Advertise on podcast: Don't Stop Us Now AI Edition

Happy New Year to you dear listener!  Have you ever felt that familiar January anxiety either because you’re feeling guilty that you don’t have a perfect set of goals for the new year or because you’re second-guessing if your goals are ambitious enough, structured enough, or even the right ones? If that’s you then this episode is for you. (Happens to us every year!)  They say it takes one to know one 😂so as 2026 began, we both wanted to help ourselves (and hopefully help you too) get the year off to a great start.  We got busy on our laptops and in this episode, we share our personal experiments where we used AI to reflect on 2025, as well as help us set meaningful goals for the year ahead. We road-tested ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. The results were super interesting . . . and helpful. One model delivered a remarkably accurate summary of Greta's entire year (likely because she'd used it most consistently), while another coached Claire through building a custom Project that will track her goals throughout 2026.  In this episode we discuss: The tension between letting AI lead your thinking versus using it as a thought partnerHow to set up an AI project (or GPT, Gem etc.)  that coaches you through goal-setting How you can quickly create vision boards and mind maps, and . . . How AI may just change how you frame and think about your entire year.  Whether you're a seasoned AI user or just getting started, listen now for  practical approaches you can try out right away.  Wishing you an intentional, productive and fulfilling 2026! Useful Links Claude – Anthropic's AI assistant ChatGPT – OpenAI's AI assistant (try "show me my year" for your personalised review) Google Gemini – Google's AI assistant (find Nano Banana here by looking in the prompt window on the bottom left and clicking on ‘tools’ then choose ‘create images’.``) Notebook LM - Google’s interesting AI tool that will allow you to create a Mindmap, an audio episode, presentations, flashcards, and many other forms of content from uploaded files. Definitely worth a play. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've heard the term 'AI agents' but aren't quite sure what they actually are or how they could help you at work, this is the episode for you. Our guest is Dominick Ng, Director of Engineering at Relevance AI, a platform that helps businesses build and deploy AI agents. Before joining the startup world, Dom spent nine years at Google, rising from software engineer to senior manager. He also holds a PhD in Computational Linguistics and won a Fulbright Scholarship to UC Berkeley. What makes Dom such a brilliant guide for this topic is his ability to explain complex technology in human terms. As he puts it, agents are fundamentally about adding human-like decision making to automation — handling the qualitative judgments that previously only people could make. In this conversation you'll hear: •   A clear explanation of what agents actually are and why they're different from previous automation •   Real examples of agents creating entirely new business possibilities that couldn't exist before •   How to address privacy and security concerns when handing tasks to agents •   Dom's advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed by all of this Dom is refreshingly honest about both the opportunities and the concerns he has about AI's impact. His perspective on how humans and AI can work together — and the 'spark' that makes human creativity irreplaceable — is genuinely hopeful without being naive. If you've been curious about agents but not sure where to start, this is the conversation you can thank us for later. As this is our final episode of the year, we want to wish all our listeners Season's Greetings. Thank you for listening throughout the year, and we wish you a kind and fulfilling new year ahead. Enjoy this episode with the ever-curious and articulate Dominick Ng... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recently we spoke with a group of CEOs who said they felt confident leading their organisation's AI investments. Yet when we asked how often they actually used AI, only one third of the group used it daily. This disconnect is everywhere. Around boardroom tables and in senior leadership meetings, executives aren't using AI consistently. The latest data backs this up: most people still aren't using AI daily and that's a problem given how fast AI is changing and improving. If you're not using AI regularly; learning from it and about it as you go; how can you effectively contribute to, or lead, your organisation's AI strategy? So in this episode, we get super practical to help leaders become power users. We share five specific ways we use AI to amplify our own leadership work and impact, including practical tips on how exactly you do this. Our use cases range from handling difficult conversations to tackling the strategic challenges that keep us awake at night. We also reveal which AI model significantly outperformed the others for a particularly valuable leadership task and why one very specific technique of using AI as a thought partner has become indispensable in our own work. Enjoy this super practical episode with ideas we know you’ll want to start using immediately. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered if you’re missing out on some easy AI hacks?  