Peggy Smedley Show

Peggy talks about all things automotive, sharing some of the top takeaways from CES earlier this month. She says we are at a precipice where much is set to change in the industry, with the rise of AI (artificial intelligence) spurring along innovation. She also discusses: · The state of the AV (autonomous vehicle) market. · The state of the EV (electric vehicle) market. · Some of the biggest automotive news to come out of CES—and how to prepare for what comes next. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Jennifer Urban, partner, Foley & Lardner, and Aaron Tantleff, partner, Foley & Lardner, talk about a seismic data shift in every modern enterprise and how the lines are blurring between security and privacy. Urban says it is driven by new cybersecurity laws. Tantleff says undefined ownership of the role is a challenge. They also discuss: · If organizations are prepared to justify why they collect data—not just how to protect that data. · How we can prepare the next generation of workers. · The risks versus the rewards and what they should or shouldn't be tracking. https://www.foley.com/

  Peggy Smedley talks about M&As (mergers and acquisitions) in the construction technology space—and the impact on the industry. She says the acquisitions are often about accelerating transformation through strategic dealmaking. She also discusses: · Four key trends driving a wave of consolidation. · One recent example of an acquisition. · Thoughts for how to proceed in the year ahead. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Boris Martin, CEO, Engineers Without Borders USA, talk about community-driven engineering and the next generation of work in the industry. He says the organization was born around the turn of the millennium 25 years ago, and it was born out of a concern and sense of responsibility. They also discuss: · Solving problems that matter and being part of something bigger than yourself. · Three principles for Engineers Without Borders. · AI (artificial intelligence) and the impact it will have on the engineering community. https://ewb-usa.org/

Peggy Smedley and Daniel Burrus, a global technology futurist, business strategist and disruptive innovation expert, talk about the top technologies for 2026. He says we live in an increasingly technological world, however, we live in a human world—and in a human world, it is all based on relationships. They also discuss: · How to approach generative AI (artificial intelligence) and agentic AI in the year ahead. · The importance of keeping people at the center of strategies. · When quantum will jump from theory to impact. https://www.burrus.com/

What if people don't embrace technology the way we are anticipating or even intend? Peggy talks about digital burnout and AI (artificial intelligence). She says digital transformation isn't about using more technology but rather using technology in a way that is very thoughtful and strategic. She also discusses: · How many people experience digital burnout—and how it impacts our personal and professional lives. · Tips for how to implement digital transformation at scale. · When technology adoption will be the most successful. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Brandon Michalski, chief economist, MSI, talk about two new reports that look at what is happening now and what is coming in the future. He says he looks at the noise versus the signal, and points to a few key areas as examples. They also discuss: · Tariffs and how it might impact the construction industry in 2026. · The surge in data center projects that will reshape infrastructure for years to come—and how retail factors in. · What will likely unfold in 2026 in construction—and how projects are being reshaped. https://mocasystems.com/

Peggy Smedley and James Bohnaker, senior economist, Cushman & Wakefield, dig into some of the biggest takeaways from the latest U.S. economic outlook. He says there is a transition from resilience to cautious optimism, with inflection points across commercial real estate and property types, which is presenting opportunities in the industry. They also discuss: · Resilience and risks that are defining our economy. · Where investors are focusing their energy. · How AI and other emerging technologies are reshaping market landscape.   https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/united-states/insights/united-states-outlook

Peggy and cohost Dennis Draeger, foresight director, Shaping Tomorrow, talk about aiglatson and the extremes that define our digital destiny, looking at both the utopian and dystopian narratives. He says the reality of automation often turns into something else. They also discusses: · The theory of cultural lag and how it impacts technology adoption. · The information super highway phase and Y2K period of AI (artificial intelligence). · If AI could be the aiglatson silver bullet—and inherent dangers. http://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Dan Miklovic, founder, Lean Manufacturing Research and leader, Third Eye Advisory, talk about what is real, what is BS, and what is next in 2026. He says we are going to see AI (artificial intelligence) penetrate manufacturing, but more in the form of embedded AI—not generative AI. They also discuss: · The challenge with digital transformation. · AI at the edge and AI in the cloud. · How to prepare for the future.  https://thirdeyeadvisory.com

