Podcasts about human judgment

What does it really take to keep ethics at the forefront as AI changes the game in accounting? In this episode, Tala Khalifeh, Chief of Staff at STAXX and a leader for IMA Shared Interest Groups, joins Adam Larson for an honest, insightful chat about her journey from internal audit to championing ethics in finance. Listen as Tala shares real stories about walking away from unethical workplaces, why human judgment still matters in the age of advanced AI, and how accountants can build trust in financial outputs. Perfect for anyone in accounting or finance curious about where technology and integrity meet, this episode will leave you with practical ideas and a fresh perspective on the future of your work.

Nobel laureate, best-selling author, and groundbreaking psychologist Daniel Kahneman is also a friend and former business partner of Steve's. In discussing Danny's new book Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment, the two spar over inconsistencies in criminal sentencing and Danny tells Steve that “Your attitude is unusual” — no surprise there. This episode originally aired on May 14th, 2021. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

See what the team at The Successful Bookkeeper has on right now → AI is moving fast, and the bookkeeping profession is squarely in its path — but not in the way most people fear. In this episode, Michael Palmer sits down with AI strategist and educator Benjamin Tasker to talk about what the shift actually looks like on the ground, which skills will separate bookkeepers who thrive from those who stall, and how to start building your own AI system without a data science degree. Chapters [00:00] Welcome and Ben's Background [03:15] From Data Science to AI Education [08:00] AI's Real Impact on Bookkeeping [12:00] Human Judgment as the Key Check [15:30] Skills That Separate Thriving Bookkeepers [21:00] Data, Systems, and AI Strategy [25:00] Opportunities to Move Up the Value Chain [29:00] First Steps for Integrating AI [32:00] Client Expectations and Transparency [35:00] Fear, Mindset, and Where to Find Ben AI Will Elevate Bookkeeping, Not Replace It Ben is direct about the headline fear: bookkeepers are not going away. "AI will help elevate what a bookkeeper does," he says. The repetitive work — transaction coding, receipt capture, anomaly detection, drafting reports — gets absorbed by AI, which frees up the bookkeeper to move from data entry to data judgment. Think less time in the books and more time coaching clients on their financial pain points. AICPA and Intuit both point in the same direction: the future of the role looks a lot more like analytics and advisory than data input. The Two Skill Lanes Every Bookkeeper Should Know Ben references the World Economic Forum's skills taxonomy, which divides skills into two tracks. AI skills — analytical thinking, systems thinking, coding — pay a premium today, but AI will eventually encroach on those. Human skills — communication, empathy, leadership — are undervalued right now but will command a premium as AI can only mimic, never genuinely replace, them. "AI can put on a facade of empathy and compassion, but it really can't have it because it's robotic." For bookkeepers, the practical focus areas are AI supervision (checking outputs rigorously), advisory thinking, digital and data fluency, and transparent client communication. The Human in the Loop Is Not Optional Ben's background in healthcare data — building algorithms to predict sepsis risk from bedside monitors — gives him a sharp view on why human validation matters. A small data error that goes unchecked can cascade into a much larger problem. "A mistake, especially for a small business owner, could cost tens of thousands of dollars." Bookkeepers already understand this: the work is either right or it isn't. That precision mindset is exactly what responsible AI use demands, and it is a genuine competitive advantage for practitioners who carry it into their AI workflows. Data Is the Oil — Build a System, Not Just a Stack of Tools One of Ben's clearest points: buying an AI tool is not an AI strategy. The framework he outlines is straightforward — start with your data (client records, call transcripts, templates, Google Sheets), run it through a system you build and control, apply AI to it, then validate and iterate. "Just because you buy an AI tool doesn't mean you have an AI strategy or even an AI business." He encourages bookkeepers to build their own processing systems rather than relying entirely on third-party integrations that can change without warning. Start small — something as simple as having AI draft follow-up emails from call transcripts is a low-risk, high-value first step. Practical First Steps and Client Communication For bookkeepers ready to start, Ben's advice is to pick a low-stakes problem, solve it, and let that build confidence. Use AI to profile prospective clients from call transcripts, automate follow-up reminders, or create a client-facing dashboard from existing data. On the client side, transparency is non-negotiable: communicate that you are using AI, explain how it benefits them, and teach them how to give better inputs so they get better outputs. "By providing inputs and encouraging your customers to use AI to show them the benefits of it, they're going to become less resistant over time." That kind of teaching deepens the client relationship well beyond what traditional bookkeeping alone can offer. Links Mentioned Ben Tasker AI: bentaskerai.com Ben Tasker on LinkedIn World Economic Forum Skills Taxonomy (AI skills and human skills tracks) The Successful Bookkeeper Pure Bookkeeping About the Guest Benjamin Tasker is an AI strategist, educator, and speaker with over 10 years of experience in data science and artificial intelligence. His background spans healthcare predictive analytics, higher education, and enterprise AI strategy. Today he helps entrepreneurs and large organizations build the skills and systems they need to navigate the AI revolution. You can find his prompting frameworks, podcast appearances, and upcoming events at bentaskerai.com. About the hostMichael PalmerMichael Palmer is the host of The Successful Bookkeeper podcast and co-founder of Pure Bookkeeping and The Successful Bookkeeper. He started this work because of his father — a brilliant electrical contractor who worked twice as hard as he should have had to, because nobody on the financial side was in his corner. That gap is what The Successful Bookkeeper exists to close. His view: bookkeepers are the most undervalued force in small business — and every bookkeeper who builds a real business changes two families: theirs, and their clients'.

AI can accelerate answers. But what happens when it weakens the development of judgment, critical thinking, and human connection? Jennifer May explores the growing pressure facing middle managers, the risks organizations face when relationship-building and professional development fall away, and why ethical culture depends on much more than policies and compliance training. Drawing on nearly 30 years in ethics and compliance leadership, Jennifer shares why she believes compliance is fundamentally a relationship business and how organizations can move from being the “office of no” to becoming strategic partners in building a healthy culture. Jennifer also shares a powerful story from her university compliance work that shaped her “yes and” philosophy, revealing how trust, collaboration, and creative problem-solving can help organizations navigate difficult tensions without losing sight of innovation or integrity. This conversation is a timely exploration of leadership, accountability, AI, and the human skills organizations cannot afford to lose. Jennifer founded May Solutions Group to help companies make ethics practical, human, and actionable. She helps organizations build systems that people actually trust by replacing complexity with clarity and making ethical decision-making easier in day-to-day work. You'll discover:Why AI may weaken judgment development The growing squeeze on middle managers Why compliance is a relationship business How ethical cultures are strengthened over time The “yes and” mindset that builds trustConnect with on Social MediaLinkedIn Website May Consulting GroupCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedIn

Everyone is chasing AI software, but the biggest opportunity may actually be services. In this video, Eric explains why top investors are betting on services-as-software, how AI is reshaping agency and consulting business models, and why the future belongs to companies that sell outcomes instead of labor. He breaks down managed growth loops, AI-powered operating systems, and the new organizational structures that will separate winners from everyone else. If you're building an agency, consulting firm, service business, or AI startup, this video will change how you think about growth, valuation, and the next decade of opportunity. Chapters (00:00) Why Services Beat SaaS (01:13) The $1 Software vs $6 Services Opportunity (02:52) Why Managed Growth Loops Matter (04:49) Agents, Loops, and Human Judgment (06:43) How Single Brain Powers AI Service Businesses (07:22) The Services-as-Software Manifesto (08:41) The New AI-Native Org Chart (10:13) Building Outcome-Based Offers (11:13) Final Thoughts

Dr. Dirk Willer is a Managing Director and Global Head of Macro and Asset Allocation at Citi Research in New York. Prior to this role, Dirk headed global Emerging Market Strategy, where he and his teams were consistently ranked in the top three in the institutional investor surveys. Previously, Dirk worked at Omega Advisors and RHG Capital as a global macro strategist and portfolio manager, and at Swiss Bank as a fixed income strategist for Russia and Eastern Europe. Dirk holds a PhD and MSc in Economics from the London School of Economics. Dirk is also the author of an influential book on how to trade emerging market fixed income, published by Wiley in 2020, and of a book on global macro trading, released in 2026. In this podcast, we discuss: Unlearning the QE Reflex Trading "Close to the Fire" The Nearest Neighbour Regime Framework PMIs vs. "Noisy" Indicators Yield Curve Inversions and Fed Lags The "GMO" Bubble Methodology Credit as the Equity Canary The Four-Indicator Dollar Model Fading Geopolitical Shocks The Role of Human Judgment in AI 

In this episode of Treasury Leaders, Host Philip Costa Hibberd, Founder of Automation Boutique, talks with Mariam (Petrosyan) Halfhide, Principal Consultant, Data & AI Strategy at Xebia, to explore how AI strategy, data governance, and organisational readiness are reshaping the future of finance and treasury.Mariam shares practical insights on why many organisations struggle to move beyond AI experimentation, the importance of building strong data foundations, and how finance leaders can bridge the gap between technology and business decision-making. She also discusses the growing role of AI in forecasting, operational efficiency, and strategic planning, while highlighting why human judgment and communication remain essential.Whether you're a treasury professional, finance leader, or simply interested in AI transformation, this episode offers valuable lessons on how businesses can adopt AI more effectively and create long-term value.What You'll Learn in This Episode:AI Strategy & Business Alignment: Why successful AI adoption starts with understanding business problems, not just implementing technology.Data Foundations Matter: How poor data quality and fragmented systems limit the effectiveness of AI initiatives.The Human Side of AI: Why communication, collaboration, and organisational readiness are critical for successful transformation.AI in Finance & Treasury: How AI can support forecasting, analytics, automation, and decision-making across finance functions.From Experimentation to Execution: Why many companies remain stuck in pilot phases and what is needed to scale AI successfully.Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:[00:00] – Introduction[01:40] – Mariam's Background in Data & AI Strategy[04:15] – Why AI Adoption Often Fails in Organisations[08:22] – The Importance of Data Quality and Governance[12:35] – Aligning AI with Business Objectives[17:10] – AI Use Cases in Finance and Treasury[22:48] – Moving Beyond AI Experimentation[27:55] – Organisational Readiness and Change Management[32:20] – Human Judgment vs AI Decision-Making[36:45] – The Future of AI in Treasury and Finance[40:10] – Final Advice for Finance LeadersFollow Our Guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpetrosyan/Xebia: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xebia/Follow Treasury Leaders:Website: https://corporate-treasury-101.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/treasury-leaders/Follow Our Hosts:Hussam Ali on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hussam-r-ali/Guillaume Jouvencel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-jouvencel/Jan-Willem Attevelt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/attevelt/Philip Costa Hibberd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-costa-hibberd/GHA Marketing Website: https://ghapodcast.com/Automation Boutique Website: https://automationboutique.com/ -----------------------------------------------------------------------Get $100 off any AFP product, including their CTP Exam Prep Platform, using our discount code! Find this and More on our partner's pagehttps://corporate-treasury-101.com/partners-page/

The following article of the Talent industry is: 'Preparing for the Human Judgment Economy' by Fernando Valenzuela Migoya, President, Global Edtech Impact Alliance.

