An Interview With Chad Silverstein
If I could start a movement to bring the best through AI, it would focus on democratizing opportunities. Just as Uber allowed anyone with a car to start their own business, AI makes it possible for anyone to be a creator, whether it’s in art, programming, or analysis, without needing traditional education or career paths.
In today’s tech-driven world, artificial intelligence has become a key enabler of business success. But the question remains — how can businesses effectively harness AI to address their unique challenges while staying true to ethical principles? To explore this topic further, we are interviewing Shashank Samant.
Shashank Samant holds strategic roles at Hitachi, including Executive Chairman of Hitachi Digital and Hitachi Americas, and Board Member of Hitachi Energy. With over 35 years of experience in technology, he has played a pivotal role in AI’s evolution, from its early academic foundations to its real-world applications across industries. He is passionate about leveraging AI to drive efficiency, enhance business operations, and create a positive societal impact.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path in AI?
In the past 35 years, I have worked at some of the biggest names in technology, including Citigroup, IBM and HP. I helped build and ran two world-class technology services companies as President and CEO, including GlobalLogic, which was acquired by Hitachi in one of the largest acquisitions in the history of the services industry. In all of those roles, we were always fully aware of the increasingly important role of data. At IBM, we believed that “in data lies the big portrait of your customer,” emphasizing the competitive advantage of extracting intelligence from data.
The rise of “digital” in the 2010s, combining cloud, data, design, and engineering, helped reduce friction in interactions, making AI more feasible. As AI evolved from predictive to prescriptive, I became excited about the increased availability of computing power, algorithms, and data, allowing AI to not just predict but also take action. This shift represents a fulfilling moment in my career, where AI now works alongside humans to augment our capabilities rather than just being a tool.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started working with artificial intelligence?
At Hitachi, we focus on using AI to benefit society, not just for business gains. One of the most fascinating applications has been in healthcare. For example, in the Bay Area, we are seeing firsthand amazing innovations that directly impact people in a very tangible way. There is a company developing an AI-driven artificial nurse that provides empathetic, cost-effective patient care. In places like Japan and Germany, where aging populations create a strain on healthcare, this AI nurse can make a significant difference.
Another impactful example is how AI is transforming railway safety. Hitachi has implemented AI-powered predictive maintenance, using sensors to monitor tracks, rolling stock, and overhead wires. This real-time data analysis prevents failures before they happen, improving safety and efficiency. With the power of AI edge computing platforms, the data is processed on the train in real time.
AI is also playing a crucial role in pharmaceutical research. Traditionally, developing a new drug takes a decade and costs around $10 billion. AI is now reducing this to 2–3 years with a much lower cost, accelerating life-saving treatments.
You are a successful leader in the AI space. Which three-character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
- Curiosity — AI is not a one-size-fits-all technology. During a panel discussion at the UCI Center for Digital Transformation, with executives from Mercedes-Benz, AWS, and NVIDIA, we all agreed that curiosity is the biggest driver of AI adoption. Companies that encourage exploration and experimentation with AI will be the ones to lead in innovation.
- Collaboration — AI development requires partnerships. At Hitachi, we work with NVIDIA, AWS, Google, and Microsoft to advance AI applications in rail, energy (transmission and distribution), and industrial automation (such as automated factories) sectors. No single company has all the answers or capabilities; working together accelerates progress.
- Empathy and Ethics — AI must be designed with empathy and ethics to be effective. Whether in healthcare, finance, or autonomous vehicles, AI needs to understand, care for, and respond to human emotions. We are working on AI that makes decisions with empathy, such as in autonomous driving, where life-or-death choices must be made ethically. AI works with data sources that are not perfect — they come with biases, imperfections, and hallucinations; the outcomes can have adverse results. Hence, empathy and ethics are of paramount importance when designing and engineering such systems.
Let’s jump to the primary focus of our interview. Can you share a specific example of how you or your organization used AI to solve a major business challenge? What was the problem, and how did AI help address it?
A great example of Hitachi’s collaboration with a leading US-based trucking and transportation company where we jointly built a solution to improve vehicle maintenance and repair. Using AI-powered predictive analytics, we developed a model that identifies potential vehicle issues before they lead to breakdowns. This reduces downtime, saves costs, and enhances safety. If a breakdown happens, AI helps diagnose the problem and walks technicians through various service and diagnostic paths — shortening repair time while helping to train new technicians. We even built algorithms that listen to the engine sound and help identify issues. It’s a really simple and practical example of AI helping to augment front-line workers. Humans and AI working together for greater efficacy.
What are some of the common misconceptions you’ve encountered about using AI in business? How do you address those misconceptions?
One major misconception is that AI will replace human jobs entirely. The reality is that AI will augment jobs, handling repetitive tasks while allowing humans to focus on higher-value work.
AI will impact the workforce in three key ways:
Handling repetitive tasks: AI will automate repetitive tasks, boosting productivity and freeing up people for more valuable work, benefiting society overall.
Job Assistance: AI will enhance jobs by speeding up tasks like data analysis and improving decision-making and efficiency. Software development is one area that is benefiting from this acceleration.
Job Creation: AI will create new roles, such as prompt engineering and reviewing AI-generated code, across various industries.
Historically, new technology has created more jobs than it has replaced. While AI will change certain tasks, it will also open up new opportunities. Embracing technology has always been a part of human progress, despite initial resistance. The key is to ensure trust and fairness in AI so it can be used for the betterment of society.
In your opinion, what is the most significant way AI can make a positive impact on businesses today?