Peggy celebrates 950 episodes by taking a walk down memory lane. She shares the evolution of M2M, the IoT (Internet of Things), and AI (artificial intelligence), saying the IoT has matured from gadget hype to industrial backbone. She also discusses: · The peaks and the fads through almost two decades. · The explosion of AI in recent years. · Where we are today—and what comes next. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Julien Moutte, chief technology officer, Bentley Systems, talk about how the digital twin is evolving—and what is coming in the next five years with the rise of AI (artificial intelligence). He says five years ago when we were talking about digital twins, many people were saying it is still a buzzword, and it is amazing to see what has happened in the past five years. They also discuss: · The importance of data interoperability to achieve smarter infrastructure across the lifecycle of a project. · The convergence of digital twin, BIM (building information modeling), GIS (geographic information systems), and the IoT (Internet of Things). · His approach to fostering a culture of innovation, as a CTO. · Partnerships and acquisitions at the company. https://www.bentley.com/

How do we make sustainability not just a goal, but a competitive advantage? Peggy Smedley and Kiva Allgood, advisor, World Economic Forum, tackle this question. She says sustainability, productivity, and profitability are symbiotic. They also discuss: · Best practices for Scope 3. · How small and medium enterprises can improve sustainability. · A case study of a time cost study at one manufacturer.  http://www.weforum.org/

Peggy shares her list of top 5 trends from 2025 that were discussed on the show. She says we must learn from 2025 in order to head into 2026 stronger than ever before—and we must learn from the past year to prepare for the next. She also discusses: · The rise of agentic AI (artificial intelligence) in 2025. · Two vertical industries that saw major disruption in 2025. · How the workforce fit into all these conversations.  https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Kiva Allgood, advisor, World Economic Forum, talk about how lessons can help guide the next era of manufacturing. She says the World Economic Forum works at the intersection of industry, academia, and policy—and also as a part of that it gets the opportunity to pause, as part of the Global Lighthouse Network. They also discuss: · The IoT (Internet of Things) and the importance of machine data—and how the hype cycle and the investment cycle play out. · How to scale effectively in small, medium, and large companies. · The talent gap in small and medium-sized enterprises—and the direct correlation between people and tech. http://www.weforum.org

Peggy Smedley and Dan Miklovic, founder, Lean Manufacturing Research and leader, Third Eye Advisory, look back at the biggest trends from 2025. He says everyone has been bombarded with AI: Q1 was gen AI and we hadn't got halfway through the year before the conversation switched to agentic AI—and manufacturers don't move that fast. They also discuss: · The next evolution of a smart factory—and the role of AI. · How to best use data in manufacturing. · The employment numbers—and the importance of having the right people. https://thirdeyeadvisory.com/

Peggy Smedley and cohost Dennis Draeger, foresight director, Shaping Tomorrow, unpack aiglatson. He says it is an emotional word, specifically about the future—or more specifically a sentimental longing for the future, which is the opposite of future shock. They also discuss: · The marriage metaphor and how it applies to aiglatson. · The importance of counting the costs of whatever decisions you make right now. · Where the vision for data centers and AI (artificial intelligence) comes from—and the ethics around it. http://peggysmedleyshow.com

AI (artificial intelligence) or die? Is construction the next frontier for AI? Peggy Smedley and Timber Barker, CEO and founder, Boom Interactive, talk about why there needs to be a platform that turns floor plans into living records, unifying project data and unlocking spatial detail for AI innovation. He says this is a very exciting time for the construction industry—and it is a little protected. They also discuss: · If there will be an AI bubble that will burst—and how it compares to the dot-com bubble. · The three layers of AI in construction. · What the future of software will look like. https://www.boominc.ai/

