Don't Stop Us Now AI Edition

If you've ever had a nagging feeling that the way you, and most other people, are using AI right now might actually be doing you harm, our guest this week has the research to back that hunch up.Dr. Vivienne Ming is a theoretical neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and author who calls herself a ‘Professional Mad Scientist’ and she means it!. She co-founded Socos Labs, a think tank dedicated to the future of human potential, and has spent nearly 30 years working with AI, long before it became a household word. Vivienne has founded six startups, served as chief scientist at two others, and her latest book, Robot-Proof, When machines have all the answers, build better people, argues the vast majority of us are using AI the wrong way increasing our risk of cognitive decline and even dementia.She outlines the right way to use AI so that it makes us sharper versus hollowing us out.In this episode, you'll learn:Why having an army of robot minions is not the goal and what to aim for insteadThe skills that predict who thrives with AIWhy the best decisions are ones neither human nor AI could reach aloneAbout Vivienne’s ‘nemesis’ prompt and why it makes her work sharper, and …What Vivienne would say directly to the founders of the big AI companies.We were pretty blown away by the span and purpose of Vivienne’s work, and how she frames thinking about AI. As she says it’s NOT about fear of AI replacing us, it’s about AI defining us.  Enjoy this conversation with the unique, funny and whip smart Dr. Vivienne Ming.LinksSocos.orgVivienne’s book: Robot-Proof, When machines have all the answers, build better people Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've ever wondered what it actually looks like when a CEO goes all in on AI, not just in their business but in their own daily work, then you are going to love this week’s conversation.Our guest is Joseph Lyons, CEO of ELMO Software, an HR and workforce management platform used across thousands of organisations. Joseph is a seasoned executive with many years at major tech companies including a stint as a regional Managing Director at accounting software powerhouse Xero.Joseph is genuinely one of the most hands-on AI leaders we've spoken to. As you’ll hear, he uses AI for everything from synthesising board papers to interrogating hundreds of customer calls for strategic insight. He describes having AI as like having a personal chief of staff that never sleeps. In this episode Joseph also shares:How he and his team use AI as a "red hat" to challenge their strategic thinkingWhy his AI human coach turned out to be 25 years his juniorThe executive productivity agent built by his HR team, andWhat ELMO is doing to make AI adoption the norm, not the exception.Joseph also has some refreshingly practical advice for time-poor, busy leaders on how to actually get started using AI.In short, Joseph is very generous in sharing with us how he works with AI in his day to day role. Whether you're a CEO, a senior leader, or simply someone who wants to understand how AI is reshaping the way executives work, we’re confident you’ll take a lot from this conversation. Enjoy this episode with the savvy and forward-thinking Joseph Lyons.Useful linksELMO Software websiteJoseph on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you hearing about AI agents everywhere right now? Whether it's their presence in the software you use daily, special purpose or task “agents”, or customer service “agents”, it's safe to say they are the topic 'du jour'. In this week’s episode, we segment this confusing landscape and cut through the hype to help you make more sense of it all.After weeks of interviewing guests across different corners of the agentic AI world, we realised the market has become genuinely bewildering, even for us! Vendors are slapping the word "agent" on almost anything, and it's getting harder to tell what's substantive and what's marketing.Listen in to hear about the simple framework we've developed to bring clarity to the whole ecosystem. It maps out the key choices facing any business considering agents, the questions you should be asking, and where the real risks are quietly hiding.Regardless of whether your organisation is ready to start experimenting with agents or not, this episode will help you take the first steps when you are ready. As they say, when you can see something clearly, your decisions become easier.In this episode you’ll learn:The four very different ways to bring agents into your organisation — and why the question isn't "which is best?"Why some of the SaaS tools you already pay for might quietly be putting you in a "hostage situation"What a team of Harvard, MIT and Stanford researchers just uncovered about one of the most hyped agent platforms on the marketThe layer of the agent ecosystem where the real cyber security risks liveFour sharp questions to ask any vendor before letting their agent anywhere near your data and systemsEnjoy this practical and jargon-light guide to a topic that isn't going away anytime soon.Useful LinksMcKinsey / Quantum Black report: Seizing the agentic AI advantageCapgemini report - ‘Rise of Agentic AI’ MIT Sloan & BCG Report - Leading in the age of AI Agents (useful for Governance and structuring once you’ve made agentic decisions) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI shopping agents aren't just on the horizon, they're here, already transacting, and already raising some important questions.In this episode, we speak with Katja Forbes an award winning customer experience futurist, business strategist, and keynote speaker recognised for her insights into the intersection of AI, design, and human behaviour. She is also the author of Machine Customers: The Evolution Has Begun, a book about what happens when your best customer is no longer human.In this fascinating conversation we cover everything from what's already happening with agentic commerce right now, to an incredible story out of China that reveals just how fast consumer behaviour can be reshaped at massive scale.In this episode you'll hear:•   Why the shopping agents built by the retailers you already use may not be working in your interest •   What it means that AI agents now have access to their own credit cards and the guardrails (or lack thereof) around them•   How some of the world’s largest businesses are already using AI to handle a significant share of their procurement •   The practical steps marketers and business owners should be taking right now, before agentic commerce becomes the norm, and . . .