Aflac CIO Shelia Anderson on AI-Driven Integration and the Unified Group Strategy | Technovation with Peter High (CIO, CTO, CDO, CXO Interviews) | Podwise
This episode explores the technological transformation underway at Aflac, a major insurance company, as recounted by its Chief Information Officer, Shelia Anderson. Against the backdrop of Aflac's growth through acquisitions, Anderson details the challenges of integrating disparate legacy systems and the resulting need for improved governance and financial transparency. More significantly, she describes the shift from a rapid, potentially risky cloud migration strategy to a more deliberate, phased approach prioritizing the "right solution, right place, right price." The discussion pivots to Aflac's unified group strategy, aiming to present a seamless customer experience across various product lines through strategic integration rather than complete backend replacement. For instance, the company is focusing on integrating front-end and connecting back-ends to create a "one Aflac view." Furthermore, Anderson highlights the company's talent strategy, emphasizing a reduction in third-party reliance and a focus on internal skill development aligned with evolving technological needs. Finally, she discusses Aflac's journey with AI, from successful legacy AI applications to ongoing explorations of generative AI's potential across various business functions, such as claims processing and customer onboarding. This showcases a data-driven approach to innovation, prioritizing business value and return on investment.
