In this final episode of our Raindrop x Extropy series, host Kevin Zirkle sits down with Ward Karson, COO of Raindrop, for a forward-looking conversation about how AI is reshaping sourcing, procurement, and finance decision-making.

AI is no longer an abstract concept. It is embedded, accessible, and already delivering measurable value for the modern Office of the CFO. But the most exciting part? We’re just getting started.

In this episode, Kevin and Ward explore:

• Where most organizations really are on the AI maturity curve
• How AI is already transforming sourcing, contract management, supplier intelligence, and spend analytics
• The rise of natural-language insights for finance and procurement
• Why autonomous sourcing is closer than people think
• The essential role of governance, transparency, and human oversight
• How Raindrop’s graph-based AI model drives smarter, faster, more strategic decisions
• What CFOs should consider as they plan AI investments for the next 3–5 years

Ward also shares a real-world story of a global enterprise that has achieved 80% automation in sourcing, freeing teams to focus on strategy, innovation, and value creation.

If you’ve been following this six-episode Raindrop series, this finale brings it all together, showing the future of procurement, sourcing, and finance intelligence through the lens of AI.

In the final episode of our six-part Esker x Extropy series, host Kevin Zirkle sits down with Jim Dougherty to look beyond automation and into the future of intelligent finance operations.

This episode dives into Esker’s people-first approach to AI, including:

• How AI enhances—not replaces—human decision-making
• Why explainability and trust matter in enterprise AI
• Predictive insights across O2C and P2P
• Actionable analytics vs. static dashboards
• The evolution of cash intelligence, process optimization, and user-centric design

You’ll also hear how Extropy Advisors helps organizations build governance, define success, and implement operating models that scale.

If you’re a finance, shared services, or digital transformation leader — this episode will give you clarity on where AI is going, and how to prepare your organization for what’s next.

In this episode of our Raindrop + Extropy on AIR series, host Kevin Zirkle sits down with Raindrop COO Ward Karson to explore how modern eProcurement transforms the Office of the CFO.
From guided buying and budget-aware requisitioning to AI-driven insights, duplicate detection, and supplier recommendations, Raindrop brings simplicity and control to every purchasing decision.
Ward also shares a powerful client story where Raindrop helped eliminate maverick spend and create a seamless, intelligent buying experience across catalogs, including Amazon Business.
If you're a CFO, procurement leader, or operations executive looking to modernize spend management, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world impact.
Listen now and transform forward with us.