The AI-Powered Business Leader

Alastair McDermott - AI-Powered
The AI-Powered Business Leader

The AI-Powered Business Leader cuts through the hype to deliver practical AI solutions for real business challenges. Hosted by Alastair McDermott, this podcast is designed for business leaders who want to harness the power of AI to drive success and innovation in their companies. In each episode, we address key questions like: ๐Ÿ“ˆ How can AI drive business success and innovation?๐Ÿ›  What are the best practices for implementing AI seamlessly into your operations?๐Ÿ”„ How can you balance the benefits of AI with ethical considerations and employee concerns? Our discussions explore: How to evaluate and enhance your current business processes with AI.Why building AI literacy and fostering a culture of innovation within your team is crucial.How to develop strategic approaches to AI integration and policy development.How to implement AI tools to streamline workflows and boost productivity.Why continuously refining and optimizing AI applications as your business evolves is essential. Previous episodes and guests include: How to navigate the legal complexities of AI and intellectual property, with insights from seasoned lawyer Erin Austin.Why maintaining authenticity and creativity in AI-assisted content creation is challenging, with thought leader Chris Do.How to balance AIโ€™s power with maintaining an authentic personal brand, featuring Mark Schaefer. Join us as we explore the transformative potential of AI, providing actionable insights and strategies to help you integrate AI effectively and ethically into your business. Our expert advice, real-world examples, and conversations with industry leaders will help you unlock the power of AI and stay ahead of the competition. Subscribe now to The AI-Powered Business Leader and start your journey towards AI-driven success. Unlock the Future of Your Business with AI at AIpowered.biz

  1. The Smart Way to Automate: How to Implement AI That Actually Works For Your Business with Heidi Araya

    OCT 30

    The Smart Way to Automate: How to Implement AI That Actually Works For Your Business with Heidi Araya

    Are you drowning in AI hype but still waiting to see real, tangible results for your business? You're not alone. In this episode of The AI-Powered Business Leader, host Alastair McDermott sits down with Heidi Araya, a process improvement consultant with over 25 years of experience driving multi-million dollar improvements through AI automation. This insightful conversation cuts through the noise to reveal how businesses are using AI in the real world to save time, increase profitability, and gain competitive advantage. Through practical examples and case studies, Heidi shares her expertise on finding genuine value in AI implementation. Key topics include: Why many businesses struggle to find value in AI implementationsHow to identify the right AI use cases for your businessReal-world examples of successful AI automationThe future of AI in sales and customer servicePractical approaches to AI implementation without eliminating jobs Tune in to discover how you can move beyond the hype and start implementing AI solutions that deliver real results for your business. Key Insights Many businesses struggle with AI because they focus on the tool first instead of identifying their specific business challengesRecording meetings and calls can provide valuable data for AI processing, though privacy considerations need to be addressedAI automation should focus on enhancing human capabilities rather than replacing workersSmaller businesses may be better positioned to implement AI while maintaining jobs, as they need diverse skill setsThe capabilities of AI are rapidly evolving, requiring regular reassessment and experimentation Strategies Start by identifying pain points: "What makes you groan when you wake up?"Use AI for automating repetitive tasks while maintaining human touch for important interactionsImplement proof of concepts before making large investments in AI solutionsConsider privacy implications when selecting AI tools and platformsRecord and analyze sales calls to improve performance and understanding of client needs Topics include: AI implementation, process improvement, business automation, sales automation, customer service, ai strategy, small business, practical ai applications, business transformation Speakers: Heidi Araya Host: Alastair McDermott Quotes "So first of all, I ask them, what makes you groan? You wake up in the morning, you're ready to start your day, what makes you groan?" - Heidi Araya, 3:08, The AI-Powered Business Leader "It may not be today, it may not be tomorrow or even next year, but three years from now, they will wish that they had taken more action and kept on the forefront of it." - Heidi Araya, 29:33, The AI-Powered Business Leader The AI-Powered Business Leader ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ+๐Ÿ“บ SHOW: The AI-Powered Business Leader cuts through the hype to deliver practical AI solutions for real business challenges. Hosted by Alastair McDermott, this podcast is designed for business leaders who want to harness the power of AI to drive success and innovation, all while keeping a Human First approach. Join us to learn how AI can help you automate repetitive tasks, boost productivity, and create a more enjoyable workplace for your team. ๐Ÿ“ฒ | FOLLOW on YouTube: The AI-Powered Business Leader  ๐ŸŽ“ COACHING: Explore opportunities to work with our host: AI Thought Leadership Coaching ๐Ÿ‘‘ BOOKS: Discover more by searching "Alastair McDermott" on Amazon ๐Ÿ’ป - WEBSITE: https://AIpowered.biz

