Send us a text SummaryIn this episode of the Project Flux Spotlight Series, James Garner speaks with Tom Esch, a consultant with a unique background as a former Catholic priest. They discuss the evolving landscape of AI and its implications for human skills, emotional intelligence, and workplace dynamics. Tom shares his journey from skepticism to a more open perspective on AI, emphasizing the importance of human connection and communication in an increasingly digital world. The conversation also touches on the challenges of conflict resolution in construction, the need for psychologically safe workplaces, and the potential for AI to enhance or hinder human relationships. Tom's insights highlight the necessity of balancing technological advancements with the preservation of essential human skills.TakeawaysAI can be a useful tool for humanity.Human skills are essential in the AI age.Emotional intelligence will become increasingly important.Public shaming in the workplace is counterproductive.AI can enhance efficiency but may reduce creativity.Creating a psychologically safe workplace is crucial.Conflict resolution requires understanding different communication styles.Leaders must adapt to the changing workplace dynamics.Gardening and meditation help ground individuals.AI's impact on spirituality and human connection is significant.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Human Skills in the AI Age06:03 Navigating AI's Impact on Creativity and Communication09:57 Spirituality and AI: A New Frontier16:28 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in a Digital World22:51 The Human Brain and AI Interaction24:24 Designing for AI: The New Rhetoric25:56 AI and Emotional Intelligence28:09 Conflict Resolution in Construction31:45 Generational Discrepancies in the Workplace36:17 Creating a Psychologically Safe Workplace40:29 The Future of AI in Leadership44:21 Introduction to Project Flux and Partnership44:49 Future of Project Management Insights44:58 ending.mp445:32 Unleash the Code Intro.wavlINKS AND STUFF Tom Esch Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showSubscribe to the Project Flux Newsletter! All our podcasts commentate on the weeks hottest news brought to you by the Project Flux Newsletter! Get a step ahead on the world of AI and tech, subscribe and get the weekly newsletter to your inbox every Monday! Sign Up to Newsletter Project Data Analytics Taskforce site
--------
46:26
--------
46:26
AI Won’t Work If You Don’t Fix THIS First
Send us a textSummaryIn this episode of the Project Flux podcast, Michael Schank, a digital transformation consultant and author, discusses the complexities of digital transformation, the importance of alignment within organizations, and the role of AI in enhancing processes. He emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of business processes through the Process Inventory Framework, which helps organizations identify inefficiencies and align their strategies. The conversation also touches on the challenges of cultural change in adopting new technologies and the future implications of AI in business.TakeawaysDigital transformation failures often stem from lack of alignment.Understanding processes is crucial for successful transformation.Organizations must document existing processes to identify inefficiencies.AI should be embedded in business processes for maximum impact.Cultural change is essential for successful technology adoption.Transparency in strategy helps align teams towards common goals.The Process Inventory Framework aids in understanding organizational capabilities.Shadow systems can undermine official processes and need to be addressed.AI can revolutionize business operations if implemented correctly.Future success will depend on how organizations adapt to AI advancements.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Digital Transformation04:06 Understanding Transformation Failures06:56 The Importance of Alignment in Organizations09:35 Process Inventory Framework Explained12:25 Integrating AI with Process Frameworks15:13 Rethinking Established Processes17:31 Addressing Shadow Systems in Organizations20:22 Empowerment and Transparency in AI Strategies22:54 Measuring Project Success23:51 Navigating AI Strategy in a Rapidly Changing Landscape25:18 Understanding Digital Transformation Frameworks27:11 Evolving Perspectives on Business Capabilities28:18 Embedding AI into Organizational Processes29:40 Cultural Change and Technology Adoption31:03 Trusting AI: The Importance of Human Oversight31:49 AI Deployment Challenges in Large Organizations33:57 Comparing Transformation in Large vs. Small Organizations35:55 Legacy and Future of Digital Transformation36:47 The Future of AI: Balancing Innovation and Responsibility38:24 Introduction to Project Flux and Partnership38:53 Future of Project Management Insights39:05 ending.mp439:38 Unleash the Code Intro.wavLINKS AND STUFF Get the report here Michael Schank Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showSubscribe to the Project Flux Newsletter! All our podcasts commentate on the weeks hottest news brought to you by the Project Flux Newsletter! Get a step ahead on the world of AI and tech, subscribe and get the weekly newsletter to your inbox every Monday! Sign Up to Newsletter Project Data Analytics Taskforce site
--------
40:31
--------
40:31
The Weekly Pulse - Meta Poaches OpenAI's Best
Send us a textIn this episode of the Weekly Pulse, we explore the latest developments in AI, focusing on the escalating talent war, ethical concerns in AI development, new standards for project management, Musk's controversial Grok 4 initiative, and the shift towards human-AI collaboration. They also discuss OpenAI's challenge to Microsoft Office and provide quick updates on other significant AI news.TakeawaysThe AI landscape is rapidly evolving, making it crucial to stay informed.The competition for AI talent is intensifying, with significant financial incentives.Ethical considerations in AI development are being overshadowed by the race for talent.New standards for AI in project management aim to address both opportunities and risks.Musk's Grok 4 initiative raises concerns about the manipulation of truth in AI.Human-AI collaboration is becoming a preferred model over full automation.OpenAI's new collaborative software could disrupt traditional office tools.The importance of governance and ethical frameworks in AI development cannot be overstated.AI's impact on job roles is shifting towards valuing uniquely human skills.The future of work will depend on how we choose to collaborate with AI.Chapters00:00 Navigating the AI Landscape02:49 The Talent War in AI05:50 Ethics and Safety in AI Development08:53 New Standards for AI in Project Management11:47 Musk's Grok 4 and the Redefinition of Truth16:41 Human-AI Collaboration: A New Paradigm19:44 OpenAI's Challenge to Microsoft Office23:44 Quick Updates and Insights from Project FluxDigital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showSubscribe to the Project Flux Newsletter! All our podcasts commentate on the weeks hottest news brought to you by the Project Flux Newsletter! Get a step ahead on the world of AI and tech, subscribe and get the weekly newsletter to your inbox every Monday! Sign Up to Newsletter Project Data Analytics Taskforce site
--------
30:28
--------
30:28
Can AI Beat Human Estimators?
