AI Today Podcast

AI & Data Today

The top podcast for those wanting no-hype, practical, real-world insight into what enterprises, public sector agencies, thought leaders, leading technology companies, pundits, and experts are doing with AI today.

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S10 · E6
September 16 · 27 min
AI Creativity and the Future of Work: Insights from Bryan McAnulty
In this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch welcomes Bryan McAnulty, founder of Latchloop and host of the Creators Adventure podcast. Bryan shares his entrepreneurial journey from design agency work to building SaaS products like Heights Platform, and now Latchloop, an AI agent platform designed to accelerate product development and collaboration. Kathleen and Bryan explore how AI is reshaping entrepreneurship, content creation, and community building. Bryan explains why execution is no longer the differentiator and how it’s unique ideas and human perspective now set creators apart. Communities, whether PMI’s global volunteer network or creator-driven platforms, remain the strongest moat in an era of abundant AI-generated content. They highlight how small businesses can adopt AI faster than large organizations, but caution against treating it as a simple checkbox. Bryan introduces a framework of automation loops, goal loops, and feedback loops to help teams rethink workflows and deliver better outcomes. Kathleen connects this to project management practices, stressing the importance of documenting processes and building scalable collaboration models. Key insights include: Learn how AI shifts value from execution to ideas, and why human perspective drives differentiation. Discover how authentic communities provide a moat in an AI‑saturated world. Understand how small businesses can move faster than large organizations to rethink customer outcomes. Explore how automation, goal, and feedback loops create effective AI collaboration. Recognize why documenting processes and SOPs are essential to harness AI agents successfully. Bryan concludes with optimism about the future of AI, predicting that individuals and organizations alike will soon solve problems once thought unimaginable.
S10 · E5
September 2 · 41 min
AI Adoption Challenges and Leadership: Insights from Jennifer Tharp
In this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch welcomes Jennifer Tharp, president of Mastodon Consulting, former PMI Board chair, PMI Fellow, and also PMP and PMI-CPMAI certified. Jennifer discusses how AI is transforming project management, not just as a tool but by reshaping the work itself. She highlights three forces as the new bottleneck: collapsed estimation, distributed authorship, and quality assurance. Traditional artifacts like Gantt charts and risk registers risk irrelevance, requiring project managers to evolve into decision governors who make choices visible, accountable, and aligned with organizational goals. Key insights include: Learn how AI makes delivery unpredictable and how PMs can adapt estimation practices. Discover how responsibility for AI‑driven decisions is moving, and how PMs can claim it to stay relevant. Grasp how human review lags behind machine speed, and how new QA approaches can close the gap. Explore how PMs move beyond artifacts to frameworks that make choices visible and auditable. Learn how skills such as critical thinking, judgment, and communication keep PMs indispensable in the AI age. Jennifer stresses that passive observers who do not embrace AI risk losing relevance and why PMs must claim accountability before it shifts elsewhere. She emphasizes that AI will soon be embedded in projects by default, but success depends on durable frameworks, rigorous governance, and enduring leadership to ensure ethical, measurable outcomes.
S10 · E4
August 19 · 21 min
Critical Thinking and Trust in AI Projects: Insights from Cheryl Howard
In this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch welcomes Cheryl Howard, principal consultant at Howard Consulting, PMI standards volunteer, and PMI‑CPMAI certified. Cheryl shares how CPMAI’s structured, iterative framework, combining CRISP‑DM and Agile, helps organizations move beyond hype to deliver governed, human-centered AI outcomes. She explains that AI project success starts with business understanding and clean, well-prepared data, not rushing into model development. Together, Kathleen and Cheryl highlight how CPMAI ensures ethical, explainable, and auditable outcomes, especially in regulated industries. Cheryl emphasizes enduring human skills such as critical thinking, governance, trust, and accountability are essential for project leaders navigating AI adoption. Key insights include: AI success requires data that is clean, accessible, and properly prepared. Progress depends on clear accountability to prevent stalled pilots. Leaders must ask not only what AI can do but whether it should be done at all. Adoption fails when fatigue and overload outweigh readiness. Confidence grows when stakeholders are involved early, and outputs are explainable. Cheryl discusses how AI will soon be embedded in projects by default, but readiness requires durable frameworks like CPMAI and enduring human leadership to ensure measurable, ethical outcomes.
