Talent First

Michelle Edmondson

Talking about what really matters in technology innovation - diversity and inclusion, the future with AI, accessibility and equality and, of course, how to get in and up in this industry. Whatever is happening in technology - it is always Talent First.

  1. ‘From Research to Reality: How AI Becomes Products, Platforms and Business Value’ - with Andrea Rosales

    23 АПР.

    ‘From Research to Reality: How AI Becomes Products, Platforms and Business Value’ - with Andrea Rosales

    SEASON FIVE: In this week’s episode of Talent First, I chat to Andrea Rosales, data scientist and AI researcher and innovator, about what it really takes to adopt AI inside organisations beyond the hype. We talk about how companies are evaluating large language models and AI tools for enterprise use, and what decision makers should be looking for when the market is moving this quickly. Andrea shares her perspective on how AI, data science and traditional engineering are coming together, and what that means for how teams are built and structured, We also get into how ideas move from research into real products, the role of universities and industry collaboration, and why that gap between innovation and execution still matters. Our conversation explores governance and accountability, who owns AI once it is in production, and what this means for organisations operating in more regulated environments. We finish on the bigger picture. The AI Productivity Paradox, why more technology does not always mean more efficiency, and how companies can balance innovation with caution without falling behind. A practical and thoughtful conversation on how AI is being implemented and what leaders need to be thinking about now. About Our Guest: Andrea Rosales is an AI Research and Innovation Lead with over 15 years of experience delivering data and AI solutions across both industry and academia. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of St Andrews, where her research focused on how AI systems learn and adapt in complex, real-world environments. Her work has evolved from domain adaptation and continual learning to more recent research on large language model reasoning and reliability, with a strong emphasis on building AI systems that are explainable and robust. She was recognised as a UK Global Talent for her contributions to AI in industry and academia. Currently, she is an Associate Director of Data Science at Blend, where she works with organisations to design and deliver end-to-end AI solutions, with a focus on responsible AI adoption and “data for good”, ensuring that AI systems create meaningful and positive impact.

    53 мин.
  2. ‘Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable: Execution, Leadership and the Fractional COO’ - with Wendi Pannell

    17 АПР.

    ‘Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable: Execution, Leadership and the Fractional COO’ - with Wendi Pannell

    BONUS EPISODE: In this week's episode of Talent First, I chat to the wonderful Wendi Pannell, Founder of Pannell Consulting, about what really happens inside tech companies as they grow — and why execution so often becomes the problem. We talk about the point where companies should be flying, strong teams, clear vision, but everything still seems to rely on the founder. Wendi shares what’s actually going on in those moments, and how to break the “founder bottleneck” that slows everything down. We get into why strategy isn’t usually the issue, what strong operating rhythms actually look like in practice, and the leadership and structural shifts companies need to move from early growth into something more sustainable. Wendi also shares her advice for CEOs navigating change, and we share our mutual love of Dolly Parton. A really practical conversation for anyone building, scaling or leading in tech. About Our Guest: Wendi Pannell is the founder of Pannell Consulting and a seasoned COO with over 25 years of experience spanning global enterprises like GE, high-growth startups, and her own SaaS venture, Lightstance. Known for her practical, no-nonsense approach, Wendi jumps in alongside leadership teams to turn organizational complexity into clarity and bridge the gap between business strategy and execution. Whether she is streamlining operations for technical leaders or helping small businesses scale with discipline, Wendi’s work is grounded in the belief that intentional action and shared purpose are essential for meaningful growth. Beyond consulting, she is an adjunct professor at Virginia Tech and a passionate advocate for empowering women in technology. Audiences and clients value Wendi for her ability to translate emerging tools—especially AI—into concrete business gains while maintaining a human-first perspective. When she isn’t guiding teams toward their next breakthrough, she is likely mentoring students, cheering on her three sons, or crafting a competitive charcuterie board. ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/wwp/⁠ ⁠https://wendipannell.com⁠

    45 мин.
  3. ‘Transformation or Theatre? Leadership in the Age of AI’ - with Jean Olive

    10 АПР.

