Retail

GM Executives Engage in Monthly AI Usage Competition

General Motors is fostering an internal competitive environment among its senior leadership, centered on the adoption and utilization of artificial intelligence technologies. This strategic initiative aims to embed AI deeply within the company's operational fabric, from financial forecasting to cutting-edge vehicle design and manufacturing processes. The auto giant views AI as a critical tool for boosting efficiency and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving global market, particularly against the backdrop of burgeoning competition from Chinese EV manufacturers.

GM Leadership Embraces AI: A Monthly Challenge to Drive Innovation

In a recent disclosure at JPMorgan's US All Stars Conference in London, held on September 24, 2026, General Motors' Chief Financial Officer, Paul Jacobson, shed light on an intriguing internal dynamic. He revealed that top-tier executives, reporting directly to CEO Mary Barra, are actively participating in a monthly AI usage challenge. This "healthy competition," as described by Jacobson, tracks AI integration across various functions and departments, propelling leaders to explore and implement AI solutions more rigorously. Jacobson candidly admitted his finance team currently resides in the "middle of the pack" in this ongoing contest, signifying a widespread engagement with AI across the organization.

GM's commitment to artificial intelligence extends beyond mere internal competition. The company is strategically deploying AI across several key areas. For instance, AI tools are already playing a pivotal role in vehicle design, generating innovative recommendations, and proactively identifying potential disruptions within the complex supply chain. Sterling Anderson, GM's chief product officer, emphasizes that his team's overarching goal is to significantly accelerate the transition from initial design concepts to full-scale production, a process where AI is expected to be a game-changer.

This intensified focus on AI comes at a crucial time for Detroit automakers. With Chinese car manufacturers increasingly dominating global markets through cost-effective and advanced electric vehicle (EV) technologies, integrating AI has become a strategic imperative for maintaining a competitive edge. Jacobson underscored this challenge, labeling America as a "safe haven" where manufacturers are increasing capacity to mitigate intense Chinese competition internationally.

Despite these advancements, Jacobson acknowledged that GM's journey with AI is still in its "infancy." The company is meticulously working to grasp the full extent of AI's transformative potential across all facets of its business. Future applications are envisioned in enhancing vehicle features, improving product quality, and streamlining manufacturing processes. He issued a stern warning: companies that fail to adapt and enhance efficiency through technologies like AI will inevitably "fall further and further behind."

Specifically within the finance department, Jacobson harbors ambitious plans for AI. He aims to empower financial analysts with predictive capabilities, shifting their focus from merely explaining past results to proactively forecasting future trends. Currently, analysts spend approximately 80% of their time on retrospective analysis and only 20% on future predictions. With AI, Jacobson anticipates flipping this ratio, allowing analysts to dedicate 80% of their efforts to anticipating future market dynamics and strategic moves. He firmly believes that AI can perform these predictive tasks with unparalleled speed and accuracy, far surpassing human capabilities.

The embrace of AI at General Motors represents a forward-thinking approach to innovation and operational excellence. By fostering internal competition and strategically deploying AI across its core functions, GM is positioning itself to navigate the complexities of the modern automotive industry, aiming for greater efficiency, improved product development, and superior market foresight. This ongoing technological transformation is not just about adopting new tools but about fundamentally reshaping how a legacy automotive giant operates and competes on a global scale.

Lo Bosworth's Daily Balancing Act: Motherhood, Business, and Wellness

Lo Bosworth, known from her reality television days and now at the helm of Love Wellness, navigates the demanding landscape of entrepreneurship while embracing her new role as a mother. Her daily schedule is a testament to meticulous planning and dedication, seamlessly blending business operations with cherished family moments. From early morning strolls with her daughter and husband to strategic work sessions, including an unconventional "working bath," Bosworth exemplifies a modern approach to balancing professional ambition and personal well-being. Her commitment to her brand, her podcast, and her family paints a vivid picture of a life lived purposefully and with great care.

Her journey into the business world began long before Love Wellness, rooted in a desire to create and express herself creatively during her time on shows like "Laguna Beach" and "The Hills." Since its inception in 2016, Love Wellness has grown significantly, and Bosworth's life became even more dynamic with the arrival of her daughter, Nelle, in January. Just months after Nelle's birth, Bosworth launched her podcast, "Tell Me I'm a Good Mom," further expanding her entrepreneurial endeavors. Despite the increased responsibilities, she and her husband make it a point to share key family moments, starting and ending each day together with their daughter, reinforcing their family bond.

