What’s the BUZZ? — AI in Business

How fast is AI really moving, and what does that mean for your business strategy?In this episode, host Andreas Welsch reconnects with Doug Shannon, an intelligent automation and generative AI leader, to explore the accelerating pace of AI innovation and what it means for organizations navigating this transformation. Together, they discuss why the speed of change has become almost impossible to predict, how companies should approach the build-versus-buy decision, and why your competitive advantage lies not in technology, but in what your organization does best.Key insights from this conversation include:Understanding scaled intelligence: AI isn't just getting faster because of better tools—it's because we're deploying intelligence at scale, which compounds the pace of innovation exponentially. This means your eight-week roadmap may already be outdated.The build-versus-buy paradox: While buying off-the-shelf solutions offers speed and vendor expertise, staying agnostic to specific models and platforms protects you from lock-in. Leverage what you need, when you need it, without becoming beholden to any single provider.Governance meets velocity: The solution isn't to choose between speed and safety—it's to create internal sandboxes and centers of intelligence where teams can experiment safely. Enable your people to build, but within guardrails that keep your organization secure and your data protected.The human element remains critical: Don't fire people to cut costs; instead, empower them with AI tools to become 10X more productive. Context and institutional knowledge walk out the door when you lose experienced team members, and that's a cost you can't easily recover.Orchestration is the future: Single agents are yesterday's news. Multi-agent systems and orchestration—where AI coordinates across different specialized agents—represent the next evolution. This is where enterprises will find their competitive edge.Small and medium-sized companies have an unexpected advantage: Without legacy systems, legacy data, and legacy processes, they can move faster than large enterprises. The real question isn't whether to adopt AI, but how quickly you can.Whether you're a business leader grappling with AI strategy, an IT professional managing governance, or a team member wondering how AI will change your role, this episode offers practical perspectives on navigating the fastest-moving technology shift in modern business.Tune in now to discover how to harness the momentum of AI innovation without losing sight of what makes your organization truly unique.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

7/11/26 • 29:02

What if the real competitive advantage in AI isn't about having the biggest models, but about building systems that can be trusted, audited, and governed at scale?In this episode, host Andreas Welsch explores the convergence of AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing with Joseph Ng, Chief Strategy Officer at GeneGenius and author of "The Hybrid Mind: The Human-AI Convergence." Together, they challenge the prevailing narrative around the AI race and reveal why most organizations are solving the wrong problem.Joseph shares critical insights on why companies must shift from treating AI as a tool deployment challenge to redesigning their entire decision-making architecture:Capability is scaling faster than control. Organizations are deploying AI systems without understanding how they behave, how they're exposed, or how they can be influenced—creating exponential risk that compounds across interconnected agents and workflows.The real differentiation won't come from model size or compute power. It will come from organizations that can build systems where intelligence, oversight, and human authority are embedded into the architecture from day one—what Joseph calls Cognitive AI and Native Architecture (CANA).Quantum computing isn't a distant threat. The "harvest now, decrypt later" approach means sensitive data collected today could be compromised once quantum becomes viable, making cryptographic hardening and governance redesign urgent priorities for leaders.For mid-sized organizations without large AI centers of excellence, Joseph recommends a phased, modular approach: audit your current systems, identify breaking points, and integrate AI incrementally while building governance into execution—not policy documents.Whether you're a business leader navigating the AI landscape or a technology executive preparing for what's next, this conversation cuts through the noise to reveal what actually matters: building institutions that can operate intelligence responsibly, visibly, and at scale.Tune in now to discover how to move beyond AI hype and build the governance-first systems that will define competitive advantage in the years ahead.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

6/27/26 • 24:18

What happens when AI moves faster than your ability to govern it safely?In this episode, host Andreas Welsch sits down with Reid Blackman, founder and CEO of Virtue and author of "The Ethical Nightmare Challenge," to explore the critical ethical risks that emerge as AI evolves from narrow systems to generative and agentic solutions. Reid brings a philosopher's perspective to the business challenges of AI deployment, discussing how organizations can avoid the reputational, regulatory, and legal pitfalls that come with increasingly autonomous systems.Discover why traditional approaches to responsible AI governance are breaking down and what you need to do instead:Understand the escalating complexity of AI risk as systems become more autonomous and interconnected. Cascading failures, emergent risks, and the loss of meaningful human oversight create a perfect storm of potential disasters that move at unprecedented speed and scale.Recognize that the standard top-down, policy-driven approach to AI ethics is fundamentally broken. Enterprise-wide policies take years to implement while technology leaps ahead, leaving organizations perpetually chasing yesterday's problems with tomorrow's tools.Shift from abstract values to concrete nightmare scenarios. By identifying organizationally relevant ethical nightmares—discriminatory outcomes at scale, hallucinated reports, unforeseen system failures—you create actionable strategies that everyone across your organization can understand and collaborate on.Prioritize rapid, scalable governance solutions that move at the pace of AI innovation. Whether you adopt Reid's Ethical Nightmare Challenge framework or another approach, your risk management must be nimble enough to keep pace with deployment, not slow it down.Whether you're a business leader deploying AI systems, a risk officer concerned about governance, or a technologist grappling with ethical complexity, this conversation reveals why facing AI's challenges head-on is the only path to capturing its genuine opportunity.Don't miss this essential discussion on turning AI hype into responsible, sustainable business outcomes. Tune in now to learn how to navigate the ethical minefield of modern AI deployment.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