This latest PRmoment podcast with Grayling's Tom Symondson explores AI integration in public relations.Tom simplifies the process into 3 themes:AI Integration and StrategyAgencies will implement AI by prioritizing internal efficiency and service innovation. Implementation success requires depth over breadth to maximize impact.Human Augmentation and RisksAI should serve as an augmentation tool to support experts rather than replacing critical thinking. Teams must guard against efficiency-focused work becoming low quality.Operationalizing AI ImplementationAgencies should decentralize AI expertise by embedding champions within teams instead of separate hubs. Prioritizing repetitive tasks allows firms to scale high-value client services.If you want to learn more about how the future of PR will be impacted by AI, don't miss PRmoment's PR Masterclass: AI in PR.DetailsIntroduction and Optimistic Outlook on AI in PR: Ben Smith welcomed Tom Symondson, who co-leads Accordience's AI team, to discuss the impact of AI on the PR agency model.Tom Symondson expressed extreme optimism about AI's impact, asserting that core PR skills like relationships, experience, creativity, bravery, and judgment are irreplaceable. They suggested that AI will automate tasks that are not highly valued by clients or consultants, such as general research and formatting of monitoring reports, allowing consultants to focus on high-value analysis and strategic input.Emerging Opportunities and UK Investment: Tom Symondson identified that AI will generate new mandates, clients, and revenue streams, particularly around technology-focused businesses, crises, and regulation issues stemming from AI. They expressed optimism about the UK industry's potential benefit from significant investments in large language models (LLMs) by companies like Anthropic and OpenAI in London and the UK. Three Approaches for AI Implementation in PR: Agencies are anticipated to approach AI integration in three primary ways: improving internal efficiency, changing how client work is currently delivered, and creating entirely new tools and service lines that become new revenue streams. The internal efficiency focus involves automating or augmenting repeatable, client-invisible backend functions such as transcribing meetings, building action lists, and reporting processes. Tom Symondson noted that businesses should focus on depth over breadth, selecting one area for the biggest impact before moving on to the next.Understanding AI Augmentation: AI augmentation, distinct from replacement, refers to the technology supporting human experts rather than substituting them, particularly because much of the PR industry's work requires nuance. Tom Symondson gave the example of using an enterprise LLM system for new business research, where the tool supports initial framing but does not replace the consultant's own deep research process. They emphasized that the challenge for agencies is mapping out where this augmentation will have the greatest impact and providing training to take advantage of the tools.Obstacles to Successfully Embedding AI: The three main obstacles to integrating AI into an organization are cost, data and readiness risk, and time. Cost arises because enterprise-level access to AI tools is often high, and data readiness requires extensive security and system sign-off. Tom Symondson identified time as the biggest obstacle, as consultants need more time to experiment with different prompts and processes to understand the full range of AI's impact on their work.The Risk of Efficiency Over Effectiveness: Ben Smith cautioned that the "race to efficiency" can be a "race to the bottom" if not carefully managed. Tom Symondson agreed, noting the risk that increased automation could lead to less expert consultants if technology performs more research than people. The opportunity lies in using the time saved by AI to allow consultants to specialize further, for example, spending more time networking, attending events, or researching clients.The Role of Human Judgment and Criticality: Ben Smith highlighted the necessity of retaining a critical mind because LLMs, while able to generate answers quickly, still produce errors.Tom Symondson added that LLMs are excellent with structured data; therefore, agencies must connect their LLMs to accurate data tools, in addition to training colleagues on drafting effective prompts and knowing when to use the technology. They cited the doubling of AI's ability to complete long tasks every seven months, projecting that in 14 months, AI could complete a 40-hour human task.Importance of Openness and Ownership in AI Use: Tom Symondson stressed the need for consultants and agencies to use AI appropriately, ensuring it augments and supports work, rather than replacing critical thinking. A crucial element is fostering a culture of transparency where people are open about how they used AI for research, including what worked well, what struggled, and what human work was needed to finalize the product. This transparency ensures that people maintain ownership of the work product, balancing efficiency with quality.Innovation and Use Case Clarity: Ben Smith noted increased innovation in PR firms over the last 18 months, which Tom Symondson attributed to the significantly reduced ease and cost of experimentation, allowing someone to build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in a weekend. However, Tom Symondson suggested that there might be less innovation this year as the industry moves toward a "substance phase," focusing on embedding existing AI use cases across the organization.Creative Quality and the Need for Uniquely Human Work: Tom Symondson identified the risk of "AI slop" or ideas that look and feel similar due to over-reliance on AI-generated content (e.g., AI writing, image, or PowerPoint generation). Great creative agencies will continue to succeed because their ideas are expected to feel "uniquely human" and grounded in culture, emotional intelligence (EQ), and personality.Operationalizing AI Implementation Across Agencies: Recognizing that time is a major barrier for busy teams, Tom Symondson emphasized the McKinsey principle that depth is more critical than breadth when implementing AI.Identifying and Managing Repetitive Tasks: In the internal productivity bucket, agencies focus on automating repeatable tasks, such as templating monitoring reports from spreadsheets into client emails, which Tom Symondson estimated could number in the thousands.Structure for AI Implementation and Expert Teams: The practical implementation of AI is highly decentralized, residing within the agencies themselves. Instead of a separate AI hub, teams have AI champions who are client-facing staff who integrate AI into their normal day jobs. Tom Symondson stressed the importance of having people work on AI who are connected to the day-to-day client work.The Opportunity for PR Compared to Other Marcom Sectors: Tom Symondson suggested that because PR is less structured and repeatable than sectors like production or media buying, the impact of AI is different, offering more opportunity for PR. AI will improve PR's ability to measure and articulate the value of its work by making it easier to structure and analyze diverse data sources. The discussion concluded that in the long term, AI will not replace talent, but rather reduce the fee earned from less-valued tasks, while increasing revenue from high-value services that require judgment, advice, and impactful results.

Welcome to another episode of Forcepoint's "To the Point Cybersecurity" podcast. This week, Rachael Lyon and Jonathan Knepher continue their deep-dive conversation with Monzy Merza, exploring the transformative impact of AI in security operations centers (SoCs) and the evolving landscape of cyber threats and defense. In this episode, Monzy Merza shares candid insights into building trust and confidence in AI tools, managing the surge in AI-generated data and requirements, and the crucial role of human judgment amid technological advancements. The discussion covers everything from the realities of AI-generated errors to the challenges and opportunities for defenders as attackers adopt agent-driven threats. For CISOs and SOC managers facing the daunting task of AI transformation, Monzy Merza offers practical strategies, hard-earned lessons from the front lines, and a glimpse into future-proofing your security teams. Tune in to hear what practitioners are really experiencing in the trenches and what key questions every leader should be asking in the race to integrate AI securely and effectively. For links and resources discussed in this episode, please visit our show notes at https://www.forcepoint.com/govpodcast/e380

What does it take to bring artificial intelligence into state child welfare systems? How do you modernize legacy systems…without losing the human judgment at the heart of child welfare? And what happens when you combine data, product thinking, and human-centered design to rethink how government delivers services? Join host Michael J. Keegan and his guest Steven Hintze, Chief Data and Product Officer at the Arizona Department of Child Safety. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Summary In this episode of Frontline Innovators, Nancy Green shares expert insights on AI governance, organizational change, and effective technology adoption strategies. Discover how trust, communication, and tailored engagement are key to successful AI implementation in large enterprises. Key topics - Difference between utilization and adoption of technology - Building trust during change initiatives - Effective communication strategies for large-scale change - Role of frontline leadership in AI implementation - Measuring trust and engagement at scale - Handling resistance and skepticism towards AI - Designing scalable training and enablement programs - The importance of governance and responsibility in AI projects Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI Governance and Change Management 04:08 Utilization vs. Adoption of Technology 07:19 The Importance of Trust in Change Management 10:00 Building Trust Through Communication 11:53 Engaging Frontline Leadership 14:59 Identifying Change Champions 18:14 Understanding Resistance to Change 20:50 Addressing Anxiety Around Change 23:35 Honesty in Communication During Change 26:29 Incentives and Performance Metrics 28:23 Motivation and Technology Adoption 32:23 Personalization in Change Management 34:26 Supporting Technologically Reluctant Workers 36:20 Minimum Viable Proficiency in Training 37:56 Bite-Sized Learning and Agile Development 40:04 User Involvement in Development 45:06 Addressing AI Concerns and User Fears 48:48 Evolving Job Roles in the Age of AI 52:15 Human Judgment in AI Utilization 56:00 Governance and Responsibility in AI Projects Resources Gretchen Rubin's Four Tendencies - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K4X7Q4QAI Governance Frameworks - https://www.oecd.org/going-digital/ai/ai-governance/ Guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancygreen Website - https://nancygreen.com  

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper speak with Ali Hussain, CEO and co-founder of Tabs, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing the revenue process for finance teams. Ali discusses how the traditional ERP systems have left revenue management behind, and how Tabs is changing the game by automating the full contract-to-cash cycle. He shares his insights on the complexity of revenue management, AI's role in financial systems, and why understanding the data context is key to success in AI-powered finance tools.Ali Hussain is the CEO and co-founder of Tabs, where he leads the development of AI-native solutions designed to automate the billing, collections, and revenue recognition process. With a background spanning product leadership at Google, strategy consulting at BCG, and public policy, Ali is at the forefront of the next wave of finance technology.In this episode, you will discover:How AI is transforming revenue management in financeThe importance of data context in AI-powered toolsWhy traditional finance systems fail to address modern revenue modelsHow Tabs automates billing, collections, and revenue recognitionAli Hussain shared invaluable insights into the future of finance, highlighting how AI is revolutionizing revenue management and financial operations. While AI brings immense potential for automation, human judgment remains crucial in making strategic decisions. Follow Ali:Website: https://www.tabs.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-hussain786/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabsplatform Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[00:00] – Trailer[03:00] – Legacy Finance Systems[06:15] – Revenue Management Gaps[09:00] – How Tabs Transforms Finance[12:00] – AI in Billing & Rev Rec[15:30] – Clean Data Importance[19:00] – AI vs Human Judgment[22:30] – The Future of AI[25:00] – Complex Revenue Models[29:00] – AI Challenges in Finance[34:00] – Closing Thoughts on AI