S10 · E3
August 5 · 28 min
Scaling AI Responsibly: Insights from Islam Tanas
In this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch welcomes Islam Tanas, who is a PMI Authorized Training Partner, founder of PASS‑PM Academy, an AI ambassador at PMI, and PMI-CPMAI certified. With 20+ years of experience, Islam enthusiastically shares how the CPMAI methodology reshaped his approach to AI projects, moving from traditional project management to structured, business‑first strategies. He explains that AI projects introduce unique challenges, such as data quality, model validation, ethics, bias, and governance, that demand a disciplined methodology. CPMAI helps project managers start with the business problem, ask the right questions, and validate outcomes before making technology decisions. A case study from his learning platform illustrates how AI can personalize exam preparation responsibly when guided by CPMAI. Key insights include: Understand AI limits: what it can and cannot do Update skills through practice and professional communities Avoid stalled pilots with governance and ownership Build confidence through transparency, not just accuracy Scale AI responsibly with project managers at the center Islam’s message is clear: AI is not magic—it’s a decision support system. Project managers remain essential in bridging business, data, and technology, ensuring AI delivers measurable outcomes.
S10 · E2
July 22 · 25 min
AI Adoption: Mindset Shifts & Results — with Mouhsine Kabbaj
Kathleen Walch welcomes Mouhsine Kabbaj, a seasoned Senior Program Manager with 25+ years in transformation, business process engineering, and AI integration. With PMP, PGMP, PFMP, and PMI-CPMAI certifications, Mouhsine passionately shares how CPMAI reshaped his approach to AI projects, moving beyond traditional software methods to a methodology built on business understanding, data quality, and iterative experimentation that unlock real business value. He explains why AI projects require fresh mindsets: embracing uncertainty, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and shifting activity metrics to measurable outcomes. A vivid case study illustrates how an AI assistant reduced call center times by 40%, boosted advisor efficiency, and advanced organizational readiness for AI adoption. You will gain insights on: Why CPMAI matters — structuring AI initiatives to avoid costly failures How to set expectations — starting with business problems, not technology hype Shifting mindsets in the AI era — collaboration across disciplines, comfort with uncertainty, focus on value Where AI is heading — seamless integration into daily work, with project managers at the center of transformation Mouhsine also reflects on why many AI projects fail, how the CPMAI methodology helps organizations reset instead of waste resources, and why project managers must bridge business, data, and technology. Practical and inspiring, this episode is essential for project managers, AI practitioners, and leaders ready to turn AI hype into measurable value.
S10 · E1
July 8 · 44 min
10 Years of AI: What Changed, What Didn't, and What's Next with Kathleen Walch
As AI Today enters its 10th season, host Kathleen Walch takes a step back to reflect on nearly a decade of conversations about artificial intelligence and the lessons that remain just as relevant today as they were when the podcast launched in 2017. In this special anniversary episode, Kathleen explores how AI has evolved from predictive analytics and machine learning initiatives led by specialized teams to today's era of generative AI and agentic AI, where powerful tools are available to virtually everyone. She examines what changed, what didn't, and why many of the biggest challenges organizations face with AI are still rooted in data, governance, expectations, and business alignment. You'll hear reflections on: The AI fundamentals that have stood the test of time, including the 7 patterns of AI and 6 phases of CPMAI Why use cases and business value matter more than the underlying technology How large language models (LLMs) transformed AI accessibility and adoption The continuing importance of data quality, governance, and responsible AI Why AI works best as a human-machine partnership (augmented intelligence) How project professionals are becoming critical to successful AI initiatives What organizations need to do to move from AI experimentation to sustainable, scalable value Drawing on insights from more than 540 episodes and hundreds of conversations with practitioners across industries, Kathleen revisits some of AI Today's earliest questions: Why does AI matter? Should we be afraid of AI? And what does the future of AI mean for organizations and the people who lead change within them? Whether you've been listening since Season 1 or are discovering AI Today for the first time, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how far AI has come and what will continue to matter as we enter the next decade of AI adoption.
