EP179: Think Bigger: Leading AI Transformation At Scale

AI can make existing work faster, but its greatest value may come from helping organizations rethink the work altogether. In this episode of Leader Generation, Tessa Burg talks with Chris Colangelo, AI leader for Verizon Business Group, about how leaders can move beyond incremental improvements and use AI to solve bigger customer and employee challenges. Chris shares practical lessons from leading AI transformation at scale, including how to find the right starting points, build momentum with willing teams and help employees focus on the value they bring rather than the tasks they perform today. You’ll also hear how AI is changing marketing through campaign simulation, smarter personalization and closer coordination between marketing and sales. Listen to learn why AI should start with a real problem rather than a technology, how faster processes can elevate human thinking and why understanding customer rejection may be just as important as measuring conversion. About Chris Colangelo: Chris Colangelo is the Associate Vice President of Business Technology and AI at Verizon Business, where he directs the enterprise AI strategy, technology operations, and platforms powering global sales, marketing, and customer engagement. In this role, he leads the deployment of generative AI capabilities to transform corporate workflows while managing the integration of core systems like Salesforce, Adobe Marketing Cloud, and Pega. His strategic focus centers on leveraging automation to deliver highly personalized customer journeys and accelerate large-scale digital transformations. Throughout his career, Chris has specialized in driving commercial growth through technology, notably leading large digital transformations that doubled digital sales and scaled Verizon's B2B multi-billion-dollar revenue platforms. His expertise includes sales, MarTech and RevTech innovation, e-commerce strategy, and digital customer experience. He is passionate about delivering value out of bold ideas and fighting through tough executions. About Tessa Burg: Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at [Tessa.Burg@ModOp.com](mailto:Tessa.Burg@ModOp.com).