Peggy unpacks the numbers that show the cost of downtime in the manufacturing industry, saying organizations need to treat reliability as a core business strategy. She says we need to start taking a proactive approach to downtime prevention and leverage AI (artificial intelligence) and the IoT (Internet of Things). She also discusses: How many U.S. manufacturers were hit by unplanned downtime in the past year. How much money of lost capital there is every week. How many say their companies take a reactive approach to maintenance. http://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Tim Carpenter, president and CEO, Timpte, and Andy Bednar, general manager, Lincoln Manufacturing Center, talk about a new $28 million facility investment, what it produces, and key drivers for opening the facility. Carpenter explains why the business was created and how it serves its customers—and how things evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bednar talks about the pride of having the business in the community.  They also discuss:        > Tariffs and the importance of being laser focused.        > Why diversification is key to keeping people gainfully employed.        > Technologies used such as ERP (enterprise-resource planning) and predictive analytics. http://www.timpte.com/

Peggy Smedley and James Bohnaker, senior economist, Cushman & Wakefield, discuss tariffs and where the construction industry is headed. He says there is still a lot of uncertainty and it is shifting a lot. They also discuss: · Recent U.S. trade policies impacting construction materials. · Who bears the burden of the cost. · The broader implication for tech and building infrastructure like data centers. https://www.cushmanwakefield.com

Peggy talks about a new benchmark that tests AI models on real freelance projects—and what percentage of AI systems complete tasks at professional human standards. She says we need to consider AI our partner in crime, but we need to determine how to augment, not replace. She also discusses: · The state of the market. · Some of the biggest hurdles we still face today. · How two key trends are colliding at the exact same time. http://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Eddie Hartman, partner & board member at Simon-Kucher Partners, and coauthor of Scaling Innovation: How Smart Companies Architect Profitable Growth, talk about why startups fail. He says if you created something people want to buy and pay for, then your startup wouldn't fail, and we must begin with the question: but do they? They also discuss: · Pricing, packaging, and go-to-market strategy. · The Blockbuster phenomenon—and how markets shift. · What a single-engine track is—and how to become a profitable growth architect. https://www.simon-kucher.com/

Peggy Smedley and Reddy Mallidi, AI strategist, and author, Leading With AI Agents, talk about how AI agents are transforming industries. He says AI agents represent something fundamentally different than ChatGPT, and the distinction matters for manufacturing leaders. They also discuss: · How they represent a shift from reactive to proactive intelligent partners. · Examples of how to scale with AI agents. · What keeps manufacturing executives up at night. https://reddymallidi.com

Peggy talks about how as the use of AI (artificial intelligence) grows, the role of the workforce will evolve. She says job roles will shift, organizations will be disrupted, and business models will need to evolve, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but is a reality that we all must face. She also discusses: · A recent report that aims to look at the future of work and the role of generative AI—highlighting how it will change jobs. · Four distinct categories based on their potential to be transformed by gen AI—and some of the jobs in each category. · Why soft skills and durable skills will become more important than ever before—and why we need to start building AI fluency today. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and David Esposito, industry advisor for logistics, transportation, and supply chain, Microsoft Manufacturing and Mobility, talk about how we can leverage AI (artificial intelligence) agents to help in the supply chain. He says since the pandemic it has been nothing but disruption in this industry. There is overcapacity, oversupply, and tariff uncertainties, just to name a few. They also discuss: · How companies are repositioning operations. · Why it is important to always have a human in the loop and why resiliency matters. · Examples of companies that are taking a step forward with agentic AI in the supply chain—and the benefits they are seeing within weeks.  Microsoft AI Tools and Solutions | Microsoft AI The future of logistics: How generative AI and agentic AI is creating a new era of efficiency and innovation - Microsoft Industry Blogs

Peggy Smedley and Sam Barker, VP of global telecom market research, Juniper Research, talk about what is driving the surge in global smart building platforms. He says this is driven by many factors including the energy crisis and the ability to monitor and have greater visibility of the energy we are using. They also discuss: · If interoperability is still a barrier and if anything is changing here. · Connectivity and how the market has become saturated. · The IoT (Internet of Things) and AI (artificial intelligence) and how each comes into play in smart buildings. https://www.juniperresearch.com/