S9 · E22
June 24 · 24 min
CPMAI for Grounding AI Projects — with Dave Prior
In this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch speaks with Dave Prior, project management consultant, longtime PMI volunteer, host of DrunkenPM Radio, and PMI-CPMAI certified practitioner. Dave shares his journey from resisting Agile to embracing it and now confronting AI with similar skepticism before finding clarity through the PMI-CPMAI certification. He explains how the methodology helps overcome fear by grounding AI projects in business value, data discipline, and iterative reassessment. Listeners will hear how the PMI-CPMAI certification helps align stakeholders, why retraining prevents model drift, and how augmented intelligence enables storytelling, creativity, and stakeholder trust. You’ll gain insights on: How continuous reassessment manages drift and fast changing conditions What mindset shifts help project managers see AI as a partner How Agile + CPMAI blend iteration with structure for success Practical, honest, and rich with real-world lessons, this episode is valuable for project managers, AI practitioners, and leaders navigating the ambiguity of AI transformation while striving to create humane, creative workplaces.
S9 · E21
June 10 · 28 min
The Iterative Future of AI Projects — with Jürgen Eckhart
Kathleen Walch speaks with Jürgen Eckhart, Engineering Program Manager at Google in Munich, lecturer in project management, and PMI-CPMAI certified practitioner. Jürgen shares how CPMAI expanded his “toolbox” for managing AI projects, grounding them in business value, quality data, and realistic stakeholder expectations. He explains why AI must be treated as iterative and probabilistic, not deterministic “magic,” and how project managers can shift from delivery to discovery—offloading routine tasks to AI while focusing on orchestration, collaboration, and trust. Jürgen likens today’s AI era to the “fax machine state,” a transitional phase in which AI is already relieving administrative burdens, yet its ultimate potential is still unfolding. You’ll gain insights on: Why project management foundations matter for AI success How CPMAI enables continuous reassessment in fast-changing environments What practical methods integrate AI into daily workflows, from meeting notes to coding support How to balance automation and creativity in stakeholder management How ethical standards and frameworks build trust in AI adoption Jürgen also reflects on misconceptions fueled by hype, shares real-world use cases like AI-assisted SQL scripting and portfolio reporting, and emphasizes the importance of ethics as AI accelerates global problem-solving. Practical and inspiring, this episode is a must-listen for project managers, AI practitioners, and leaders ready to strengthen their foundations and harness AI responsibly.
S9 · E20
May 27 · 28 min
From Delivery to Discovery in AI Projects — with Vinay Babu Tarala
Kathleen Walch speaks with Vinay Babu Tarala, Agile and AI Transformation Leader at AT&T, PMI Pearl City Hyderabad Chapter General Secretary, and author of AI Meets Agile. With passion and candor, Vinay shares how early AI project failures led him to PMI-CPMAI certification, transforming his approach to managing AI initiatives. He illustrates how CPMAI’s structured framework reduced software development cycle times from 2.5 months to 1.5 months by embedding AI across the SDLC—from user story creation to coding and testing. Vinay emphasizes that success comes not from chasing tools, but from solving real business problems with quality data and strong governance. You’ll gain insights on: Why AI projects fail without a structured methodology How CPMAI enables measurable outcomes and cycle-time reduction Why AI is probabilistic, iterative, and experimental—not deterministic “magic” How project managers must shift from delivery to discovery, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and a common language Practical steps for project managers to start using AI in daily workflows Vinay also tackles misconceptions about AI, the rise of agentic workflows, and why human creativity and critical thinking remain irreplaceable. Practical and inspiring, this episode is a must-listen for project managers, AI practitioners, and leaders ready to move beyond hype and harness AI as a transformative force in project management.
