AI Today Podcast

Ashima Sharma, Founding Partner of Ayuka Consulting, brings a wealth of experience in data analytics and AI strategy. She discusses the crucial need for operationally ready data and cross-functional teams for successful AI adoption. Ashima highlights how AI can transform project management, enhancing decision-making and personalizing learning experiences. She addresses common fears surrounding AI and emphasizes the human-centered approach necessary for ethical and effective implementation, showcasing AI as a partner in innovation.

Chris Caldwell, CEO of Concentrix with over 20 years in the industry, discusses the transformative power of AI in customer experience. He highlights how trust and transparency are essential for effective AI adoption and how hyper-personalization creates individualized customer interactions. Caldwell shares insights on balancing personalization with privacy and explains the necessity of a culture of experimentation in AI projects. Real-world examples illustrate how timely, data-driven recommendations enhance customer engagement and retention.

Fred Laluyaux, Co-founder and CEO of Aera Technology, dives into the transformative power of decision intelligence in enterprises. He discusses the accelerated pace and complexity of decision-making in businesses today. Laluyaux emphasizes the significance of 'learning by doing' for successful AI adoption and highlights the emergence of decision architects. The conversation touches on the future of work, revealing how AI can streamline operations, reshape roles, and enhance efficiency in organizations.

Jason Little, founder of Lean Change Inc. and a thought leader in Lean Change Management, shares insights on how AI is transforming leadership in change management. He discusses the inadequacies of traditional change frameworks in the face of rapid AI development. Jason introduces the concept of 'experiment bots' as new change agents and emphasizes the importance of failure as a learning opportunity. He also explores the significance of prompt literacy, critical thinking, and the evolving roles of change agents in an AI-driven workplace.

Anu Smalley, an experienced enterprise agile coach and founder of Kapala Consulting, dives into integrating AI tools within Agile teams. She emphasizes the importance of empathy and psychological safety as AI becomes part of workflows. Anu shares insights on avoiding the pitfalls of automating without proper stakeholder consultation and advocates for small, iterative experiments to ease AI adoption anxieties. Real-life stories illustrate the human-centric approach needed in navigating AI-driven change, highlighting that AI should enhance, not replace, the human element in teams.

Jurgen Appelo, an insightful author and entrepreneur from the Netherlands, discusses the evolving nature of agility in the AI era. He emphasizes that true agility transcends rituals, focusing instead on responsiveness and outcomes. The conversation reveals how AI transforms team dynamics and leadership roles, reshaping traditional management structures. Appelo highlights the importance of maintaining creativity and purpose in hybrid human-AI teams while advocating for a culture of experimentation to adapt effectively. This dialogue is a must-listen for those navigating AI in organizational contexts.

Jim Highsmith, Agile Manifesto co-author and a pioneer in Agile leadership, discusses the intersection of AI and agility. He emphasizes that true enterprise agility must adapt beyond traditional frameworks. Highsmith highlights the enduring importance of human interaction amidst AI integration and the need for communication and critical thinking. He also shares insights on storytelling's role in transformation and advocates for a focus on customer value over traditional metrics to harness AI effectively.

Dr. Lukasz Kowalczyk, a practicing gastroenterologist and Healthtech advisor with experience at the Mayo Clinic AI Accelerator, shares insights on how AI can revolutionize healthcare. He discusses automating surgical scheduling to improve efficiency and clinical safety. Dr. Kowalczyk highlights the empowerment of under-resourced staff through AI decision support tools. He also addresses challenges in AI adoption, emphasizing the importance of understanding workflows and building trust among physicians. His lessons from building AI platforms are invaluable.

Dr. Reza Ryan Sadeghian, System Chief Medical Information Officer at University of Toledo Health, brings a wealth of knowledge on AI's transformative power in healthcare. He discusses over 45 specialty-specific GPT applications designed to combat physician burnout and enhance clinical workflows. The conversation explores the importance of integrating AI with human oversight, building clinician trust, and embedding AI into healthcare infrastructure. Dr. Sadeghian emphasizes a shift toward responsible AI deployment while ensuring patient-centered care remains a priority.

Robert Havasy, a seasoned healthcare informaticist and Senior Director of Informatics Strategy at HIMSS, discusses the groundbreaking role of AI in healthcare. He highlights how AI alleviates workforce shortages with automation and tools for intelligent documentation. Havasy emphasizes the power of AI to analyze underutilized data, improve clinical decision-making, and enhance administrative efficiency. He also sheds light on regulatory challenges and the essential need for principled leadership as organizations transition from mere digitization to true digital transformation.