We were both surprised recently to read the results of some research we'd conducted with senior executives about their AI usage to see that most people are barely scratching the surface of what these tools can do. That’s prompted us to create this episode bringing you a practical guide to the techniques that actually make a big difference. We're sharing the most powerful techniques and hacks we've discovered after constant AI use and refinement. These aren't theoretical concepts or beginner basics, they're the strategies and simple steps that can transform how effectively you work with tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Co Pilot. In this episode, we reveal four separate and easy approaches that will upgrade your AI outputs immediately. Don’t worry, you won’t need to spend hours learning or implementing any of these hacks.   For example, you'll discover how to get AI to do the heavy lifting on prompts themselves (yes, really), and learn a great way to tackle repetitive tasks with ease, avoiding re-inventing the wheel time and time again. Some of the techniques you’ll hear about include: The metaprompting technique that can save hours of prompt refinementHow Projects, Gems, GPTs and Custom Co Pilots may turbo-charge your productivity A step by step explanation of how you can set up these tools, andExactly how AI was used to help generate some of the copy you’re reading now.  Whether you're already comfortable with AI or still finding your feet, we’re confident that at least one of these techniques will help you level up your own AI skills and outcomes.  Listen now for practical and real examples of how these techniques work in action to help you work smarter with AI.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a group of friends gathering at Starbucks on Sundays to experiment with ChatGPT evolves into a global movement spanning more than 40 cities? That's the journey of Build Club, and its founder Annie Liao has some compelling insights about what it takes to actually make AI adoption work—not just in theory, but in practice. Annie, who recently raised over $1.7 million and relocated to San Francisco, has a front-row seat to how AI is reshaping work. From her early days in data science at Westpac to strategy consulting at BCG and venture capital, she's now solving what she calls the "AI adoption problem" that enterprises are struggling with worldwide. In this episode, you'll hear: Why Annie's "AI Champions" approach has been Build Club’s most successful way of helping companies embrace AI How she struck partnership deals with big names like Nvidia and LovableAnnie’s prediction we’re all likely to have agents working overnight on our behalf and what that meansThe AI tools Annie uses in her daily workflow, andWhat makes San Francisco's AI ecosystem fundamentally different from Australia's From her vantage point in the Bay Area, Annie shares what excites her most about seeing people use AI for the first time, why there might be too many no-code tools flooding the market, and the practical steps anyone can take to position themselves for what's coming next. Enjoy this episode with the indomitable Annie Liao.  Useful links: Build Club website Annie Liao on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we explore how AI is transforming the way we approach and develop strategy - not just in boardrooms, but in so many of the myriad of decisions businesses and leaders need to make almost daily. Our guest is Ross Dawson, a globally recognised futurist, keynote speaker, and strategy advisor. Ross is the bestselling author of ‘Thriving on Overload’ and founder of the Humans + AI community. Ross’s clients around the globe have included Google, Microsoft, American Express and Procter & Gamble. Ross's work today is focused on what AI can do to augment and support humans in a positive, value-adding way. He neatly combines both the big-picture vision of a futurist and the practical insights of someone experimenting with these tools daily. What struck us most about this conversation was Ross's articulation of how AI can be used across four distinct domains of strategy and how he’s observed few organisations have sharp clarity on each of these distinct and important elements. He also shares how AI is prompting forward thinking leaders to think about their strategy development and decision processes in different ways now AI can be injected into the process. In our conversation, you'll also hear Ross share: The technique Ross learned from Nvidia's CEO for optimising AI outputs using multiple modelsPractical examples of AI being used in boardrooms including a unique conversation ‘monitor’The 2 most important human skills Ross believes we all need in an AI-augmented world, and . . . How threatened entry-level jobs can be completely reimagined to create value for both the individual and the business.  This is a thought-provoking exploration of how humans and AI can work together to create better strategies and better outcomes, so enjoy this episode with the forward-thinking Ross Dawson. Useful Links Ross Dawson’s website   Humans + AI Community Ross's book - Thriving on Overload  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine you're a marketing professor who saw the AI revolution coming years before ChatGPT hit the scene, wrote the definitive book on AI marketing in 2021, and now find yourself at the epicentre of one of the most dramatic transformations in history. This is the very position this week’s guest, Jim Lecinski, finds himself in. Jim is a Clinical Professor of Marketing at Northwestern University's prestigious Kellogg School of Management, where he teaches AI in Marketing and has won Professor of the Year.  Adding to Jim's canny foresight is his prior, 13-year career as a VP at Google. As a result, Jim brings both the practitioner's real-world experience and the academic's analytical rigour to one of the most important questions facing leaders and marketers today: how do you harness AI not just for efficiency gains, but for genuine competitive advantage and growth? In our conversation, you'll also hear about: Jim's 2x2 framework for thinking strategically about AI applications in marketing Use-case examples from brands such as Coca-Cola, Starbucks, and IKEA where AI is used to revolutionise everything from creative development to customer serviceWhy businesses need to prepare for the shift from search engine optimisation (SEO) to "generative engine optimisation" (GEO), and what that means practicallyThe emerging world of AI agents and how this will fundamentally change how we all shop, andJim's essential learning resources for those who want to stay ahead of the curve. We loved the way Jim shares his own wisdom and insights as well as sharing many examples of what market leaders are actually doing with AI. We know you’ll enjoy this conversation with the whip-smart professor who saw the AI future ahead of the crowd.  Useful Links Jim Lecinski on LinkedIn AI Marketing Association  Marketing AI Institute  Andrew Ng’s AI for Everyone course on Coursera Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered what it's really like inside one of the world's fastest-growing AI companies? This week we get unprecedented access to the inner workings of Leonardo AI through their Chief Commercial Officer, Donna Thomas. Leonardo AI is a Gen AI-powered image and video generator and it’s one of Australia's AI success stories. It scaled from zero to 19 million users in just two years before being acquired by Canva last year. At ‘Leo’ as they call it, Donna plays a central role  overseeing customer, marketing, sales and enterprise adoption, as Leo charts its evolution from a fast-growing creative AI platform to an enterprise-scale solution.         Donna takes us behind the scenes and shares what hypergrowth feels like from the inside. She says Leo has redefined her understanding of speed itself. In such a fast moving environment,  the challenges of managing and sustaining teams through constant change become critical and Donna shares the specific structures and rituals Leo uses to maintain team stability while moving faster than she's ever experienced. In this conversation, you'll also discover: The key differences between working at a traditional tech giant versus an AI-native startup and what skills become essentialThe "listening muscle" required to synthesise signals from customers, competitors, and tech developments in real-timePractical strategies for managing and sustaining teams through hypergrowth and hyper-fast work rhythms Why Leonardo embeds AI across everything from customer service to engineering and HR, and how they manage the complexity of using multiple different AI tools internally; and . . .Donna's advice for professionals wanting to become more AI-fluent and free up time for deep work. Whether you're curious about life inside a cutting-edge AI company or looking for practical insights on adapting and leading in our rapidly changing work environment, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into how a world-leading AI-native organisation is managing these challenges and opportunities.  Enjoy this episode!  Useful Links Leonardo AI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest this week gets straight to the heart of what actually makes AI work in practice: seamless data integration and moving at what she calls "the speed of trust." Ann Maya is the EMEA Chief Technology Officer at Boomi, a company that connects applications, devices, and systems to help organisations navigate digital transformation. With over 20 years in software—from developer to solution architect to senior leadership—Ann has a rare ability to bridge technical complexity with business reality. In this conversation, we explore why most organisations struggle to scale AI beyond pilots, and why the answer isn't just about the technology itself. Ann shares: How a container ship insurance company transformed their underwriter workflow from three days to 15 minutes—and why their legal team immediately wanted inWhy she believes your company's data is your "competitive secret sauce" and how to protect it while still leveraging AI's powerThe psychology behind why change happens at "the speed of trust" and how smart companies bring their people along on the AI journeyReal examples of what she calls "creative destruction"—and why the next revolution might come from the most unexpected places Ann also reveals how Boomi has embedded 11 different AI agents into their own platform and shares a fascinating perspective on the current AI race: who's winning, who's getting left behind, and what you can control when everything feels like it's moving at breakneck speed. Whether you're wondering how to turn AI skeptics into advocates or trying to understand why your organisation's data strategy matters more than ever, this conversation offers practical insights from someone who's helping companies navigate this transformation every day. Enjoy this episode with the innovative and customer-focused Ann Maya.  