3194: Smartsheet: The Future of AI in Project Management

Feb 28, 2025

Miya McClain, VP of Product Management at Smartsheet, is on a mission to enhance project management through AI. She discusses how AI tools are simplifying workflows and tackling challenges like data overload and team burnout. Miya shares insights on how AI can proactively prevent project risks and improve decision-making. With over half of Smartsheet users already leveraging AI, she highlights the need for responsible AI use while predicting a future where AI can recommend projects and streamline team operations. Expect innovation without the chaos!

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ADVICE

Embedded AI Advantage

Embed AI directly into workflows for optimal project management.
This approach enhances user experience and delivers better results than standalone AI solutions.

ANECDOTE

Generate Formula Example

Smartsheet's "Generate Formula" uses natural language processing to create formulas.
This simplifies complex calculations, improves data management, and accelerates project completion.

INSIGHT

Causes and Solutions for Data Mess

Data mess arises from multiple collaboration tools, siloed teams, and inconsistent tech stacks.
Centralizing work in a platform like Smartsheet helps gain actionable insights and improves decision-making.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

How can AI transform project management without adding unnecessary complexity?

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Miya McClain, VP of Product Management at Smartsheet, to explore how embedded AI tools are reshaping the way teams collaborate, manage data, and deliver successful projects.

With an engineering background and deep product expertise, Miya shares how Smartsheet is tackling some of the biggest challenges in project management, from data overload to team burnout.

AI in project management isn't about replacing human decision-making—it's about enhancing it. Miya explains how Smartsheet’s AI-driven insights help teams cut through the "data mess," turning scattered information into clear, actionable intelligence. With 63% of eligible Smartsheet plans already leveraging AI tools, businesses are seeing improved efficiency, better decision-making, and a significant reduction in manual work.

We also discuss how AI can proactively identify risks before they derail a project, providing managers with real-time visibility into potential roadblocks. This not only minimizes stress but also helps teams stay on track without last-minute scrambles. And as AI continues to evolve, Miya shares her perspective on the future of agent AI—where technology doesn’t just analyze data but also recommends the best projects to tackle, assigns the right people, and even personalizes onboarding experiences.

But as AI adoption grows, so do concerns about responsible use. Miya highlights Smartsheet’s commitment to data security, ensuring customer data is never co-mingled or used for training. She also debunks common AI myths, explaining why project managers remain vital, even as AI takes on more of the repetitive tasks.

With AI poised to redefine project management, how can businesses ensure they’re using it strategically and responsibly? And what does the future hold for AI-powered collaboration? Tune in to hear Miya McClain’s insights on the evolving role of AI in the workplace.