6/13/26 • 26:06

What happens when you deploy multi-agent systems into your HR operations—and how do you ensure they elevate your workforce rather than replace it?In this episode, host Andreas Welsch sits down with Kris Saling, Senior Data Science Leader working on AI integration for personnel management at scale, to explore the critical foundations needed for successful multi-agent deployments in human resources. Together, they discuss how to identify where agents truly add value, the importance of governance without stifling innovation, and why domain expertise matters as much as technical capability.Discover the strategic framework that transforms agent implementation from a technology exercise into a business outcome:Use the eliminate, simplify, automate, elevate framework to determine which tasks genuinely benefit from intelligent automation versus simple RPA solutions. Not every workflow needs a sophisticated multi-agent system—sometimes the best solution is far simpler.Build governance structures that encourage citizen development while maintaining visibility into what agents are doing, who built them, and when they were last validated. Think of it as traffic laws that keep innovation flowing safely, not bureaucratic red tape.Shift HR's role from transactional processing to full-spectrum talent management. Create a "Waze model" for your workforce where employees can see their skills, available opportunities, and career pathways as automation evolves their current roles.Prioritize domain knowledge alongside technical training. As automation removes the foundational "toil" that traditionally teaches new employees how systems work, you must intentionally preserve that learning pathway.Recognize that AI will transform jobs, not eliminate them—if you keep elevating your human workforce into the work only humans can do. The future belongs to organizations that master this balance.Whether you're an HR leader navigating AI integration, a business executive building multi-agent systems, or a technologist curious about enterprise-scale deployment, this episode offers practical insights and a refreshing perspective on how to turn AI hype into sustainable workforce outcomes.Tune in now to discover how to build multi-agent systems that strengthen your organization's most valuable asset—your people.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

5/30/26 • 26:01

AI is moving quickly from experimentation to deployment, but what does it actually take to operationalize AI successfully?In this episode of “What’s the BUZZ?”, host Andreas Welsch speaks with Kristen Kehrer about the operational realities behind deploying AI, LLMs, and agentic systems in enterprise environments.Three key insights stand out:Production AI requires more than a successful demo Many organizations underestimate the complexity of moving AI systems into production. Reliable deployment requires monitoring, governance, iteration, and collaboration across business and technical teams.Clean data and knowledge bases remain essential Even advanced AI systems depend on high-quality documentation and structured information. Weak knowledge bases often lead to unreliable outputs and poor user experiences.LLMOps introduces a new operational layer Managing prompts, retrieval pipelines, evaluations, and interaction quality has become critical as organizations scale customer-facing AI systems and AI agents.A practical reminder: successful AI adoption is not about deploying the newest model first. It is about building reliable systems, strong operational processes, and the right collaboration between people and technology.Listen to the full episode for a grounded perspective on what it takes to operationalize AI at scale.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

5/16/26 • 26:32

AI is getting a lot of attention, but where does it actually create measurable impact?In this episode of “What’s the BUZZ?”, host Andreas Welsch speaks with Ariana Smetana, CEO of AccelIQ Digital, about how finance teams can move from experimentation to real outcomes using AI in document processing and reporting.Three key insights stand out:- Start with the bottleneck, not the technologyMany finance teams still rely on manual spreadsheets to assemble and validate data. The real opportunity lies in addressing these operational constraints and enabling faster, more proactive decision-making.- Balance probabilistic AI with deterministic accuracyIn finance, “almost right” is not acceptable. A layered approach of combining human validation, deterministic calculations, and AI-driven summarization ensures both speed and trust.- Keep humans in control to build trust and adoptionAI should augment, not replace, domain expertise. Embedding human oversight across the process is critical to ensuring accuracy, security, and confidence in outputs.A practical reminder: successful AI adoption is not about doing everything or about doing something flashy. It is about solving the right problem, in the right way, with the right level of control.Listen to the full episode for a grounded perspective on applying AI where precision truly matters.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