S9 · E19
May 13 · 33 min
Turning AI into Scalable Language Solutions – with Johan Sporre
Kathleen Walch speaks with Johan Sporre, Engineering Manager at IKEA Retail (Ingka Group) and CPMAI-certified professional, about how AI is transforming translation and language services at scale. Johan explains how his team supports 230,000 coworkers across 64 markets, with 90% of translations now AI-driven, and how CPMAI ensures alignment, quality data, and measurable outcomes. An IKEA case study shows how redefining translation as “text generation” in IKEA’s voice, powered by a graph database enriched with metadata, created a scalable foundation across dozens of languages. Johan highlights the challenges of balancing linguistic nuance with algorithms, misconceptions about “out-of-the-box” LLMs, and why operationalization—not deployment—defines AI success. You’ll gain insights on: Why CPMAI’s structured phases prevent costly failures How IKEA scaled translation from 6 to 46 languages iteratively Why tone, grammar, and cultural context matter in AI How sustainability and resource use shape AI’s future How project managers are evolving as orchestrators of AI-enabled workflows Practical and rich with real-world lessons, this episode is invaluable for project managers, AI practitioners, and leaders navigating language, technology, and business transformation.
S9 · E18
April 29 · 31 min
AI as Your New Team Member: Scaling with Confidence – with Michael Joyce
In this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch speaks with Michael Joyce, Enterprise Service Delivery and AI Transformation Leader at Cisco, about what it really takes to move AI from experimentation to operational impact in enterprise project delivery. Drawing on his experience leading technical program management teams across multiple customers, Michael shares how Cisco is applying generative AI to accelerate service delivery, improve decision quality, and empower project managers. He also founded Cisco’s internal AI Innovator Hub for PMs and helped create an AI for PM playbook, giving teams a repeatable way to apply AI under delivery pressure. Michael explains why AI projects differ fundamentally from traditional software initiatives, and why treating AI like a new team member through proper onboarding, context engineering, and iterative coaching turns it into a powerful "co-pilot" rather than just another tool. He and Kathleen discuss common pitfalls for AI projects like “shiny AI features” that fail to deliver, and how the CPMAI framework helps teams ask the right questions early, using Business Understanding and the AI Go/No-Go checklist to avoid wasted effort. A standout story from the podcast is how a high-stakes hospital system cutover illustrates how organizing critical knowledge into AI-supported playbooks enabled faster responses, smoother transitions, and stronger stakeholder confidence. They also explore PMI’s M.O.R.E. vision, the importance of relentlessly reassessing AI initiatives as conditions change, and how project managers can balance speed with accountability to deliver trustworthy, responsible AI. You’ll hear insights on: How PMI-CPMAI establishes a common language between business and technical teams Why chasing “shiny” AI features without understanding why often fails How treating AI like a teammate leads to stronger results How project leaders can balance speed with accountability in responsible AI How project managers are evolving into orchestrators of AI-enabled workflows Practical, grounded, and enterprise-focused, this episode offers valuable perspectives for project managers, technology leaders, and decision-makers working to turn AI ambition into dependable business results.
