No Brainer - An AI Podcast for Business

In this episode of No Brainer, hosts Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino discussed the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in business with Mike Whitaker (Whit for short), Senior Vice President of Strategy Execution and Organizational Innovation at ICF Consulting. Whit shares his insights on fostering a culture of AI adoption and offers practical advice on navigating the challenges of integrating AI into business operations. The three discuss various aspects of AI adoption in the enterprise, including the need for both leaders and employees to engage with AI technologies to stay relevant. Whit details some of the challenges leaders face including new technology bias and the incumbent need for leaders to demonstrate AI use in their own work. Then Whit emphasized the importance of a hands-on, continuous learning approach to AI, rather than relying solely on obsolete corporate training programs. They also explore the potential risks and real-world constraints of AI implementation, such as data integrity and resistance to change.   Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:16 Whit's Substack on AI for Working Parents 08:23 Leadership and AI Adaptation 13:57 Middle Management's Role in AI Integration 18:57 Corporate Training and AI 22:07 Practical AI Applications for Executives 28:24 Overcoming Cognitive Resistance 32:15 Healthy Skepticism and AI 37:59 Balancing AI Adoption and Investment 44:55 Leadership's Role in AI Integration   About Mike “Whit” Whitaker  Whit helps organizations and individuals realize their full potential by designing strategies, teams, and operating models that drive value and positive change. As AI rapidly evolves, Whit focuses on enabling effective Human-AI collaboration to enhance business outcomes. As SVP of Strategy Execution and Organizational Innovation at ICF, Whit leads initiatives that foster high-value collaboration, spark creativity, and drive growth. With 15+ years of experience across energy, health, communications, and government, he specializes in: • Advising the C-Suite on enterprise priorities and innovation strategy • Leading ICF’s centralized innovation services to accelerate growth • Designing and facilitating Spark Sessions to co-create solutions for complex challenges Navigating AI Transitions Substack: https://mikewhitaker1.substack.com/ Whit’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwhitakericf/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this thought-provoking episode, Greg Verdino and Geoff Livingston sit down with media ecologist, leadership expert, and author Jack Myers for a wide-ranging conversation on the intersection of AI, leadership, creativity, and Taoist philosophy. Drawing on insights from his latest book, The Tao of Leadership, Jack shares why 3,000-year-old Taoist wisdom might be the perfect guide for navigating today’s era of AI and exponential technological change. The conversation explores how principles like “leading by following” and “fusion flow” can help leaders move more fluidly through uncertainty, disruption, and accelerated innovation. Rather than building slow, rigid bridges to a future that keeps shifting, Jack advocates for fast-moving portals that help teams adapt in real time, led not just by technology but by deeply human values. Jack, Greg and Geoff also unpack the creative implications of AI, arguing that the real power lies not in replacement but in remix: combining machine-generated suggestions with human intuition, emotional nuance, and originality. Along the way, they touch on education, culture, risk-taking, and what it takes to lead through fear, data deluge, and systemic stagnation. With stories drawn from marketing, media, music, and even (wait for it…) Second Life, this episode offers a human-centered lens on a fast-evolving future and invites listeners to rethink not just how we work but how we imagine what’s possible. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:57 The Relevance of Taoism in Leadership 05:30 AI and Technology: Embracing Change 08:08 Portals vs. Bridges: Navigating Change 10:43 Decisive Leadership in a Rapidly Changing World 16:17 Balancing Data and Humanity in Decision Making 19:04 Creativity and Innovation in the Age of AI 27:36 The State of Creativity in Media 29:13 AI as a Creative Partner 32:33 The Resistance to AI in Creative Fields 35:42 AI's Ubiquity in Everyday Tools 40:35 The Future of AI and Education 43:22 AI Reshaping Organizational Models   About Jack Myers Jack Myers is a pioneering media ecologist and influential thought leader whose work has put him at the forefront of technological, cultural, and generational change. Known for his visionary insight into emerging trends and deep expertise in organizational dynamics, he has served as a trusted advisor and coach to leaders at many of the world’s most innovative companies, including General Motors, Comcast/NBCUniversal, Microsoft, CBS, TJX Corp, Aegis/Carat, Campbell Soup, Warner Bros. Discovery, Active International, and The Walt Disney Company. As the founder of The Myers Report and MediaVillage Education Foundation, the media industry’s premier knowledge exchange platform, Jack helps organizations navigate disruption, unlock growth opportunities, and align strategy with the future. He is also a senior lecturer, award-winning author, and recipient of honors including a Peabody Award, International Book Awards, UJA Humanitarian Award, and Oscar and Emmy nominations. A graduate of Syracuse University and NYU Steinhardt, where he studied under media scholar Dr. Neil Postman, Jack brings a rare combination of media literacy, cultural fluency, and strategic foresight to leaders preparing their organizations for the age of AI, machine intelligence, and accelerating change.  