AI is best utilized for predictive and prescriptive analytics. Whether it’s forecasting demand, preventing equipment failures, or optimizing logistics, AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data quickly gives businesses a significant advantage. AI can increase both human productivity as well as extend human creativity. It also democratizes the technology adoption across populations, making society more productive and therefore promoting a better well-being. All of this will have a profound positive impact, both in creating efficiencies and in the acceleration of new innovations.
Ok, let’s dive deeper. Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways AI Can Solve Complex Business Problems”? These can be strategies, insights, or tools that companies can use to make the most of AI in addressing their challenges. If possible, please share examples or stories for each.
I will speak from a Hitachi perspective here. We specialize in the Industrial space — so these five areas are relevant in the Industrial AI context. There are many wonderful examples of AI’s impact in the creative space, but these will provide some insights on how AI can be a game-changer in the industrial space. Here are some examples of how AI can solve complex industrial business problems. These are examples where AI can offer prescriptive solutions:
- Maintenance and Repair: Equipment failure reduction, repair recommendations, end-to-end maintenance optimization.
- Operations Optimization: Energy consumption reduction, performance improvement recommendations, resource scheduling, failure reduction.
- Quality Improvement: Testing process recommendations, quality KPI detection, defect root cause analysis.
- Supply Chain Management: Network design optimization, inventory optimization, vehicle routing optimization.
- Customer Experience: client self-service, live AI support services, including proactive client notification before failure occurs, and conversational AI for troubleshooting customer problems.
How can smaller businesses or startups, with limited budgets, begin to integrate AI into their operations effectively?
Small businesses can begin to layer in AI incrementally. Low-cost and open-source solutions exist that can offer those on a budget a place to start. For example, one starting point is leveraging AI-powered software for tasks like customer support (e.g., chatbots), marketing automation, and data analysis, which can save time and improve efficiency. Many platforms, such as HubSpot, Canva, or ChatGPT, offer free or low-cost AI features tailored for small businesses. Starting small with specific, high-impact use cases ensures measurable results without overwhelming resources.
What advice would you give to business leaders who are hesitant to adopt AI because of fear, misconceptions, or lack of understanding?
AI is a reality, and those who hesitate are bound to fall behind. It’s no longer a matter of “if”, rather, it’s about “when.” This period is very similar to a few years ago when companies that failed to transform digitally were disrupted by digital natives. I expect all of the new “digital” transformations of today will be about AI. So, my advice would be that instead of focusing on risks, businesses should focus on the opportunities AI offers. Companies that encourage experimentation and innovation are more likely to thrive. For example, Hitachi has remained relevant for over 110 years by continuously adopting new technologies.
My advice to business leaders is to embrace AI in daily tasks — whether writing emails, analyzing data, or creating presentations — and to leverage the younger generation’s familiarity with these tools. Being an early adopter is key. At the same time, leaders must continue to stay focused and vigilant on the responsibility and security side of the equation. Often, these concerns become afterthoughts in this fast-moving environment — but in reality, it needs to be considered up-front and throughout the development process.
My last suggestion is to find a capable partner. We don’t always have the skill sets in-house. Having a partner that has the expertise will make all the difference, as they probably know where the pitfalls are. This is hugely impactful to reducing risk.
In your opinion, how will AI continue to shape the business world over the next 5–10 years? Are there any trends or emerging innovations you’re particularly excited about?
At Hitachi, we believe that over the next 5–10 years, AI will significantly impact the business world in a few key areas. The first stages of generative AI have really benefited the information worker (writers, creators, even doctors, etc.). At Hitachi, we are looking at the next phase of AI value creation, which will be for the front-line workers; these are factory workers, field technicians, and operations personnel who will use AI to make their work more efficient and effective. The other transformational wave will be the transition from generative AI to physical AI. These are AI-enabled robots or smarter infrastructure that will profoundly and positively impact human life. Lastly, in the next few years, we will see AI’s profound contribution to healthcare — from smart medical devices to new, game-changing drug therapies and medications. We’re only at the first part of the journey, and the road ahead is very promising.
How do you think the use of AI to solve business problems influences relationships with customers, employees, and the broader community?
Building trust is key. AI should be implemented transparently, with education and safeguards in place to ensure ethical use and minimize bias.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people through AI, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could start a movement to bring the best through AI, it would focus on democratizing opportunities. Just as Uber allowed anyone with a car to start their own business, AI makes it possible for anyone to be a creator, whether it’s in art, programming, or analysis, without needing traditional education or career paths.
The adoption of technology often happens through gradual evolution rather than revolution. The younger generation, who adopt technology quickly, will drive this change, pushing older generations to follow. For businesses, top-down adoption is crucial, but employees play a key role in embracing new technologies and transforming companies.
AI is becoming more accessible and affordable, leading to faster adoption. As AI becomes ingrained in daily life, it will increase productivity, creativity, and connection, making society ultimately happier and more efficient. I’m optimistic that AI will become as natural as using a cell phone, improving our lives in ways we can’t yet fully imagine.
How can our readers further follow you online?
Readers can follow me on LinkedIn and through Hitachi’s digital channels for insights on AI, digital transformation, and business innovation.
About the Interviewer: Chad Silverstein is a seasoned entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience as a Founder and CEO. While attending Ohio State University, he launched his first company, Choice Recovery, Inc., a nationally recognized healthcare collection agency — twice ranked the #1 workplace in Ohio. In 2013, he founded [re]start, helping thousands of people find meaningful career opportunities. After selling both companies, Chad shifted his focus to his true passion — leadership. Today, he coaches founders and CEOs at Built to Lead, advises Authority Magazine’s Thought Leader Incubator.
Hitachi’s Shashank Samant On How Artificial Intelligence Can Solve Business Problems was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.