Send us a textSummaryIn this episode of the Project Flux podcast, James Garner speaks with Tolis Chatzisymeon about the intersection of AI and project management, particularly in estimating and engineering. They discuss the rapid evolution of AI, the importance of emotional intelligence in engineering roles, and the future of quantity surveying. Tolis shares insights from his journey in the industry, the challenges of integrating AI into estimating systems, and the significance of data quality. The conversation also touches on the role of BIM in modern engineering and the cultural influences that shape entrepreneurial success.TakeawaysAI is rapidly evolving and will significantly impact project management.Emotional intelligence and leadership skills are becoming essential in engineering roles.The gap between estimating and planning needs to be bridged for better project outcomes.Modern estimating practices are evolving with technology and AI integration.Data quality is crucial for accurate AI predictions in estimating.AI can automate many aspects of estimating, improving efficiency.Understanding how AI makes recommendations is vital for quantity surveyors.BIM and AI together can enhance the accuracy of project estimations.Listening to early adopters is key for startups in the tech space.Cultural influences can shape entrepreneurial approaches and business strategies.Chapters00:00 The Future of AI in Business04:31 Passion for Engineering and Technology07:10 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Engineering09:44 The Birth of Nometech12:24 Modern Cost Estimating Practices15:09 Leveraging AI for Cost Estimation17:38 Challenges in Standardizing Estimation Data20:22 The Evolution of AI in Estimating22:49 Challenges in AI and Data Integration24:48 The Complexity of Cost Estimation27:52 Human Insight vs AI in Decision Making29:54 The Future of Quantity Surveying33:15 Advice for New Graduates in the Industry37:33 Lessons Learned from Entrepreneurship42:23 Introduction to Project Flux and Partnership42:52 Future of Project Management Insights43:04 ending.mp443:38 Unleash the Code Intro.wavLINK AND STUFF Tolis Chatzisymeon Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showSubscribe to the Project Flux Newsletter! All our podcasts commentate on the weeks hottest news brought to you by the Project Flux Newsletter! Get a step ahead on the world of AI and tech, subscribe and get the weekly newsletter to your inbox every Monday! Sign Up to Newsletter Project Data Analytics Taskforce site
--------
42:53
--------
42:53
The Weekly Pulse - OpenAI's Strategic Pivot Away From Microsoft Reshapes Silicon Valley's Future
Send us a textSummaryThis conversation explores the rapid evolution of AI and its profound impact on various sectors, particularly project delivery. It highlights the shifting dynamics between major players like OpenAI and Microsoft, groundbreaking innovations in AI applications, the widening digital divide in AI literacy, and the ethical implications of AI deployment. The discussion also delves into the challenges faced by Elon Musk's XAI and the ongoing battle for content rights in the AI landscape. Ultimately, it emphasises the need for organisations to adapt strategically to the changing AI landscape and the importance of transparency and ethical considerations in AI development.TakeawaysAI is fundamentally reshaping project delivery across sectors.The partnership between OpenAI and Microsoft is evolving towards competition.AI innovations like robotic concrete testing are setting new industry standards.The digital divide in AI literacy poses risks for future workforce equity.Elon Musk's XAI faces significant financial and ethical challenges.Content rights issues are becoming critical in the AI landscape.Organizations must prioritize AI literacy in recruitment and training.Infrastructure planning is essential for large-scale AI projects.Real-time data transparency is becoming a baseline expectation.The future of AI will be shaped by ethical considerations and community impacts.Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson Discover how technology is reshaping our lives and livelihoods.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showSubscribe to the Project Flux Newsletter! All our podcasts commentate on the weeks hottest news brought to you by the Project Flux Newsletter! Get a step ahead on the world of AI and tech, subscribe and get the weekly newsletter to your inbox every Monday! Sign Up to Newsletter Project Data Analytics Taskforce site
Project Flux is a pioneering podcast that explores the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence across various industries, including construction, music, infrastructure, and life sciences, with a focus on revolutionising the project delivery profession. Each episode brings to light how AI is redefining efficiency, innovation, and strategic decision-making in project management. Through engaging conversations with industry leaders, technologists, and forward-thinkers, the podcast offers a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities AI introduces, the nuances of its integration, and its potential to reshape project delivery on a global scale. Project Flux is the go-to resource for professionals seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of AI in project delivery, offering insights, strategies, and inspiration to harness the power of AI for a more innovative and effective future.