Are you a tad bit tired of reading about AI…
In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is shaking things up, Pablo Nosti is at the forefront of the revolution. As the Head of Global Procurement Strategy at DuPont, he’s got 25 years of experience under his belt – and now he’s using AI to flip the script on old challenges. From streamlining processes to uncovering new solutions, Pablo’s leading the charge in how DuPont is using generative AI to transform the game. In this interview, he breaks down how they’re making it happen.
Can you share more about your involvement with generative AI and any significant projects you're working on?
Lately, we’ve been very active in the AI space, particularly with generative AI. We’re exploring various use cases, especially with the tools that our IT department has enabled, such as generative AI chatbots, Copilot, and Knowledge Finder, often combined with robotics. We’re also collaborating with service providers who bring AI innovations to the table, exploring how DuPont can benefit from their advancements. The potential is immense, and we’re already seeing some exciting possibilities.
How do you determine where to focus your efforts in AI projects? What makes a good application for something like a chatbot?
We begin by identifying our pain points and challenges – some of which have been long standing. When we see a tool that can help, such as market intelligence or contract lifecycle management, we explore it. To identify potential use cases, we’ve created a community of practitioners within DuPont who are both procurement professionals and tech enthusiasts. Together, we look at how new AI tools can help address our challenges. It’s been a great way to pinpoint where we should focus our efforts.
What excites you the most about the potential of generative AI?
What excites me the most is that we’re just at the beginning of this journey, but we can already see the incredible potential AI holds. The tools are much more intuitive than previous technology innovations, making them easier to adopt. What’s also impressive is the fast pace of development—almost every month, we get new ideas, enhancements, and possibilities from our IT department and other sources. The speed at which AI is advancing is unlike anything I’ve seen before.
What challenges have you faced while adopting these new technologies, and how have you overcome them?
One of the main challenges is ensuring that we comply with IT standards, particularly cybersecurity. That’s why we work very closely with our IT department—they enable the tools, guide us on how to use them, and ensure we adhere to security standards. Another challenge is helping our organization adopt these new technologies. We’re focusing on communication, training, and upskilling our team to show them how AI can solve their problems. It’s also important to bring in the right talent to ensure we can fully realize the potential of these tools.
How do you stay updated on the ever-changing landscape of AI? Any recommendations for others looking to keep up?
Networking with peers and participating in communities of practitioners is key for me. Talking to others, like in Wonder Services’ AI Think Tank, helps me stay up to date with the latest developments. There’s always someone who knows more, and I learn a lot from their experiences. In addition to networking, I try to stay informed through webinars and articles. But ultimately, I believe engaging with peers and communities is the best way to keep pace with the rapid changes in AI.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to pursue a career that's more AI-focused?
I’m convinced that almost all knowledge-based careers will be affected by AI in some way. For anyone looking to focus on AI, my advice is to start experimenting now. Learn how to use these tools for your current challenges, and get ready for the changes that are coming. It’s not just about becoming an AI professional – AI will transform every knowledge-based career. The key is to be curious, explore, and prepare yourself to be part of that transformation.
Pablo Nosti’s work at DuPont exemplifies how AI can address long-standing challenges and create new opportunities across procurement and beyond. By embracing generative AI and fostering a culture of innovation, Pablo is helping to drive meaningful change within his organization.