Earley AI Podcast

In this podcast hosts Seth Earley invites a broad array of thought leaders and practitioners to talk about what's possible in artificial intelligence as well as what is practical in the space as we move toward a world where AI is embedded in all aspects of our personal and professional lives. They explore what's emerging in technology, data science, and enterprise applications for artificial intelligence and machine learning and how to get from early-stage AI projects to fully mature applications. Seth is founder & CEO of Earley Information Science and the award-winning author of "The AI Powered Enterprise."

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Earley AI Podcast

Earley AI Podcast - Episode 74: AI in B2B Commerce: From Data Challenges to Differentiation

September 22, 2025 • Seth Earley

This episode of the Earley AI Podcast features Rudy Abitbol, a recognized expert in B2B commerce and AI. With years of hands-on experience helping global enterprises with digital transformation—especially around product information management, large-scale AI adoption, and making cutting-edge technology truly practical—Rudy brings a pragmatic view to how AI is revolutionizing B2B e-commerce. He’s passionate about making AI accessible and effective for tackling real-world business challenges.

Key Takeaways:

AI-Driven Transformation: AI is dramatically streamlining the content generation and management process in B2B commerce, especially when dealing with vast, complex product catalogs.
Platform Flexibility Matters: Tools like Shopify are lowering barriers for B2B companies by offering user-friendly interfaces and robust ecosystems that allow for rapid configurations—often with no coding required.
Vibe Coding & Rapid Prototyping: “Vibe coding” empowers product owners to quickly move from conversations and requirements to working wireframes and functional specs, tightening feedback loops and boosting innovation.
Balancing Efficiency & Differentiation: While AI tools help standardize processes, true competitive advantage comes from infusing proprietary business knowledge into digital solutions.
Data Readiness & Quality: AI can enrich incomplete or messy data, but organizations must still focus on good data structure and master data management to fully capitalize on AI and automation.
AI Adoption Hurdles: The most common blockers are cultural—resistance to change and undertraining. Hands-on learning, POCs, and fostering a culture of curiosity are essential.
Empowering Teams: True AI readiness isn’t just about tools but about giving teams the time, training, and encouragement to experiment—and even risk failure—as they integrate AI into daily workflows.
Avoiding Over-Reliance on AI: While AI enhances productivity, it can’t replace human judgment. Insightful, context-driven use of AI yields the biggest returns.
Building Core Competency: Don’t outsource the heart of your digital transformation; instead, build internal expertise and maturity to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Insightful Quote from Rudy Abitbol:
"All the insight within the phrasing, within the way that it’s done...still needs to come from you. You still need to have someone that is a product owner with a great vision, because that's the sole person that is able to infuse [the business]."

Tune in to learn how AI is fundamentally reshaping B2B commerce and how leaders can stay ahead of the digital curve.

Links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudyabitbol/

Website: https://www.trustinsights.ai

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