For More About Jack, His Work, and The Tao of Leadership ·     https://www.jackmyers.com ·     https://www.jackmyers.com/themyersreport/ ·     https://www.mediavillage.com/ ·      https://www.jackmyers.com/visionary-blueprint-for-thriving-in-the-age-of-ai/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of No Brainer, Greg Verdino and Geoff Livingston host Carson Hostetter, EVP & General Manager, AI and CX Solutions at RingCentral to discuss the evolution of AI in customer service. The company just launched AIR, short for AI Receptionist. AIR is a call center agent that intersects using audio technology. They dive into how AI agents like RingCentral's AIR are transforming the way businesses handle customer interactions, ensuring seamless, 24/7 service. Voice becomes a primary discussion point as the three debate the merits of voice as the primary human interface over text. Carson provides valuable insights into the importance of combining AI with human agents for optimal customer satisfaction, data security practices, and the future trajectory of AI in business communications. Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:43 The Role of AI in Customer Communications 12:34 Understanding AIR: AI Receptionist 17:55 AI and Voice: The Future 35:42 Closing Thoughts and Future of AI This episode was sponsored by RingCentral. About Carson Hostetter Carson Hostetter is EVP & General Manager, AI and CX Solutions at RingCentral, where he is responsible for developing and implementing the company's AI and CX strategy. He brings over 25 years of industry experience to this newly created role, focusing on delivering tangible ROI for customers. Connect with Carson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carsonhostetter/ About RingCentral RingCentral is a leading provider of cloud-based business communications and collaboration solutions. Its platform combines messaging, video, phone, and contact center services, enabling organizations to connect and work from anywhere. Trusted by businesses worldwide, RingCentral helps teams stay productive, responsive, and secure in today’s hybrid work environment. To learn more about RingCentral AIR visit: https://www.ringcentral.com/air?BMID=CMRCAIRINMNB2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disclaimer: Portions of this episode experienced audio challenges and are of varying quality. Unintelligible sections were edited out.  In this episode of No Brainer, Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino discuss the impact of AI on workforce displacement with special guest Brent Orrell, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. They explore the challenges and opportunities posed by AI, how it affects different sectors, and the need for policy planning to support displaced workers. Brent, Greg and Geoff weigh the validity of news-generating outlier statements about dramatic AI workforce impacts. Then they discuss Brent’s upcoming paper, which will be released this week, on AI impacts to the larger workforce called, “Deskilling the Knowledge Economy,” including potential policy recommendations. Finally, the three conclude with a conversation about the challenges facing the AI market. Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:15 AIand Workforce Impacts 05:57 Upskilling and Personal Responsibility 08:49 Future of Jobs and AI 12:40 Policy and Economic Implications 22:42 Challenges in AI Adoption   About BrentBrent on AEI.org - https://www.aei.org/profile/brent-orrell/ Brent on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-orrell-b503617/   Brent Orrell is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), specializing in job training and workforce development with a special focus on disconnected and disadvantaged populations, including youth, justice-involved, veterans, and neurodivergent persons. His recent work has focused on the workforce opportunities and challenges resulting from generative AI and automation, as well as strategies for improving economic mobility in rural, redeveloping, and non-metropolitan areas throughout America. Brent has spearheaded AEI’s involvement with the Workforce Futures Initiative, in collaboration with the Brookings Institution and the Harvard Kennedy School, which has produced multiple reports, working group sessions, and interest from communities across the US.  He has written, coauthored, and edited multiple reports for AEI, and frequently contributes to the popular press, including The Bulwark, Deseret News, The Dispatch, Law and Liberty, The Hill and RealClearPolicy.   About AEI The American Enterprise Institute is a public policy think tank dedicated to defending human dignity, expanding human potential, and building a freer and safer world. The work of their scholars and staff advances ideas rooted in the belief in democracy, free enterprise, American strength and global leadership, solidarity with those at the periphery of our society, and a pluralistic, entrepreneurial culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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