The Innovation Room

Send us a textShould schools ban or embrace AI in the classroom?A complex debate unfolds in Episode 43 of The Innovation Room where Laura Knight and Somayeh Aghnia examine AI's role in the classroom.Some advocate banning AI over ethical concerns, however, students use AI freely outside school.Join the discussion in "Future of Schools with AI: Part 2 - Constraints". Watch or listen now.

Laura Knight, senior consultant at Berkhamsted Schools Group, and Somayeh Aghnia, CEO of Geeks, discuss the future impact of AI on education. They explore how AI can enable personalized learning, address the digital divide, and modernize assessments. The importance of supporting teachers and having clear digital strategies for AI adoption is highlighted. The podcast delves into the balancing act of schools as businesses and the generational gap. It also touches on the potential disruption AI can bring to assessments and the perspectives of teachers on integrating AI in education. The chapter concludes by considering the trade-offs and complexities of AI and the need for responsible technological advancement.

Send us a textThe future is coming faster than you think. Are you ready for it?Join futurist Jerome Glenn and Somayeh Aghnia, CEO of Geeks, in Episode 41 of The Innovation Room podcast as we explore "The 2050 Horizon" and how AI will transform life and business in the next 10-15 years.Jerome draws on decades of future research to provide a mind-expanding look at how artificial general intelligence and superintelligence could emerge by 2030-2050 and change everything.Key takeaways:Businesses must start experimenting with narrow AI now to keep up with the pace of changeThink 10-15 years ahead and develop scenarios for how your business could evolve with advancing AIIdentify your niche in the emerging "self-actualisation economy" where AI helps monetise personal passionsGet involved in shaping AI governance and regulations before it's too lateFoster an "evolutionary" relationship between people and AI systemsThe future is coming sooner than you think. Listen now to learn how you can embrace it with strategic foresight.#TheInnovationRoom

Send us a textIs your business ready for the AI revolution? Join us in The Innovation Room podcast, where we explore how businesses can assess their future with AI.In Episode 40: 'Dare or Die Bullseye: Future of Business with AI', Somayeh Aghnia, CEO of Geeks, is joined by Elliott Prince, Director of Product Design, and Matt Mehrjardi, CTO of Geeks. Within this discussion, they provide a framework for evaluating the future of your business in the AI age.Key takeaways include:- Look globally at how AI is changing customer expectations- Localise your ideas to your region and culture- Determine if your industry will still be relevant- Adopt AI before competitors overtake you- Identify the human essence of your business and enhance it with AIListen to Episode 40 now or watch it on YouTube.

Send us a textWhat is the key to leading organisational change and embracing complexity? Join Somayeh Aghnia, CEO of Geeks, and Sunil Mundra, Org. Change and Transformation Leader, in The Innovation Room podcast where they uncover frameworks and philosophies to build an agile, adaptive business ready for breakthrough growth.In Episode 39: 'The Hypothesis of Value', they dive into optimising for speed and value over efficiency, shifting from a manufacturing mindset to embracing human potential by modelling your organisation as a living system.Sunil also shared wisdom from his book 'Enterprise Agility: Being Agile in a Changing World,' and if you want to learn more, watch his TEDx talk 'Leadership In The Era Of Complexity'.Watch this episode on YouTube. #TheInnovationRoom

Send us a textThe biggest challenge is not technology, it is how to get people to engage with it positively. Join our special guest Lee Kingshott, CTO of PAM Group, as he shares his experience in this with Lindsay Jessup, COO of Geeks. In episode 38 of The Innovation Room, "𝗔 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲," Lindsay and Lee explore integrating emerging technology into the business. They speak to the complexities of including legacy systems and aligning business strategy with technology, and bringing people along in the health and wellbeing space where PAM Group is a changemaker. #TheInnovationRoom #Leadership #DigitalTransformation #podcast #wellbeing #artificialintelligence

Send us a textJoin host Somayeh Aghnia, CEO of Geeks Ltd, and special guest Steph Wright, Head of Scottish AI Alliance, as they debunk myths and demystify the world of artificial intelligence.In episode 37 of The Innovation Room, AI Mythbusters & Demystifiers, we delved into important questions about how businesses should engage with AI. Recognising the significance of data and organizational readiness, Steph emphasises the role of understanding digital literacy and data literacy as foundational steps before fully exploring AI's potential.Steph highlights the importance of avoiding reactive approaches to AI adoption, drawing from the lessons learned during the data boom. She cautions against considering AI as a magical solution to all problems and underscores the need for a clear understanding of the organization's goals and available data. It's essential to approach AI implementation with a strategic mindset, focusing on the operational and resource efficiencies it can bring to the business.Let's demystify AI together! #TheInnovationRoom #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessStrategy #Podcast

Send us a textIn the first installment of our Summer Podcast Series for the Innovation Room: 'AI; Return on Change' we explore the behaviour adaptions needed to embrace change. Our #Geeks CEO, Somayeh speaks with behavioural science expert Richard Shotton. Richard discusses the challenges businesses face when undergoing strategic changes, stressing the importance of appeal over ease in this process, a concept he dubs the "ostrich effect". Delving into practical examples, he illustrates how seemingly minor obstacles can disproportionately impact results. The conversation extends into the realm of artificial intelligence, exploring the intricate relationship between #AI and human behaviour and the captivating phenomena of the 'illusion of control' and the 'illusion of agency'.In this episode, Richard offers solutions to the common resistance within industries to change and shares strategies for leveraging new time periods for initiating change. He emphasises the significance of understanding the target audience's mindset and illustrates the role of the 'false consensus effect' in driving successful campaigns. Through insightful narratives and practical examples, this episode helps listeners understand how to enhance their businesses' Return on Change.

Send us a textAs the last instalment of our "Shape-shifters" series, join Daniel Strode, a culture and innovation evangelist who sits with Somayeh Aghnia in The Innovation Room to explore change and shaping strategies in an ever-evolving world.In episode 35, The Spaces Between Now & Next, Somayeh and Daniel delve into the challenges of collaboration within organisations of various sizes and geographical dispersion, uncovering strategies to amplify diverse voices and foster a culture of innovation. You'll learn some real-life examples of organisations, including the success story of Lego, that have embraced innovative cultures and practices.Daniel shared invaluable advice for navigating the space between the present and the future, emphasizing the significance of patience, persistence, and prioritization in effecting meaningful change. He uncovers actionable steps to propel your organization toward a brighter and more innovative tomorrow.

Send us a textAndrew Lloyd, Managing Director of Search Acumen sits with Somayeh Aghnia, CEO of Geeks, to delve into the top things leaders need to know when adopting AIin Episode 34 of our ‘Shape-shifters’ series, "Riding the Wave of Change".As the 5th podcast instalment of our ‘Shape-shifters’ series, Andrew shares his advice for business leaders who want to engage with AI and embrace the advancements of this new wave. His first tip? "Think big, start small." He encourages leaders to imagine the possibilities without fear, but to begin with a small, achievable project. Andrew illustrates this approach with the example of their very first AI project, which started with the goal of cleansing address data, a fundamental aspect of their business.Andrew highlights the importance of avoiding the pitfalls of previous IT projects that aimed too big and ultimately collapsed under their own weight. So, while thinking big is essential, starting small is the key to success.Join us in this insightful episode, and don't forget to subscribe to the channel.