5/2/26 • 25:48

What if you could get your executive's feedback before your big presentation to them (with zero effort)? Agentic AI makes it possible.In the latest episode of “What’s the BUZZ?”, host Andreas Welsch sits down with Elise Neel, SVP of Global Strategy and Strategic Partnerships at Panasonic, to explore what it really takes for executives to lead in an era of Agentic AI.This conversation goes beyond the hype and gets into a far more important question: How does leadership evolve when intelligence is no longer scarce?Catch the BUZZ:- Why the best leaders are the best orchestrators- How Agentic AI reshapes operating models in addition to productivity- Why executive leaders need hands-on experience beyond theoretical understanding- How sparring agents scale executives’ time and feedbackLeaders looking to move from AI curiosity to real organizational impact find examples and inspiration in this episode to evolve their own leadership approach.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

4/18/26 • 25:36

What does it actually take to build AI governance that enables innovation instead of slowing it down?In this episode of “What’s the BUZZ?”, host Andreas Welsch sits down with Walter Haydock, CEO of StackAware, to break down how leaders can move from reactive AI usage to structured, scalable governance without killing momentum.Together, they discuss why most organizations get AI risk wrong, where governance efforts typically fail, and how to design a program that balances speed, security, and business value. He shares practical insights on defining risk appetite, simplifying policies, and avoiding the extremes that derail AI adoption.Highlights you’ll get from the conversation:Why most companies fall into two traps—“ban AI” or “anything goes”—and how to find the middle ground.The three risks every AI leader must address: data confidentiality, IP ownership, and reputation.What ISO 42001 actually provides and how it helps operationalize AI governance at any scale.The only four ways to handle risk—and why AI doesn’t change these fundamentals.How to define risk appetite in real business terms to guide faster, better decisions.Why overly complex data classification policies fail—and what to do instead.The #1 mistake organizations make when implementing governance programs: unrealistic timelines.If you want a clear, practical approach to managing AI risk while still moving fast, this episode delivers actionable guidance you can apply immediately.Listen now to learn how to turn AI governance from a bottleneck into a competitive advantage.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

4/3/26 • 26:58

What do you do when AI takes the junior roles, and attention becomes your most valuable resource? Steven Puri and host Andreas Welsch map a practical path from distraction and short-term thinking to sustainable high performance.In this episode, Steven, a former studio exec, serial founder, and the mind behind a focus app, explains why entry-level jobs are changing, where real human value is rising, and how individuals and teams can design work around attention, not just task lists. He shares concrete techniques for getting into flow, beating the "cold start" procrastination loop, and using AI as a force multiplier rather than a replacement.Highlights you’ll get from the conversation:Why the bottom rungs of traditional career ladders are evaporating and what that means for talent development.The new premium on deep work: what humans still do better than LLMs and how to protect that time.Practical habits to find your best creative windows (chronotype + simple tracking exercise).A productivity hack that actually works: hide everything but your top 3 tasks to defeat paralysis.How to use AI tools to prototype, learn, and ship faster — and why that can accelerate career growth.Leadership blind spots: the danger of short-term cost cuts and why planning for multi-year development still matters.If you want actionable ways to reclaim your attention, structure your day for meaningful output, and turn AI into an enabler of skill growth, this episode is full of concrete, repeatable tactics.Listen now to learn how to turn AI hype into habits and outcomes that actually move your work and career forward.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

3/21/26 • 30:39

The uncomfortable trust for leaders is this: AI is changing how leadership works, or is it?In the latest episode of the “What’s the BUZZ?” podcast, host Andreas Welsch sits down with Sadie St. Lawrence, founder of Human Machine Collaboration Institute and author of Becoming an AI Orchestrator, to discuss what it really takes to lead in the age of AI.Sadie introduces a powerful idea: the future of work belongs to AI orchestrators. They are leaders who know how to guide AI systems the way a conductor leads a symphony.Here are a few key insights from our conversation:- The shift from doing to orchestrating  Work is moving from execution to coordination. Instead of completing every task ourselves, professionals will increasingly guide AI systems—asking the right questions, refining outputs, and turning rough drafts into real business value.- Managers and individual contributors must evolve  Managers often know how to delegate—but may not be using AI themselves. Individual contributors may use AI—but lack experience delegating work. The future requires both groups to develop leadership-level thinking, even without a formal leadership title.- AI success starts with systems thinking  Many organizations want AI outcomes without the right foundations. Leaders need to understand their data, tech stack, and workflows so that AI can support real business strategy rather than becoming another disconnected tool.- AI is an opportunity for everyone to lead  You don’t need to be a technical expert to start. The most important step is simple: get your hands on the keyboard and start experimenting. That’s how leaders begin to see what’s possible.If you want to understand how your role and your organization must evolve in the AI era, this conversation is for you.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