Dan Wald, cofounder and chief AI officer at Sciemo, joins The Tech Trek for a sharp conversation about what AI can and cannot do inside real business workflows.The big question: can AI move beyond quick answers and actually support the messy, context heavy work that still lives in Excel, data teams, and functional expertise?Dan breaks down why consumer style AI has trained people to expect instant answers, why that creates risk inside companies, and why the next wave of AI products needs more than a chat box. It needs context, transparency, guardrails, and humans who understand the work well enough to challenge the output.The conversation also gets into AI agents, coding, entry level talent, narrow workflow specific AI, and why replacing judgment is a much harder problem than replacing repetitive tasks.Key takeaways• AI tools are only useful when they understand the context behind the question, not just the wording of the prompt.• Excel remains powerful because users can see the data, change assumptions, and understand the logic. AI products need to earn that same level of trust.• The best AI workflows are not black boxes. They let users inspect assumptions, challenge outputs, and adjust the answer.• Agents can speed up work, but they still need human judgment, especially when the task requires strategy, constraints, or domain expertise.• AI may change entry level work, but companies still need people who can think critically, solve new problems, and understand why the output is right or wrong.Timestamped highlights00:40 Dan explains how Sciemo helps consumer brands unify messy data and apply AI to inventory, pricing, assortment, and promotion decisions.02:30 Why the single prompt experience has changed what people expect from AI, and why that expectation can break down inside the workplace.04:19 How purpose built AI differs from general AI, especially when the workflow requires context, guardrails, and a clear goal.07:41 Why Excel is still hard to replace, and what AI systems need to learn from the control and transparency users already expect.12:57 Dan compares AI agents to unlimited interns, useful for many tasks, but still limited without expert direction.21:57 The slap chop analogy, and why faster tools do not automatically make someone better at the underlying craft.31:15 Why predictions about technology and work are so hard to get right, even when productivity clearly improves.A line that stuck“Used properly, they're great. Used poorly, it's a very new technology. There will be more mistakes than there are winners.”Practical points worth taking• Do not treat a confident AI answer as a complete answer.• Build AI around real workflows, not generic prompts.• Keep humans close to the assumptions, especially when the decision has business impact.• Use AI to move faster, but make sure someone still understands the logic behind the work.Listen nextFollow The Tech Trek for more conversations with founders, operators, and technical leaders building through the next wave of AI, data, and product change.

Susan Ghalili, SVP and chief underwriting officer at Pacific Life, explains how insights from the 2026 Underwriting Outlook Survey show insurers embracing AI as a powerful tool to enhance efficiency and decision-making while emphasizing that human expertise remains essential to maintaining trust, credibility, and sound risk assessment.

All of us are biased. We have individual biases, momentary biases, morning biases and evening biases. Our institutions are biased. Our constitutions are biased. So what to do about it? IDEAS producer Tom Howell explores the art of naming your most important biases — and deciding which to keep, as he continues his investigation into what the field of ‘bias studies' has to offer us. *This episode is part two of a three-part series exploring the meaning of 'bias.' It originally aired on Feb. 3, 2022.Guests in this episode:Olivier Sibony is the author of Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment and You're About to Make a Terrible Mistake.Jessica Nordell is the author of The End of Bias: A Beginning.Jimmy Calanchini is assistant professor of psychology at University of California, Riverside.Jack Nagler was the ombudsman at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

FP&A & AI Software Showcase: Explore Leading ToolsFP&A leaders are embracing AI, and we're here to help. On May 21st, I'll host the FP&A & AI Software Showcase, featuring FP&A planning and AI tools like Concourse, Sapien, Drivetrain, and Una- AI. Join us for live demos, insights, and no sales pressure.Register today: www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-software-showcaseOnto this weeks episodeIn this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Carolina Lago, founder of Tactic Financial, about the impact of AI on financial planning and analysis (FP&A). Carolina shares her extensive experience in the industry, discusses the power of AI in transforming finance workflows, and explains how AI is amplifying the work of finance professionals rather than replacing them. She delves into her use of AI agents, like Claude, as thinking partners in her work, and gives practical advice for finance teams on leveraging AI for strategic decision-making.Carolina Lago is the founder of Tactic Financial, where she helps FP&A professionals integrate AI into their workflows through hands-on training and practical tools. With over 20 years of experience in financial planning, analysis, and modeling across multiple industries and continents, she brings a unique perspective on how technology can amplify (not replace) the work of finance teams. Expect to Learn:The evolving role of FP&A as a bridge between strategy and operationsHow AI can reduce manual tasks and enhance strategic thinkingThe importance of understanding workflows and processes in FP&A Carolina's approach to using AI as a "thinking partner" to amplify human skillsHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:"AI is not going to replace humans; it's going to improve how we work and give us more time for strategic decision-making." - Carolina Lago"The differentiator for companies will be how they use AI to complement human intelligence, not replace it." - Carolina LagoCarolina explains that AI is not here to replace humans but to enhance their capabilities and free up time for strategic decision-making. She also emphasizes that understanding workflows and the human factor will be key in effectively integrating AI into finance roles. Follow Carolina:This week's Guest Carolina has launched a hands-on program for FP&A professionals who want to move from manual processes to AI-powered workflows. Learn to use Claude for FP&A:Course:https://hub.tacticfinancial.com/accelerator?utm_source=fpaguy&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=acceleratorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/s-carolinalago/Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[02:50] – FP&A : Strategy & Operations[06:43] – AI in Reducing Manual Tasks[10:52] – Transforming Finance with AI[14:26] – Learning AI & Human Judgment[19:37] – AI in Finance: Real Applications[25:57] – The Future of AI in FP&A [33:12] – Elevating FP&A with AI[39:45] – Adopting AI in FP&A [45:30] – AI for Better Decision-Making[50:15] – Getting Started with AI[54:05] – Final Thoughts on AI & Collaboration

Happy Administrative Professionals Week! On today's episode of REACH, we're joined by Monique Helstrom, former Executive Assistant, Producer, and “Chief of” to Simon Sinek, author of Start with Why. Often described as the “HOW Girl to the WHY Guy,” Monique spent nearly a decade helping build and scale one of the most influential leadership brands in the world, giving her a front-row seat to high-level leadership, communication, and partnership. Now a keynote speaker and coach, Monique shares practical guidance for Executive Assistants on leading up, communicating with clarity, and stepping into their roles with confidence. We also explore how EAs can embrace AI as a powerful tool to stay relevant and enhance their impact. This episode is packed with actionable insights on communication, connection, and evolving as a strategic partner in today's workplace. Resources & Offers: Podcast Listener Offer Get $100 off The AI-Powered Assistant course. Learn how to think with AI so you can produce stronger work, faster, and position yourself as a strategic partner. https://www.moniquehelstrom.com/ai-powered-assistant Use code: reachpodcast April Coaching Offer Special Administrative Professionals Month pricing on coaching sessions focused on confidence, communication, career direction, and strategic partnership skills. Book a Discovery Call: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/discoverycallwithmonique Double Course Bundle (April Only) Get The AI-Powered Assistant and Introduction to Effective Communication together to build both technical skills and communication clarity. Explore the bundle: https://moniquehelstrom.thinkific.com/bundles/administrative-professionals-month-2026 About Monique Monique Helstrom is a recruiter, coach, and speaker specializing in the executive–assistant partnership. A former Executive Assistant to Simon Sinek, she now helps executives hire and work effectively with high-level assistants and supports assistants in building strategic, future-proof careers. Website: www.MoniqueHelstrom.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniquejhelstrom/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquehelstrom/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrz2UEjZterB-2AdKZuAYxQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoniqueJHelstrom

On this episode of the Woodard Report podcast, Heather and Joe talk about the rapid evolution of AI, highlighting new developments like Xero's partnership with Anthropic and the growing role of AI agents in business operations. They explore how AI is shifting from simple assistance to performing complex tasks, while emphasizing the continued need for human oversight, judgment, and ethical responsibility. The conversation also balances excitement with caution, urging professionals to adopt AI strategically while staying informed about its risks and limitations. Current events — Xero and Anthropic Team Up on AI for Small Businesses Microsoft Released a Report titled "2025: The Year the Frontier Firm is Born" TV/Movie quote of the week — The Good Place The PITT Excellent things we learned — Use artifacts to visualize and create AI apps without ever writing a line of code A World Without Work by Dr. Daniel Susskind Member spotlight — Karem Ospino of Ospino Consulting The Woodard Report article of the week — What Accounting Websites Get Wrong + What Pros Recommend Thank you to our show sponsor, Woodard! The Woodard membership program will help you build your ideal practice with our coaching, education, community and resources. We'll get you there with strategic direction from experienced pros, access to skill building and resources and a community to continually inspire your practice's transformation. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