S9 · E17
April 15 · 30 min
Turn AI into Action — Practical Wins with CP Richardson
In this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch speaks with CP Richardson who is co-founder of Agile in Color, an Agile Alliance Board Member, and is also PMI- CPMAI certified to discuss what it really takes to bring AI into day-to-day work with discipline, intention, and the right framework. CP draws on more than 15 years of experience across software development, operations, marketing, and AI, including early work with machine learning in fraud detection. He also shares lessons learned from experimenting with AI to help run a small wine import business and how earning his PMI-CPMAI certification gave him a shared language and a structured, repeatable approach to AI, replacing instinct-driven decisions with clearer business alignment. That hands-on context provides some of the episode’s most practical and relatable insights. CP shares how he built an AI agent to help do prospecting for his wine import business. While the agent failed to deliver on the desired outcome, the lessons learned were valuable: building the right solution technically does not guarantee business success. Without CPMAI’s Phase One Business Understanding and the AI Go/No Go checklist, teams risk investing in solutions that work in theory but fail in practice. Kathleen and CP also discuss the importance of stakeholder engagement, the PMI M.O.R.E. vision of moving project managers beyond outputs to outcomes, and how combining agile principles with a data-centric methodology enables faster learning, better decisions, and more effective iteration. You'll hear insights on: Why Business Understanding is such a critical phase of any AI project How the AI Go/No Go checklist surfaces critical questions before starting your AI project What a real-world AI failure teaches about context, behavior, and business objectives Why agile practitioners need "chops" — and how AI raises the ceiling for those who have them How small businesses can punch above their weight with AI, if they're disciplined about it Practical, grounded, and anti-hype — for project managers, agile coaches, engineers stepping into AI leadership, or founders figuring out what AI can do for their business. Today's episode is brought to you by PMTraining.com. From live virtual classes to on-demand courses, PMTraining prepares students for popular PMI certifications, including the Project Management Professional or PMP. Behind the scenes, the PMTraining team is also actively applying AI across their organization, from learning development to customer support, helping them deliver training at scale. PMTraining.com is the world's largest provider of live classes for the Project Management Professional certification, running up to 35 classes every month for every schedule, with a free 30 PDU course included with your enrollment, so half of your continuing education requirement is already met once you are certified. They offer live and on-demand courses for all kinds of PMI certifications, with schedules and formats designed for working professionals. For AI Today listener discounts, visit PMTraining.com/aitoday.
S9 · E16
April 1 · 38 min
Balancing AI and Human Expertise in Professional Certification Training – with Chris Scordo
In this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch sits down with Chris Scordo, Founder and Managing Director of PMTraining—a PMI Authorized Training Partner—for a candid conversation about deploying AI responsibly in a training business while keeping the human element at the center. As artificial intelligence reshapes how content is created and delivered, Chris explains how the project management training landscape is evolving. From live instruction and certification preparation to on-demand learning, he shares how AI is transforming the way professionals learn while highlighting why human instructors, subject matter experts, and instructional designers remain essential. Chris discusses how AI tools can accelerate content development and support scalable learning. However, he emphasizes that real value still comes from experienced practitioners who provide context, interpretation, and practical insight. In project management—where judgment, leadership, and decision-making are critical—human guidance remains key to helping learners apply knowledge effectively. You’ll hear insights on: How AI is reshaping project management training and content creation Why human instructors and SMEs remain critical in an AI-enabled learning environment How training providers are adapting to AI-driven learning models How AI-related skills and certifications are gaining importance What project professionals can do to stay relevant in an AI-augmented future This episode offers valuable perspectives for project managers, training leaders, and learning professionals navigating the evolving intersection of AI, certification programs, and professional development. Today's episode is brought to you by PMTraining.com. From live virtual classes to on-demand courses, PMTraining prepares students for popular PMI certifications, including the Project Management Professional or PMP. Behind the scenes, the PMTraining team is also actively applying AI across their organization, from learning development to customer support, helping them deliver training at scale. PMTraining.com is the world's largest provider of live classes for the Project Management Professional certification, running up to 35 classes every month for every schedule, with a free 30 PDU course included with your enrollment, so half of your continuing education requirement is already met once you are certified. They offer live and on-demand courses for all kinds of PMI certifications, with schedules and formats designed for working professionals. For AI Today listener discounts, visit PMTraining.com/aitoday.
