How Kroger Built 84.51 to Innovate at Scale, with Todd James, Founder & CEO of Aurora Insights

How do you build a high-speed, AI-driven data business inside a $140B grocery retailer without getting swallowed by legacy systems and org charts?In this episode of Beyond the Core, Ben and Marcus sit down with Todd James, former Chief Data & Technology Officer at 84.51° and Head of AI at Kroger, now Founder & CEO of Aurora Insights. Todd unpacks how Kroger built a wholly owned data science subsidiary to serve both internal and external customers, without killing innovation or losing touch with the core business.Todd shares war stories, tactical lessons, and playbooks for:- Building a shadow brand that serves the mothership- Structuring orgs for fast decision-making at scale- Embedding AI into business strategy (not just use cases)- Knowing when to kill your own ideas (and how to do it right)Whether you're building a Venture Studio, scaling AI across a large org, or launching a new business unit inside a legacy company, this conversation is packed with practical insights.—Subscribe for more conversations like these.#corporateinnovation #venturestudios #AIstrategy #databusiness #kroger #8451 #beyondthecore #aurorainsights #adjacentinnovation #shadowbrands #leadership

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