No Brainer - An AI Podcast for Business

Big Red M executive VP, Association Chat Founder, and 2025 ASAE Academy of Leaders Award winner Kiki L’Italien joins Geoff Livingston to discuss the evolving landscape of AI in the association sector, touching on its opportunities and challenges. Despite the hype around AI's potential to replace jobs, both agree that associations are more likely to benefit from AI in terms of improved efficiency rather than job losses. KiKi and Geoff talk about the importance of trust, the impact of AI on jobs, and the need for better understanding and utilization of available technologies. They also touch on the importance of intellectual property, cybersecurity, and the barriers to adopting AI-driven solutions in associations.   00:00 Intro 04:36 AI Adoption in Associations 08:05 Challenges and Resistance in AI Implementation 17:31 Future of AI and Job Market Speculations 22:51 Salesforce's Struggles with Agent Force Adoption 23:55 Challenges in the Association Space 24:37 The Importance of Customization and Personalization 29:12 Opportunities with AI and Data 31:19 Trust and Intellectual Property in Associations 36:06 Barriers and Education in Associations 40:31 The Role of Technology in Associations   About KiKi L’Italien As the Executive VP of Marketing and Community Engagement at Big Red M, KiKi L'Italien enables associations to grow their revenue and impact through research, sales, and consulting. With over a decade of experience as a chief strategist, she has delivered technology and marketing consultation and digital transformation guidance to clients across various sectors, facilitating improved member engagement and event experiences. She has also written and produced multiple courses and an ebook on Generative AI and budgeting for associations.KiKi L'Italien is also the CEO and Editor-In-Chief of Association Chat, an online community, blog, and podcast that she founded in 2009. Association Chat connects, educates, and inspires association professionals through compelling interviews, insightful content, and interactive events. With over 72k annual subscribers, Association Chat is a recognized and respected source of information and inspiration in the association industry.  For her long-term commitment and contributions to the association community and society at large, KiKi was honored with the Association of Association Executives (ASAE) 2025 Academy of Leaders Award. KiKi’s LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kikilitalien/ Association Chat - https://associationchat.com/ Big Red M - https://bigredm.com/ The Trust Project - https://thetrustproject.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The impact of AI on jobs is back in the headlines. Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino took to LinkedIn Live to weigh in on the truth behind the hype—what’s really driving layoffs, how leaders should respond, and why reimagining work is the only path forward. They discuss the complex relationship between AI and job loss, exploring the economic pressures that lead to workforce reductions, and the impact of the AI hype cycle. They emphasize the need for organizations to reimagine work in the age of AI, highlighting the importance of leadership adaptation and the integration of human labor with technology. The conversation also touches on ethical considerations and the future of work as companies navigate these changes. In this conversation, Greg and Geoff explore the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of AI and automation across various sectors. They discuss the impending difficulties in the workforce, particularly for entry-level jobs, the necessity for reskilling and upskilling, and the unique challenges faced by nonprofits. The conversation also covers the marketing sector's adaptation to automation, the economic implications of AI, and the importance of scenario planning for future business strategies. Note: This episode is a recording of a LinkedIn Live broadcast from 9am ET, May 28, 2025. Other than some minor audio clean-up, we’re presenting it as-is. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of AI Job Loss 02:47 The Impact of AI on Employment 06:01 Understanding the AI Hype Cycle 08:55 Economic Pressures and Workforce Reductions 11:53 Reimagining Work in the Age of AI 14:57 Leadership in the Age of AI 18:10 Integrating Humans and AI 20:55 Ethics and the Future of Work 24:34 Navigating the Storm: Challenges Ahead 27:04 The Horizontal Impact of AI 30:29 Reskilling and Upskilling in the Age of AI 31:44 The Nonprofit Sector: Opportunities and Challenges 32:15 Marketing in the Age of Automation 36:30 The Future of Entry-Level Jobs 39:27 The Economic Implications of AI 43:46 Scenario Planning for the Future 47:28 Cultural Impacts of AI Adoption Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of No Brainer, Geoff Livingston and Pete Erickson discuss the evolving landscape of lead generation and marketing strategies in the age of AI. Pete declares that the lead industrial complex is dead, with AI and eroding customer trust dramatically impacting demand generation. As an owner of AI event company Modev and consultant, Pete is experiencing these changes firsthand. Pete and Geoff explore how traditional methods are becoming less effective, the importance of building genuine relationships, and the future of events in fostering human connections. Pete shares insights on the challenges faced by marketers and event organizers, emphasizing the need for a shift towards trust-driven growth and ecosystem building. Event organizers must adapt to changing market dynamics and focus on essential ecosystem building for sustainable growth.   Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:23 The Lead Industrial Complex Is Dead 11:14 The Shift in Event Marketing and Infrastructure 16:14 The Evolution of AI and Influencers 18:17 Ecosystem Building in Event Planning 22:09 Building Relationships in AI Business 27:57 The Shift in Event Planning and Human Connection   About Pete Erickson Pete Erickson is founder of Modev and executive director of the Tech Ecosystem Institute, He has spent over 15 years building communities at the intersection of emerging tech and human transformation. He is fully committed to a new model of industry engagement: Trust Driven Growth.Learn More and Connect with Pete Pete Erickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteerickson/ Modev: https://www.modev.com/ Tech Ecosystem Institute: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-ecosystem-institute Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Britt Bischoff, an entrepreneur and founder of Early Dawn, specializes in combating AI disinformation. In a thought-provoking conversation, she discusses the critical differences between misinformation and disinformation and how AI accelerates the spread of false narratives. Britt shares insights on the strategic use of disinformation by political entities and the risks to brands in this digital landscape. They also explore Texas legislation aimed at increasing transparency on bot accounts, underscoring the importance of media literacy to navigate today's complex information environment.