S9 · E15
March 18 · 33 min
AI Project Management in the Pharmaceutical Industry – with Sumathi Arcot
In this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch sits down with Sumathi Arcot, Project Director for Lean Agile Transformation in AstraZeneca’s U.S. Oncology Business Unit, for a candid conversation on what it really takes to manage AI responsibly in one of the world’s most regulated industries. Sumathi shares how the CPMAI methodology fundamentally shifted her perspective on AI, from something experimental and exploratory to a product discipline with defined outcomes, built-in governance, and clear success criteria from day one. In a pharma environment shaped by strict compliance requirements, she explains how CPMAI doesn’t slow innovation—it enables it—by aligning seamlessly with privacy impact assessments, third‑party risk reviews, and regulatory expectations. Drawing on a real-world patient value impact analysis project in the rare diseases space, Sumathi highlights how CPMAI’s six phases—especially Phase I: Business Understanding and Phase II: Data Understanding—help teams focus on the right problem before model development begins. She also connects CPMAI to PMI’s M.O.R.E. vision, explaining how structured artifacts, KPIs, and go/no-go checkpoints help project managers move beyond delivery to value especially when navigating AI initiatives with diverse, risk-aware stakeholders. You’ll hear insights on: How CPMAI transforms AI experiments into governed, auditable products Why Business Understanding is critical in AI initiatives How pharma compliance aligns to CPMAI checkpoints How the PMI M.O.R.E. vision helps project managers communicate AI value What agentic AI and human‑in‑the‑loop leadership looks like in the years ahead Whether you’re a project manager, transformation leader, or AI practitioner, this episode offers practical lessons for leading AI initiatives where the stakes and the scrutiny are high.
S9 · E14
March 4 · 25 min
How PMOs Lead Responsible AI Transformation in Higher Education – with Ivonne Mejia
In this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch talks with Ivonne Mejia, Lead Project Portfolio Manager for the San Francisco Bay Region Network at California State University (CSU), to discuss how PMOs can drive responsible AI transformation in higher education. As multiple CSU campuses consolidate under one unified PMO, Ivonne shares how she's embedding CPMAI into portfolio intake, prioritization, and oversight, ensuring AI initiatives are strategically aligned and governed. She makes the case for how CPMAI Phase One: Business Understanding shifts the question from “How do we build this with AI?” to “Should we?” The conversation covers readiness assessment, outcome definition, ethics, and stakeholder alignment. Additionally, Ivonne connects her approach to PMI’s M.O.R.E. vision: managing perceptions, owning success, relentlessly reassessing, and expanding perspectives as data and policy evolve. Tune in to hear about: How CPMAI prevents costly missteps Why starting with the right business problem changes everything How iterative go/no-go decisions keep AI projects aligned and on track What the future of AI-augmented project leadership looks like This episode delivers practical insight into leading AI initiatives that are aligned, governed, and built for measurable impact.
S9 · E13
February 18 · 28 min
Why CPMAI Matters in AI Projects — with Mike Hyzy
In this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch is joined by Michael Hyzy, Vice President of AI Strategy and Product Development at CGI, to explore why so many AI initiatives struggle—and why methodology matters more than ever. Drawing on his experience leading enterprise AI initiatives in regulated industries, Michael explains why treating AI like traditional software often leads to failure, stalled pilots, and unmet expectations. He shares how CPMAI provides the structure needed to manage uncertainty, align stakeholders, and move AI efforts from experimentation to measurable business outcomes. This conversation dives into the realities of managing non-linear AI work, from data readiness and model risk to governance, ethics, and long-term operationalization. Michael also looks ahead to the rise of AI agents and what project leaders must do now to prepare for a future where humans and AI systems work side by side. Tune in to hear about: Why AI projects fail when traditional delivery methods are applied How CPMAI helps teams navigate data uncertainty and iterative learning How organizations move AI from pilots to production Why governance and risk management must be built into AI projects from the start What mindset shifts do project managers need when leading AI initiatives What the transition from AI tools to AI agents means for organizations Whether you’re a project manager, AI practitioner, or organizational leader, this episode offers practical insight into delivering AI responsibly, realistically, and at scale.
