Gartner ThinkCast

Whit Andrews, a Gartner Distinguished VP Analyst specializing in AI strategy, dives into how leaders can effectively deploy AI in their organizations. He discusses the crucial choices of building, buying, or blending AI solutions and introduces Gartner's 'AI technology sandwich' framework. The conversation highlights the importance of embedding AI into existing structures and the governance challenges that arise. Andrews also shares insights on aligning high-end AI experiences with everyday organizational needs and emphasizes starting with smaller AI projects for effective deployment.

Daryl Plummer, an expert in counterfeit reality and AI who coined the term, dives into the captivating world of deepfakes. He discusses how AI blurs the line between reality and fabrication, stressing both the creative opportunities and the inherent risks. Plummer highlights the psychological effects of these technologies on trust and perception in society. He also explores the dual nature of synthetic data, providing insights for leaders on navigating this evolving landscape while addressing the potential for misinformation.

Exploring the evolving dynamics between humans and AI, the discussion highlights the emotional implications of integrating AI into the workplace. Leaders must effectively communicate these changes to their teams. There's also a focus on decision-making conflicts when AI recommendations differ from human intuition. The importance of incorporating behavioral science to navigate these complexities is emphasized, setting the stage for future workforce collaboration between humans and machines.

In this discussion, Mary Mesaglio, a Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner, shares insights on navigating the evolving landscape of AI for 2025. She emphasizes the shift from AI scarcity to abundance and how organizations can leverage generative AI with unstructured data. Mary introduces the 'AI tech sandwich' framework, highlighting the crucial TRISM layer that addresses trust, risk, and security. This conversation is essential for executive leaders aiming to connect AI effectively with their business strategies.

In this engaging discussion, Kristin Root, a Gartner expert in scenario planning and AI investment, shares invaluable strategies for CIOs and tech leaders. She emphasizes the importance of anticipating changes in U.S. policies and economic conditions. The conversation covers how organizations can prioritize AI investments effectively while integrating employee AI literacy. Kristin also highlights proactive measures for navigating investment risks and strengthening cybersecurity practices, ultimately guiding leaders on how to drive business value in uncertain times.

Mary Mesaglio, a Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner and an authority on AI business outcomes, dives deep into the transformative impact of AI on organizations. She highlights the three essential dimensions of AI value: Return on Employee (ROE), Return on Investment (ROI), and Return on the Future (ROF). Listeners will discover how these concepts interconnect and influence decision-making, talent retention, and strategic investments moving forward in the evolving AI landscape.

Daryl Plummer, a Gartner Distinguished VP Analyst known for his expertise in technological disruptions, shares eye-opening insights about seven game-changing trends expected by 2029. He discusses the rise of AI avatars and drones, transforming industries like agriculture and emergency response. Plummer also dives into the future of personalized cinema experiences and the ongoing challenges in the entertainment sector. Additionally, he emphasizes the urgency of addressing water scarcity and the need for self-generated energy to adapt to these disruptions.

Discover insights into the 2025 CIO Agenda and how IT leaders can shake off the 'curse of random success.' Learn about the importance of collaboration across executive teams to enhance digital initiatives. Explore key data trends and strategic priorities that can help CIOs effectively navigate the future. This discussion emphasizes the necessity of empowering business technologies to achieve meaningful outcomes.

Discover the fascinating world of agentic AI and its growing role in decision-making. Learn how these AI agents interact empathetically, even helping users tackle tough personal challenges. The potential for autonomy in dynamic environments is explored, along with the collaboration of AI agents in achieving regulatory compliance. Misconceptions about AI capabilities are addressed, clarifying the distinction between agentic AI and traditional chatbots. This insightful discussion prepares listeners for the future of multi-agent systems.

Mick Ebeling, Founder and CEO of Not Impossible Labs, is revolutionizing the intersection of technology and empathy. He shares his vision of tackling societal 'absurdities'—problems that shouldn't exist. Discover how groundbreaking innovations like the EyeWriter and 3D-printed prosthetics emerged to solve real-world challenges. Mick emphasizes the philosophy of 'help one, help many,' and the power of community-driven solutions in creating impactful change. His insights inspire a new mindset for collaborative problem-solving and resilience.