•   Why your website could become largely irrelevant  and what that means for how you show up to both humans and machines.Katja also shares a candid look at the environmental and ethical questions we need to be asking as frictionless purchasing increasingly becomes a reality. This conversation is set to change how you think about your next online purchase and, if you’re in marketing or procurement or e-commerce, then this is one you simply cannot miss. Enjoy this episode with the passionate and ahead-of-the-curve, Katja Forbes.Useful LinksKatja Forbes websiteKatja Forbes on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year to you dear listener! Have you ever felt that familiar January anxiety either because you’re feeling guilty that you don’t have a perfect set of goals for the new year or because you’re second-guessing if your goals are ambitious enough, structured enough, or even the right ones? If that’s you then this episode is for you. (Happens to us every year!) They say it takes one to know one 😂so as 2026 began, we both wanted to help ourselves (and hopefully help you too) get the year off to a great start. We got busy on our laptops and in this episode, we share our personal experiments where we used AI to reflect on 2025, as well as help us set meaningful goals for the year ahead.We road-tested ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini.The results were super interesting . . . and helpful. One model delivered a remarkably accurate summary of Greta's entire year (likely because she'd used it most consistently), while another coached Claire through building a custom Project that will track her goals throughout 2026. In this episode we discuss:The tension between letting AI lead your thinking versus using it as a thought partnerHow to set up an AI project (or GPT, Gem etc.)  that coaches you through goal-setting How you can quickly create vision boards and mind maps, and . . . How AI may just change how you frame and think about your entire year. Whether you're a seasoned AI user or just getting started, listen now for  practical approaches you can try out right away. Wishing you an intentional, productive and fulfilling 2026!Useful LinksClaude – Anthropic's AI assistantChatGPT – OpenAI's AI assistant (try "show me my year" for your personalised review)Google Gemini – Google's AI assistant (find Nano Banana here by looking in the prompt window on the bottom left and clicking on ‘tools’ then choose ‘create images’.``)Notebook LM - Google’s interesting AI tool that will allow you to create a Mindmap, an audio episode, presentations, flashcards, and many other forms of content from uploaded files. Definitely worth a play. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recently we spoke with a group of CEOs who said they felt confident leading their organisation's AI investments. Yet when we asked how often they actually used AI, only one third of the group used it daily.This disconnect is everywhere. Around boardroom tables and in senior leadership meetings, executives aren't using AI consistently. The latest data backs this up: most people still aren't using AI daily and that's a problem given how fast AI is changing and improving.If you're not using AI regularly; learning from it and about it as you go; how can you effectively contribute to, or lead, your organisation's AI strategy?So in this episode, we get super practical to help leaders become power users. We share five specific ways we use AI to amplify our own leadership work and impact, including practical tips on how exactly you do this. Our use cases range from handling difficult conversations to tackling the strategic challenges that keep us awake at night.We also reveal which AI model significantly outperformed the others for a particularly valuable leadership task and why one very specific technique of using AI as a thought partner has become indispensable in our own work.Enjoy this super practical episode with ideas we know you’ll want to start using immediately. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a group of friends gathering at Starbucks on Sundays to experiment with ChatGPT evolves into a global movement spanning more than 40 cities?That's the journey of Build Club, and its founder Annie Liao has some compelling insights about what it takes to actually make AI adoption work—not just in theory, but in practice.Annie, who recently raised over $1.7 million and relocated to San Francisco, has a front-row seat to how AI is reshaping work. From her early days in data science at Westpac to strategy consulting at BCG and venture capital, she's now solving what she calls the "AI adoption problem" that enterprises are struggling with worldwide.In this episode, you'll hear:Why Annie's "AI Champions" approach has been Build Club’s most successful way of helping companies embrace AI How she struck partnership deals with big names like Nvidia and LovableAnnie’s prediction we’re all likely to have agents working overnight on our behalf and what that meansThe AI tools Annie uses in her daily workflow, andWhat makes San Francisco's AI ecosystem