    31 min

  2. SEP 26

    AI and the Future of Thought Leadership

    In this episode, we take a deep look at AI-powered thought leadership and my upcoming book "The AI-Powered Thought Leader." You'll listen to some expert reviewers discuss how AI can build your expertise and transform the way we share ideas in the digital age. We'll explore both the opportunities and challenges that AI brings to thought leadership. The episode includes: How AI and human skills can work together to create more impactful contentPractical ways to use AI for content creation and audience engagement, including real-world examplesThe ethical considerations of using AI in thought leadership, and how to navigate themThe evolving set of skills you need as a thought leader in the AI age, and how to develop themStrategies for maintaining authenticity and your unique voice while using AI to enhance your work Key Moments [00:05] The challenge of keeping up with rapid tech changes in the AI world[01:08] Understanding AI as your assistant, not your replacement in thought leadership[04:11] The continued importance of human skills like empathy and creativity in an AI-driven landscape[07:21] How AI is making thought leadership more accessible to a wider range of voices[10:00] Shifting from fear of AI to using it as a tool for personal and professional growth Quotes "AI can write you a novel, but it can't write your novel." "It's not about becoming a robot, but about becoming even more human." - Guest speaker This emphasises the importance of enhancing our human qualities as we integrate AI into our work. Useful Resources "The AI-Powered Thought Leader" by Alastair McDermott - A comprehensive guide to using AI in thought leadershipChatGPT and other AI writing tools - Practical AI assistants for content creationAI tools for research and data analysis - Resources to help you process information more efficiently About Me I'm Alastair McDermott. I work as a podcaster, writer, and consultant, focusing on the use of AI in thought leadership. My book, "The AI-Powered Thought Leader," offers a practical roadmap for using AI to enhance your expertise and increase your influence in the digital space. I've spent years exploring the intersection of technology and thought leadership, and I'm excited to share these insights with you. Next Steps If you're keen to power up your thought leadership with AI, you can pre-order "The AI-Powered Thought Leader" now at AIpowered.biz. It's packed with actionable strategies and real-world examples. I also invite you to join the conversation on social media using #AIPoweredThoughtLeader. Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions about AI in thought leadership.

    16 min

  3. AUG 9

    AI for SMEs: How to Thrive in the New Business Landscape

    Is your business ready for the AI revolution, or are you still stuck in the dark ages? In this eye-opening episode of The AI-Powered Business Leader, host Alastair McDermott sits down with AI implementation expert Eric Bye to examine how businesses of all sizes can use AI. Eric shares his wealth of experience in helping companies navigate the complex landscape of AI integration, offering practical advice on how to get started, avoid common pitfalls, and maximize the benefits of this fantastic technology. From identifying key workflows to addressing data privacy concerns, this episode is packed with actionable insights for business leaders looking to stay ahead of the curve. Some of the valuable topics discussed include: How to identify AI opportunities within your existing business processesThe importance of benchmarking and quantifying AI improvementsStrategies for overcoming employee resistance to AI implementationThe future of AI in business, including voice interaction and automation Whether you're an AI skeptic or an early adopter, this episode will challenge your assumptions and provide a clear roadmap for leveraging artificial intelligence in your business. Tune in now to ensure you're not left behind in the AI revolution! Topic: ai implementation, business processes, workflow optimization, data privacy, employee training, ai adoption, technology integration, business efficiency, automation, digital transformation Speakers: Guest: Eric Bye. Host: Alastair McDermott. Key Insights: AI implementation should focus on augmenting and transforming jobs rather than replacing themBusinesses should start by mapping out their workflows and identifying areas where AI can add valueData privacy and security are crucial considerations when implementing AI solutionsMany businesses are informally using AI through personal accounts, which poses risksAI can improve both efficiency and the quality of outputs in various business processesThe future of AI in business includes more automation and proactive task managementExperimenting with AI tools is key to understanding their capabilities and limitations Arguments: AI implementation requires a collaborative approach to overcome employee skepticism and resistanceEnterprise-level AI solutions may be too complex and expensive for many SMEsThe current state of AI agents is still too clunky for widespread business adoptionWaiting for "perfect" AI solutions may cause businesses to fall behind competitors Conclusions: Businesses should start experimenting with AI now to build a foundation for future advancementsA balance must be struck between leveraging AI capabilities and maintaining data privacyAI implementation should be tailored to each business's specific needs and risk profileOngoing education and training are essential for successful AI adoption in businesses Quotes: Eric Bye, [17:29]: "If you ask an employee to create a presentation for, say, a pitch, there's a lot of there's something there's hundreds of 1000s of words or tokens that are unsaid, when you ask them to create that they understand your relationship with the client, they understand the history, they're probably see seed on a whole bunch of emails, they understand what's worked, and what hasn't in the past." - The AI-Powered Business Leader Eric Bye, [36:45]: "There's tons of opportunity today. And I think some people would like to wait until they they see it as perfect. But it's just different technology that operates differently, which makes people feel a little bit uncomfortable." - The AI-Powered Business Leader Find Eric at https://erictronai.com Find Alastair at https://aipowered.biz/podcast/