Peggy kicks off a new show, Aiglatson, where the future isn't just imagined, it is felt. She is joined by cohost Dennis Draeger, foresight director, Shaping Tomorrow, who says aiglatson is more than a word, it is a mindset, and it is about preferring the dreams of the future to the experiences of the past. They also discuss: · The definition and meaning of the word aiglatson—and who and why the term was coined. · Comparing and contrasting nostalgia and aiglatson through a historical and future lens—and the concept of a used future. · How the future is going to be engineered and how we are going to feel about it with the rise of AI (artificial intelligence). http://peggysmedleyshow.com

If embedded super intelligence at the core of factory operations enabling custom software to be built in 24 hours instead of 18 months bridged the chasm that exists between management, vision, and operational reality, would you do it? Peggy talks with Dan Miklovic, founder, Lean Manufacturing Research and leader, Third Eye Advisory, and Radu Spineanu, founder, Humble Operations, about how American manufacturing is drowning in a costly disconnect. They also discuss: · How Humble Operations wants to help rewrite the rules of the enterprise software in manufacturing. · What processes companies should tackle first and how to optimize the core, critical, essential function of business. · If there are specific legacy systems to consider—and if adding new on top of old creates challenges. https://humbleops.ai

Peggy looks at the global trends impacting the transportation and logistics sector, sharing how technologies are evolving to meet growing demands. She says digital transformation, decarbonization, and other emerging technologies are going to need to fuel the new demands required. She also discusses: · How much will be required to fuel this infrastructure vertical through 2040. · The top factors at play that must be considered in transportation. · The steps to take to embrace innovation in the days ahead.   https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Kory Daniels, chief security and trust officer, LevelBlue, talk about cyber resilience in manufacturing and findings from a new report. He says resilience is very simply a bend, but do not break mentality for the organization. They also discuss: · The biggest wakeup call from a recent report. · What threat actors are embracing. · If this needs to start top, down—and how to best ensure resilience. https://levelblue.com

Peggy Smedley interviews Tim Lindner, warehouse automation consultant, about how Amazon thinks it can replace 160,000 jobs with robots. He shares Amazon's history of robotics, saying this shouldn't come as a surprise to people based on their history with robotics. They also discuss: · How it plans to automate 75% of its operations. · Circularity in the days since the Industrial Revolution—and where robots will end up. · Robotics as a service—and what this means for the future of warehouse automation. https://www.voxware.com/

Peggy zooms in on one of the seven critical infrastructure verticals: energy and power, which is projected to require a staggering $23 trillion in investment through 2040. She unpacks the global trends shaping the sector—from the rise of renewables to digital transformation—and explores how we must rethink infrastructure to meet rising expectations. She also discusses: · Why energy demand is rising and how renewable energy and low-carbon sources will come into play. · The emerging role of small modular reactors and what countries are already taking action. · The need for grid resilience—and how digital twins, edge, and AI (artificial intelligence) can help. http://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Anil Sawhney, head of sustainability, RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), and Kay Pitman, sustainability analyst, RICS, talk about the highlights from a new AI (artificial intelligence) and construction report 2025, current rates of adoption, blockers to adoption, and the outlook. He says the report was an outcome from conversations and a survey from members who are at the forefront of technology. Pitman says the technology is rapidly evolving, and AI has the potential to reshape the industry. They also discuss: · How many construction respondents reported no use of AI. · The widening gap between investment ambition and organizational readiness. · Two levels we need to think about when we think about AI. http://www.rics.org

Peggy Smedley and Dan Miklovic, founder, Lean Manufacturing Research and leader, Third Eye Advisory, talk about the real cost behind not investing in reskilling and if a talent gap is on the horizon already. He says it depends on how you define it because there are going to be skills by 2030 that we don't even know we need yet. They also discuss: · Where the biggest risk lies. · One of the prime reasons workers leave companies. · Where the real skill lies today—and how durable skills come into play. https://thirdeyeadvisory.com/