A typical day for Bosworth kicks off between 6:30 and 7 a.m. with Nelle's awakening. After giving Nelle her bottle, the entire family, including their dog, embarks on a refreshing morning walk, often being the first ones out. Bosworth’s coffee ritual is simple: drip coffee with half-and-half, limited to one due to her caffeine sensitivity. This 15 to 30-minute walk brings them back home by approximately 8:15 a.m., ready for the day’s activities. Once their nanny arrives, Bosworth retreats to the bathtub, a unique sanctuary where she manages Slack communications, emails, and video editing—a productive ritual she calls a "working bath." Her morning meal often consists of savory leftovers, like pea and chicken salad, valued for its high fiber and protein content, as she's not a fan of traditional breakfast foods.

On her work-from-home days, typically twice a week, Bosworth incorporates a 35-minute strength training session at her building's gym, guided by the Ladder app, which integrates with Spotify. Her home office in one of the guestrooms becomes a hub of activity, with Mondays dedicated to creating content for Love Wellness and Wednesdays for podcast recording. She occasionally uses AI as a brainstorming tool for social media video ideas, but prefers minimal automation to avoid generic content. For office days, three to four times a week, she commutes to the Love Wellness office in NoHo by Uber, arriving by 9:30 a.m. These days are packed with calls and in-person meetings, including weekly leadership sessions to review progress and strategize. Collaboration often involves FigJam boards, fostering a dynamic environment.

Bosworth finds immense satisfaction in witnessing the positive impact Love Wellness has on women's health, noting the shift in mainstream retail to include products like vaginal probiotics. However, the weight of responsibility for her team can be a source of late-night contemplation, as she deeply cares about their well-being. Lunch breaks are flexible, taken whenever hunger strikes, whether it’s an early 11 a.m. bite or a late 3 p.m. meal, often sourced from local eateries or through delivery. Afternoons typically see a lighter meeting schedule, allowing her to prioritize returning home by 3:30 or 4 p.m. to spend quality time with her daughter, often at the park. She strategically blocks out time on her calendar to ensure these precious family moments are protected.

Evenings are dedicated to Nelle's bedtime routine, a sweet ritual shared with her husband from 6:15 to 7 p.m. Her husband, who works in finance, often returns to work online after putting Nelle to bed, a common practice for both of them. Dinner is a balanced affair, alternating between takeout and home-cooked meals featuring steak, rice, and fresh vegetables from a local butcher and farmers market. Around 8 p.m., Bosworth indulges in her second bath of the day, a time for winding down and checking a few final emails. Her guilty pleasure, vegan Percy Pigs, occasionally makes an appearance. Since her pregnancy, she has rediscovered the joy of reading before bed, finding it a helpful way to fall asleep, with Lena Dunham's "Famesick" being a recent favorite. While her routine is meticulously planned, unforeseen circumstances like illness can disrupt it, but her commitment to a structured schedule remains key to her productivity and maintaining balance in her multifaceted life.

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Consulting Firm Transforms Client Engagement with AI-Powered Apps

Consulting firm West Monroe is transforming how it initiates client discussions by moving away from conventional presentations and embracing bespoke AI applications. Instead of relying on static slide decks to articulate potential solutions, the firm now introduces clients to interactive AI tools during initial consultations. This innovative method, spearheaded by West Monroe's chief AI officer, aims to make abstract concepts more tangible and compelling, addressing the common challenge of engaging clients effectively with theoretical proposals.

This app-centric strategy, implemented since January, has become an integral part of approximately a third of West Monroe's preliminary client meetings. The goal is to provide clients with a concrete understanding of how artificial intelligence can be integrated into their operations. This approach bypasses two prevalent hurdles in the consulting industry: the extensive time spent on refining presentations that often fail to convey a clear vision, and the lengthy pilot project phases that frequently lack immediate actionable insights. By merging the initial pitch with a functional prototype, West Monroe seeks to streamline the journey from concept to practical application.

A prime example of this methodology involved a telecommunications company seeking enhancements in its supply chain. West Monroe utilized AI to analyze publicly available data on the client's suppliers, strategic objectives, and technological infrastructure. Subsequently, the firm developed an agent-powered system concept, which was then presented as a tailored prototype. This application, featuring the client's branding and simulated operational data, offered a vivid preview of the proposed solution. The direct, immersive experience allowed for immediate feedback and adjustments, such as integrating hardware, software, and services during the meeting itself, thereby fostering a more collaborative and responsive engagement process.

West Monroe's shift towards AI-driven apps highlights a forward-thinking approach to consulting, emphasizing practical demonstrations and immediate engagement. This innovative method not only accelerates the initial phases of client projects but also fosters a deeper, more collaborative relationship, leading to more impactful and relevant outcomes. By prioritizing the tangible application of AI, West Monroe demonstrates that true value lies in practical implementation rather than mere theoretical discourse, setting a new standard for client-consultant interactions in the digital age.

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