fundamentally different from Australia'sFrom her vantage point in the Bay Area, Annie shares what excites her most about seeing people use AI for the first time, why there might be too many no-code tools flooding the market, and the practical steps anyone can take to position themselves for what's coming next.Enjoy this episode with the indomitable Annie Liao. Useful links:Build Club websiteAnnie Liao on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine you're a marketing professor who saw the AI revolution coming years before ChatGPT hit the scene, wrote the definitive book on AI marketing in 2021, and now find yourself at the epicentre of one of the most dramatic transformations in history.This is the very position this week’s guest, Jim Lecinski, finds himself in. Jim is a Clinical Professor of Marketing at Northwestern University's prestigious Kellogg School of Management, where he teaches AI in Marketing and has won Professor of the Year. Adding to Jim's canny foresight is his prior, 13-year career as a VP at Google. As a result, Jim brings both the practitioner's real-world experience and the academic's analytical rigour to one of the most important questions facing leaders and marketers today: how do you harness AI not just for efficiency gains, but for genuine competitive advantage and growth?In our conversation, you'll also hear about:Jim's 2x2 framework for thinking strategically about AI applications in marketing Use-case examples from brands such as Coca-Cola, Starbucks, and IKEA where AI is used to revolutionise everything from creative development to customer serviceWhy businesses need to prepare for the shift from search engine optimisation (SEO) to "generative engine optimisation" (GEO), and what that means practicallyThe emerging world of AI agents and how this will fundamentally change how we all shop, andJim's essential learning resources for those who want to stay ahead of the curve.We loved the way Jim shares his own wisdom and insights as well as sharing many examples of what market leaders are actually doing with AI.We know you’ll enjoy this conversation with the whip-smart professor who saw the AI future ahead of the crowd. Useful LinksJim Lecinski on LinkedInAI Marketing Association Marketing AI Institute Andrew Ng’s AI for Everyone course on Coursera Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest this week gets straight to the heart of what actually makes AI work in practice: seamless data integration and moving at what she calls "the speed of trust."Ann Maya is the EMEA Chief Technology Officer at Boomi, a company that connects applications, devices, and systems to help organisations navigate digital transformation. With over 20 years in software—from developer to solution architect to senior leadership—Ann has a rare ability to bridge technical complexity with business reality.In this conversation, we explore why most organisations struggle to scale AI beyond pilots, and why the answer isn't just about the technology itself. Ann shares:How a container ship insurance company transformed their underwriter workflow from three days to 15 minutes—and why their legal team immediately wanted inWhy she believes your company's data is your "competitive secret sauce" and how to protect it while still leveraging AI's powerThe psychology behind why change happens at "the speed of trust" and how smart companies bring their people along on the AI journeyReal examples of what she calls "creative destruction"—and why the next revolution might come from the most unexpected placesAnn also reveals how Boomi has embedded 11 different AI agents into their own platform and shares a fascinating perspective on the current AI race: who's winning, who's getting left behind, and what you can control when everything feels like it's moving at breakneck speed.Whether you're wondering how to turn AI skeptics into advocates or trying to understand why your organisation's data strategy matters more than ever, this conversation offers practical insights from someone who's helping companies navigate this transformation every day.Enjoy this episode with the innovative and customer-focused Ann Maya. Useful Links Ann on LinkedInBoomi home pageBoomi - Discover  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're sharing an AI conversation many executives are afraid to have. Our guest, Peter Guagenti, CEO of agentic platform and AI agent builder, EverWorker, is one of those rare voices willing to say what others won't: "AI will replace jobs”. Perhaps surprisingly, he goes on to explain why that’s not necessarily a bad thing.While many in the industry underestimate or downplay AI's capabilities, Peter speaks plainly about what he's seeing happen right now in businesses across multiple industries.Peter has been at the forefront of enterprise AI adoption for nearly a decade. Before EverWorker, he was President of TabNine, a pioneering AI code assistant, and he’s held leadership roles at major data infrastructure and dev tools companies including Cockroach Labs.What you'll hear Peter share in this episode:Why job replacement fears are missing the bigger picture Which "boring" businesses are actually leading early AI agent adoptionSkills you need to successfully implement AI for automation in any businessWhy Peter calls AGI talk "nonsense" and what leaders should focus on instead, andThe one thing about AI's future that genuinely worries him most.Peter has a gift for cutting through the hype with plain talking, concrete examples and practical insights in an easy to understand way.This is a refreshing and informative conversation for anyone wanting a glimpse into early adoption of AI agents and much more. Enjoy this conversation with the plain-speaking and savvy Peter Guagenti. Useful LinksEverWorker websiteEverWorker AI Academy - free AI fundamentals course for business