    ‘Transformation or Theatre? Leadership in the Age of AI’ - with Jean Olive

    SEASON FIVE: In this week's episode of Talent First, I chat to Jean Olive, CIO and AI innovator, about leadership, real AI transformation beyond optics and what it really takes to build high-performing technology teams. We talk about her leadership philosophy and how to create environments that stay human-centred, even in complex or political organisations. We also explore AI adoption and the difference between real transformation and surface-level activity, and how leaders can choose the right tools and measure meaningful impact. Our conversation looks at the human side of change, including how to reduce fear, manage resistance and keep teams engaged as technology evolves. We also get into the realities facing women in tech today — from the drop-off between early careers and leadership, to the role of those in senior positions in supporting the next generation. A thoughtful and honest conversation on leadership, technology and the people shaping both. About Our Guest: Jeanmarie T. Olive is a transformational technology executive and former CIO known for driving large-scale digital innovation and business impact across global organizations. With deep expertise spanning AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise platforms, she has led complex transformations for companies including Manulife, Best Buy, Schneider Electric, and Philips. A people-first leader, Jeanmarie builds inclusive, high-performing teams and fosters cultures where innovation and continuous learning thrive. She has a proven track record of improving operational efficiency, accelerating product delivery, and aligning technology strategy with business growth. Her leadership has delivered measurable results, including significant cost reductions, enhanced customer experiences, and successful modernization of legacy systems at scale. Passionate about advancing women in technology and leveraging AI for meaningful outcomes, Jeanmarie is a trusted advisor to executive leaders and a recognized voice in digital transformation and organizational change. She currently is on the board of advisors for the University of Connecticut College of Engineering and is a puppy raiser for the Guiding Eyes for the Blind association.

    55 мин.
  4. "Storytelling, Safety and AI: Building the Next Generation of Learning" - with Sandra Falque

    20 МАР.

    "Storytelling, Safety and AI: Building the Next Generation of Learning" - with Sandra Falque

    SEASON FIVE: In this episode of Talent First, I chat to Sandra Falque about her new innovative learning tool for kids, Jules Stories. Sandra shares the inspiration behind Jules, how she designed the product, and the learning goals at its core — creating an experience that supports children’s development while keeping storytelling at the heart of it. We explore the technology behind the platform, including the use of language models, the importance of guardrails and parental controls, and the decisions that go into building something safe and meaningful for young users. Our conversation also looks at the role of storytelling in early learning, how tools like Jules can sit alongside reading and play, and why accessible, thoughtful technology matters as more children grow up in an AI-enabled world. We also discuss the responsibility parents have when introducing AI tools, and the importance of helping children understand the difference between a learning tool and something more personal. A thoughtful and practical conversation for anyone thinking about children, technology and the future of learning. About Our Guest: Sandra is the founder of Jules Stories, a London-based startup building Jules, a screen-free learning device designed to spark children’s imagination and support learning through stories and play. Originally from Paris and now based in London, Sandra spent over a decade in digital consulting before turning to entrepreneurship after becoming a mother of three. Motivated by the challenge of balancing technology and childhood, she set out to build a new kind of educational device that helps families reduce screen time while nurturing curiosity, creativity, and responsible use of AI.

    38 мин.
  5. ‘AI Adoption Without The Chaos: Security, Change and Responsibility’ - with Darrell Wilkerson

    13 МАР.

    ‘AI Adoption Without The Chaos: Security, Change and Responsibility’ - with Darrell Wilkerson

    SEASON FIVE: In this week's episode of Talent First, I talk to Darrell WIlkerson, Founder of TRiSM Now, about the realities of adopting AI inside modern organisations. As companies race to experiment with new tools and platforms, much of the conversation around AI focuses on productivity and innovation. But where does security fit into the picture, and who is ultimately responsible once AI systems become embedded in everyday operations? Darrell shares his perspective on how organisations should approach AI adoption, why smaller companies may actually be better positioned to move quickly and responsibly, and why successful implementation is as much about culture and change management as it is about technology. We also explore how AI might reshape organisational structures, what the rise of AI agents could mean for security leadership roles such as the CISO, and whether the growing presence of shadow AI in companies is a training challenge or a governance one. If your organisation is thinking seriously about AI adoption, this conversation offers a practical and thought-provoking look at the opportunities and the responsibilities that come with it. LISTEN OUT FOR DARRELL'S SPECIAL OFFER FOR ALL LISTENERS. About Our Guest: Darrell Wilkerson is the Founder of TRiSMNow, a strategic AI transformation advisory helping operational organizations adopt AI deliberately and securely. With over 15 years of experience as a Director of Infrastructure and Security, he has led enterprise governance programs aligned to NIST and ISO frameworks, built identity and risk management standards, and guided organizations through complex security integrations and transformation initiatives. Today, he works with executive teams to ensure AI adoption strengthens operational performance without introducing unmanaged risk — integrating governance, identity discipline, and structured oversight into every stage of AI transformation.

