Good Decisions
Podcast Description
Good Decisions, Hosted by Jay Combs, VP of Marketing at ModelOp
Good Decisions is the podcast about the choices that shape careers, companies, and the future of AI.
In each episode, host Jay Combs sits down with bold thinkers, mission-driven experts, and enterprise leaders navigating the human side of rapidly evolving technology—those who’ve faced unique moments, career pivots, and complex decisions with major consequences and lasting impact. From CIA officers turned CTOs to tech pioneers and data scientists managing billion-dollar risks, these are the stories you won’t find on LinkedIn.
We go beyond buzzwords to explore what drives the people behind tech, data, and AI—their values, lessons, regrets, and their favorite cocktails or hottest takes. Whether you’re leading AI strategy or still figuring out what “agentic” means, you’ll find something here to challenge your thinking and sharpen your decision-making.
In the end, good technology depends on good decisions.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into themes of decision-making, AI governance, and the human elements behind technological advancements. Noteworthy episodes include discussions on career transitions from military to tech, the ethical implications of AI metadata, and unique insights on driving innovation in traditional industries like finance, helping listeners understand the interplay between technology and corporate leadership.

Good Decisions, Hosted by Jay Combs, VP of Marketing at ModelOp
Good Decisions is the podcast about the choices that shape careers, companies, and the future of AI.
In each episode, host Jay Combs sits down with bold thinkers, mission-driven experts, and enterprise leaders navigating the human side of rapidly evolving technology—those who’ve faced unique moments, career pivots, and complex decisions with major consequences and lasting impact. From CIA officers turned CTOs to tech pioneers and data scientists managing billion-dollar risks, these are the stories you won’t find on LinkedIn.
We go beyond buzzwords to explore what drives the people behind tech, data, and AI—their values, lessons, regrets, and their favorite cocktails or hottest takes. Whether you’re leading AI strategy or still figuring out what “agentic” means, you’ll find something here to challenge your thinking and sharpen your decision-making.
In the end, good technology depends on good decisions.
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In this episode of Good Decisions by ModelOP, host James Combs sits down with Mitesh Shah, Lead Product Manager for AI Personalization & Agent eCommerce at PayPal, to discuss the future of AI-driven e-commerce, the transformation of PayPal from a payment provider to a comprehensive commerce platform, and the evolving role of product managers in the AI space. Mitesh shares his journey from mechanical engineering to tech, insights into personalizing the user experience, and how PayPal is addressing challenges around privacy, trust, and AI ethics. He also reflects on the importance of balancing technology with human-centered design, emphasizing the need for responsible innovation and trust in product development.
Expect to Learn:
– Insights on the transformation of PayPal and its vision for becoming a global commerce platform.
– How AI personalization is reshaping the way we shop, including the integration of AI agents in e-commerce.
– Balancing data privacy with personalized experiences for users.
– The importance of simplicity and user focus in product management.
– Mitesh’s journey from mechanical engineering to product management in tech.
– The key lessons learned from working with small businesses and entrepreneurs to build impactful tech products.
– Responsible AI practices and the regulatory landscape in AI development.
Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:
[00:00] – Teaser
[02:01] – Introduction
[03:26] – Mitesh’s Current Role at PayPal
[06:19] – PayPal’s Transition to a Commerce Platform
[09:46] – The Future of AI in E-Commerce
[11:53] – Starting the Transformation
[15:37] – PayPal’s Challenges in Product Management
[19:37] – Trust, Risk, and Privacy
[26:01] – Navigating AI Regulations.
[28:40] – Transition from Mechanical Engineering to Data Science and Product Management
[33:47] – Importance of Simplifying Products for Users
[40:13] – Convincing Leadership to Simplify
[44:16] – Responsible AI Development
[50:01] – Lessons Learned from AI and Tech
[55:44] – Rituals for Reflection and Gratitude
[59:30] – Closing Remarks
🔗 Follow Mitesh Shah on:
👉 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitesh-shah-19673039/
👉 Company LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/paypal
👉 Website – https://www.paypal.com/
🔗 Follow James Combs on:
👉 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwcombs/
🔗 Follow ModelOp on:
👉 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/modelop/
👉 Website – https://www.modelop.com/
👉 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/modelop_ai/
👉 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577339019152
👉 X – https://x.com/ModelOp_Co
👉 TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@modelop_aigov
🔗 Follow Good Decisions Podcast:
👉 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/5MQJXoylEhVQwwyNKMfo3c
👉 Apple Podcast – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-decisions/id1823071460
👉 YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@modelop1023/podcasts

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