From TIME · · 1m 20s
Seemantini Godbole's AI revolution at Lowe's
The new chief information and AI officer is using chatbots to empower store associates and simplify home improvement for customers.
In brief
The new chief information and AI officer is using chatbots to empower store associates and simplify home improvement for customers. AI tools work best when they're designed to support people, not replace them. Originally reported by TIME.
DIY help is everywhere now
YouTube, TikTok, and AI chatbots have made home improvement projects more accessible than ever. But Seemantini Godbole believes customers shouldn't go it alone.
Lowe's vision: experts in every aisle
Godbole wants customers to find not just tools and supplies, but expert help that makes projects easier. Her mission is to remove friction and make associates look like superheroes.
“My job is to take all the friction out of home improvement and make our associates look like superheroes.”
Mylow and Mylow Companion launched
When Godbole joined Lowe's in 2018, she led development of two AI assistants. Mylow helps customers, while Mylow Companion supports the company's 300,000 associates with instant answers.
AI that serves both sides
Mylow Companion lets associates ask questions about products and projects via text, voice, or photos and get immediate answers. Godbole expanded her role to chief information and AI officer this year.
“Whenever we release a functionality, it has to be in service of our customers, but also our associates.”
Why Godbole won executive honor
TIME named her one of 2026's Executives of the Year in Tech and Data for reimagining how AI can empower retail workers rather than replace them.
The key point
AI tools work best when they're designed to support people, not replace them.
