EP. 1 | AI Adoption: Humans First, Robots Second

AI Readiness Podcast: Episode 1 – Demystifying AI and Leadership Insights

Episode Summary

In the inaugural episode of the AI Readiness Podcast, co-hosts Lucy Pitt and Andrew Whyatt-Sames, joined by their trusty producer, Rich, set the stage for a series that combines practical insights, humour, and actionable advice to help organisations navigate the complexities of AI adoption. They share their backgrounds, introduce their mission to put people at the core of AI adoption, and provide insights into the latest developments in AI, practical applications, and leadership takeaways. This episode also features a candid letter from a "clueless exec," a quickfire Q&A, and a preview of what's coming next.

Guest Profile

Lucy Pitt

Lucy Pitt brings over 25 years of diverse experience, spanning FMCG brand marketing, the third sector, and leadership development. She is passionate about the intersection of people, culture, and AI, focusing on enabling strategic innovation while addressing the human side of technology adoption.

Andrew Whyatt-Sames

Andrew Whyatt-Sames is an occupational psychologist and former broadcaster. With a career rooted in team leadership and culture development, he’s dedicated to helping organisations adopt AI tools while prioritising psychological safety and innovation. Together with Lucy, he co-founded Uptake AI to empower businesses to thrive with AI.

Key Takeaways

What is Uptake AI’s Mission?

Lucy and Andrew explained their mission as supporting organisations in adopting AI by prioritising people-first solutions. They emphasise leveraging AI to reduce mundane tasks and enhance creativity and strategic thinking.

Why is "Humans First" Critical in AI Adoption?

Lucy highlighted the importance of using AI tools to alleviate burnout, foster creativity, and improve overall workplace satisfaction. AI isn't just about productivity; it's about enabling people to focus on meaningful work.

What Should Listeners Expect From This Podcast?

Listeners can look forward to:

• Demystification of AI concepts
• Debunking myths about AI adoption
• Practical advice ranging from crafting AI prompts to engaging executive teams
• A blend of humour, real-world examples, and actionable insights.

Chapters and Time Stamps

[00:00] – Welcome to the AI Readiness Podcast

Lucy and Andrew banter over the theme tune and set the tone for a lighthearted yet informative series.

[01:01] – Introducing Lucy and Andrew

The hosts share their backgrounds and credentials, showcasing their unique perspectives on AI and leadership.

[04:30] – Uptake AI’s Mission: Humans at the Core

A discussion on the importance of people-first AI adoption to boost creativity, innovation, and workplace satisfaction.

[06:05] – What to Expect From This Podcast

From debunking myths to practical use cases, Andrew and Lucy outline the podcast's goals and target audience.

[08:26] – Breaking News: Google’s Notebook LM

The hosts discuss the implications of Google's AI tool, which generates podcast-style summaries of any content. They explore its potential uses and limitations.

[16:46] – Conversations in the Field: Leadership Insights

Real-world examples from Uptake AI workshops, highlighting:

• The importance of framing AI adoption positively within teams.
• How HR and IT collaboration can drive successful AI integration.

[23:12] – Dear Lucy: Advice for a Clueless Exec

A senior leader asks whether to embrace AI or stick to the status quo. Lucy and Andrew provide actionable advice for staying relevant.

[30:48] – Quickfire Q&A

The hosts reveal their personal takes on AI tools, life preferences, and quirky hypothetical scenarios.

[35:51] – What’s Next? Voice AI and Agents

A sneak peek into upcoming discussions on voice AI and Microsoft’s Copilot Agents.

About the Podcast

The AI Readiness Podcast is your guide to understanding and adopting AI in the workplace. Hosted by Lucy Pitt and Andrew Whyatt-Sames, co-founders of Uptake AI, the series provides practical advice, actionable insights, and a bit of humour to help organisations navigate the AI revolution. With guest experts, real-world examples, and cutting-edge tools, the podcast is designed to empower listeners to embrace AI with confidence.

Stay tuned for Episode 2, where we’ll dive into the practical applications of voice AI and explore the world of Microsoft Copilot Agents!

Please do write into the Dear Lucy segment if you have any work-related AI questions that need answering - Lucy@UptakeAI.co.uk