We are delighted to welcome Ashleigh Cook, the Chief Marketing Officer of RainFocus, as today's guest. In this episode, Ashleigh focuses on strategy, data, AI, and the aspects of events that must change. Stay tuned to learn how, with the right strategy and data foundation, events can truly become impactful drivers of business growth. Ashleigh's Journey Ashleigh began her career in the research and advisory space at companies such as Gartner and Forrester, where she managed marketing programs and consistently tracked events that drove the strongest growth. She joined RainFocus in 2020, during the pandemic, inspired by its focus on data and personalization. There, she saw firsthand how virtual events expanded reach and accessibility, and how hybrid experiences strengthened engagement. Today, she collaborates with leading brands to develop event strategies that enhance business outcomes. Events Ashleigh believes that events are one of the most effective ways to bring teams together around the customer experience. They help attract new customers, deepen relationships, and build loyalty. She points out that conversion rates from events are consistently strong, making them a powerful channel when used intentionally. Formatting Events The format of an event should always reflect its goal—virtual works well for reaching wider audiences and delivering content at scale. In-person is more impactful for connection and relationship-building. Hybrid offers flexibility, while roadshows are becoming more common to meet audiences where they are. Clear Intent A key message from Ashleigh is to avoid running events just because they happen each year. She encourages organizations to be clear about what they are trying to achieve, and then design the event around that goal. Beyond Attendance Ashleigh explains that event registrations and attendance only tell part of the story. What really matters is how people engage at events, the sessions they attend, who they meet, and how actively they participate throughout the event. Data Ashleigh emphasizes the importance of event data after the event ends. Teams should focus on follow-up, understanding attendee interests, and tracking how those interactions turn into opportunities, accelerated deals, and long-term relationships. Data Strategy Data should be intentional. Instead of simply collecting information habitually, organizations should consider how they will use it across the entire customer journey, from registration to post-event engagement. Personalization With the right data, events can become far more personalized. Attendees can be guided toward sessions, content, and experiences that match their interests, making their time more valuable and increasing engagement. AI AI helps teams save time and work more efficiently. It supports recommendations, workflows, and analyzing feedback, allowing teams to focus less on logistics and more on creating better experiences. The Human Element While AI is powerful, Ashleigh is clear that it cannot replace human connection. The real value of events lies in relationship building, trust, and in-person interactions. An Ongoing Journey Ashleigh encourages people to think beyond one single event. Events should connect to a broader journey, where each interaction builds on the last and helps teams engage more meaningfully over time. Events Are Growing More organizations are investing in events because they offer a real connection in an increasingly digital world. Events cut through the noise and create lasting impact. Learning and Staying Relevant Keeping up with new tools and trends does not have to be overwhelming. Ashleigh recommends learning from peers, joining professional communities, and experimenting with new technologies to build confidence and improve results. Authenticity Matters Authenticity matters. As more content becomes automated, people are becoming more adept at spotting what feels real. Lasting connections and strong brands come from genuine, human interaction. BIO: Ashleigh Cook, Chief Marketing Officer at RainFocus Ashleigh is an accomplished marketing executive with deep expertise in sales, marketing, and product best practices and technology. She is driven by a passion for helping high-growth companies establish and scale marketing functions to deliver an exceptional customer experience that aligns with rapidly changing expectations and technology advancements. Before RainFocus, Ashleigh led marketing teams spanning GTM strategy, demand generation, ABM, client marketing, and operations at SiriusDecisions and Forrester. Ashleigh holds her BSBA in Marketing from the University of Richmond. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, golfing with her husband, being active with her dog, and traveling. Connect with Eric Rozenberg LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Ashleigh Cook On LinkedIn RainFocus  

What if the most important career advice you get this year comes from an ex-investment banker? That's exactly what happened when Florian sat down with the incredible Eu Chin Fen, CEO of Frasers Hospitality, for a LIVEPodcast at IHIF EMEA's Under 30s Hangout. Eu Chin Fen didn't come from a traditional hotel background, and that's exactly why her take on how to win in this industry is a highlight. Here's a taste of the wisdom she dropped: - Connect the dots (all of them) Your job isn't just your department. From the FrontDesk to the P&L, understand how the whole thing works. Know which line item your role impacts. That's your superpower. - AI can't replace your judgment So, stop panicking about robots taking over! Tech is just a tool. Your real, irreplaceable value comes from your experience and the judgment calls you make. AI can't do that for you. - Authenticity is non-negotiable The most important leadership skill? Being a real human. Especially in a crisis, being vulnerable and finding the "path of truth" is what actually inspires people. Forget the old-school playbook. Ready for a career masterclass without the corporate fluff?

Efficiency in recruiting isn't just about working faster; it's about working smarter by knowing where to let the machines take over and where to double down on human connection. In this episode, Mary Price, an enterprise talent leader with experience at LinkedIn and Apple, reveals how her teams are leveraging AI to reduce administrative burnout while driving a 32% decrease in attrition through better candidate-to-role matching.

Your construction back office admin hasn't taken a vacation in ten years. And it's your software's fault.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Patric, Martin, and Dustin break down what four AI CEOs said at NVIDIA GTC and what it means for construction. Then Anna Berger joins fresh off raising $10M in three weeks to expose the chaos inside every specialty contractor's back office.AI token costs collapsed 99% — here's what that unlocksThe data center boom is creating a trades crisis — electricians are now the hottest hire in AmericaWhy AI will never run construction payrollHow Anna closed $10M with 40+ investor meetings in her first week"I just took my first vacation in ten years — thank you." That's the kind of message Anna Berger is getting from her customers.Watch the full episode now!Our Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro01:00 Introduction to NVIDIA GTC and AI CEOs 03:38 The Impact of AI on Cost and Accessibility 05:34 Specialization vs. Commoditization in AI Models 07:44 The Role of AI in Engineering and Construction 10:33 Deterministic Outcomes and Governance in AI 13:32 The Future of AI in Enterprises and Job Market Dynamics 23:59 The Role of Accuracy in Construction Projects 28:06 AI vs Human Judgment in Project Estimation 30:52 Evaluating AI Accuracy in Professional Contexts 33:45 The Future of Skilled Trades and Workforce Training 40:24 Economic Predictions and Market Interests 44:59 Quarterly Recap: Trends and Insights in Construction Tech 47:01 Real-Life Lessons from the Industry 51:43 Celebrating Success: Anna's Fundraising Journey 53:53 Understanding Trade: A Deep Dive into Construction Back Office Solutions 56:46 Future Plans: Scaling and Product Development 1:00:46 The Importance of Compliance in Payroll Management 1:03:28 Y Combinator's Role in Construction Tech

Paul Sill uses data and predictive analytics to help retailers, restaurants, and other brick-and-mortar businesses make site selection decisions. Paul explains the critical difference between correlation and causation in retail data, explaining that misreading data can lead to costly mistakes. He also discusses how new data sources like social media behavior and mobile foot traffic are shaping modern site selection, why AI still can't replace human judgment in real estate modeling, and the importance of validating instincts with data. Paul, who also teaches at DePaul University, emphasizes that good analytics are about mitigating risk, not providing easy answers. Paul Sill is Managing Director and Head of the Visionary Insights Group at JLL, James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.    

Host Anca Platon Trifan records a live Events Demystified panel with Niesa Silzer (Details Convention & Event Management), Epiphany Bourque (TK Events), and Dustin Westling (OneWest Event Design & Production) on human-first systems and leadership in event work.

This is message 24 in Gospel Record of John John 8:1-11 Religious pride is quick to condemn the sins of others while ignoring the sin within the heart. When confronted with truth, those who came to accuse were forced to face their own guilt and quietly walked away. Yet where human judgment sought to destroy, but He offered forgiveness and a call to a changed life. The same Savior who exposes the hypocrisy of the proud also extends grace to the repentant and gives them the opportunity to walk in newness of life. Don't forget to download our app for more from the Riverview Baptist Church. http://onelink.to/rbcapp Find more at https://riverviewbc.com/ Donate through Pushpay https://pushpay.com/pay/riverviewbc

Randy Gage has spoken to more than two million people in over 50 countries and is a member of the Speaker Hall of Fame. With 15 books translated into more than 25 languages, Randy Gage is a global voice for CEOs and entrepreneurs who want more than success. They want clarity, impact, and freedom. In this conversation, we unpack why AI will soon make “what you know” worthless, why critical thinking is the real currency of leadership, and what it now takes to stay indispensable in a rapidly automated world. With a mind hardwired for metaphysical principles, innovative marketing, and maverick reinvention, Randy created a Prosperity Operating System to help high-level achievers move toward the highest possible version of themselves. If your value is still tied to expertise, frameworks, or information delivery, this episode may change how you think about your future… and your role as a leader.   View the video version of episode 183 on our YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRb6TGyqOHE Subscribe to the channel now to be the first to catch our next release. https://www.youtube.com/@manageselfleadotherspodcast?sub_confirmation=1   SOUNDBITES [3:17] Why AI is the most disruptivedevelopment of your lifetime, no matter your age or industry. [5:14] Building AI agents for repeatable work, and what it means to train tools on your own material and voice. [5:51] The workplace delegation rethink: what can be delegated, what can be automated, and what needs human judgment. [6:20] Designing AI workflows that scale, and why the pace of improvement is hard to fathom. [7:24] Who can “skate to retirement” … and why everyone else cannot afford to put AI off any longer. [8:00] The bold claim about the scale of job disruption, and why the ripple effect touches almost every role. [10:30] Why critical thinking is becoming rarer, and why leaders must rebuild it deliberately. [11:27] How shallow scrolling and “sideways reading” can erode deep thinking and the ability to hold complexity. [12:06] The one-hour-a-day reading practice that upgrades thinking, discipline, and depth. [12:50] How AI time savings can be reinvested into higher-level thinking, learning, and deep work. [14:39] The storytelling technique of starting in the middle, and why it hooks attention fast. [15:09] Working in the genius zone: delegating the rest, building capability in others, and retiring the “do it myself” mindset. [16:31] Why 'busyness' steals health, relationships, and strategic creativity… and why space is where ideas arrive. [17:03] Designing a year around the work only you can do, with AI freeing time for life and relationships. [18:51] Towards-focus versus away-from focus, gratitude as a reset, and designing “best year yet” energy. [20:12] A free resource to support abundance thinking: 'The 7 elements of an Abundant Life' PDF.   CONTACT RANDY GAGE https://randygage.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/randygage/   ABOUT PODCAST HOST, NINA SUNDAY Nina Sunday's latest book, ‘'Manage Self, Lead Others: Constructive Conversations, True Self-Leadership, and Culture You Can't Fake'' is now on Amazon - paperback or kindle. Amazon USA ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/3WaplI9⁠⁠⁠⁠ Amazon Australia ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.asia/d/0KwghaM⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can read any Kindle eBook on your PC, laptop or phone; you don't need a Kindle device.  === To learn more about face-to-face training programs with Nina Sunday or one of her experienced Facilitators from Brainpower Training Pty Ltd in Australia Pacific, visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au...⁠ === To visit Nina Sunday's speaker site for global in-person speaking bookings visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ninasunday.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ === Connect with Nina Sunday on LinkedIn ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninasunday/ === To subscribe to Nina Sunday's blog go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.brainpowertraining.com.au/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and scroll to the bottom of the page to register. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Institute of Internal Auditors Presents: All Things Internal Audit Tech    In this episode, Antonio Cacciapuoti and Alessandro Casarotti unpack the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence in internal audit and anti-financial crime. They discuss AI hallucinations as a risk to be governed, not eliminated, and examine why governance, accountability, and human judgment are central to ethical AI.    HOST: Antonio Cacciapuoti, CIA, CAMS Head of Internal Audit, Eurizon Capital Vice President, IIA Luxembourg   GUEST: Alessandro Casarotti Director, Forensic & Anti-Financial Crime, PwC Luxembourg   KEY POINTS: AI Hallucinations as a Governance Risk (00:00:28 – 00:02:46) How AI Developers Build Ethical Safeguards (00:02:50 – 00:06:10) Human Judgment and Ethical Decision-Making in AI (00:06:14 – 00:09:26) Automation, Accountability, and Ethical Responsibility (00:09:26 – 00:10:49) Global Approaches to AI Regulation (00:10:49 – 00:14:52) Why "Human in the Loop" Is Necessary but Not Sufficient (00:14:52 – 00:19:10) Strengthening Governance and Risk Controls for AI (00:19:10 – 00:21:01) Using AI in Anti-Financial Crime Investigations (00:21:01 – 00:24:12) How Fraudsters Attempt to Bypass AI Safeguards (00:24:12 – 00:27:44) The Future Relationship Between Internal Auditors and AI (00:27:44 – 00:31:17)   Visit The IIA's website or YouTube channel for related topics and more.   IIA RELATED CONTENT:  Interested in this topic? Visit the links below for more resources: Global Internal Audit Standards Domain II: Ethics and Professionalism Knowledge Centers: Artificial Intelligence Vison 2035 Become a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) 2026 Analytics, Automation and AI Virtual Conference   Follow All Things Internal Audit: Apple Podcasts Spotify Libsyn Deezer