3/7/26 • 30:26

Stop chasing the rainbow—this episode shows how to turn AI pilots into repeatable programs that actually deliver business value.Host Andreas Welsch talks with Ivo Strohhammer about the hard work behind scaling AI adoption: moving from experiments to production, building a community that learns together, and helping small and medium businesses avoid the same pitfalls large enterprises faced. Ivo shares hands-on approaches from his work at Siemens and his new local ecosystem: how to enable people, provide secure playgrounds, and balance fast experimentation with the governance and standards needed to scale.Highlights from the conversation:Why employees are your most powerful lever: democratize access, offer secure tools, and create tiered learning paths so people can progress from curious user to local AI champion.How to balance speed and structure: let teams experiment but create standards to avoid reinventing the wheel; use short, adaptive planning cycles and measure impact early.The difference between everyday AI vs. process AI vs. new AI—and why rethinking processes often produces far larger gains than just layering models on existing workflows.Practical ways to help SMEs: open local labs, shared trainings, and a three-stage approach (Awareness → Ability → Application) so smaller orgs can punch above their weight without huge budgets.Three quick takeaways:Put people first—train, enable, and give secure spaces to experiment.Find the sweet spot between experimentation and standardization—pilot widely, scale selectively.Stay agile—test fast, keep what works, fail fast, and move on.If you want a practical playbook for making AI stick—whether you lead a global program or run a local SME—this episode is full of examples and actionable advice. Tune in now to hear the full conversation and start turning your AI pilots into lasting programs.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

2/21/26 • 26:43

Stop building the same capabilities over and over when everyone builds agents. Standardize and reuse common features across your business.In this episode of “What’s the BUZZ?”, Andreas Welsch sits down with Samantha McConnell to discuss how large enterprises can build reusable AI agents that create real business value. The conversation moves beyond vendor claims to examine how organizations operationalize agentic AI, manage rapid innovation cycles, and balance empowerment with governance.Samantha shares how Cox approaches AI through centralized hubs, agent registries, and differentiated governance models for individual productivity agents versus enterprise-scale solutions. The discussion also highlights why adoption is critical, and why many AI agents will have much shorter lifecycles than traditional software products.Catch the BUZZ:Preventing reinvention through AI hubs and agent registriesGoverning enterprise AI agents without slowing innovationManaging the lifecycle of rapidly evolving AI agentsMeasuring adoption and business impact, not just usageConnecting agent initiatives to clear business success metricsUsing a land-and-expand approach to scale agentic AI responsiblyKey Takeaways:Balance innovation and control by tailoring governance to agent scale and riskDesign for faster time-to-value and shorter solution lifespansDefine outcome-based success metrics before deploying AI agentsA practical episode for leaders focused on turning agentic AI from experimentation into repeatable, enterprise-ready impact.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

2/7/26 • 22:58

Imagine shrinking a one-hour code review to under ten minutes—and using that same agentic approach to boost sales, reduce fraud, and make branch and call‑center staff far more productive.In this episode, Andreas Welsch interviews Mo Jamous, CIO at U.S. Bank, who has taken agentic AI from experiments into real production at a major financial institution. Mo walks through what worked, what surprised him, and the practical guardrails banks (and other regulated companies) need to adopt agents safely and effectively.Episode highlights:A clear three‑bucket strategy: persona‑driven productivity, revenue/growth use cases, and operational excellence (fraud, security, DevOps, resilience).A concrete win: an agentic code‑review tool built in weeks that reduced review time from ~1 hour to

1/24/26 • 26:40

Stop chasing flashy multi‑agent demos. The big gains in enterprise AI are coming from focused, context‑driven systems, not agents in a room.In this year‑end conversation host Andreas Welsch and analyst Jon Reed cut through the noise to explain where AI is failing in the wild and where it's producing measurable business value. Jon lays out the vendor‑customer gap, the real risks of agentic experiments, and the practical architectures that are working today: compound systems, context engineering, RAG/knowledge graphs, evaluation and observability, and right‑time data layers.What you’ll learn:Why multi‑agent orchestration rarely works at scale today and the narrow exception where it doesHow vendors are ahead of buyers, and how leaders should close the gap with clear communication and upskillingThe difference between treating AI as a worker vs. a tool, and why that choice matters for people and projectsPractical, enterprise‑ready wins: document intelligence, procurement RFP automation, AP/AR, hyper‑personalization, and focused assistantsWhy explainability, audit trails, and granular autonomy toggles are essential for trust and complianceHow to approach AI readiness: clean data, metadata/annotation, and composing smaller specialized models into reliable workflowsIf you build or buy AI in the enterprise, this episode is full of real examples and honest advice on where to invest, what to avoid, and how to design systems that produce results now, while preparing for broader scale.Tune in to hear the full conversation and get actionable guidance for turning AI hype into business outcomes.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