In this episode of No Brainer, Greg Verdino and Geoff Livingston welcome Lindsey Mastis—an independent journalist, keynote speaker, and AI enthusiast. Lindsey shares her perspective on the positive potential of AI, drawing on her background in journalism and her latest work, including a mini-documentary exploring how AI is reshaping the music industry.The conversation dives into why general public adoption of AI still lags behind its rapid technological advancement. Lindsey, Greg, and Geoff explore the trust gap, the role media plays in public education about AI, and the ongoing dominance of ChatGPT in the large language model space. The discussion moves through the evolving impacts of AI on multiple industries, including journalism, customer service, and music.They examine how AI is creating efficiencies and reducing pressure for human workers in customer service—yet simultaneously placing many of those same jobs at risk. In journalism, they reflect on the importance of critical thinking in an era when AI-generated content is becoming increasingly common. And in music, Lindsey offers a behind-the-scenes look at her current project, which highlights how artists and technologists are experimenting with AI to transform creative expression.The episode also previews Lindsey’s upcoming video series designed to help public relations professionals better understand the realities of working with AI-savvy journalists and navigating a tech-transformed media landscape.Chapters00:00 – Opening and Intro03:14 – Discussion on AI's Positive Impact07:22 – Media's Role in AI Education16:53 – Customer Service and AI31:41 – Critical Thinking and AI35:09 – AI in Music Industry40:21 – TV Journalist Series to Help PR Professionals42:27 – Conclusion and Contact InformationAbout Lindsey MastisLindsey Mastis is a regional Edward R. Murrow and four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, speaker, and media consultant with a deep focus on AI and emerging technology. With 20 years of experience in broadcast journalism, she has a talent for making complex topics relatable and showing their real-world impact. Today, she helps organizations understand and communicate how AI is transforming their industries, advising on AI storytelling, strategy, and public engagement.LinksLindsey on YouTubeLindsey's Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of No Brainer, hosts Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino chat with Kate O'Neill about leadership, human-friendly AI decision making, and her new book What Matters Next. Kate is the founder and CEO of strategic advisory firm KO Insights, host of the Tech Humanist Show, a highly acclaimed global keynote speaker, and a four-time business author. Her work has earned her a coveted spot on the Thinkers50 Radar in 2020 and she was shortlisted for the Thinkers50 Digital Thinking Award in 2023.Drawing on the key themes from her latest book and her wider body of work, Kate emphasizes the need for leaders to balance action and inaction, approach the future as an extension of the decisions we make today, align technology with human experience, and maintain a clear purpose in their organizations. the discussion also touches on the role of strategic optimism in shaping a better future through informed decision-making.Links:·     About Kate: https://www.koinsights.com/about-kate/·     Connect with Kate: https://linkedin.com/in/kateoneill·     What Matters Next: https://www.koinsights.com/books/what-matters-next-book/·     About KO Insights: https://koinsights.com·     The Tech Humanist Show: https://thetechhumanistshow.comChapters00:00 Intro02:41 What’s a Tech Humanist?05:30 Navigating Human-Friendly Technology Decisions08:08 The Impact of Deregulation on Technology Decisions10:42 Balancing Action and Inaction13:26 The Role of Purpose in Technology Decisions25:21 Aligning Technology with Purpose27:34 Articulating Purpose for Digital Transformation29:37 Integrating Technology into Business Strategy32:22 The Role of Human Workers in an AI-Driven World33:59 Balancing Profit and Human Value36:43 Strategic Optimism and Decision Making Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AiDigiTales creator and AI for Kids podcast host Amber Ivey joins Greg Verdino and Geoff Livingston to discuss the significance of AI literacy for children, the role of data in AI, and how governments can use AI effectively. The conversation elaborated on the importance of educating children about AI, the practical challenges that governments face with data accuracy, and the future of AI in the public