leaders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered what really happens after you hit 'apply' on that dream job? We're pulling back the curtain on modern recruitment with Magdalena Orascanin, an international HR consultant and speaker who advises and trains HR teams globally on strategic AI implementation.Based in Switzerland and founder of Magnate HR, Magdalena has a wealth of HR experience, and a refreshingly honest perspective on how AI is actually being used in hiring and in HR today - spoiler alert: it's not what most people think. Magdalena speaks regularly about AI and HR including at the AI Summit London where we can also be found this week. :-)In this episode we explore:The ATS Mythology Magdalena reveals the biggest myth about Applicant Tracking Systems and shares what's really screening your CV The Application Avalanche Why recruiters are drowning in applications like never before and what this means for your job search strategyHow to successfully apply for rolesUsing AI as Your Career Coach How to flip the script and use AI tools to your advantage, and . . .Future-Proofing Your Career Essential skills for staying relevant as AI reshapes the workplace.Magdalena shares fantastic insider knowledge and tips in our conversation.  She also reveals her favourite AI tools for automation and content creation, plus why she believes we're still at the "dial-up internet" stage of AI development.Whether you're actively job hunting, or just want to understand how the hiring landscape is shifting, or how roles will change as AI is deployed, this conversation offers priceless insider insights. Enjoy this episode with the dynamic and optimistic Magdalena Orascanin. Useful Links: Magdalena on LinkedInMagdalena’s business Magnate The AI Summit London Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we share a thought-provoking episode of Don't Stop Us Now AI Edition, where we tackle head-on some of the most challenging realities of the AI revolution.Our guest, Isar Meitis, Founder of Multiplai AI, gives us a reality check, without the sugarcoating, explaining the potential disruption heading our way. As an entrepreneur, investor, podcaster and AI strategist who's deeply embedded in this space, Isar brings a refreshingly frank perspective about what's coming, perhaps sooner than many of us expect.In this compelling conversation, Isar shares his predictions about the dramatic workforce changes we're likely to see in the next 2-3 years. While many experts talk about gradual transitions, Isar believes we're approaching a tipping point where AI's capabilities may create significant employment challenges across numerous industries.We explore:Why AI's impact on jobs could be more sudden and widespread than most people realiseHow staggeringly capable autonomous Agents will become in the next few yearsHow to think about creating a comprehensive and winning AI strategy for your organisation, and Specific AI tools Isar loves and uses in his own business. Isar also shares practical strategies for listeners looking to remain relevant and valuable in an increasingly AI-enhanced workplace. This is an ‘edge of your seat’, fascinating and somewhat controversial conversation which, as you’ll discover, runs a little longer than our usual episodes. We think you’ll know why once you hear for yourself.  Enjoy this unmissable episode with the knowledgeable and straight-talking Isar Meitis. Links mentioned:Isar Meitis LinkedInMultiplai AI website Isar’s AI Business Transformation Course (starts May 12 2025) **Listeners get a discount for this or future sessions of this course using the code: LEVERAGINGAI100Leveraging AI Podcast (on YouTube) * Don’t forget to share this episode with any friends, family or colleagues who may be interested in this reality check on what's coming with AI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can you imagine spending two decades working in a field you’re totally passionate about and then having an expert friend tell you that within 6 months AI would likely make your career redundant? Well that’s exactly what happened to our guest this week, Anneli Knight. Anneli is a strategic writing consultant, author and journalist. She regularly runs workshops helping executives write more effectively with her business, Eloquence Consulting.Writing isn't just Anneli’s profession but her passion, so since that conversation with her friend, she’s been on quite the rollercoaster journey coming to terms with the reality of what AI does and what it means, not just for her own business but for all people wanting to write using Gen AI.Anneli is very candid as she shares with us her journey of confronting a future shaped by AI, as well as the key learnings from her extensive experimentation with AI as a tool. In this episode we cover:Anneli's initial reaction to her friend’s blunt message and what she did nextThe "three sets of three sleepless nights" she experienced while wrestling with what AI means for writersPractical techniques for working effectively with AI for writing without sacrificing your authentic voiceCreative ways to use voice mode in ChatGPT to accelerate the writing you need to do, and . . .The limitations and ethical questions around the use of AI when it comes to creative writing. This episode shares invaluable practical tips to improve your AI-supported writing including insightful advice on how to craft effective prompts. And, needless to say, Anneli has reworked what she teaches business executives! If you need to write anything in your day job then you’ll love this conversation. So enjoy this episode with the passionate and thoughtful Anneli Knight. Useful LinksEloquence ConsultingThe book Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick  Subscribe to Don't Stop Us Now – AI Edition wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.