1/10/26 • 67:13

Can you trust an AI agent to act in line with your values — and who’s responsible when it doesn’t?In this episode, Andreas Welsch talks with AI ethics consultant Rebecca Bultsma about the pitfalls of rushing AI agents into business workflows and practical steps leaders should take before handing autonomy to software. Rebecca draws on her early ChatGPT experiments and academic work in data & AI ethics to explain why generative AI raises fresh ethical risks and how organizations can reduce harm.What you’ll learn:Why generative AI and agents amplify old AI ethics problems (bias, hidden assumptions, and Western-centric worldviews).Why you should build internal understanding first: experiment with low-stakes, traceable use cases before deploying public agents.The importance of audit trails, explainability, and oversight to trace decisions and assign accountability when things go wrong.Practical red flags: agents that transact autonomously, weak logging, and complacency about vendor claims.A legal reality check: new laws (like California’s chatbot rules) are emerging and could increase liability for organizations that deploy chatbots or agents prematurely.The top takeaways:Learn by experimenting personally and internally in your organization to discover where agents fail.Start small with low-stakes, narrowly scoped tasks you can monitor and audit.Don’t rush; rather, observe others' failures, train your people, and build governance before going public.If you’re a leader evaluating agents or responsible for AI governance, this episode gives clear, actionable advice for keeping your organization out of the headlines for the wrong reasons. Tune in to hear the whole conversation and learn how to turn AI hype into safer business outcomes.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

12/20/25 • 15:56

What actually changes when AI agents become part of your workforce — and which human skills still matter most?In this episode, host Andreas Welsch talks with HR and talent-intelligence veteran Todd Raphael about the practical realities of bringing agentic AI into organizations. They move beyond proofs-of-concept to ask the tough questions: How do agents fit into daily workflows, what invisible human contributions should you protect, and how should HR and IT collaborate to redesign roles, org charts, and the employee lifecycle?Listen for concrete thinking and strategic framing, including:The hidden value humans bring: Why many critical contributions (trusted relationships, customer touchpoints, institutional memory) don’t appear on job descriptions — and what that means when you automate tasks.Rethinking structure and advancement: How flatter org models and new measures of impact (knowledge, networks, influence) may change who gets promoted and how leadership is defined.HR’s seat at the table: Why HR is uniquely positioned to plan holistically for hire-to-retire changes, from skills-based hiring to internal marketplaces, reskilling, and retention when agents handle more tasks.You’ll also hear examples and practical prompts for leaders: identify the intangible work that must remain human, map tasks vs. relationships before automating, and start workforce planning that considers people and agents together.If you’re an HR leader, people manager, or technology decision-maker trying to turn agent hype into durable business outcomes, this episode gives you a playbook to start redesigning work the right way.Tune in now to learn how to protect human advantage and build an effective human+agent workforce.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

12/6/25 • 26:54

When AI agents can self‑spawn, act at machine speed and delete their own trails, identity and trust become business-critical.In this episode, Andreas Welsch talks with Tim Williams—an experienced practitioner who’s helped organizations commercialize AI—about the security gaps agentic AI exposes and practical ways to close them. Tim explains why traditional username/passwords and persistent tokens won't cut it, how trust for agents should be treated like a credit score rather than a binary yes/no, and why observability and transaction-level controls are essential.Highlights you’ll get from the conversation:Why agents operate at a different scale and cadence than humans, and the new risks that creates.Real breach lessons (e.g., persistent token compromises) that show why persistent access is dangerous.The concept of sliding trust: using a trust score to gate actions (low-risk vs high-risk transactions).Short-lived, transaction-based approvals and why persistent credentials must be replaced.Why cryptographically verifiable, immutable identifiers (and why blockchain can help) matter for accountability.Practical governance: observability, human-in-the-loop checkpoints, and preparing infrastructure in parallel with agent adoption.Who this episode is for: business leaders deciding what to delegate to agents; security and identity teams rethinking access; product and platform builders designing safe workflows for autonomous systems.If you want actionable guidance on how to let agents accelerate your business without exposing you to runaway risk, tune in and learn how to turn agent hype into reliable business outcomes.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

11/22/25 • 26:25

AI agents are reshaping how enterprises innovate, organize work, and experience disruption.In the latest episode of “What’s the BUZZ?”, Andreas Welsch speaks with Christian Muehlroth, CEO of ITONICS, about how agentic AI will redefine innovation management and why many organizations remain structurally unprepared for it.Here are the key insights from the conversation:AI’s foundations were created decades ago, but recent advances in computing, interfaces, and delivery models have turned it into a scalable innovation engine.Each technological wave builds on prior ones, accelerating change while large organizations slow down due to processes, politics, and legacy structures.Agents function as tireless digital interns with expert-level capabilities in narrow domains, amplifying the output of teams that already demonstrate initiative and creativity.Many place AI on top of legacy processes or rely too heavily on public LLMs, resulting in misaligned outputs and “AI tourism” instead of measurable impact.Clean enterprise data, secure deployment setups, and redesigned processes are essential to making agentic AI operational and strategically valuable.Key takeaways:Focus on real-value use cases: innovation begins with a business problem, not with experimenting for its own sake.Prioritize structural readiness: clean data, redesigned workflows, and enterprise-grade AI infrastructure determine whether agentic systems deliver results.Empower motivated teams: the highest return comes from equipping individuals who seek change with advanced tools that amplify their capacity, rather than attempting blanket adoption across the organization.Leaders need to take disruption seriously, double down on strategic intelligence, empower the people who want change, and invest in data and platform foundations before scaling agents.Is Agentic AI already disrupting businesses (or can we just not see it yet)?Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