sector.Additionally, Amber shares her insights on creating an AI playground for government agencies and the significance of parental knowledge in guiding children through AI technologies. Amber, Geoff and Greg also discuss why it’s harder for adults to get AI, and how DOGE is impacting state and local governments.Chapters00:00 Intro01:40 The Importance of AI Literacy for Kids03:31 Challenges and Solutions in AI Education09:39 AI in Government Work, Including Procurement Challenges16:02 Navigating Federal and State AI Challenges in a DOGE Environment19:21 The AI for Kids Podcast26:49 Integrating AI Education into Schools34:31 Pairing AI Education for Parents and Kids37:55 Data Literacy and AI GovernanceYou can listen to the AI for Kids podcast at https://aiforkids.buzzsprout.com; learn more about the AiDigiTales books, content, and courses at https://aidigitales.com/; contact Amber Ivey via LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberivey/); and learn more about Social Finance here: https://socialfinance.org/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Harnessing AI and Data in Advocacy featuring Tom Spencer from AdvocacyAIGet ready for a fascinating discussion about how AI is impacting the political advocacy space with Tom Spencer, CEO and Founder of AdvocacyAI. In this episode of the No Brainer Podcast, Tom, Greg Verdino and Geoff Livingston dive into explore topics ranging from the role of AI in advocacy, effective data utilization, and the human element in political communication.The conversation included a fascinating segment on using AI for political micro-segmentation and personalization were a major factor in the 2024 election.  And yes, they do talk about English breakfasts, scrapple, the Super Bowl, and Margaritaville, too.  Tom, Greg and Geoff also touch on the nuances of using AI without stripping the humanity out of advocacy efforts and reflect on the technology's larger impact on political strategies.00:00 Start02:07 Introducing Tom Spencer06:00 Data's Importance in AI and Advocacy10:04 AI Helping Human Communication22:42 Political Communication and Data in Elections29:54 AI's Role in Non-Profit and For-Profit Sectors34:59 Job Loss Concerns with AI45:33 Closing Remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shiv Singh, an accomplished author and co-founder of AI Trailblazers, dives deep into the underhyped potential of AI in marketing. He emphasizes the urgent need for marketers to embrace AI and adapt their skills to stay relevant. The conversation touches on humbling experiences with AI, the evolving dynamics between humans and AI, and the importance of humility in AI collaboration. Shiv also shares insights from his book, highlighting practical strategies for marketers to thrive in an AI-driven world, making it clear: evolve or risk being left behind.

In this episode of 'No Brainer,' Greg Verdino and Geoff Livingston are joined by Nina and Steven Moss, co-founders of Mendit.ai, to address the growing influence of AI on marketing and content creation. They discuss the positive and negative impacts of AI-generated content, the importance of maintaining authenticity, and how technology can be used to detect and limit the spread of fraudulent reviews and misinformation.Takeaways AI is creating a lot of synthetic content that can pollute digital ecosystems. The social impact of AI-generated content wasn't fully considered during its rollout. Marketers need to inspire real content rather than rely on AI slop. Understanding algorithms is crucial for navigating the digital landscape. AI can be tailored to meet specific customer needs, enhancing personalization. Digital literacy is essential for consumers to discern misinformation. Brands must take responsibility for the integrity of their online presence. The ethical implications of AI-generated content are significant and need addressing. AI can enhance productivity but should not replace human connection. The future of marketing will require a balance between AI efficiency and human authenticity. Chapters01:53 Sloppy AI Content06:58 The Problem of Fake Reviews12:00 The Dangers of Manufactured Identities17:07 The Positive Uses of AI in Content Creation22:36 Finding the Right Balance in Marketing30:19 The Role of Technology in Identifying Misinformation35:28 The Future of AI and Human InteractionMendit.ai - https://mendit.ai/Nina Moss - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-moss-1182b0300/Steven Moss - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-moss-65333732b/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices