No Brainer - An AI Podcast for Business

Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino
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  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
No Brainer - An AI Podcast for Business

Artificial intelligence is reinventing business as we speak. You can either get up to speed or get left behind. The choice is yours and it’s a no-brainer. Join CognitivePath founders Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino as they chat with AI experts about the ideas, trends, and tools that are creating the future of business today.

  1. NB 45 - From RFPs to Revolution: How AI is Transforming Federal Operations with Sanjeev Pulapaka

    DEC 4

    NB 45 - From RFPs to Revolution: How AI is Transforming Federal Operations with Sanjeev Pulapaka

    In this episode of 'No Brainer,' Greg Verdino and Geoff Livingston host Sanjeev Pulapaka, Principal Solutions Architect at AWS and lead author of 'Empowering the Public Sector with Generative AI.' They start the conversation with a discussion about how the Trump Administration will likely deregulate AI guidance, further increasing the speed of adoption in the federal sector. Then three take a deep dive into the impact of generative AI on government operations, its potential to streamline tasks like RFP creation and data management, and the role of AI in improving productivity and service delivery in the public sector. Conversations include a discussion of the red-hot AI Agent trend and how soon it will be deployed and in which use cases. Then they discuss how Multimodal AI is already changing inputs into LLM. Finally,  the conversation elves into the regulatory landscape, the importance of innovation balanced with risk management, and the latest advancements from AWS in the AI space. Sanjeev shares insights from his book throughout the conversation on how AI can transform public sector services and highlights the importance of responsible AI use, data security, and regulatory compliance. Individual chapters include: 03:35 Discussion of AI in Government 08:26 AI's Role in Public Sector Efficiency 12:56 Challenges and Responsibilities of AI in Public Sector 15:21 Innovative AI Use Cases in Public Sector 17:41 Future of AI Agents 22:08 Innovative Uses of AI in Everyday Life 22:47 AI Maturity and Adoption Challenges 25:03 Data Challenges in AI Implementation 27:54 The Rise of Multimodal AI 31:46 Practical Applications of Multimodal AI 37:07 AWS and the Future of AI Interested parties can connect with Sanjeev Pulapaka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjeevpulapaka/ You can order empowering the Public Sector with Generative AI here: https://www.amazon.com/Empowering-Public-Sector-Generative-Applications/dp/B0D4PG9MHZ And learn more about Amazon’s Bedrock Platform here: https://aws.amazon.com/ai/generative-ai/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    45 min
  2. NB44: Leading & Learning in the AI Era, with executive advisor Lisa Nirell

    NOV 20

    NB44: Leading & Learning in the AI Era, with executive advisor Lisa Nirell

    In this episode, Greg and Geoff welcome Lisa Nirell to discuss the evolving landscape of AI and its implications for organizations. Lisa helps mindful leaders cultivate healthy companies and careers. Organizations such as AARP, Alliance Bernstein, CoStar Group, and Hilton hire Lisa to navigate high-stakes transitions. She’s a two-time author, growth strategist, executive coach, open water swimmer, and meditation student. Be sure to check out her books: EnergizeGrowth NOW: The Marketing Guide to a Wealthy Company" and The Mindful Marketer: How to Stay Present and Profitable in a Data-Driven World. And tune into her podcast, The Mindful Marketer, wherever you listen. Together, Lisa, Geoff, and Greg explore the importance of leadership, cultural readiness, the need for strategic planning, and the role of community support in navigating the AI revolution. Lisa introduces her AI strategy test drive, emphasizing the significance of people and experimentation in successful AI integration. The conversation culminates in reflections on the future of AI and the importance of cultivating wisdom and joy in a rapidly changing world. Interested in taking the AI Test Drive to measure your own AI readiness? You can find it here. While you're at it, be sure to subscribe to Lisa's email newsletter and receive some free leadership resources at a bonus. Chapters 00:00 Introductions 02:59 The AI Readiness Gauge and Market Trends 05:57 Cultural Shifts and Organizational Challenges 08:57 Lisa Nirell’s AI Strategy Test Drive 11:49 People-Centric Approaches to AI Implementation 14:57 Navigating Job Displacement and Opportunities 17:46 Embracing Change and Innovation in Business 23:26 The Power of “Long Life Learning” 24:57 Adapting to Change in a Rapidly Evolving World 26:38 Cultivating Curiosity and Community 30:18 The Importance of Supportive Networks 35:21 Planning for AI Integration 42:39 Hopes for the Future of AI and Humanity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    50 min
  3. NB 43: Can AI Be Empathetic? with AI entrepreneur and author Gam Dias