Welcome to episode #1025 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). At a moment when panic travels faster than proof, few marketers are as clear-eyed… and as human… as Ann Handley. A pioneering digital marketing strategist (MarketingProfs), bestselling author (Everybody Writes and Content Rules), longtime champion of writing that actually means something and dear friend (also, if you're not susbscribed to her newsletter, Total Annarchy, you really should be), Ann has built a career reminding businesses that the point of content isn't velocity… it's connection. In her recent essay, Something Messy Is Happening: On AI, Panic, and Asking Better Questions, she pushes back against the apocalyptic certainty surrounding AI job displacement and challenges the framing that faster always wins. Responding to venture capitalist Matt Shumer's argument, Something Big Is Happening, that AI will eliminate half of white-collar work within a few years, Ann dissects the seductive panic embedded in exponential curves and racing metaphors, arguing that technological capability does not equal economic inevitability. She reminds us that adoption is human-shaped, that judgment compounds when speed becomes cheap, and that friction is often where thinking actually happens. Rather than choosing between "adapt or die," Ann advocates for a steadier path: use the tools, reject the hysteria, protect the work that builds trust, expertise and meaning over time. Grounded in curiosity rather than fear, her perspective reframes the moment not as a race to outrun machines but as an invitation to ask better questions about what we're building… and why. Enjoy the conversation… Running time: 56:04. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Listen and subscribe over at Spotify. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Thinking With Mitch Joel. Feel free to connect to me directly on LinkedIn. Check out ThinkersOne. Here is my conversation with Ann Handley. Total Annarchy. MarketingProfs. Everybody Writes. Content Rules. Something Messy Is Happening: On AI, Panic, and Asking Better Questions. Something Big Is Happening by Matt Shume. Follow Ann on LinkedIn. Follow Ann on Threads. Follow Ann on Instagram. Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction and Context of AI's Viral Impact. (01:21) - How Ann Uses AI to Strengthen Thinking. (03:43) - The Limitations and Human Control of AI. (05:09) - Content Structure and AI's Role in Creativity. (07:11) - AI's Proximity to Human Work and Its Implications. (11:09) - Extrapolating AI's Impact on Jobs and Society. (13:58) - The Emotional and Societal Response to AI. (18:45) - The Surprising Capabilities of AI in Judgment. (21:35) - The Role of Human Judgment and Creativity. (27:20) - The Impact of SEO and Content Homogenization. (29:58) - AI's Ability to Mimic Human Taste and Judgment. (36:40) - Balancing AI Use with Human Integrity. (39:36) - The Race for Content and Creativity in AI Era. (42:58) - Speed Culture and Its Discontents.. (50:34) - Navigating AI's Role in Society and Creativity. (52:50) - The Future of Creativity and AI's Impact. (54:24) - Personal Reflections on AI's Transformative Power.

In this week's episode, Leslie Heaney sits down with Vasant Dhar—professor at NYU Stern School of Business and the Center for Data Science at New York University, founder of SCT Capital, and author of Thinking with Machines: The Brave New World of AI.Together, they explore how artificial intelligence evolved, why language prediction changed everything, and what it means now that machines can think alongside humans. The conversation examines the growing divide between those who use AI to sharpen judgment and those who rely on it to think for them, as well as the broader implications for work, education, power, and responsibility.This is a grounded, honest conversation about the power of AI—and how we choose to live with it.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms have long been at the heart of sales organizations, promising improved insights and streamlined processes. Yet, as businesses evolved, so did their CRMs, sometimes for better, sometimes not. In this episode of the Sales Reinvented podcast, I was joined by Tim Gale, European new business sales leader at Sugar CRM, to discuss what CRM 3.0 means in an age where information overload is the new normal.  You'll hear why having too much data can actually hurt sales teams, and learn Tim's top strategies for turning CRM insights into meaningful actions. The conversation gets into the power, and limitations, of AI and automation in CRM, emphasizing where human judgment still makes the difference. Tim also shares his top dos and don'ts for organizations moving toward CRM 3.0, and tells a compelling real-world story of how smart CRM clarity boosted sales performance and revenue. Outline of This Episode 00:00 CRM 3.0: From data to clarity. 03:05 Data overload and inefficiency. 06:10 Leveraging data for sales insights. 09:59 AI as enabler, not a replacement. 15:38 Insights through real-world practice. 18:28 Custom CRMs boost adoption. CRM: From Data Dump to Decision Engine CRM used to function like a digital Rolodex, a static data repository. Then they evolved to offer improved connectivity between sales, marketing, and service, but they still largely functioned as a record of "what happened." The real shift has come with CRM 3.0. It's not about gathering as much data as possible, but about capturing intelligence and clarity through the ABCs: Artificial, Business, and Contextual Intelligence. CRM 3.0 focuses on providing actionable insights, using AI and automation to help sellers know exactly where to spend their time for the most impact.  Signs Your CRM Is Creating Complexity (And How to Fix It) A common pitfall in sales organizations is data overload. Tim warns that when sales reps spend more time building reports or wading through endless, irrelevant fields, dashboards, and admin tasks, their CRM is failing them. The litmus test is if your teams can't answer simple, strategic questions such as "Which deals are most likely to close this week?" or "Which accounts need attention?" in seconds. If not, your CRM has become noise instead of guidance. If data doesn't drive action within 30 seconds, it's probably just noise. Practical Steps to Transform Data Into Action Empowering sales reps, not overwhelming them, is the mark of an effective CRM. Tim suggests three practical strategies: Focus on Next Best Actions: Use AI-driven prompts to guide reps toward hot opportunities, alert them when proposals are engaged with, and ensure they're not missing out on key prospects. Integrate ERP Insights: Link CRM with ERP systems to surface valuable trends, giving sellers visibility into buying patterns and upsell opportunities they might otherwise miss. Visualize Outcomes, Not Just Activities: Track KPIs and account health, but connect them directly to actionable insights such as pipeline movement and client retention risks. Action beats analytics, it's not about what happened, but what to do next. Choosing Clarity Over Complexity For sales leaders, the challenge isn't just managing data, but distilling it down to what matters. If data doesn't change a decision or behavior, it shouldn't be on the dashboard. Metrics should be meaningful, drive clear next steps, and support precision selling. Leaders must aim for executive sponsorship, clear business outcomes, and simplification at every turn. Many CRM initiatives fail due to noisy systems and poor change management, a reminder that technology alone isn't enough. AI is Human Judgment's Partner, Not Its Replacement Even as AI and automation transform CRM, the human element remains irreplaceable. AI can predict "what," but only humans can interpret "why", understanding emotion, tone, and true intent. CRM 3.0 should empower sales professionals, not replace their expertise. AI is an enabler, not just a technology. It's there to take away human admin and let us spend more time building relationships and serving clients. Tim shares a great case study of a manufacturing client whose previous CRM was so complex that sales teams reverted to Excel, losing critical insights. By designing a CRM tailored to user groups and focusing on clarity, engagement soared. Adoption hit 100%, pipeline increased 42%, and sales targets were exceeded by 44%. The lesson is that clarity drives action, and action drives performance. CRM 3.0 isn't just a technological upgrade, it's a philosophy shift. By prioritizing simplicity, actionable insights, and human intelligence, sales teams can transform data overload into real, measurable success. Resources & People Mentioned SugarCRM  Connect with Tim Gale Tim Gale on LinkedIn Tim Gale on X Connect With Paul Watts  LinkedIn Twitter  Subscribe to SALES REINVENTED Audio Production and Show Notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

As AI accelerates, many leadership conversations focus on tools, efficiency, and productivity. This episode of Partnering Leadership takes a different approach. Host Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Andrea Iorio, a global AI thought leader, former senior executive at Tinder and L'Oréal, and the author of Between You and AI.Andrea brings a rare combination of global operating experience, deep technology fluency, and philosophical clarity to the conversation. Rather than asking how leaders can use AI better, he challenges a more uncomfortable question: what still belongs uniquely to human leadership when machines increasingly outperform us at speed, scale, and analysis.Throughout the discussion, Andrea and Mahan explore why AI is not “coming for jobs,” but for tasks, and how that distinction changes the leadership equation. They examine the risks leaders face when productivity gains mask a deeper erosion of judgment, accountability, and strategic clarity. The conversation surfaces how easy it is for leaders to outsource responsibility to systems that feel objective, confident, and precise.The episode also confronts the hidden consequences of hyper-optimization. While AI can dramatically increase control and efficiency, Andrea argues that leaders must decide where judgment, agency, and human responsibility still matter most. From decision-making and talent development to trust, empathy, and innovation, the discussion highlights the leadership work that cannot be automated without cost.This is a thoughtful, grounded conversation for leaders who sense that AI is reshaping not just work, but the very nature of leadership itself—and who want to stay accountable, relevant, and human in the process.Actionable TakeawaysYou'll learn why AI is changing leadership less by replacing people and more by redefining which tasks still require human judgment.Hear how relying on AI for productivity can quietly reduce differentiation when everyone has access to the same tools.Discover why leadership accountability cannot be delegated, even when decisions are automated.You'll hear how past success can become a liability when leaders stop questioning assumptions that once worked.Learn why AI literacy is not technical mastery, but understanding where data, questions, and outputs can mislead.Hear how hyper-optimization can narrow what organizations notice and weaken learning over time.Understand why the “human-in-the-loop” is about responsibility, not distrust of technology.Explore how leaders can use time saved through automation to strengthen judgment rather than accelerate busywork.Learn what thriving organizations do differently as they design hybrid teams of humans and intelligent systems.Connect with Andrea IorioAndrea Iorio WebsiteAndrea Iorio LinkedInBetween You and AI: Unlock the Power of Human Skills to Thrive in an AI-Driven WorldConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