Useful Links   Ann on LinkedIn Boomi home page Boomi - Discover  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we explore how AI is reshaping all things marketing with Emma Wharton Love, co-founder of UK-based Spark AI.  Emma helps creative agencies and in-house teams navigate the AI era, and her unique background includes helping the entire UK House of Commons transition to hybrid working during Covid. That experience taught Emma something crucial that we explore in this episode, successful AI deployment isn't really about the technology, it's about people and change management.  We also probe one of the most sensitive areas for the marketing services industry, how AI is impacting the creative process itself. We also explore what AI video means for advertising and how it may result in a much bigger pool of advertisers in future. During this great conversation you'll also discover: What to avoid when starting out on the AI pathwayThe value of synthetic market research (and what it is)Where Emma believes the biggest gains for agencies lie How she thinks about AI’s future role in marketing creativity, and The one mindset Emma believes is essential for AI success. Whether you're in marketing or not, Emma's approach to managing AI transformation offers valuable lessons for any professional or business trying to harness this technology thoughtfully. Useful Links Spark AI website Emma Wharton Love on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're sharing an AI conversation many executives are afraid to have. Our guest, Peter Guagenti, CEO of agentic platform and AI agent builder, EverWorker, is one of those rare voices willing to say what others won't: "AI will replace jobs”. Perhaps surprisingly, he goes on to explain why that’s not necessarily a bad thing. While many in the industry underestimate or downplay AI's capabilities, Peter speaks plainly about what he's seeing happen right now in businesses across multiple industries. Peter has been at the forefront of enterprise AI adoption for nearly a decade. Before EverWorker, he was President of TabNine, a pioneering AI code assistant, and he’s held leadership roles at major data infrastructure and dev tools companies including Cockroach Labs. What you'll hear Peter share in this episode: Why job replacement fears are missing the bigger picture Which "boring" businesses are actually leading early AI agent adoptionSkills you need to successfully implement AI for automation in any businessWhy Peter calls AGI talk "nonsense" and what leaders should focus on instead, andThe one thing about AI's future that genuinely worries him most. Peter has a gift for cutting through the hype with plain talking, concrete examples and practical insights in an easy to understand way. This is a refreshing and informative conversation for anyone wanting a glimpse into early adoption of AI agents and much more.  Enjoy this conversation with the plain-speaking and savvy Peter Guagenti.  Useful Links EverWorker website EverWorker AI Academy - free AI fundamentals course for business leaders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re not long back from attending the AI Summit in London - the headline event for London Tech Week. And so this week’s episode is all about sharing the sometimes surprising key insights we took away.  The Summit brought together an incredible cross-section of nationalities, perspectives, and industries, giving us what felt like a real-time pulse check of where AI stands right now. We were there on your behalf, identifying amazing leaders and securing some fantastic upcoming guests for the show. In this episode, we share our biggest takeaways from the event - and we suspect at least one of them will challenge what you might expect about AI's current impact in the business world. What you'll hear: The surprising reality about AI's bottom-line impact in most organisations Why even the biggest companies are missing a crucial strategic opportunity with their AI approachThe coming wave of autonomous AI Agents and what this means for how we'll all be working soon, Some rare ‘behind the curtain’ examples of how some of the most forward thinking businesses are applying AI, and . . . The fascinating cultural divide we observed between how Europeans and Americans are talking about AI's impact on jobs. We also explore why so many AI pilots are failing to scale, the risks of unauthorised AI tool usage in workplaces, and what successful AI deployment actually looks like when companies think beyond just automating existing processes. If you've been wondering whether your organisation is behind the curve with AI, or if you're curious about what's really happening beyond the hype, this episode offers some much-needed perspective from the front lines of the AI world around the globe. Useful Links The AI Summit London McKinsey report on the 'Gen AI Paradox' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered what really happens after you hit 'apply' on that dream job? We're pulling back the curtain on modern recruitment with Magdalena Orascanin, an international HR consultant and speaker who advises and trains HR teams globally on strategic AI implementation. Based in Switzerland and founder of Magnate HR, Magdalena has a wealth of HR experience, and a refreshingly honest perspective on how AI is actually being used in hiring and in HR today - spoiler alert: it's not what most people think.  