite issue 29. This week, I was half tempted to ask AI to crank out no. 30, which would have been fitting for this week’s guest. But since I just had two cups of coffee, I have at least 15 minutes left in the tank before I exhaust my creative capacity for the day. And I’ll need it because this week’s guest, Greg Pollack, is a tour de force. He may not be well versed in Star Wars lore but he can rock a Chewbacca mask with the best of them. By day, Greg works with corporations and financial institutions, helping them find the right way to use intelligent automation for business growth. He also communicates with regulators to ensure AI never leads us to a James Cameron film. In his off hours, he’s a family man who genuinely cares about the future he’s helping to pave for his kids and yours.

-John

Moving Forward 480: Inspiring individuals: Greg Pollack

I first met Greg many years ago as I was classmates with his wife in business school. Since then, Greg has been a staple within that circle of friends. He often acts as the narrator, providing sharp insight and quick witted commentary at the quirks found within an eclectic group of MBAs; whether it’s someone’s blue “Superman” headphones (which we suspect were purchased at an airport Hudson News) on full display during a 2020 pandemic Zoom hangout or another’s stories of growing up in a carnival. Greg has always been the straight man reacting to the comedic moments of our MBA sitcom.

That’s why, after speaking with him on this week’s episode, I feel a little safer about the future, at least from an AI standpoint. Greg isn’t simply the guy who once sported the aforementioned wookie mask at a Star Wars themed birthday dinner. His sci-fi tech credentials go way beyond the surface. He’s an exceptionally bright industry veteran who’s had his eye on the AI ball long before the word “ChatGPT” entered our zeitgeist; all of 18 months ago.

Greg is one of the brains at IBM working in intelligent automation, and artificial intelligence (AI). He’s also an experienced sales and marketing strategist. This means he knows the ins and outs of the technology and its potential for business applications. He’s fluent in the Star Trek-like technobabble, which makes him comfortable communicating with the tech geeks. But his real gift is the ability to break it down for the lay people who are the decision makers at banks, financial institutions, and businesses across many industries.

He’s also a proud dad of two kids, including a precocious son who’s already shown a gift for robotics. Although he’s not yet old enough to drive that hasn’t stopped Greg from giving him the keys … to ChatGPT. If you’re skittish about AI, you may think that’s the modern day equivalent of handing your kid an IPad to keep him distracted. But as you’ll discover on this week’s episode, there’s rhyme, reason, and real 21st century parenting at play here. Tune in to find out why Greg isn’t shying away from introducing his son to AI, and parenting tips on having the “AI talk” with your kids. Greg also shares his thoughts on the future of intelligent automation, including why humans aren’t going to become obsolete, and why transparency and regulation are essential towards a win-win future.

While you (and I) may have our reservations about AI, personally, I’m glad there’s someone like Greg working with businesses to ensure that it’s used as a tool to enhance humanity rather than replace it.

Catch this week’s episode on Spotify.

Moving Forward is also available on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeart, CastBox, Pocket Casts, Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor), and Audible.

Some things I learned about Greg:

• Greg grew up in the northeast.

• He’s worked for a number of tech companies in sales, marketing, and now intelligent automation.

• He’s held eight positions at IBM over the past decade.

• Despite his high tech credentials, Greg is not well versed in Star Wars lore.

Fun quirk:

• Greg’s initials are G.R.P., which in marketing stands for “gross ratings points.” Coming out of college, Greg wanted to get into media, so his initials were a constant reminder of that early career goal.

Connect with Greg

• LinkedIn

Learn more about AI without getting overwhelmed (recommended by Greg)

• The Art of Automation by Jerry Cuomo, et al. (affiliate paid link).*

• The Institute for Business Value (IBM).

^{*[Affiliate disclosure: some of these are affiliate links to Amazon through which I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.]}

Available now at my bookstore on Pangobooks

Before intelligent automation was reality, it was the stuff of British sci-fi. Check out the novelization of The Five Doctors (rare second edition), available now for sale.

Quirky reads 📚

Speaking of books, here are some titles I’ve been reading lately.

[Affiliate disclosure: these are affiliate links to Amazon through which I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.]

• You Like It Darker by Stephen King (****)

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Resources

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Books

I wrote most of these so spruce up your home library and look smart in the process.

• The Poshmark Guide for Individuals and Small Businesses (Paperback, Kindle, Audible) 

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• The Poshmark Journal for Individuals and Small Businesses

• The Corporate Cliches Adult Coloring Book

• I Am a Professional Metalhead (audiobook) (Audible affiliate link) written by Angelo Spenillo, narrated by John Lim

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Affiliate disclosure

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