    42 min
  4. How AI Will Change EVERYTHING - with Justin Collery

    JUN 22

    How AI Will Change EVERYTHING - with Justin Collery

    Are you feeling overwhelmed by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence? Do you wonder how AI will impact your business, your workforce, and your industry? You're not alone! In this episode of The AI-Powered Business Leader podcast, host Alastair McDermott sits down with AI expert Justin Collery to discuss the undeniable, seismic shift that AI is bringing to every aspect of business and society. They dive deep into the practical implications of AI, exploring the latest advancements in large language models, the power of AI agents, and the crucial role of capturing tacit knowledge in a world of rapid technological change. Justin and Alastair also address the growing concerns around data privacy and security, highlighting the need for both individuals and businesses to proactively manage these risks. This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice that you can implement today to prepare your business for the future of AI. Here are just a few of the key takeaways: The importance of capturing tacit knowledge โ€“ Record every meeting and store transcripts to unlock the hidden wisdom within your organization.Reimagine your business from the customer's perspective โ€“ Identify points of friction and leverage AI to streamline processes and deliver a superior customer experience.Empower your employees with AI tools โ€“ Provide access to powerful tools like ChatGPT and Claude, but ensure data privacy and security measures are in place.Embrace the future of work โ€“ Prepare for a world where AI automates tasks and your employees can focus on higher-level, more creative work. Key Insights The AI revolution is happening now, and it will significantly impact every business and industry.Businesses need to actively embrace AI and proactively develop strategies for its integration.Capturing tacit knowledge through meeting recordings and transcripts is essential for future AI-powered decision making.AI will significantly impact the future of work, automating tasks and freeing up employees for more strategic roles.Businesses must take data privacy and security seriously, implementing appropriate measures to mitigate risks.The current AI tools are already powerful, but the true potential lies in the future development of more seamless and user-friendly tools. Arguments AI will not just change the way we work, but also how we live, communicate, and learn.Organizations need to move beyond simply providing AI tools to employees and actively automate tasks and processes.While powerful AI tools are available, the integration and adoption of these tools can be hindered by the inertia of organizations.Despite concerns around data security, the benefits of AI for businesses far outweigh the risks. Conclusions Organizations that fail to adapt to the AI revolution will be left behind.The future of business will be defined by the successful integration and implementation of AI.The key to unlocking the full potential of AI lies in understanding the specific needs and challenges of individual businesses and industries. ๐Ÿ“บ SHOW: The AI-Powered Business Leader cuts through the hype to deliver practical AI solutions for real business challenges. Hosted by Alastair McDermott, this podcast is designed for business leaders who want to harness the power of AI to drive success and innovation in their companies. ๐Ÿ“ฒ | FOLLOW on YouTube: The AI-Powered Business Leader ๐Ÿ‘‘ BOOKS: Discover more by searching "Alastair McDermott" on Amazon ๐Ÿ‘‘ - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/AlastairMcDermott ๐Ÿ’ป - WEBSITE: https://AIpowered.biz

    55 min
  5. How AI is Disrupting Professional Services (And What to Do About It) with Alan Weiss

    JUN 21

    How AI is Disrupting Professional Services (And What to Do About It) with Alan Weiss