This week on Screaming in the Cloud, Corey sits down with Chris Hill, CEO of Humble Pod, to talk about the messy, nuanced reality of AI in media. From secretly cloning Corey's voice for an ad using ElevenLabs (and almost getting away with it) to the growing tension between polished production and authentic content, they unpack what AI can actually do versus what it claims to do.They explore the shifting economics of podcasting, the rise of video-first formats, Netflix's entrance into the space, and why “good enough” production often beats expensive studio perfection. It's a candid conversation about trust, automation, creative integrity, and why sometimes the most dangerous AI use case is the one no one notices.Show Highlights:(00:00) The AI Voice Clone Ad Nobody Noticed(00:44) 700 Episodes In: Catching Up with Humble Pod's Chris Hill(01:16) New Studio, New Vibes: Building a Podcast Space in Tennessee(01:51) AI in Podcasting Workflows: Riverside, Editing Promises & Human Judgment(07:50) Authenticity vs Production Value + Duckbill Hiring & Product Shift(14:05) Renewals, churn, and why point solutions fail(14:15) The Doc Tools saga: building the wrong thing (and Disney lawyers)(15:15) Bahamas studio build: consulting where quality really matters(16:34) Gear talk & pro tips: teleprompters, cameras, and looking at the lens(18:50) Podcasting goes video-first: clips, discovery, TikTok, and the wrap-upAbout Chris Hill: Chris Hill is a Knoxville, TN native and founder of Humble Pod, where he helps brands, startups, and thought leaders develop, launch, and grow podcasts across the U.S. and beyond. He works with clients ranging from local Knoxville businesses to entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley and around the world.Chris is the co-host and producer of Our Humble Beer Podcast and lectures on podcasting and marketing at the University of Tennessee. He earned his undergraduate degree in Marketing & Entrepreneurship from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and later received his MBA from King University.He currently serves as President of the American Marketing Association Knoxville chapter and enjoys supporting the local craft beer community, traveling internationally, and exploring the outdoors.Links: Humblepod: https://www.humblepod.com/Sponsored by: duckbillhq.com

The AI in Finance certificate program starts April 13, 2026!AI is reshaping finance, but it's not about replacing people — it's about empowering them to work more effectively. As these tools become part of our everyday roles in financial services, knowing how to successfully partner with AI while leveraging human judgment has become key to success.Join Cornell Professor Victoria Averbukh and Andrew Chin, Chief AI Officer at AllianceBernstein, for a practical look at AI in finance. They'll explore how AI can enhance financial decision making and discuss why human expertise remains essential. Through real-world examples, they'll explain how professionals can confidently work with AI tools to achieve better outcomes as partners in the process.What You'll LearnHow to identify which financial tasks are best suited for AI assistanceTips for balancing AI capabilities with human insightStrategies for confidently integrating AI tools into your business processes  Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.

In this Ask Me Anything episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen answer powerful questions from the Iron Council on leadership, fatherhood, faith, discipline, and personal responsibility. They explore how to eliminate noise and live an integrated life, coach teenage boys through cultural conflict, raise resilient children, and avoid bureaucratic leadership traps. The conversation also confronts modern church culture, challenges the pursuit of comfort over growth, and defines what it truly means to be present as a father - even when work demands time away. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Episode Introduction 03:50 - Signal vs Noise and Life Integration 14:27 - Coaching Teens Through Cultural Conflict 22:52 - Leadership Systems vs Human Judgment 34:41 - Faith, Masculinity, and the Modern Church 47:29 - Helping Kids Find Their Passion 52:31 - Defining Presence as a Working Father 56:19 - Men's Forge Event Announcement Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood. Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping national security missions—but real AI readiness goes far beyond adopting new tools.On this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, host Lindy Kyzer is joined by Jennifer Ewbank, former Deputy Director of the CIA for Digital Innovation, for a deep dive into what it truly means for the federal government to be AI-ready.Together, they explore why AI readiness must start with mission readiness, not technology procurement; why digital literacy is no longer optional for the federal workforce; and how human judgment, accountability, and ethical decision-making become even more critical in an AI-enabled environment. The conversation also examines the growing overlap between AI and cybersecurity, the cultural and bureaucratic barriers slowing adoption, and the risks government faces if it fails to adapt.This episode offers practical insight for clearance holders, hiring leaders, policymakers, and technologists navigating the realities of AI, governance, and workforce transformation in national security. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I'm joined by Steve Harding, Senior Vice President of Sales EMEA at SalesLoft and global sales leader, for a deep dive into how AI is reshaping the revenue workflow. We cut through the hype to uncover the real value AI brings to sales teams, from serving as the "air traffic control" for overwhelmed account executives to accelerating pipeline creation through smarter signal prioritization. Steve shares powerful examples from his own organization, unveils practical AI use cases for prospecting and deal progression, and emphasizes the importance of keeping the human touch front and center. Tune in for candid stories and fresh perspectives on how sales teams can successfully adopt AI, avoid common mistakes, and leverage technology to enhance, not replace, the vital role of human judgment and relationship-building in sales. Outline of This Episode 00:00 AI-driven sales productivity insights. 08:08 Human-centric sales in the AI era. 10:42 Content overload challenges modern buyers. 15:48 AI-powered sales insights. 19:13 AI integration in sales workflow. 20:27 AI-driven customer outreach automation. AI in the Revenue Workflow: Separating Value from Hype Today, sales teams are inundated with tools and data, making the challenge not just about having information, but about managing it. AI has the potential to become the air traffic controller, helping teams delegate, automate, and prioritize effectively. AI's most meaningful contribution is compressing "time to insight." Instead of manually sifting data or waiting for CRM updates, AI delivers actionable guidance at critical moments in a seller's workflow. Steve outlines how, at SalesLoft, AI is integrated directly into their platform, which helps account executives instantly recognize the next best action and act at the right time. This isn't just theoretical. For example, teams can now pick up signals, both internal, like website activity or content downloads, and external, like missed payments, that indicate where attention is needed. AI then helps sort and prioritize these signals, recommending actions and automating follow-up tasks so teams spend time where it counts. The result: improved productivity and responsiveness, and ultimately, healthier pipelines. AI that Boosts Prospecting, Qualification, and Deal Progression What does this look like in practice? Steve shares a recent exercise at SalesLoft when they analyzed every major win and loss across markets and segments, mining rich interaction data captured in their system. When they fed this into the AI, they discerned clear themes that differentiated wins from losses. The findings informed improvements to their sales process, especially around discovery intent, giving teams concrete cues that new hires and veterans alike could watch for. This real-world application of AI proved results, boosting win rates and adding confidence, context, and clarity to team conversations while preserving the all-important human connection. The Human Element - Where Judgment Still Matters Most Despite the buzz, AI is not a panacea for sales relationships. At the end of the day, sales is a human-centric activity, Steve explains. AI serves best as a "wingman or copilot." It can automate certain workflows, but when the conversation gets nuanced, or the stakes are high, whether it's handling objections or building deep trust, a human's judgment, empathy, and experience remain irreplaceable. Buyers are showing up more informed, or misinformed, than ever before. But the proliferation of high-quality marketing content has led to confusion and caution. Salespeople must now help buyers navigate this information landscape and overcome the "fear of messing up", a challenge that can't be solved by algorithms alone. What missteps do organizations make with AI rollouts?  Steve stresses two dangers: Expecting AI to perform beyond the skill level of a company's most junior rep. Failing to keep humans "in the loop", validating and verifying a system's outputs. Instead, AI should recommend and automate, not dictate, with human oversight at every critical juncture. It's the old wisdom: "Trust but verify." As sales leaders consider integrating AI into pipeline generation or deal execution, Steve recommends starting with the pain points, not the tech itself. Ask where reps are wasting time, then target AI to solve those problems. Then, using AI within your systems, not on the edge (like ad hoc Copilot or OpenAI research). This keeps valuable intel connected to your CRM. While you're doing this, it's important to keep a human in the loop to protect your relationships and reputation. Where AI and Human Skill Combine for Better Outcomes One standout example is nurturing relationships when key contacts change roles or organizations. AI tools can track these moves and trigger a personalized, multi-step outreach campaign, congratulations on LinkedIn, followed by an email and a phone call. This blend of automation and personal touch lets teams act at scale, re-engage valuable advocates, and build pipeline opportunities that would be nearly impossible to manage manually. AI is transforming sales workflows, but not by replacing humans. Use AI as an intelligent copilot to prioritize, automate, and scale, but never lose sight of the human skills of empathy, and judgment.  Connect with Steve Harding Steve Harding on LinkedIn  Salesloft  Connect With Paul Watts  LinkedIn Twitter  Subscribe to SALES REINVENTED Audio Production and Show Notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

As organizations accelerate their use of AI and automation, one critical question remains: where does human judgment still matter most?In this episode of the People/AI Strategy Forum, Sam Reeve is joined by Brian Beckcom to explore why leadership, experience, and human discernment cannot be replaced by algorithms alone. While AI can improve efficiency and decision support, Brian argues that judgment, ethics, and accountability must remain firmly in human hands.This conversation unpacks the limits of automation, the risks of over-reliance on data-driven systems, and the leadership capabilities required to balance technology with responsibility. Together, Sam and Brian discuss how leaders can leverage AI without surrendering the human elements that drive trust, culture, and long-term performance.This episode is especially relevant for executives, founders, and HR leaders navigating AI adoption while remaining accountable for people, outcomes, and organizational integrity. Key Topics Covered:The limits of AI and algorithmic decision-makingWhy human judgment remains essential in leadershipAccountability, ethics, and decision ownership in AI-enabled organizationsBalancing automation with trust and cultureWhat leaders must retain control over as AI adoption growsIf you enjoyed this episode, follow the People/AI Strategy Forum on your preferred podcast platform and join the conversation! About the People/AI Strategy Forum The People/AI Strategy Forum explores how leaders navigate the intersection of people strategy, leadership, and artificial intelligence. Hosted by Sam Reeve, Founder & CEO of CompTeam, the Forum features conversations with executives, practitioners, and experts shaping the future of work. Learn more about CompTeam and the People/AI Strategy Forum at compteam.net.

