Welcome to our “AI Innovators” series, where we dive deep into conversations with visionary leaders pushing artificial intelligence’s boundaries. We are thrilled to feature Tim Sanders, Vice President of Research Insights at G2. 

With a career spanning pivotal roles in digital transformation, Tim has been at the vanguard of technological innovation, from helping broadcast platforms go mainstream to steering strategies at Yahoo. Now, his focus is firmly set on the limitless possibilities of AI, making him an invaluable voice in the field.

Background, Interests, and Focus Areas at G2

Please tell us a bit about your role at G2 and your focus areas.

Tim Sanders: I’m Tim Sanders, and I am currently serving as Vice President of Research Insights at G2, where my primary focus is artificial intelligence developments. My career trajectory has been one of navigating significant technological shifts, from my early days with Mark Cuban at AudioNet, which evolved into Broadcast.com, to my leadership role at Yahoo, where I advanced digital advertising and e-commerce. 

Today, my mission at G2 is to unlock AI’s full potential, particularly in areas like agentic AI, synthetic media, and AI orchestration. I want to help G2 become a beacon for businesses seeking AI-driven solutions, enhancing productivity and competitive advantage across industries.

My deep-seated drive to integrate AI into business operations is palpable. My work at G2 involves meticulously exploring emerging AI capabilities, striving to push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. My strategic focus reinforces G2’s commitment to innovation and exemplifies how AI can be systematically leveraged to overtake traditional methods and elevate organizational efficiency.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Tim Sanders: I’m deeply fascinated by robotics and quantum computing in my spare time. Both areas promise to be transformative game-changers in the near future, and exploring them aligns perfectly with my passion for understanding forward-looking technologies. Engaging with these fields not only satisfies my curiosity but also equips me with insights that can fuel future technological innovations and strategies.

Beyond professional endeavors, investing time in these interests helps me stay attuned to the broader landscape of technology. It ensures that I’m continuously learning and preparing for the innovations poised to redefine industries, allowing me to remain at the forefront of the technology curve both personally and professionally.

You mentioned you know Mark Cuban. Could you share a story about your interactions with him?

Tim Sanders: I’ve known Mark Cuban since the 1990s, and our collaboration during the early days of AudioNet was a pivotal period in my career. Mark’s drive and innovative mindset were striking; he had a unique ability to envision the future of tech and champion ideas that were ahead of their time. Working with him taught me the importance of pushing boundaries and staying curious about what’s possible.

One vivid memory I have is from the early stages of AudioNet. We were on the cusp of something huge, transforming how broadcast media was consumed. Mark’s foresight and relentless pursuit of innovation impacted me, instilling a passion for challenging the status quo and exploring uncharted territories in technology. This shared vision has been a guiding force in my career ever since.

I heard music is a passion of yours. Can you share more?

Tim Sanders: I do have a deep passion for music. It’s something that has always been a significant part of my life. I love exploring different genres and discovering new artists. Music is a powerful form of expression, and it offers a creative escape that complements my work in technology. Whether I’m at a live concert or just relaxing at home with a great album, there’s something about music that energizes and inspires me in unique ways. It helps me clear my mind, sparking creativity and innovation that I can bring back to my professional endeavors.

AI Advancements and Technology

You mentioned AI agents and agentic AI. How would you describe them to someone unfamiliar with the concept?

Tim Sanders: AI agents are sophisticated systems that autonomously operate on behalf of humans, utilizing various tools and decision-making processes. They’re designed to reason, plan, and execute tasks, thus performing traditionally complex and labor-intensive actions. Unlike generic productivity tools that enhance efficiency, true AI agents independently deliver outcomes, making them invaluable for achieving operational milestones faster and with greater accuracy.

I liken the evolution of AI agents to the progression from interns to executive assistants—in other words, today’s chatbots are like interns, full of energy and book smarts, but lacking in judgement. So we have to oversee their work closely. Tomorrow’s agents will be more like executive assistants, who are experienced and savvy, and as a result, more trusted to execute on goals. These systems work to amplify human capacity rather than replace us. In doing so, they present an expansive range of opportunities for companies willing to integrate these agents into their workflows. Crucially, trust remains central to their adoption, challenging businesses to embrace AI’s potential and extend its autonomous capabilities, thereby unlocking substantial performance gains.

AI agents are transforming how we work by autonomously executing tasks, not just enhancing personal productivity but delivering measurable business outcomes.

– Tim Sanders, VP of Research Insights at G2

Back to Mark Cuban. I recently saw a video where he stated he would have his son study prompt engineering. What do you think about prompt engineering?

Tim Sanders: When discussing prompt engineering, I view it as a critical skill for maximizing the capabilities of large language models. It’s akin to crafting a detailed conversation with AI, where the clarity and structure of your prompts can significantly impact the quality of the responses you receive. I often liken this process to guiding an intern—it’s important to clearly delineate their role and the context of their task. For example, by setting up a model as a consultant with specific expertise, you establish a foundation for it to generate more relevant and insightful outputs.