Peggy takes a hard look at the staggering $106 trillion question: how will we build the infrastructure of tomorrow? She breaks down a major new report that maps the future of global infrastructure investment through 2040 and shares a real-world case study in Indiana. She also discusses: · Seven verticals where investment will be needed. · How infrastructure is shifting from centralized and government-led to tech-enabled, modular, and market-driven. · Why redefining infrastructure is no longer optional—and what leaders must do next.   https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Joe Scheidler, cofounder and CEO, Helios, pull back the curtain on the real issues that plague government, discussing why most AI (artificial intelligence) platforms fail in government environments. He says you can see so many pain points and inefficiencies and there aren't many solutions in policy for several reasons. They also discuss: · The pace of policy—and how technology can help. · Acting locally—and thinking and reacting globally. · Where innovation is going to take us in government—and how to measure success.   http://www.heliosintel.ai

Peggy Smedley and Dane Linn, senior vice president of corporate initiatives, Business Roundtable, talk about making safety central to corporate culture. He says the mental health initiative is really focused on helping CEOs address some of the mental health needs of their employees and their families, saying mental health is essential for employee wellbeing and business performance. They also discuss: · Y How mental health and wellbeing have become a core element to safety. · Core pillars of the mental health initiative. · Case studies—and why it is important to hear other approaches to mental health.   https://www.brt.org

As the year comes to a close, Peggy has a reality check: can we really trust today's tech predictions? She takes listeners on a journey through past forecasts and unpacks why many bold claims never quite lived up to the hype—and gives her thoughts on how to turn this into action and strategy. She also discusses: · Why historical hindsight is necessary. · Why so many predictions miss the mark—and what it means for your business. · Critical questions every leader should ask before acting on the next forecast. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Rahul Shahani, partner, McKinsey & Co., talk about AI (artificial intelligence) in manufacturing and the frontline worker. He says the core work of manufacturing doesn't change, but AI will bring new capabilities to manufacturing. They also discuss: · How agentic AI can help build an optimal production schedule, bringing higher quality products and empowering the workers with dynamic scheduling. · How to train and engage the frontline worker alongside AI and how leaders can prepare. · That tech is only 20% of the fully loaded spend to change the way a process or business works to embrace AI—and what the other 80% is. http://www.mckinsey.com/

Peggy Smedley and Ali Jani, chief product officer, Acumatica, talk about trends happening in construction and manufacturing—and how digital transformation, AI (artificial intelligence), and ERP (enterprise resource planning) will play a role. He says opportunities come usually when there is change and disruption happening—which is the case in both construction and manufacturing. They also discuss: · The role of ERP during disruption. · How the next wave of digital transformation goes beyond the cloud—and what's next for the role of AI. · Four factors you must consider if you want to perform and grow with new technologies. Get a 15% discount on software at: https://refer.acumatica.com/PEGGYSMEDLEY https://www.acumatica.com/industries/

Peggy wraps up the month, giving her final thoughts about agentic AI (artificial intelligence). She pulls back the curtain on what's really happening behind the scenes in today's digital transformation—and offers her candid perspective on what comes next. She also discusses: · The critical risks businesses must address in the days ahead. · The four steps to take today to prepare for a better tomorrow. · Why the time to act is now—and how companies can cut through the hype to focus on what really matters. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Alex Adamopoulos, chairman and CEO, Emergn, talk about the Global Intelligent Delusion survey and what it has revelated about today's businesses. Roughly 75% of business leaders expect to drive revenue from AI (artificial intelligence) initiatives in the next 12 months, yet 60% acknowledge AI expectations are growing faster than their ability to meet them. He says leaders expect AI to drive growth, but most aren't equipped to deliver at scale, saying the gap isn't even technology, it is capability. They also discuss: · If the return is being overhyped and why AI projects fail. · Why good product management is the bridge that closes this gap between expectation and capability—or ambition and execution. · Why learning and upskilling remain critical to sustaining long-term progress and profit. https://www.emergn.com  

Peggy and Kate O'Neill, author, founder, and chief tech humanist, KO Insights, talk about the unlearning problem and why AI and humans share the same dangerous flaw. She says one of the issues we are facing is everything feels like it is moving so fast—and the acceleration is causing the chaos. They also discuss: · How we can better align human knowledge and machine intelligence. · How and why to take a human-in-the-loop approach. · Two pieces of advice for next steps to take. https://www.koinsights.com