Julie Holmes is a renowned AI expert, inventor, and tech entrepreneur who's with me on the show to discuss how AI is reshaping the buyer-seller dynamic. She shares her expertise on how to manage when AI-empowered buyers are more informed (and sometimes misinformed), making the salesperson's role as both educator and "un-educator" more vital than ever. Julie breaks down how sales pros can leverage AI to boost efficiency and personalize their approach while preserving the irreplaceable human skills of motivation, determination, and empathy. Julie reveals her "20-60-20" framework for becoming AI empowered, not just an AI user, and gives real-world examples of how blending AI with human expertise creates better outcomes for both buyers and sellers. If you're looking to embrace AI while maintaining integrity, humanity, and the consultative spirit of great selling, this episode is for you! Outline of This Episode 00:00 AI's impact on buyer behavior. 07:21 AI tools for sales impact. 11:53 Collaborating effectively using AI. 14:15 AI misconceptions and questions. 16:25 Maintaining your sales edge. 19:57 Balancing AI and human connection. 25:08 Building trust through AI. AI Can Mirror Sentiment, But It Can't Mean It One of the most striking shifts in the sales process is that buyers now arrive more informed, often armed with research and recommendations generated by AI tools. However, with this information comes a greater risk of misconception. Today's sales professionals must not only educate but also "uneducate" buyers, correcting misinformation before moving forward. This increases vendors' responsibility to provide clarity and guidance, effectively making the salesperson both a subject-matter expert and a myth-buster. While AI can enrich the initial dialogue, it's up to humans to ensure accuracy and build genuine trust. AI-Powered Preparation and Human Skills That Still Matter AI isn't just changing buyer behavior, it's revolutionizing how sellers prepare for conversations. Rather than spending hours collecting information, sales professionals can now use AI for pre-call intelligence, rapidly gathering relevant data on prospects and industries. Julie shares how she uses a chatbot for a six-factor framework, analyzing what's happening before, after, inside, and outside, and identifying what the prospect needs more or less of. This allows for more meaningful conversations, less time lost to research, and greater focus on strategy. Human skills remain irreplaceable, particularly when we think about motivation and empathy. Sellers must take the initiative to use AI as a tool, not a crutch, and most importantly, empathy enables salespeople to read emotional nuances, office politics, and subtleties that AI can't quite capture, proving that the emotional layer of every deal is still fundamentally human. Leveraging AI Without Losing Yourself Julie outlines three powerful strategies that sales teams use AI to boost efficiency and effectiveness without sounding robotic or impersonal.  Pre-Call Intelligence: Harnessing AI to analyze prospects and markets before meetings, so sellers are prepared and focused. Proposal Enhancement: Using AI to break through "blank page syndrome" with draft emails or proposals, then tailoring content for tone and context based on transcripts and prior interactions. Real-Time Practice: Employing AI to role-play sales conversations, allowing reps to rehearse handling objections and refine messaging before high-stakes calls. The secret isn't in delegating authenticity to AI, but rather in using technology to amplify your own understanding, creativity, and responsiveness. Human Judgment is the Deciding Factor Even with advanced AI tools, human judgment plays a central role in guiding insights, making strategic decisions, and building relationships. The distinction between being an "AI user" and being "AI empowered" hinges on critical thinking. Empowered sellers don't outsource decision-making, they use AI to supplement their intuition and discernment, applying context where it matters most. Her 20/60/20 rule puts it succinctly: spend 20% of your time thoughtfully prompting and guiding AI, let it do 60% of the heavy lifting, then use the final 20% to filter, personalize, and enhance the output. Sales teams often stumble with three core misconceptions about AI: Believing it's "plug and play" and mistaking quantity of data for quality. Worrying that AI will make their work less authentic (when, in fact, bad prompting is the real culprit). Fearing the loss of their competitive edge or creativity. The antidote is hands-on AI literacy, combined with ongoing development of relationship-building, communication, and problem-solving skills. Sales leaders should focus on balancing automation with moments of critical human connection to maximize both speed and impact. AI should be viewed not as a replacement for human expertise, but as an empowerment tool that elevates sales professionals. As Julie says, "Be great at what you do, use AI to support that, become AI empowered, and be a better salesperson who is delivering better service with the use of technology." Connect with Julie Holmes Julie Holmes on LinkedIn  Connect With Paul Watts  LinkedIn Twitter  Subscribe to SALES REINVENTED Audio Production and Show Notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

In this episode of SaaS Fuel, Jeff Mains sits down with Daniel Nikic, a global strategist and problem solver who advises multinational corporations and funds on AI, software, and data investments. The conversation explores the critical balance between artificial intelligence and human judgment in today's business landscape.Daniel brings a refreshing counterbalance to the AI hype cycle, emphasizing that while AI excels at eliminating "bot work" and processing data, it cannot replace human expertise, experience, and contextual understanding. The discussion covers the dangers of taking AI outputs at face value, how investors should evaluate AI-powered insights, and where AI truly creates value versus where it falls short.The episode also explores global market opportunities in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, the realities of entrepreneurship beyond the social media glamour, and practical advice for SaaS founders navigating AI adoption, fundraising, and outsourcing decisions. Daniel's decades of international experience provide unique insights into emerging tech evaluation, investment trends, and the future of SaaS metrics.Key Takeaways[4:39] - The Bot Work Revolution[5:40] - The AI Audit Imperative[6:04] - The Competitive Convergence Problem[7:30] - Bot Work vs. Insight Work[9:09] - The Implementation Test[10:13] - High-Impact AI Use Cases[12:51] - The Training Challenge[14:45] - The Human Connection Factor[17:46] - Political Bias in AI[18:40] - Education Under Threat[22:12] - Middle East Market Opportunity[23:56] - Latin America's Undervalued Talent[24:29] - Data Centers as the New Oil[25:52] - Eastern Europe's Tech Advantage[30:14] - The Outsourcing Value Question[32:57] - Entrepreneurship's Hidden Stress[34:16] - The Rejection Resilience[35:36] - The Hard Work Reality[36:08] - Stress Management Separates Winners[37:32] - EQ Over IQ[38:16] - User Experience Trumps AI Hype[39:07] - Due Diligence Fundamentals[40:15] - The Founder Factor[41:01] - Overnight Success Myth[44:52] - The Investment Reality Check[45:13] - Fundraising in the AI EraTweetable Quotes"You have to audit AI because AI models are based on data information that's given and hence human bias." - Daniel Nikic"If you're just using AI without customizing it or using human intelligence, you're all gonna be fighting for the same companies to invest in." - Daniel Nikic"AI should be used to eliminate the bot work because it doesn't think like a human, it thinks what it's told to do." - Daniel Nikic"Is it making your company more efficient or are you just saying you use AI to sound innovative?"- Daniel Nikic"Entrepreneurship is probably besides health and

Imagine a world where you can simply look at your journey model and ask it why... Why, for example, is our customer churn spiking this quarter? How close are we to that reality?I invited my good friend ​Jochem van der Veer​, CEO of TheyDo, back onto the show to find out. It's become a bit of a tradition to start the year with Jochem, looking back at our past predictions and setting the stage for what's next in the world of Journey Management.Not so long ago, "Journey Management" was really just an emerging term. Fast forward to today, and I think it's fair to say that the conversation has shifted entirely. We're seeing organizations big and small adopt this practice as a framework that drives real business decisions. In last year's episode, Jochem predicted that by now we'd be able to ask our journeys "Why?" and get instant (and meaningful) answers. In this conversation, we discuss how the technology has arrived and why "Journey Anarchy" is the new hurdle we have to clear.Next, we play a round of "Objection Bingo" where we address the most common roadblocks we hear every day that stand in the way of wider adoption of journey management. From "we don't have the data" to the classic "It's too expensive". And of course, Jochem shares some practical strategies to help you overcome these roadblocks when you encounter them.Finally, Jochem makes some spicy predictions for 2026. Like the emergence of a completely new role in the CX space. So, if you want to stay one step ahead and hear where our field is heading, this is the conversation for you.I would love to know: how do you feel about the state of journey management heading into 2026? A) Mostly "meh" B) Excited! C) Something else...Leave a comment (if you're on Spotify).Be well, ~ Marc--- [ 1. GUIDE ] --- 00:00 Welcome to Episode 24505:30 Revisiting 2025 Predictions10:00 The One Question Most Marketers Forget to Ask12:45 Role of Human Judgment vs. AI Clues14:30 4-Step Journey Framework for 202617:00 Why Journey Mapping is "Dead"21:15 #1 Reason Companies Fail at Implementation24:45 The "Journey Anarchy" Crisis28:00 improving decision making31:00 How Siloed Teams Kill Revenue38:30:00 Another Objection: "It's Too Expensive"42:30 Objection Bingo: Flipping the Script on Stakeholder Pushback46:15 Wildcard: AI Agents vs. Simple Chatbowildcard: AI48:45 Credit Card/Budget Reality Check53:00 Predictions for 202654:15 Shift from Efficiency Cuts to Innovation Growth57:00 Why "Operationalizing Empathy" is the New Competitive Edge58:00 Other Challenges to Watch for in 202659:30 Near Real-Time Journey Monitoring1:03:00 The 10 Million Dollar Problem1:05:00 Connect with Jochem --- [ 2. LINKS ] --- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jochemvanderveerThe Experience Edge Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4M2BsaT4jC5Oz54eyek0SZhttps://www.theydo.com/ --- [ 3. CIRCLE ] --- Join our private community for in-house service design professionals. ⁠https://servicedesignshow.com/circle[4. FIND THE SHOW ON]Youtube ~ https://go.servicedesignshow.com/245-youtubeSpotify ~ https://go.servicedesignshow.com/245-spotifyApple ~ https://go.servicedesignshow.com/245-appleSnipd ~ https://go.servicedesignshow.com/245-snipd

