45: From Civil War to Generative AI (with Rachel Beck)

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THE GUEST

Rachel Beck is a global leader in business intelligence and analytics with 15 years of experience transforming complex data into actionable insights that drive program impact and investment. She has led business intelligence strategies for portfolios exceeding $70 million, launched global management systems used in over 50 countries, and unified KPIs that unlocked tens of millions in additional funding. With dual master’s degrees in data science and public administration, Rachel is now focused on integrating AI into inclusive, user-centered systems that scale social impact, while also mentoring the next generation of analytics and product leaders

THE SUMMARY

From Conflict Zones to AI Leadership — Rachel draws parallels between navigating civil war in South Sudan and today’s AI landscape. Both require rapid pivots, scenario planning, and risk management under uncertainty.

Risk Isn’t Optional — In both war zones and AI adoption, “doing nothing” is itself a risk. Organisations must decide whether to stand still, retreat, or transform—and the biggest gains come when they embrace intentional change.

The Human Side of Data — Rachel stresses that the real value in analytics lies in messy, qualitative insights—the “why” and “how” behind the numbers. In AI, the challenge is turning subjective evaluations (like “is this summary better?”) into meaningful, measurable metrics.

Trust Over Technology — Partnerships built on trust (like with community leaders in crisis zones) translate to AI too. A prototype can’t replace alignment, risk management, and stakeholder trust. Those who ignore this lose credibility fast.

AI for Social Impact — Rachel’s new AI tool helps product managers and researchers perform deep competitive analysis with human-in-the-loop oversight. It blends automation with expert steering, ensuring outputs are meaningful, not shallow.

Advice for Newcomers to AI — Start small. Use AI tools to solve real pain points in your daily life (even as simple as dinner recipes). Curiosity and iteration matter more than expertise when getting started.

THE SHOW

Weekly conversations with the AI’s top product leaders. Join Polly Allen as she discovers the paths to success in the world of AI.

THE LINKS

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Rachel Beck

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

Email: rach.beck@gmail.com

My links

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

AI Career Boost: ⁠https://www.aicareerboost.com/⁠