11/15/25 • 29:59

Agentic AI is pushing leaders to rethink roles, processes, and governance far beyond another automation wave.In this episode, Andreas Welsch speaks with Danielle Gifford, PwC Managing Director of AI, about how organizations should prepare for agentic AI. Danielle draws on frontline experience with enterprise pilots and deployments to explain why agents require new infrastructure, clearer role boundaries, and fresh approaches to governance and workforce design.Highlights from the conversation:Why agents are different from classic rule-based automation: they’re goal-driven, context-aware and can act with autonomy, which creates both opportunity and risk.Where companies (especially in Canada) are on the adoption curve: pilots and POCs are increasing, but full-scale deployments need better data, guardrails, and change planning.How leaders should approach agent projects: start with the business problem, map processes, and decide where human + agent collaboration delivers the highest value.Workforce design and the “digital coworker”: practical advice on defining role boundaries, delegation rules, and how to evaluate outcomes when humans and agents collaborate.Multi-agent orchestration and governance: how to prevent agents from converging on weak solutions and how to build review, control, and accountability into agent systems.Key takeaways:Business first: define the problem before choosing technology. Agents aren’t a silver bullet — they must solve a real, scoped pain point.Move from experimentation to implementation: Canadian enterprises are ready to progress beyond proofs of concept and invest in production-ready agent solutions with proper controls.Agents ≠ automation: treat agents as goal-based collaborators that need explicit boundaries, evaluation metrics, and workforce redesign.If you lead teams, product strategy, or AI initiatives and want practical guidance for turning agent hype into measurable outcomes, this episode is for you. Listen now to get the full conversation and actionable next steps.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

10/31/25 • 31:20

AI agents are arriving fast, but the winners will be the organizations that pair them with trusted data, clear processes and security — not those who chase scale alone. In this episode, Andreas Welsch talks with analyst and diginomica co-founder Jon Reed about what’s actually next for agentic AI: where real value is emerging, why many pilots stall, and how to move from hype to measurable outcomes. They cut through the noise around model releases and scary headlines, and focus on practical pathways for enterprise adoption. Highlights include:Why throwing scale at models isn’t a cure-all and how enterprises succeed by constraining problems and adding domain contextThe “last mile” problem: when out-of-the-box LLMs miss industry-specific language, and when to fine-tune or use smaller domain modelsData readiness as a multi-year journey — and how to weave data cleanup into early AI use cases so you can get wins fastReal business examples (procurement long-tail, finance workflows, shop-floor QA) where agents and ML already drive measurable impactSecurity, trust and identity for agents: new threat vectors, authentication challenges and when agent-to-agent interactions create additional riskPractical tech signals to watch: RAG + tool-calling, MCP/A2A protocols, zero-copy data approaches, and when to favor internal wins over multi-vendor orchestrationPeople and culture: empower middle managers and junior staff to experiment safely, avoid short-sighted headcount cuts, and build communities of practiceLegal and fairness considerations, including why frameworks like the EU AI Act offer useful risk-drive guardrailsIf you lead an AI initiative, build data platforms, or are responsible for secure automation, this conversation gives realistic next steps — from choosing the right model size and partners to hardening agent deployments and capturing the first ROI moments.Listen to the episode to learn how to move past hype and design agent strategies that actually deliver business outcomes.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

10/18/25 • 55:15

AI is reshaping every job from the C-Suite to the front line. It's happening at a pace unlike any change we’ve seen before.But most leaders are uncomfortable leading this change. Despite all the talk about technology, AI-driven uncertainty is a deeply human topic. Sitting it out or waiting for someone else to solve the big questions of self-identity, value, and skills is not an option.In this episode of "What’s the BUZZ?," host Andreas Welsch sits down with Alison McCauley, Author and Digital Change Strategist, to explore how leaders can navigate the uncertainty AI brings to the workplace.Catch the BUZZ:Why will every role will change and how can leaders prepare?What's the critical role of expertise in the AI era?How can you equip your team with AI skills and big-picture thinking?When should you use AI as a thought partner?Whether you’re a CEO, a mid-level manager, or just starting your career, this conversation offers actionable ways to lead with confidence when the future feels unclear.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