**NotebookLM HAS TAKEN OVER THE TRENDING COMMUNICATOR. AGAIN.** Generative AI is shaking up the world of communications—and the debate is on. In this special takeover episode of The Trending Communicator, Abel and Iris weigh the promise and pitfalls of AI adoption for comms professionals. Is AI truly a strategic superpower, or does it risk eroding hard-won wisdom and trust? Our hosts tackle big questions about originality, efficiency, brand voice, and the critical role of human judgment. From allegations of “AI slop” to the growing expectation that professionals must adapt or become obsolete, Iris and Abel challenge each other—and the industry—to find balance between bold innovation and ethical responsibility. Whether you're in the excitement camp or a skeptic, this episode delivers sharp insights, real-world examples, and a call to lead with empathy and rigor as AI rewrites the rules of communication. Listen in and hear about: How generative AI is transforming communication strategy and the debate over its real value Why AI-created content risks diluting professional wisdom and brand trust Ways communicators are leveraging legacy content to maintain originality with AI Ongoing concerns about AI amplifying existing flaws and spreading "AI slop" The evolving role of communicators as quality filters in an AI-driven workflow Challenges organizations face with AI adoption, from poor change management to role uncertainty Leadership's new responsibility to use AI as a strategic partner while preserving empathy and judgment Timestamps 0:00:00 Podcast Takeover & Introduction0:00:26 GenAI and the Big Debate in Comms0:00:38 Does Generative AI Add or Destroy Value?0:01:06 Risks, Disruption & Trust in AI Adoption0:01:25 Augmentation vs. Automation—Strategic Value0:02:13 AI Hype & Human Element Concerns0:02:39 AI Slop, Trust Issues, and Expertise Erosion0:03:24 Strategic Upside: AI as Enabler0:04:05 Human Judgment as the Quality Filter0:04:40 Speed vs. Quality & Distinctive Human Insight0:05:03 Changing Roles: Prompting, Critiquing, Synthesizing0:05:31 Institutional Readiness, Ethics, Trust & Systemic Risks0:06:43 Empathy & Perspective: Irreplaceable Human Advantages0:07:06 AI for Reputation Management, Context, & Scale0:07:32 Ethics vs. Efficiency: Risks in Sensitive Fields0:08:04 Senior Communicators, AI as Validation & Infrastructure0:08:41 Broadening Strategic Functions; AI as Audience0:09:14 Organizational Readiness & Leadership Challenges0:10:01 Leadership Opportunity: AI as Strategic Sparring Partner0:10:52 Human Wisdom & Navigating Disruption0:11:36 Closing Remarks & Podcast Outro Audio generated by NotebookLM, based on the transcripts from all episodes of The Trending Communicator in 2025. Notes and timestamps generated by Castmagic. Intro and outro music generated by Suno. Outro voice generated with Elevenlabs. Graphic depiction of Abel and Iris generated with Gemini (Nanobanana); any similarity to any individual, living or dead, is unintentional. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

General Blaine Holt warns that integrating Artificial Intelligence into military command increases the risks of deliberate, inadvertent, and accidental escalation. He argues that while AI accelerates decision-making, it lacks human judgment, potentially leading to catastrophic miscalculations if adversaries rely on algorithms during crises. 2933 BANK OF UNITED STSTES FAILURE

In this episode of Data Driven, hosts Frank La Vigne, Candace Gillhoolley, and BAILeY sit down with Mike Armistead, CEO of Pulse Security AI—a cybersecurity veteran who's been fortifying digital defenses since before AI made headlines and hackers had professional profiles. Together, they dig into the dual-edged sword that is artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, exploring how AI serves as both a powerful tool against cyber threats and a potential weapon in the wrong hands.Mike Armistead shares stories from the front lines, including his experience during the "code red" era at Google when ChatGPT shook up the tech world, and offers real-world advice on why LLMs (large language models) aren't the magic fix for every problem—and why they desperately need guardrails. You'll hear why your next big data breach could be hiding in a cleverly crafted AI prompt, why humans still matter when it comes to judgment calls, and why good old-fashioned security hygiene is as critical as ever.Whether you're a developer, data scientist, or just password-paranoid, this episode will make you rethink how you approach security in the age of AI. Tune in for expert insights, hard-earned lessons, and a few laughs as the Data Driven crew uncovers where technology, risk, and "common sense" collide.Time Stamps00:00 AI-Assisted Cybersecurity for SOCs04:26 "AI Rush and LLM Insights"09:12 AI-Powered Cybersecurity Strategy Insights10:01 "Cybersecurity, ChatGPT, and Impressions"13:17 AI Tools: Power and Risks18:06 "Teaching Critical Thinking in AI Era"20:59 "Guardrails and Next-Gen AI Systems"24:22 Human Judgment vs AI Limitations27:37 "Pressure Testing for Accuracy"30:09 Future Tech Advancements and Challenges34:58 "Risk Awareness Beyond Compliance"37:38 "Cybersecurity Risks and AI Defense"41:54 Cybersecurity Risks and Preparedness43:04 "Situational Security in Practice"46:05 "Cybersecurity's Evolving Threat Landscape"51:52 "Builders vs. Destroyers Mindset"55:05 Modern Password Practices56:39 "Pulse Security AI & Community"

Jenny Wolfram founded BrandBastion to help companies manage the risks of social media by combining AI with human moderation. She joins HBS professor Julian De Freitas and BrandBastion's Head of Operations and Finance, Vesa Rikkinen, to discuss how this hybrid model builds trust without ballooning costs.

Michael Himmelfarb is the founder of HG Partners, a consulting firm that advises growing tech companies on monetization and go-to-market strategy. He developed a unique consulting model that combines the advantages of AI with the human superpowers of creativity, empathy, and experience to deliver high-impact results in as little as 48 hours. A former GM of a $200M Nielsen business and a five-time tech CXO, he is passionate about teaching consultants how to leverage AI without losing the human trust advantage. His blog, Reframing Forward, explores the future of AI-enhanced business and work.In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to use value-based pricing, quick-win offers, and authentic relationship-building to stand out, earn attention, and convert conversations into paid work in a risk-averse market.Michael and I discuss:Michael's path from corporate leadership to independent consulting [01:49]A clear one-sentence offer grounded in value-based pricing [06:24]How to capture attention with show-don't-tell executive summaries and easy-to-buy offers [07:11]Why trust beats automation: using AI with human oversight (and a cautionary math example) [10:47]Practical advice for consultants struggling to convert interest into revenue [12:12]A simple LinkedIn strategy: thoughtful comments that spark real conversations [12:49]Community, collaboration, and helping others as a growth engine [14:23]Drawing the line between giving value and getting paid (share in the upside) [15:52]Cutting through noise: do your own work, use AI for augmentation, quantify outcomes [17:15]Shaping the offer: transactional, advisory, recurring, or loss leader—staying flexible [18:54]An agile, iterative approach to prompts and analysis for better AI outcomes [20:51]The long game of relationships and radical transparency [21:40]Where to explore more of Michael's ideas and connect [23:12]Learn more about Michael at: www.Hg-partners.com, https://reframingforward.substack.com, and linkedin.com/in/michaelhimmelfarbThank you to our sponsor:The Smashing the Plateau Community______________________________________________________________About Smashing the PlateauSmashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who've left corporate life to build something of their own.Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset.Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.______________________________________________________________Take the Next Step• Experience the power of community.Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest• Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with David Windley, CEO and Executive Chairman of HootRecruit, the AI-powered talent sourcing platform reshaping how companies find and engage top talent. With a distinguished HR leadership background at Yahoo and Microsoft, David brings decades of expertise to his mission: transforming recruiting through intelligent automation—without eliminating the human touch.David explains how advancements in AI inspired him to rethink traditional recruiting workflows as early as 2015, identifying opportunities where technology could dramatically accelerate sourcing while improving quality. He breaks down how HootRecruit's full agentic AI platform instantly parses job descriptions, discovers matched candidates, and generates assessment insights—while recruiters remain firmly in control of final decisions.The conversation dives into how HootRecruit delivers 4x faster hiring and reduces time spent on manual sourcing by up to 95%, not by cutting corners but by shifting human effort to deeper, qualitative evaluation. David emphasizes that AI's true value is its ability to handle massive, time-consuming tasks—freeing recruiters to focus on culture fit, engagement, and meaningful human judgment.David also shares his long-standing belief in flexible, outcome-based work. He predicts that recruiting technology will play a key role in enabling more inclusive, hybrid, and performance-focused workplace models—where what you deliver matters far more than where you sit.A thoughtful and energizing discussion for HR leaders, founders, and anyone curious about how AI and human expertise will shape the future of talent.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alex Imas is the Roger L. and Rachel M. Goetz Professor of Behavioral Science, Economics and Applied AI and a Vasilou Faculty Scholar at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he has taught Negotiations and Behavioral Economics. He is a Faculty Affiliate of the Center for Applied AI and the Human Capital & Economic Opportunity, an NBER Faculty Research Associate, and a CESifo Research Network Fellow. He is also an Associate Editor at the Journal of the European Economic Association and on the editorial board of Psychological Science. Alex studies behavioral economics with a focus on how people understand and mentally represent the choices they are facing. His research explores topics related to how people learn and make choices in settings with risk and uncertainty. He also studies the economics of artificial intelligence and discrimination. Alex's work utilizes a variety of methods, including controlled laboratory experiments, field experiments, analysis of observational data and theoretical modeling. Alex Imas is the recipient of the 2023 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship, the Review of Financial Studies Rising Scholar Award, the New Investigator Award from the Behavioral Science and Policy Association, the Hillel Einhorn New Investigator Award from the Society of Judgment and Decision Making, the Distinguished CESifo Affiliate Award, and the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. He is the co-author, with Richard Thaler, of The Winner's Curse: Behavioral Economics Anomalies, Then and Now (Simon and Schuster, 2025). He is an Associate Editor at the Journal of the European Economic Association and on the editorial board of Psychological Science. Alex was born in Bender, Moldova. Previously, he was the William S. Dietrich II Assistant Professor of Behavioral Economics at Carnegie Mellon University, where he taught Behavioral Economics and Human Judgment and Decision Making. He did his PhD in economics at the University of California, San Diego and earned a BA from Northwestern University. Prior to graduate school, Imas helped found a startup and co-authored several patents as part of its intellectual property strategy. Teaching materials for The Winner's Curse can be found here. Interviewer Peter Lorentzen is an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of San Francisco, where he leads the Master's Program in International and Development Economics at the University of San Francisco. He is also a nonresident scholar at the UCSD 21st Century China Center and an alumnus of the Public Intellectuals Program of the National Committee on US-China Relations. His research focuses on the economics of information, incentives, and institutions, primarily as applied to the development and governance of China. He created the unique Master's of Science in Applied Economics at the University of San Francisco, which teaches the conceptual frameworks and practical data analytics skills needed to succeed in the digital economy. Guest interviewer Robizon Khubulashvili is an Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of San Francisco. His research is at the intersection of theoretical, behavioral, and experimental microeconomics. A common question in his research is, how can we use a user's revealed preferences to improve the performance of online platforms? Robizon has studied this question in two settings: when monetary incentives are missing (an online gaming platform) and when monetary incentives are present (an online gambling platform). His work suggests that heterogeneity among users is an essential consideration in designing better online platforms; that is, a policy benefiting one type of user might harm the other. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network