What does it take to move AI from concept to real business outcomes? In this episode of AI in Action, Microsoft Corporate Vice President Jonathan Hunt speaks with Kelly Mickelson, Head of Legal Operations and Chief of Staff at Mars, about how a single, business led idea evolved into an enterprise grade AI solution delivering real operational value. Kelly shares how curiosity, hands on leadership, and deep business understanding enabled rapid progress—from early prototype to scaled deployment in months. She reflects on lessons around governance, adoption, and partnering with Microsoft, offering practical insights for leaders looking to move beyond experimentation and build AI as a durable, business aligned capability at scale. Timestamps
1:10: Get to know Kelly Mickelson
2:51: Mars’ AI journey
6:20: The importance of data governance and orchestration
7:39: The business impact of AI
11:17: Advice for leaders looking to implement AI Key links: Follow Kelly Mickelson on LinkedIn: https://msft.it/6055Qu7IR Follow Jonathan Hunt on LinkedIn: https://msft.it/6058UOMti Learn more about Mars: https://msft.it/6057Qu7IT Learn more about Microsoft AI solutions: https://msft.it/6058Qu7Ip #Microsoft #Dynamics365 #AI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Km7v9jdXO-Q

This episode is sponsored by Avalara. Every year brings tax changes at the local, state, and national level, and Avalara has captured the latest updates in their newest tax changes report, which is available now. Avalara's vice president of government relations, Scott Peterson, joins us to discuss some of the report's findings and major themes, including what Scott calls 'off the charts' levels of change in terms of transaction taxes in the US. At the federal level, income tax changes are set to have a direct impact on state income taxes ,and Scott explains how states will react based on own funding needs. And we discuss why states are expanding their sales tax base into digitawl good and servicees, including taxing digital equivalents and B2B services. Scott also shares his guidance on the role of AI in international tax compliance and what our listeners can take away from this year's report. To learn more, contact Avalara: microsoft@avalara.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oolse1Q6JMY

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