10/4/25 • 30:42

Large corporations and startups are dominating the AI conversation. But how do non-profits adopt AI without compromising trust?In this episode of "What’s the BUZZ?," host Andreas Welsch welcomes Scott Rosenkrans, VP of AI Innovation at DonorSearch, to the show to discuss how non-profits use AI to make a measurable impact.Catch the BUZZ:• Why does “just because you can” not always mean you should?• How can predictive and generative AI work together to support human fundraisers?• Why must donor relationships come before fundraising transactions?• How does culture readiness in addition to tech readiness drive AI success?• Which success metrics in fundraising go beyond total dollars raised?If you’re a non-profit leader or change manager tasked with delivering results from AI, this conversation will help you set yourself up for success.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

9/20/25 • 26:29

Chasing hype is easy. Delivering results with AI in the enterprise? That’s where leadership is tested.In this week’s episode of "What’s the BUZZ?," I sat down with Jon Reed, industry analyst and co-founder of diginomica, to unpack some of the biggest myths that hold organizations back from real Agentic AI success.Here are four myths that stood out:1) Myth: It has to be Generative (or now, Agentic) AIPredictive models, machine learning, and other “less flashy” approaches often deliver the most immediate ROI. Success starts with the problem you’re solving, not the trendiest tool.2) Myth: Perfect data guarantees perfect resultsEven with high-quality data, AI is probabilistic and not deterministic. Outliers and unusual errors happen. That’s why audit trails, risk management, and cultural readiness matter just as much as data quality.3) Myth: AI replaces expertise and creativityAI amplifies expertise but cannot substitute for it. Domain experts are critical for spotting flaws and guiding outcomes. And while AI can generate content, true creativity and ingenuity still rest with people.4) Myth: Leaders don’t need to understand the techCourage and vision are vital, but without data and AI literacy, leaders risk reimagining the future on the wrong foundation. Both human leadership skills and technical fluency are essential.If you’re serious about moving past AI buzzwords and building sustainable success in your organization, this conversation is for you.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

9/6/25 • 50:02

AI in the enterprise has moved from theoretical discussion to real deployments, with measurable business impact.In this episode, host Andreas Welsch sits down with Bob Sakalas, Innovation Strategist at SAP, to explore how leading organizations are moving past the hype and actually delivering business value with AI.Together, they discuss:How can you move your organization from a “what could go wrong” to a “what’s going right” mindset?Why does good AI start with good data, and does your business data really move the needle?What’s the bottom-line impact industry leaders in retail and transportation achieve with built-in AI?How does a collaborative approach fuel AI success, and what does it look like?Whether you are an IT leader to hear how others are doing AI or tasked with maximizing the value from your SAP deployment, this episode offers insights straight from the source that you can apply right away. Are you ready to hear more?Join SAP's Platform & Data Summit series in North America this September and October to hear from IT leaders and practitioners how they are getting value from AI in the SAP applications they use every day: https://events.sap.com/us-2025-sap-data-summit-home/en_us/home.html?source=Andreas3Thank you, SAP, for sponsoring this episode.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

8/30/25 • 30:47

What if your AI agents could not only collaborate but also autonomously safeguard your enterprise? In this episode, host Andreas Welsch sits down with Steve Wilson, Chief AI and Product Officer at Exabeam, to explore the nuances of securing agentic AI and the emerging landscape of multi-agent communication. Together, they discuss how businesses can enhance their cybersecurity measures while adapting to the rapid evolution of AI capabilities, from agency levels to ethical governance. Learn about practical strategies for evaluating AI agent frameworks, mitigating insider threats, and implementing security-first approaches in a world increasingly dominated by AI:What are the internal and external threats and challenges of AI agents and Agent-to-Agent (A2A)/ multi-agent systems?How can organizations defend against those threats?What can also go right with Agentic AI security?What do AI and IT leaders need to do to ensure enterprise security despite all the Agent sprawl?Ready to navigate the complexities of AI security? Don't miss this insightful conversation and tune in now to tap into the potential of secure AI agents for your business!Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

8/23/25 • 31:16

What if you could navigate the complex landscape of AI projects with a proven methodology?In this episode, host Andreas Welsch welcomes Kathleen Walch, Director of AI Engagement at the Project Management Institute, as they explore CPMAI, an essential framework for leading successful AI initiatives. From identifying real business problems to understanding crucial data requirements, Kathleen shares her expertise on the importance of a data-centric approach: What are the most common challenges new AI leaders run into?What are the key steps to successful AI projects?What’s the #1 surprising thing about AI projects and leadership?What’s next with Agentic AI and how will it change the paradigm of what AI leaders need to do?With actionable insights and compelling examples, this episode provides an invaluable resource for any business leader seeking to leverage the power of AI.Don't miss out on learning how to transform AI hype into meaningful outcomes—tune in now!Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