    OCT 23

    NB 43: Can AI Be Empathetic? with AI entrepreneur and author Gam Dias

    In this episode of No Brainer, hosts Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino chat with guest Gam Dias to explore the intersection of AI and customer service. They discuss the cautious optimism consumers have towards generative AI, the importance of maintaining human interaction in customer service, and the long-term implications of automation in business. The conversation highlights the need for businesses to balance efficiency with empathy, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces the human touch. They also delve into the accountability of AI decisions and the strategic thinking required for successful implementation of AI in organizations. Gam is product specialist at Hubbl Technologies, an adjunct professor at IE Business School in Madrid, and the author of The Data Mindset Playbook. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:54 The Impact of AI on Customer Service 09:40 The Human Element in Customer Interactions 19:37 Balancing AI and Human Accountability 28:52 Long-Term vs Short-Term Business Strategies 44:29 Conclusion and Future Considerations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    54 min
  4. Elementary, Dear Watson, with IBM's Kait Arnold

    OCT 9

    Elementary, Dear Watson, with IBM's Kait Arnold

    In this episode of the No Brainer podcast, Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino are joined by Kate Arnold, a senior AI and watsonx technical specialist at IBM and adjunct professor at Fairfield University and Columbia University. They discuss the current state of AI and its impact on consumers and businesses. They also explore the importance of strategic implementation, change management, and employee education in AI adoption. The conversation touches on the role of AI in various industries, such as healthcare and finance, and the potential for rapid innovation in these areas. And of course, you’re hear a bit about how IBM approaches enterprise AI with watsonx. Later in the episode, Kait, Greg and Geoff discuss the future of jobs and the need for organizations to prepare their workforce for an AI-powered future. And drawing on her teaching experience, Kait explains that it’s important for students (and hey, we’re all lifelong students, after all) to roll up their sleeves and experience AI firsthand to gain the confidence they’ll need to adapt to AI and stay relevant in the new world of work. Takeaways Consumer hype around AI is high due to a lack of knowledge, but as people become more familiar with AI and its applications, the hype is expected to die down. Businesses are using AI to transform their operations and incorporate it into various aspects of their business cycles. Successful AI implementation requires a strategic approach, change management, and employee education. The impact of AI is expected to be significant in industries such as healthcare and education, where there is room for rapid improvement. Organizations need to align their AI initiatives with their strategic goals and focus on areas where AI can have the most impact. Employee adoption and usage of AI tools are crucial for the success of AI implementation. The future of jobs will be influenced by AI, and organizations need to prepare their workforce for an AI-powered future. AI is already automating simple tasks and eliminating certain jobs, but it also opens the door for new job opportunities. Generative AI allows individuals to take on multiple roles and pursue their passions. Human interaction and soft skills are still essential. It's important for students and professionals to learn about and embrace AI to stay relevant in the future of work. Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:10 The Consumer Hype and Business Adoption of AI 10:17 Strategic Implementation and Change Management in AI 14:28 Rapid Innovation in Healthcare and Education 17:03 Aligning AI Initiatives with Strategic Goals 20:55 The Importance of Employee Adoption and Usage 23:20 Preparing the Workforce for an AI-Powered Future 26:24 The Impact of AI on the Workforce 28:48 Embracing New Job Opportunities with Generative AI 30:40 The Importance of Human Interaction in HR 39:21 Preparing for the Future of Work: Learning and Embracing AI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min

  5. SEP 25

    Cracking the AI Conundrum with Rex Briggs

    In this episode of the No Brainer podcast, hosts Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino welcome Rex Briggs, chief ai officer at Claritas and AI subject matter expert for the MMA. They explore the limitations of AI, the importance of understanding its capabilities, and the risks associated with its implementation. The conversation delves into the role of algorithms, the significance of precision in AI applications, and the evolving landscape of marketing agencies in the age of AI. Rex shares insights from his book, 'The AI Conundrum', emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt and embrace AI while being mindful of its limitations and risks. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of process and leadership in successfully integrating AI into marketing strategies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Commercial Break 03:02 Exploring the Limitations and Risks of AI 07:50 Using Machine Learning and Gen AI for Segmentation and Personalization 17:38 Making Informed Decisions about AI: Precision and Open/Closed Systems 25:17 Differentiating AI Hype from Reality 25:51 The Future of Agencies and Marketing Departments in the Age of AI 34:57 The Importance of Process Documentation and Optimization 40:36 Leadership and Embracing Change in the AI Era Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min