    47 мин.
  6. "Human-Centred AI: Confidence, Capability, and Change"- with Barbara Wittmann

    27 ФЕВР.

    "Human-Centred AI: Confidence, Capability, and Change"- with Barbara Wittmann

    SEASON FIVE: In this week's episode of Talent First, I chat to Barbara Wittmann, CIO and Founder of Digital Wisdom Collective, an organisation that helps companies to build Human Infrastructure that enables technology adoption, sustain growth, and lets them navigate complexity with wisdom. We talk about how to empower teams to use AI responsibly and confidently, the importance of people in AI adoption and transformation, and about the crucial role of diversity and inclusion. This is really is an episode about putting talent first. About Our Guest: Barbara Wittmann works with leaders and organizations navigating complexity at the intersection of technology, leadership, and human systems. She is the founder and steward of the Digital Wisdom Collective, a practice space exploring digital wisdom as a new business sense in the age of AI. Over the past 25 years, Barbara has worked inside large-scale IT, digital, and transformation initiatives across industries, often where complexity had outpaced existing leadership models. Her work focuses on judgment, collective intelligence, and the human and wayfinding infrastructure that allow organizations to stay oriented and coherent as change accelerates. She writes and speaks regularly about leadership, future skills, and navigating transformation without losing orientation. Links: www.digitalwisdom.co  https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarawittmann/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalwisdomcollective/  https://digitalwisdomcollective.substack.com Register for the waitlist on the Digital Wisdom Collective.

    47 мин.
  7. ‘The New Safety Stack: The AI Shift in Workplace Protection’ - with Jody Warren

    20 ФЕВР.

    ‘The New Safety Stack: The AI Shift in Workplace Protection’ - with Jody Warren

    SEASON FIVE: In this week's episode of Talent First, I chat to Jody Warren, Co Founder of Gentia AI. And what a great product AND story this is. For too long, identifying where work actually hurts people has meant reactive processes, manual admin, and guesswork. Gentia doesn’t just record risk, it makes the invisible visible. By analysing organisational systems, policies, leadership practices and data together, Gentia builds a live, operational “risk architecture” people can act on immediately. We talk how to build an AI tool from scratch, and how to balance the human with the synthetic. About Our Guest: Jody is the Co-Founder of Gentia and a long-time advocate for workplaces that help people thrive - not burn out. She believes work should leave people better off, not depleted, and has built her career around designing systems that make that possible. Before Gentia, Jody co-founded Australia’s largest corporate childcare group, driven by a mission to help more women return to the workforce. Running that business revealed a powerful truth: how people experience work shapes how they show up everywhere else. That insight led her into psychosocial risk, leadership development, and organisational design - helping companies build performance without sacrificing people. Today, through Gentia, Jody is turning years of consulting expertise into intelligent systems that help organisations adopt AI, execute strategy, and grow - without breaking their people.

    46 мин.
  8. "Governing the AI Future: Boards, Talent, and Transformation" - with Karen Higgins-Carter

    13 ФЕВР.

    "Governing the AI Future: Boards, Talent, and Transformation" - with Karen Higgins-Carter

    SEASON FIVE: In this week's episode of Talent First, I am joined by Karen Higgins-Carter, Chief Information and Digital Officer and independent director and board member.  We discuss AI adoption and adaptive change in organizations, exploring a framework for boards, focusing on the top of the pyramid: business model change, rather than only on personal productivity or operational efficiency. Karen offers advice on how leaders can navigate the continuous organizational change brought by AI, which she describes as "adaptive change,". Finally, we talk about the necessity of hiring for potential and fostering a learning culture to manage the evolution of the workforce, especially as AI disrupts the org chart. About Our Guest: Karen Higgins-Carter is a technology executive and independent director who designs and implements innovation, technology, and AI strategies for long-established, global companies. She has led and advised organizations across public, private, and family-owned environments, navigating different governance models, decision-making norms, and cultural expectations in both collectivist and individualistic contexts. Her work blends technology leadership with deep expertise in cybersecurity and enterprise risk management, helping regulated organizations pursue responsible innovation while protecting trust, resilience, and long-term value.

    43 мин.
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Talking about what really matters in technology innovation - diversity and inclusion, the future with AI, accessibility and equality and, of course, how to get in and up in this industry. Whatever is happening in technology - it is always Talent First.

Информация

  • Автор
    Michelle Edmondson
  • Годы выхода
    2024 - 2026
  • Выпуски
    91
  • Ограничения
    Без ненормативной лексики
  • Авторские права
    © Michelle Edmondson
  • Сайт подкаста
    Talent First