8/9/25 • 31:24

Is your AI strategy built for sustainable impact—or stuck chasing the next big trend?In this episode, host Andreas Welsch welcomes enterprise tech analyst Jon Reed for a candid discussion on what’s actually happening with AI agents in business today. Drawing from recent enterprise conferences and frontline conversations, Jon shares hard-won insights into what works, what doesn’t, and why so many AI projects still fail to deliver meaningful outcomes.Discover the foundational shifts organizations must make to move beyond pilots and hype cycles:Focus on AI readiness over AI-first: Learn why leading with experimentation, not mandates, sets the stage for responsible and scalable AI adoption.Build a culture of trust, not fear: Understand how shadow AI is spreading—and how safe sandboxes and clear communication can turn experimentation into impact.Prioritize business outcomes, not abstract autonomy: Explore how hybrid agent-human designs deliver ROI faster than full automation—and why “good enough” might be good enough to start.Treat AI like a data project: From agent performance measurement to governance protocols, hear why the enterprise AI stack demands more than plugging in a model.Whether you’re a CIO navigating vendor noise, a business leader seeking ROI, or a transformation leader building internal alignment—this episode delivers grounded strategies and real-world guidance for leading in the era of Agentic AI.Tune in now to explore what it takes to make AI both productive and practical in the enterprise.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

7/26/25 • 48:09

What if the future of your business relied on mastering AI agents? In this episode, host Andreas Welsch explores the essential skills required to work effectively with AI agents and transform your organization. Join Andreas as he talks with John Thompson, Senior VP at The Hackett Group, who brings a wealth of experience from leading AI initiatives in multiple high-profile companies. They explore critical themes, including the integration of AI into business processes, the comparison of AI agents to traditional automation, and the need to develop critical thinking skills in an era dominated by AI. You'll gain practical insights on building a secure environment for AI experimentation and discover how to navigate the complexities surrounding AI use in the workplace. Don't miss this chance to future-proof your business—tune in now to turn AI potential into action!Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

7/12/25 • 24:50

Everyone is talking about building AI agents. But is your foundation even ready?In this episode, Andreas Welsch speaks with Barr Moses, CEO of Monte Carlo, about the hidden risks behind the push for Agentic AI and what business leaders are missing when they rush to scale.Barr shares what she’s hearing from data and AI leaders: The majority is building or deploying AI this year, but only 1 in 3 believe their data is ready, and even few have a reliable way to ensure agent outputs are correct.What does that mean for your AI roadmap? A strong model or prompt isn’t enough. If the data is wrong, the agent’s action will be wrong and in some cases, costly. From AI chatbots selling cars for $1 to data platforms returning flawed recommendations, the risks are real.Barr also breaks down three areas data and AI teams must prioritize:Productivity by using AI to accelerate their own workflowsReadiness to build a foundation of high-quality, trustworthy dataRealiability by ensuring AI agents produce outputs that align with business goalsIf you’re working on an AI strategy or are leading teams expected to deliver on it, this conversation makes the case for why AI success is built upon operational readiness.Don't miss out on the conversation – tune in now to learn how to turn AI hype into business outcomes.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

6/28/25 • 31:21

Is your company ready to realize the true potential of AI agents or just riding the hype train?In this episode, host Andreas Welsch sits down with Leah Tharin, an expert in product-led growth, to discuss how businesses can effectively use AI agents to transform their operations and drive success. Leah shares her insights on the complexities of integrating AI solutions into existing workflows, the importance of understanding customer success, and the challenges of pricing and positioning AI products. Discover the critical shift companies need to make from siloed solutions to cross-functional strategies to unlock the real value of AI:Understand the existing challenges within your customer’s data environment. By demonstrating how your AI agents can streamline processes across departments, you can earn crucial buy-in and trust. Align monetization with customer success to avoid pricing structures that deter potential users. Instead, create transparent models that align your success with your customers', fostering sustainable relationships.Embrace a cross-functional mindset, break down departmental silos and showcase your solution as a holistic tool that enhances overall company efficiency. These strategies can transform how you approach AI sales and lead your organization into the future. If you're a business leader or tech enthusiast looking for actionable insights to thrive in the AI landscape, this episode is a must-listen! Don't miss out on the conversation – tune in now to learn how to turn AI hype into business outcomes.Questions or suggestions? Send me a Text Message. Support the show***********Disclaimer: Views are the participants’ own and do not represent those of any participant’s past, present, or future employers. Participation in this event is independent of any potential business relationship (past, present, or future) between the participants or between their employers.Level up your AI Leadership game with the AI Leadership Handbook (https://www.aileadershiphandbook.com) and shape the next generation of AI-ready teams with The HUMAN Agentic AI Edge (https://www.humanagenticaiedge.com).More details: https://www.intelligence-briefing.com All episodes:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/podcastGet a weekly thought-provoking post in your inbox:https://www.intelligence-briefing.com/newsletter

6/14/25 • 30:08