Magdalena speaks regularly about AI and HR including at the AI Summit London where we can also be found this week. :-) In this episode we explore: The ATS Mythology Magdalena reveals the biggest myth about Applicant Tracking Systems and shares what's really screening your CV The Application Avalanche Why recruiters are drowning in applications like never before and what this means for your job search strategyHow to successfully apply for rolesUsing AI as Your Career Coach How to flip the script and use AI tools to your advantage, and . . .Future-Proofing Your Career Essential skills for staying relevant as AI reshapes the workplace. Magdalena shares fantastic insider knowledge and tips in our conversation.  She also reveals her favourite AI tools for automation and content creation, plus why she believes we're still at the "dial-up internet" stage of AI development. Whether you're actively job hunting, or just want to understand how the hiring landscape is shifting, or how roles will change as AI is deployed, this conversation offers priceless insider insights.  Enjoy this episode with the dynamic and optimistic Magdalena Orascanin.  Useful Links:  Magdalena on LinkedIn Magdalena’s business Magnate  The AI Summit London Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, we speak with Dr Nici Sweaney, founder of AI Her Way, who brings a powerful perspective on why women urgently need to engage with artificial intelligence - not just for their own personal productivity, but for the future quality of AI itself. Nici's journey into AI consulting and training began with a moment of clarity while rocking her toddler to sleep. As an academic, data scientist, and mother of four, she realised women,  especially those juggling multiple responsibilities, stand to benefit enormously from AI assistance. More importantly, she recognised a concerning gender gap in AI adoption that could have far-reaching consequences. In our fascinating conversation, Nici shares: Why the current gender imbalance in who is using AI presents both a personal productivity loss AND a broader societal challengeHow AI tools are actively learning from us and re-presenting our world back to us - making women's voices critical in these formative stages of the techPractical strategies for moving beyond ‘tinkering’ with AI to integrating it throughout your work and personal lifeA revealing look inside Nici's own business, where AI ‘staff members work alongside humans in every function, andNici’s vision for how AI could transform our future - from solving global challenges to enabling more entrepreneurial thinking. We were particularly struck by Nici's perspective that women have a "moral obligation" to engage with AI. As she explains, these systems are currently being shaped predominantly by male users, and without diverse input they risk perpetuating bias for generations to come. So whether you're AI-curious but hesitant, already experimenting with these tools, or looking to take your AI skills to the next level, this episode offers valuable insights on claiming your place in the AI revolution - not just for your benefit, but for all the women who follow. Enjoy this episode with this forward thinking champion of women, Dr Nici Sweaney. Useful Links AI Her Way website Nici on LinkedIn Nici on Instagram Special Offer for Listeners Dr Nici has generously offered our listeners free 14 day trial access to her AI for Impact Hub, which includes comprehensive education on the five levels of AI integration, from basic prompting to agentic AI. Access it here: https://aiherway.short.gy/DontStop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we share a thought-provoking episode of Don't Stop Us Now AI Edition, where we tackle head-on some of the most challenging realities of the AI revolution. Our guest, Isar Meitis, Founder of Multiplai AI, gives us a reality check, without the sugarcoating, explaining the potential disruption heading our way. As an entrepreneur, investor, podcaster and AI strategist who's deeply embedded in this space, Isar brings a refreshingly frank perspective about what's coming, perhaps sooner than many of us expect. In this compelling conversation, Isar shares his predictions about the dramatic workforce changes we're likely to see in the next 2-3 years. While many experts talk about gradual transitions, Isar believes we're approaching a tipping point where AI's capabilities may create significant employment challenges across numerous industries. We explore: Why AI's impact on jobs could be more sudden and widespread than most people realiseHow staggeringly capable autonomous Agents will become in the next few yearsHow to think about creating a comprehensive and winning AI strategy for your organisation, and Specific AI tools Isar loves and uses in his own business.  Isar also shares practical strategies for listeners looking to remain relevant and valuable in an increasingly AI-enhanced workplace.  This is an ‘edge of your seat’, fascinating and somewhat controversial conversation which, as you’ll discover, runs a little longer than our usual episodes. We think you’ll know why once you hear for yourself.   Enjoy this unmissable episode with the knowledgeable and straight-talking Isar Meitis.  Links mentioned: Isar Meitis LinkedInMultiplai AI website Isar’s AI Business Transformation Course (starts May 12 2025) **Listeners get a discount for this or future sessions of this course using the code: LEVERAGINGAI100Leveraging AI Podcast (on YouTube)  * Don’t forget to share this episode with any friends, family or colleagues who may be interested in this reality check on what's coming with AI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.