Using AI at Work: AI in the Workplace & Generative AI for Business Leaders

In this solo episode of Using AI at Work, Chris Daigle breaks from the interview format to share the AI tool stack he recommends to executives, leaders, and knowledge workers who want real value without chasing every new release.Chris introduces the concept of “thinking in AI” and explains how leaders move from using AI for isolated tasks to developing an instinctive, organization-wide mindset where AI supports daily work, decisions, and workflows. He also addresses common fears around AI replacing jobs, clarifying the difference between task-level automation, project-level assistance, and full job replacement.The episode walks through a curated set of AI tools that Chris believes are best-in-class, easy to use, and likely to stick around, helping leaders save time, reduce confusion, and build real context inside their organizations. This is a practical starting point for anyone looking to use AI at work with confidence and clarity in 2026.🔎 Learn More About Chris Daigle and Chief AI OfficerChris Daigle on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdaigleChief AI Officerhttps://chiefaiofficer.com🛠 AI Tools and Resources MentionedFathomhttps://chiefaiofficer.com/fathomPerplexityhttps://www.perplexity.aiComet Browser by PerplexityNotebookLMhttps://notebooklm.googleGamma https://chiefaiofficer.com/gammaNano Banana image generation inside Google GeminiChatGPT https://openai.com/chatgpt📌 Chapters00:00 Why this episode is different01:14 The problem with AI tool overload02:10 What “thinking in AI” really means03:22 From discrete AI use to an AI reflex04:28 Sharing AI wins to build culture05:35 AI governance and cultural readiness06:18 Will AI replace jobs07:15 Tasks, projects, and job-level work08:42 What AI can realistically automate today10:02 Economic impact of AI on knowledge work11:48 Why meeting transcription builds business context12:57 Using Fathom as an AI meeting assistant13:45 Replacing Google with Perplexity14:58 Agentic browsing with the Comet browser15:42 NotebookLM as a learning environment16:36 Creating executive decks with Gamma17:18 Image generation with Nano Banana18:02 Why community matters for AI adoption19:22 Final advice for leaders getting started

Panos Siozos, CEO and co-founder of LearnWorlds, discusses the transformative power of AI in education. He emphasizes that while access to information is no longer a challenge, the focus should shift to critical thinking and structured learning. Panos warns against cognitive laziness and stresses the importance of friction and human guidance in mastering skills. He explores how AI should enhance rather than replace learning, the evolving nature of authority, and the need for professionals to adapt to keep their skills relevant in an AI-driven world.

In this conversation, Tim Cakir, founder of AI Operator, shares insights on reducing AI tool overload in workplaces. He emphasizes the importance of human-centered AI practices and discusses how organizations often fail by chasing tools rather than focusing on outcomes. Tim explores the role of voice AI as a productivity enhancer and the necessity of tailoring AI training to individual roles. He also highlights the significance of behavior change over policies and advocates for adopting AI as a collaborative partner to boost creativity and effectiveness.

Chris Daigle chats with Mohamed Yousuf, the founder of Smart Workforce AI, who has over 15 years of experience in workforce planning. They delve into how AI can revolutionize workforce scheduling, reducing burnout and optimizing staff placement. Mohamed shares insights on real-world applications, including healthcare staffing and hospitality demands. He emphasizes the importance of AI as a co-pilot for decision-making and discusses practical aspects like onboarding costs and compliance with labor laws, making AI accessible for businesses of all sizes.

In this conversation, Patrick Leung, a former Google engineer and current AI executive at Faro Health, delves into how AI revolutionizes marketing and revenue teams. He shares practical applications of AI for efficiency and consistency while supporting non-technical leaders. Patrick emphasizes the importance of avoiding overcomplication in workflows and moving from experimentation to scalable processes. He also addresses realistic expectations for AI capabilities and the necessity of curiosity and hands-on projects for effective adoption.

Zak Ali, General Manager at Finder US, touches on the shifting landscape of search as AI technology evolves. He emphasizes that SEO is far from dead, explaining how LLMs like ChatGPT select sources based on credibility signals. Zak reveals Finder's strategy of focusing on long-tail queries to boost visibility in AI searches and shares insights on fostering a culture of AI experimentation within non-technical teams. With a mix of practical tips and a forward-looking perspective, he highlights the significant impact of AI on content strategy and user discovery.

In this engaging discussion, strategy and AI transformation expert Geoff Gibbins shares insights from his book, Critical Intelligence. He reveals why many AI pilots fail, emphasizing the importance of redesigning workflows instead of merely automating broken processes. Geoff explains the shift towards using AI as a collaborator, not just a tool, and talks about the need for long half-life skills to future-proof careers. He also highlights the essential role of human-AI collaboration in gaining a competitive advantage in the business landscape.

Michael Stelzner, founder of Social Media Examiner, dives into how AI is reshaping content strategies and audience growth. He shares insights on using Gemini for efficient workflow and content creation while maintaining a personal touch. The discussion highlights the balance between automation and authenticity, the integration of AI with social media, and SEO changes in the digital landscape. Stelzner emphasizes the importance of curiosity in tech adoption and offers practical advice for marketers looking to harness AI effectively.

Etan Polinger, founder of Raize Digital and AI consultant, shares insights on transforming marketing through AI. He discusses vibe coding and its role in creating impactful content quickly. Etan emphasizes designing AI systems that support, not overwhelm, marketing teams while maintaining brand voice. He also delves into measurable ROI from AI experiments and how small businesses can utilize generative AI to compete effectively. Listeners will gain actionable tips for leveraging AI to enhance customer experiences and business outcomes.

Peter Cappelli, a workforce strategy expert at the Wharton School, dives into how AI is reshaping hiring and management. He challenges misconceptions about job displacement and emphasizes the importance of human judgment alongside AI. Peter discusses the slow adoption of AI among companies and the need for realistic expectations. He highlights the necessity of reskilling and urges executives to focus on tangible benefits rather than just headcount reductions, advocating for a balanced approach to workforce transformation in the AI era.