    Are you worried that AI will make your business obsolete? In this episode of The AI-Powered Business Leader, host Alastair McDermott talks to renowned consultant Alan Weiss about navigating the AI revolution. AI promises huge efficiency gains, but is it a substitute for human expertise? Alan argues that overreliance on AI can lead to the "dumbing down" of critical skills. He emphasizes the importance of staying unique and providing true value that AI can't replicate. In this insightful discussion, you'll learn: The role of "high-touch" service in an AI-driven worldStrategies for using AI as a tool without losing your competitive edgeHow to build a brand that attracts clients based on your distinct valuePractical examples of the human element making a difference Don't miss this chance to future-proof your business and thrive in the AI age. Tune in now! Topic: ai, business strategy, professional services, branding, value-based pricing, high-touch service Speakers: Guest: Alan Weiss. Host: Alastair McDermott. Key Insights: AI should be used as a tool, not a substitute for human expertise and valueRelying too much on AI can lead to the "dumbing down" of essential skillsBusinesses must focus on providing "high-touch" personalized service to stand outBuilding a strong personal brand showcasing unique value is crucialAdopting value-based pricing over hourly rates can increase profitability Arguments: AI has its uses but shouldn't fully replace human mental acuityBusinesses using AI for customer service may lose the personal touch Opinions: AI is currently overrated and lacks nuance/personal voice (Alan Weiss)Value-based fees better represent a consultant's worth than hourly rates (Alan Weiss) Conclusions: AI is a tool that should enhance, not replace, the unique value humans provideThe "high-tech, high-touch" balance is key for businesses to stay competitiveBuilding a strong personal brand focused on specific results is essential Quotes: "If you want to coast, you can only coast downhill. So you've gotta grow. So the law of business is - large and small, doesn't matter, any business - is that you have to grow, to sustain itself. And to grow, you have to innovate." - Alan Weiss on The AI-Powered Business Leader LINKS AlanWeiss.comBook: Million Dollar ConsultingAIpowered.biz ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ+๐Ÿ“บ SHOW: The AI-Powered Business Leader cuts through the hype to deliver practical AI solutions for real business challenges. Hosted by Alastair McDermott, this podcast is designed for business leaders who want to harness the power of AI to drive success and innovation in their companies. ๐Ÿ“ฒ | FOLLOW on YouTube: The AI-Powered Business Leader  ๐ŸŽ“ COACHING: Explore opportunities to work with our host: AI Thought Leadership Coaching ๐Ÿ‘‘ BOOKS: Discover more by searching "Alastair McDermott" on Amazon Expert Authority Builder Series:  ๐Ÿ‘‘ 33 Ways Not to Screw Up Your Business Podcast: A Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Recording and Launching Your Business Podcast!  ๐Ÿ‘‘ Quick Win Content: How to Create a Single Piece of Engaging & Effective Content That Resonates with Potential Clients and Generates Quality Leads ๐Ÿ‘‘ Efficient Content Creation: A Practical Guide to Consistently Creating High-Quality Content in a Busy Schedule ๐Ÿ‘‘ How to Sound & Look Good on Zoom & Podcasts: Tips & Audio Video Recommendations for Consultants & Experts ๐Ÿšจ FOLLOW The AI-Powered Business Leader ON SOCIAL MEDIA ๐Ÿ‘‡  ๐Ÿ‘‘ - LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/AlastairMcDermott ๐Ÿ‘‘ - FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TheRecognizedAuthority ๐Ÿ‘‘ - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/TheRecognizedAuthority ๐Ÿ’ป - WEBSITE: https://AIpowered.biz

    29 min
  6. How Do Business Leaders Navigate AI? with Joanna Pineda

    JUN 12

    How Do Business Leaders Navigate AI? with Joanna Pineda

    As AI rapidly advances, business leaders face the daunting task of navigating its impacts - both the potential upsides and inevitable disruptions. In this episode of The AI-Powerered Business Leader, Alastair McDermott sits down with Joanna Pineda, CEO and "Chief Troublemaker" at Matrix Group, a digital agency serving associations and nonprofits. Joanna provides a refreshingly candid perspective on the role of AI in her company's deliberate strategy to "reinvent" itself every 3-4 years to stay ahead of technological shifts. She shares how Matrix has embraced open communication and experimentation around AI tools, from productivity aids to potential new AI-powered services. The conversation dives into the often-avoided elephant in the room - the impact of AI on jobs and employees' valid concerns about getting displaced. Joanna offers a pragmatic approach centred on transparency, continuous learning, and leveraging AI for growth rather than layoffs. You'll gain valuable insights on: Creating a culture that embraces AI experimentation while addressing ethical considerations like data privacyPractical ways to upskill teams and help them develop an "AI-augmented" mindsetHow to have honest conversations about AI's impacts without stoking panicLeveraging AI as a force-multiplier by automating grunt work, not replacing human expertise Whether you're just beginning to explore AI's potential or are already on the journey, this candid discussion will equip you with a balanced, human-centric framework for leading your organization into the AI-powered future. Resources Guest: Joanna Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker at Matrix Group InternationalHer "Associations Thrive" Podcast: matrixgroup.net/associations-thrive-podcastMatrix Group International: matrixgroup.net ๐Ÿ‘‰ Listen to more from Alastair and The AI-Powered Business Leader at AIpowered.biz/podcast

