Why AI Still Needs Human Wisdom with Jacqueline Corbelli (Brightline)

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Jim Stengel (0:56)

What's the first brand you remember as a child making an impact on you?

Jacqueline Corbelli (1:00)

I think it was probably the cereal commercials. Only because my mother never would buy the sugary cereals, but I always wanted sugar smacks.

So I always like, I love those ads, right? And then Tony and then all the stuff. Sorry, but that's what I remember.

Jim Stengel (1:16)

Hi, I'm Jim Stengel. I've helped hundreds of major brands discover and activate their purpose.

Because when a brand's purpose is clear, compelling and authentic, profit naturally follows. Each week, I welcome the CMOs, the chief marketing officers of your favorite brands, to speak to how their job is so much more than marketing. These leaders share their inspiration and challenges, along with how they try to build a full, healthy and happy life in and out of the office. And it's that energy that reaches everyone they touch. And we're glad you're here to feel that energy and to learn from these remarkable leaders so here we go.

Every once in a while, a conversation goes in a completely unexpected direction. That's exactly what happened when I sat down with Jacqueline Corbelli during Cannes Lions. What began as a discussion about ad tech became a much broader discussion about leadership, purpose and the future of AI. Jacqueline is the founder and CEO of Brightline, one of the pioneers in interactive and connected TV advertising. More than two decades ago, she helped envision a world where television would become a two-way, measurable experience long before streaming transformed the industry. Today, Brightline works with many of the world's leading broadcasters, streaming platforms and Fortune 100 brands to bring that vision to life. But her story extends far behind advertising. Jacqueline also found that SustainChain, an AI-powered platform focused on strengthening global supply chains and advancing sustainability. She serves as an advisor to both the United Nations and the Vatican, bringing together business, technology and humanitarian initiatives. She recently published her first book Changemaker, Sharing Her Framework for Creating Meaningful Impact. This is my conversation with a leader who truly believes that the future belongs to those who combine technology with human wisdom. Here's Jacqueline.

Jacqueline, welcome to The CMO Podcast. You know, we don't have many ad tech pioneers on, so I'm looking forward to this conversation.

Jacqueline Corbelli (3:12)

I feel honored.

Jim Stengel (3:13)

We're here at Cam Lyons. You must have been here before.

Many times. So what's exciting this year for you?

Jacqueline Corbelli (3:20)

I mean, I think what's most fascinating is the time we're in. And interesting in that there's a lot that's the same, even though it's different.

Especially where the tech is concerned in AIs, of course.

Jim Stengel (3:32)

Now, after Cannes is over, are you stopping by the Vatican?

Jacqueline Corbelli (3:34)

I just came from the Vatican. Okay, tell us about that. I just came from the Vatican and spoke on AI there. You probably read Pope Leo's statement on AI, and I've been involved with the Vatican in advising from the standpoint of business and technology for a decade.

And so it was really Pope Francis who brought myself in and a person who I have most respect for, Jeffrey Sachs. So each time I go, it is about being an on-the-ground source of real practical perspective. Because as you can imagine, there's a lot of very conceptual, intellectual things being discussed at the Vatican. So that's what I'm there to do just to bring some mainstream.

Jim Stengel (4:16)

What was the origin of that relationship?

Jacqueline Corbelli (4:18)

The origin of that relationship was being a integral part of a 10-year integrated economic development program in Africa. When I was chairman of the board of Millennium Promise, which is Professor Jeffrey Sachs' work to end poverty. And it coincided with the UN's work on the Millennium Development Goals. And as we started to reach the end of that timeframe, the Sustainable Development Goals came to be.