  6. SEP 11

    AI Impacting the Digital Content Ecosystem

    In this episode, Greg and Geoff are joined by Stephanie Pereira, the COO of Astral AI. They discuss the impact of AI on the digital content ecosystem and the challenges and opportunities it presents. The three discuss the exponential increase in content and how AI is making it easier to scale. Immediate impacts include the importance of maintaining quality and relevance in AI-generated content, understanding the role of AI in personalization, and the need to balance human touch and machine in content creation. The conversation explores the need for organizations to define workflows and roles when implementing AI technology. Stephanie, Greg and Geoff also touch on the significance of brand guidelines and the role of creativity and empathy in marketing. They also critique the overemphasis on prompt engineering and how it distracts businesses from embracing a more holistic understanding of AI's capabilities. Chapters 00:00 Start 03:30 AI is making it easier to scale content production, but it's important to maintain quality and relevance. 08:56 Building trust with AI-generated content is essential and striking the right balance between human and machine is crucial. 13:38 How social networks are adapting to AI generated content. 17.34 Brand guidelines are essential for maintaining consistency and coherence in marketing efforts. 23:52 Stephanie’s crystal ball future vision for AI and digital content. 27:51 AI in the Loop: Creativity and empathy are crucial for effective marketing, and AI can serve as a co-pilot to enhance these qualities. 33:08 Relying on prompt engineering as the future of AI is a mistake. Here’s why! Astral Website: https://tryastral.com/ Stephanie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniepereira/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min

  7. AUG 28

    Big Tech Winners and Losers in the AI Hype Bubble

    This fun end-of-summer podcast features Nick Unger, Managing Partner, AlterityAI in a follow-up conversation about the AI hype bubble and its potential impacts on enterprise adoption.  Nick, Geoff, and Greg discuss some of the winners and losers of the generative AI bubble (28:52), but before they get there, they discuss what long-term impacts AI hype will have on businesses.  Nick argues that while we may not be approaching artificial general intelligence, the power of generative AI is just beginning to be tapped and to market it Silicon Valley companies will keep promoting roadmap goals. The hosts and guest discuss the importance of education, data governance, and strategic implementation of AI within organizations.  Finally, the conversation concludes with a conversation on winners and losers in the bubble era, including the challenges faced by traditional big tech companies adapting to the AI revolution, using examples like Cisco and Intel. Nick, Geoff, and Greg speculate on potential winners and losers in the AI landscape, discussing companies like Nvidia and Google and how established companies like SAP and Adobe might better navigate the AI landscape within their respective domain expertise. 00:00 Start 3:27 MIT Generative AI Course - What was it like? 4:44 Is the AI hype wave actually going to end? 8:39 How valuations are driving the hype cycle. 13:14 Using AI to lift humans. 16:00 When the seismic impact of generative AI technology normalizes 21:14 How do organizations pick the right use cases successfully? 23:49 There are no organizational AI experts 29:21 Brands that are winning and losing in the AI era, including Cisco, NVIDIA, Google, Intel, SAP and Adobe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    39 min

  8. AUG 14

    Is There an AI Bubble? (With InfoTech Marketing AI analyst Shashi Bellamkonda)

    Is there an AI bubble and if so what does it mean to businesses? Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino discuss the AI bubble with guest Shashi Bellamkonda, Principal Research Director, Marketing & AI Research and Advisory for Info-Tech Research Group. The three explore a hype wave or a bubble in the AI industry and the challenges faced by companies that have overinvested in generative AI. They also discuss the role of OpenAI and its missteps in managing consumer expectations. The conversation highlighted the importance of practical applications and the need for critical thinking when it comes to AI. The conversation explores the future of AI and its impact on various industries with an emphasis on driving revenue growth rather than just focusing on cost savings. Chapters 04:43 The AI Bubble: Hype Wave or Bubble? 12:10 The Missteps of OpenAI 21:07 The Importance of Critical Thinking in Evaluating AI 31:29 Consolidation and Shakeout in the AI Market Shashi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbellamkonda/ Shashi’s X Account: https://x.com/shashib Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min
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5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Artificial intelligence is reinventing business as we speak. You can either get up to speed or get left behind. The choice is yours and it’s a no-brainer. Join CognitivePath founders Geoff Livingston and Greg Verdino as they chat with AI experts about the ideas, trends, and tools that are creating the future of business today.

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