Peggy digs into how agentic AI (artificial intelligence) is poised to revolutionize the supply chain, citing big predictions, use cases, and new opportunities. She warns against getting swept up in the excitement and instead encourages focusing on practical value and measurable ROI (return on investment). She also discusses: · The key drivers behind the rise of agentic AI in supply chains. · A core challenge the supply chain must address. · One clear step supply chain leaders should take today. https://peggysmedleyshow.com/

Peggy Smedley and Amy Waninger, inclusive leadership expert and author of Moving from Panic to Purpose, talk about how different sectors respond to change, where they get stuck, and some tips for what it really takes to lead through unrelenting change. She shares an example of a big work change she went through. They also discuss: · The process and steps to address a big change. · How to make this happen in a project-driven environment. · How AI (artificial intelligence) factors into this conversation https://www.leadatanylevel.com

Peggy Smedley and Michelle Pellegrin, IBM's VP and Global Managing Director for Microsoft, talk about smarter hybrid cloud operations and giving customers a unified approach to managing cloud infrastructure. She says bringing into IBM really strengthens the joint work IBM is already doing with Microsoft. They also discuss: · How they are giving customers a unified approach to managing cloud infrastructure. · What Microsoft and HashiCorp launched at HashiConf. · A client story that shows how the partnership is delivering value. https://www.ibm.com/microsoft   HashiCorp + IBM: https://www.ibm.com/products/hashicorp    HashiCorp at IBM THINK blog: https://www.hashicorp.com/en/blog/how-ibm-and-hashicorp-are-simplifying-ai-ready-hybrid-cloud-operations

Peggy digs into how agentic AI (artificial intelligence) is poised to redefine transportation, sharing examples, growth projections, and new opportunities. She urges not to get caught up in the hype but rather focus on the way technology can provide real value and ROI (return on investment). She also discusses: · Some key use cases in the transportation industry. · A paradox that we must consider. · Five steps transportation leaders can take today. Peggy Smedley Show

Peggy Smedley and Paula Caligiuri, cofounder and CEO, Skiilify, and DMSB distinguished professor of International Business, Northeastern University, talk about cultural agility and why it is important for business. She is an organizational psychologist, and she has done research on helping people get better at working across cultures. They also discuss: · Helping individuals develop durable soft skills. · How AI (artificial intelligence) is going to change the job market—and society as a whole. · Cultural agility vs. contextual agility and the six competencies needed. https://www.skiilify.com/

Dan Miklovic, founder, Lean Manufacturing Research and leader, Third Eye Advisory, talk about tariffs and how tariffs impact the ability to invest in automation, AI (artificial intelligence), and the workforce. He says tariffs have their place and it is a very fine balance to walk. They also discuss: · When tariffs are in fact effective. · The challenges that exist with tariffs. · Examples of tariffs on specific products that can help reach goals.  https://thirdeyeadvisory.com (9/16/25 - 937) What You Might Have Missed: Preparing for the factory of the future The true impact of chatgpt on manufacturing IoT, Internet of Things, Peggy Smedley, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, digital transformation, cybersecurity, blockchain, 5G cloud, sustainability, future of work, podcast, Dan Miklovic, Lean Manufacturing Research, Third Eye Advisory,  

Peggy unpacks how agentic AI (artificial intelligence) is set to revolutionize the energy sector. With the energy market under pressure from infrastructure strain, cybersecurity threats, and the push for sustainability, she explains how AI agents can drive smarter, more autonomous, and more resilient systems across the grid. She also discusses: How many energy companies are using gen AI—and why they still haven't seen breakthrough impact yet. Use cases for how agentic AI can help specifically in the energy market. A roadmap to scale agentic AI in the energy market. peggysmedleyshow.com  (9/9/25 - 936) What You Might Have Missed: Agentic AI Comes for Manufacturing Agentic AI Comes to Construction Agentic AI at Frontier Firms IoT, Internet of Things, Peggy Smedley, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, digital transformation, cybersecurity, blockchain, 5G, cloud, sustainability, future of work, podcast This episode is available on all major streaming platforms. If you enjoyed this segment, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts.