Gartner ThinkCast

Daryl Plummer, a Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner, shares his expertise on the rise of guardian agents—novel AI systems designed to oversee other AI technologies. He discusses their critical role in ensuring AI behavior remains safe and reliable as AI agents proliferate. The conversation dives into frameworks for deploying these agents and highlights the evolving complexity of their protective functions. Plummer emphasizes the necessity for organizations to engage with guardian agents to maintain quality control and enhance human-AI collaboration.

Gareth Herschel, VP Analyst at Gartner and expert in data and analytics, shares insights on navigating the complexities of AI in data initiatives. He emphasizes the crucial role of trust in both AI and data for success, alongside innovative governance strategies that enhance creative freedom. Herschel discusses measuring value beyond just ROI, highlighting the concept of 'return on the future.' Plus, discover how effective storytelling can bridge analytics with tangible business impact, making data more relatable and actionable.

Discover how agentic AI is revolutionizing productivity and collaboration in the workplace. Learn about the critical rise of AI governance platforms that ensure ethical responsibility and enterprise trust. Explore the increasing need for disinformation security tools to tackle deepfakes effectively. Unpack strategies to avoid pitfalls like ethics washing and shadow IT, as responsible innovation becomes essential in this fast-paced tech landscape. Stay ahead of the curve as we approach 2026 trends!

Chris Howard, Gartner's Chief of Research, dives into the intriguing world of AI hallucinations. He explains what these hallucinations reveal about machine cognition and their implications for business decisions. The discussion highlights how multiagent systems can revolutionize healthcare diagnostics by enabling collaborative solutions. Howard also explores physics-informed neural networks, showcasing their potential to align AI predictions with real-world laws. Surprisingly, he suggests that hallucinations could actually offer innovative perspectives to problem-solving.

Jessie Knight, VP of Research at Gartner and a leading voice in HR and the future of work, shares insights on navigating the changing landscape of the workplace. She discusses how AI is reshaping talent strategies and the critical need for HR to foster guided collaboration. Jessie reveals the importance of a human-first approach and nudge technology in enhancing teamwork and addressing performance gaps. With a focus on adapting to evolving employee expectations, she highlights how innovation can future-proof workforces in this new era.

Explore how generative AI initiatives can truly drive business value beyond just speed. Discover the concept of productivity leakage and why it can skew perceptions of success. Learn about the different dimensions of productivity and why they vary across employees. The discussion emphasizes the importance of matching GenAI use cases with employee experiences to optimize effectiveness. Tune in for strategies on prioritization and minimizing bottlenecks in your organization!

Rita Sallam, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner, shares her expertise on AI investments and data analytics. She discusses the current Trough of Disillusionment faced by generative AI and its implications for businesses. Key topics include aligning AI strategies with organizational goals, optimizing productivity, and managing risks. Rita emphasizes the importance of courage in adapting workflows and highlights tools for successfully integrating AI into business practices. The conversation offers valuable insights into unlocking AI's potential for lasting success.

Mary Mesaglio and Hung LeHong from Gartner share their expertise on navigating the AI landscape. They discuss the concept of the 'AI tech sandwich' as a smarter alternative to traditional tech stacks. The conversation explores aligning AI governance with organizational pace and the essential role of TRiSM technologies to mitigate risks. They delve into the evolving relationship with AI tools, assessing how they might become teammates. The episode emphasizes the importance of pacing oneself amidst the hype of AI advancements.

Emily Rose McRae, a Senior Director Analyst at Gartner specializing in the future of work, dives into transformative work trends for 2025. She highlights why AI investments may not be delivering expected results and the growing expertise gap affecting both entry-level and retiring talent. McRae discusses a shift towards AI feedback in performance management, as well as the pressing need for companies to address workplace loneliness. Tune in for insights on future-proofing teams and adapting talent strategies in an evolving landscape.

Daryl Plummer, a Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner, dives into the world of disruptive trends like generative AI and edge computing. He explains how to recognize and prioritize these disruptions and discusses the ripple effects that often outlast the initial shocks. Plummer emphasizes proactive leadership strategies for businesses facing change. Plus, he shares insights on the positive outcomes of disruptions, urging leaders to focus on how technology can enhance our quality of life.