
Catching Up With CUB
#304: Ann-Mary Rajanayagam – How to Turn AI Into Real Business Value
In Episode #304 of Catching Up with CUB, Daniel sits down with Ann-Mary Rajanayagam, Founder & CEO of Alderon, to cut through the AI hype and explore how businesses can turn rapidly evolving technology into real business value. With almost 30 years of experience across technology, data and transformation, Ann-Mary has held senior leadership roles at organisations including the New York Stock Exchange, JP Morgan and JANA Investment Advisers. Today, she advises business leaders and boards on AI strategy, governance, data and the future of work. Daniel and Ann-Mary unpack where business owners should actually start with AI, why identifying the right business problem matters more than simply adopting the latest technology, and how SMEs can use AI to improve processes, efficiency, customer outcomes and revenue. They also discuss vibe coding versus working with experienced developers, why human expertise becomes even more valuable as technology gets easier to access, and how AI is lowering the barriers to starting and building a business. Beyond implementation, Daniel and Ann-Mary explore the bigger questions surrounding AI, from data security, privacy and Big Tech to education, the future of work and how leaders can adapt as the pace of technological change accelerates. A practical conversation for business owners looking to move beyond the AI hype and understand where the technology can actually create value.