    42 min
  7. A Quick Note on Podcast Rename

    JUN 12

    A Quick Note on Podcast Rename

    This podcast is renaming slightly, so I've recorded a super short episode to explain that decision and what you can expect from this show in the future. Thanks for listening! - Alastair. aipowered.biz/podcast

    3 min

  8. MAY 22

    AI Beyond the Hype: Practical Solutions for Real Businesses

    Are you overwhelmed by the hype surrounding AI? Do you struggle when it comes to figuring out the practical applications of AI in business? In this insightful solo episode of The AI-Powered Business Leader, Alastair McDermott delivers a presentation to a group of business owners, simplifying the principles of AI and providing actionable strategies for using this transformative technology in your business Drawing from his expertise, Alastair tackles the questions on every business leaderโ€™s mind: How can we use AI to increase productivity and streamline repetitive tasks?What are the ethical and legal considerations when using AI-generated content?How can we stay ahead of the curve and future-proof our business with AI? Through this compelling presentation, youโ€™ll gain valuable insights: AI is no longer a futuristic concept; itโ€™s reshaping industries now, and businesses need to start implementing it to stay competitive.AI can significantly increase productivity by automating repetitive tasks, analyzing research, reformatting content, and allowing experts to focus on their core expertise.There are ethical and legal concerns around AI-generated content, such as potential biases, stolen training data, privacy issues, and questions of authorship and intellectual property.Businesses should create an โ€œAI-readyโ€ culture by promoting AI literacy, exploring use cases, implementing policies, and continuously evaluating and experimenting with AI tools. Strategies: Appoint dedicated โ€œAI teamsโ€ within different departments to explore AI use cases for the business.Invest in AI education and training for employees to promote AI literacy.Develop clear policies and guidelines for responsible and ethical use of AI, particularly concerning privacy and GDPR.Continuously evaluate and experiment with new AI tools and frameworks as the technology rapidly evolves. Donโ€™t miss this opportunity to separate hype from reality and unlock the potential of AI for your business. Tune in as Alastair McDermott shares his wisdom on navigating the age of artificial intelligence through this informative presentation.

    29 min
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About

The AI-Powered Business Leader cuts through the hype to deliver practical AI solutions for real business challenges. Hosted by Alastair McDermott, this podcast is designed for business leaders who want to harness the power of AI to drive success and innovation in their companies. In each episode, we address key questions like: ๐Ÿ“ˆ How can AI drive business success and innovation?๐Ÿ›  What are the best practices for implementing AI seamlessly into your operations?๐Ÿ”„ How can you balance the benefits of AI with ethical considerations and employee concerns? Our discussions explore: How to evaluate and enhance your current business processes with AI.Why building AI literacy and fostering a culture of innovation within your team is crucial.How to develop strategic approaches to AI integration and policy development.How to implement AI tools to streamline workflows and boost productivity.Why continuously refining and optimizing AI applications as your business evolves is essential. Previous episodes and guests include: How to navigate the legal complexities of AI and intellectual property, with insights from seasoned lawyer Erin Austin.Why maintaining authenticity and creativity in AI-assisted content creation is challenging, with thought leader Chris Do.How to balance AIโ€™s power with maintaining an authentic personal brand, featuring Mark Schaefer. Join us as we explore the transformative potential of AI, providing actionable insights and strategies to help you integrate AI effectively and ethically into your business. Our expert advice, real-world examples, and conversations with industry leaders will help you unlock the power of AI and stay ahead of the competition. Subscribe now to The AI-Powered Business Leader and start your journey towards AI-driven success. Unlock the Future of Your Business with AI at AIpowered.biz

Information

  • Creator
    Alastair McDermott - AI-Powered
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ยฉ Copyright 2023-2024 ยท Alastair McDermott
  • Show Website
    The AI-Powered Business Leader

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