Looking ahead, with advancements in reasoning models, I believe prompt engineering will transition into more of a goal-expression practice. As these models enhance their capabilities to understand and plan, we’ll be able to focus more on articulating our goals in natural language, allowing the AI to handle the complexity and deliver actionable insights. This evolution will significantly expand the utility of AI tools, making them invaluable across various domains as they better comprehend and fulfill nuanced objectives.

What do you see as the biggest challenges in the adoption of AI within enterprises?

Tim Sanders: The challenges in adopting AI are often less about the technology itself and more about overcoming cultural resistance and trust deficits within organizations. There’s a phenomenon I call “trust gaps,” where the divide between what AI can achieve and what users believe about its capabilities hinders its adoption. This scenario mirrors the early apprehensions surrounding cloud technologies, where trust-building lagged behind innovation, costing businesses significantly. Enterprise leaders must champion AI literacy and hands-on interaction to close these gaps effectively.

My advice to firms is to foster a culture that encourages daily engagement with AI. Deliberate practice is key—just like learning a new instrument, it helps cultivate familiarity and trust. Companies must also align their security protocols and business objectives to facilitate faster integration and adoption of AI. This cultural and operational shift is essential for harnessing AI’s full potential and achieving competitive differentiation.

The biggest hurdle for AI adoption isn’t the technology—it’s bridging the ‘trust gap’ that prevents organizations from fully leveraging AI’s potential.

– Tim Sanders, VP of Research Insights at G2

With so much focus on AI, what should today’s companies do to remain competitive?

Tim Sanders: To remain competitive, companies must integrate AI across all facets of their operations, morphing it into the core of their strategic endeavors. This involves not only adopting machine learning and agentic AI to enhance operational efficiency but also reallocating resources traditionally tied up in non-innovative expenses. Businesses that prioritize software solutions powered by AI can unlock exponential growth by redirecting budgets toward technology-driven initiatives.

Organizations must evolve their workflows, constantly asking how prediction machines can enhance velocity or improve customer experiences. This approach transforms AI into a pivotal lever for scaling and growth, empowering companies to stay ahead in the race toward technological superiority. Emphasizing a culture of continuous adaptation and exploration is the foundation for thriving in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.

What advice do you have for individuals or companies looking to enhance their AI capabilities?

Tim Sanders: I advise anyone looking to enhance their AI capabilities to immerse themselves in continuous learning and experimentation. Start with reading insightful resources like “Power and Prediction” and “Cointelligence: How to Coexist with Generative AI.” These books  dispel myths and build a better understanding and trust in AI technologies by framing them as powerful prediction machines, not incomprehensible enigmas.

Practicing with AI tools regularly builds confidence and competence, like learning an instrument or mastering a sport. By embedding this approach into organizational culture, companies can take charge of AI adoption, transforming skepticism into strategic advantage and reinforcing their standing as innovators in the digital economy.

WorkTech is projected to hit $1T by 2026. What are your thoughts on Workplace tools like AI Enterprise Search?

Tim Sanders: When it comes to AI workplace tools like Enterprise Search and GoSearch, I’m really excited about their potential to revolutionize how we handle and access information in our organizations. These tools are designed to make our work more efficient by automating repetitive tasks and improving the quality of our outputs through better collaboration. Most studies suggest productivity increases of around 30 to 40 percent, which is fantastic.

However, I often caution about an aspect I call the “delivery problem.” This relates to Parkinson’s Law, where work expands to fill the time available. Even with productivity gains, the saved time might be squandered without necessarily delivering enhanced results. 

The true promise of AI workplace tools will be realized when they not only boost productivity but also deliver concrete outcomes that align with business objectives. For organizations, this means being strategic about implementing these tools and ensuring they contribute to meaningful advancements in how the business operates and grows.

Workplace tech tools like Enterprise Search revolutionize how we access information, boosting efficiency and collaboration while paving the way for tangible business outcomes.

– Tim Sanders, VP of Research Insights at G2

In Closing

In conclusion, our conversation with Tim Sanders vividly illustrates AI’s transformative impact on today’s businesses and industries, shedding light on AI’s immense possibilities for the future.

At GoSearch, we are committed to exploring these groundbreaking insights and equipping organizations with the AI-powered tools they need to thrive in an era of rapid innovation. Our enterprise search solution is designed to revolutionize the way businesses access and utilize information, making knowledge discovery faster, smarter, and more intuitive. Through our AI Innovators series, we go beyond technology—we bring together thought leaders, visionaries, and pioneers who are redefining industry standards and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AI.

Stay tuned as we continue to curate compelling discussions and develop cutting-edge solutions, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve and ready to harness the full potential of AI in your organization.