Innovation is often portrayed as a purely technological pursuit—faster software, smarter algorithms, better tools. But for Nancy Galaski, AudienceView’s Chief People and AI Officer (CPAIO), innovation is as much about people as it is about technology. Her role—one of the first of its kind in the live events industry—embodies this philosophy. It blends culture, empathy, and artificial intelligence into a single mandate: to create a workplace where technology frees people to do more of what makes them uniquely human.
We sat down with Nancy to explore how this pioneering role came to life, what it means for AudienceView’s employees and clients, and why she believes the future of work will be defined by heart as much as by technology.
Nancy, why did AudienceView decide to create the role of Chief People and AI Officer?
The shift came because the way people work is changing so quickly. What made us high-performing teams a year ago is already different today—and it will be different again a year from now. We realized we needed a role that brings together the human side of work with the opportunities AI creates. It’s about making sure we’re always thinking ahead and always centering people in that evolution.
You’ve said before that the future will be “about heart.” What does that mean to you?
It comes from the quote by Minouche Shafik, “In the past, jobs were about muscles. Now they’re about brains, but in the future, they’ll be about the heart.”
Artificial intelligence can’t replace human connection or build a relationship with a client. That’s where our teams shine. As work evolves, I think success will be measured by how well we connect on a human level—not just how efficiently we process data.
If we can automate a lot of the boring, redundant tasks (things like information analysis, forecasting, benchmarking reports) then people can focus on the parts of their jobs that really matter. It allows us to bring more heart to work; building relationships, understanding client needs, being creative and empathetic.
Why was it important to step into this role now?
We wanted to lead the way, not follow. We could see the direction the industry was headed, and we believed the combination of people leadership and AI strategy was critical. Since announcing the role, I’ve had HR professionals and industry peers reaching out to learn from our approach—which tells me we’re on the right path.
What are some of the most exciting applications you see for AI in AudienceView’s platform?
One of the most exciting opportunities is helping smaller clients who may not have the resources of larger organizations. Imagine a venue that doesn’t have an in-house FP&A person—AI built into our platform can help with forecasting and analysis in ways that are practical and accessible. That’s real impact.
How is AudienceView ensuring that clients’ data is handled responsibly?
Transparency is non-negotiable. All of our data is anonymized; we’re not tracking individual purchases. Instead, we’re looking at macro results—broad, aggregated insights that help clients make smarter decisions without ever compromising trust or privacy.
Looking ahead, how do you see the CPAIO role evolving?
The role will continue guiding AudienceView in blending technology and empathy. By automating the routine, we’re making more space for heart—more space for the creativity, connection, and innovation that truly drive success. For us, the future is people and technology working in harmony.
AudienceView is shaping the future of live events and ticketing with a people-first, AI-powered approach. Connect with us to learn how this vision can help your organization thrive.