S9 · E12
January 28 · 27 min
The Human Side of AI in Education — with Dr. Katrenia Reed Hughes
In this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch sits down with Dr. Katrenia Reed Hughes, educator, curriculum designer, and project leader, to explore how AI is transforming education—and what it means to prepare learners for project success in a rapidly changing world. As part of AI Today's PMI Global Summit Series, this conversation highlights how AI can be used not just as a tool, but as a pathway to equity, empowerment, and confidence—especially for underrepresented learners. Katrenia shares insights on curriculum development, early exposure to AI, and the mindsets needed to ensure no one gets left behind in the age of automation. Tune in to hear about: Why exposure to AI early builds not just skills, but belief How educators are integrating AI across curriculum design The role of psychological safety and representation in project learning What “future readiness” means for tomorrow’s project leaders How AI can both challenge and enhance traditional education models The importance of mentorship, agency, and human connection in AI-powered learning Whether you're in education, project management, or talent development, this episode offers a hopeful and practical vision for building more inclusive, AI-literate teams—starting in the classroom.
S9 · E11
Dec 3, 2025 · 22 min
Lee Lambert on AI, Human Skills, and the Evolution of Project Management
In this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch sits down with Lee Lambert, PMI Fellow, a founder of the PMP certification, and long-time project management thought leader. Recorded live at PMI Global Summit 2025, this conversation bridges the past, present, and future of the project management profession. Lee shares his candid thoughts on how AI is reshaping what it means to lead projects—and why the future belongs to those who pair smart tools with power skills like communication, leadership, and empathy. Tune in to hear about: Why mindset matters more than memorization in an AI-augmented world How project managers can embrace AI without losing their human edge Why power skills are more valuable than ever What changes—and what doesn’t—as tools evolve Lee’s advice for staying relevant in a fast-changing profession Reflections on the PMP’s legacy and the future of PM education Whether you're new to the field or decades into your career, this episode offers practical, energizing advice on how to grow with the profession as AI transforms the landscape.
S9 · E10
Nov 19, 2025 · 20 min
Ashima Sharma on Data, Teams, and the Human Side of AI
In this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch sits down with Ashima Sharma, Founding Partner of Ayuka Consulting, to explore what it really takes to deliver AI that works—in practice, at scale, and with purpose. This conversation was recorded live at PMI Global Summit 2025 and highlights the often-overlooked foundations of successful AI adoption: clean, contextual data; empowered, cross-functional teams; and a human-centered mindset that sees AI as a partner, not a product. Tune in to hear about: Why most AI efforts fail without operationally ready data How project teams can bridge the gap between experimentation and delivery What true upskilling looks like for today’s AI-augmented workforce How to navigate value misalignment, scope creep, and early AI friction What makes for “good” AI adoption—and what questions we should be asking The importance of empathy, ethics, and inclusion in AI delivery work Whether you're a project leader, product owner, or transformation coach, this episode delivers grounded insight into building AI that supports both systems and the people who run them.
S9 · E9
Nov 5, 2025 · 29 min
Chris Caldwell on the Power—and Limits—of AI
In this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch sits down with Chris Caldwell, CEO of Concentrix, to explore how AI is being operationalized across customer experience (CX) ecosystems—from listening and learning to acting and delivering at scale. This conversation dives into how trust, transparency, and intentional use of AI are helping Concentrix deliver highly personalized experiences for some of the world’s largest brands. Chris shares how their teams are moving beyond dashboards and metrics toward outcomes powered by real-time, AI-driven insight. Tune in to hear about: Why trust is foundational for AI adoption in customer interactions How natural language AI is transforming both listening and action What it takes to deliver true hyper-personalization at scale Why transparency, control, and choice matter in every AI use case Real-world examples of AI streamlining service, support, and retention How Concentrix balances experimentation with client outcomes Whether you're in customer experience, enterprise transformation, or scaling AI in a service environment, this episode delivers clear, grounded insight into what it really means to build AI that listens, learns, and acts—with the customer at the center. Concentrix Corporation (NASDAQ: CNXC), a sponsor of today’s podcast episode, is a Fortune 500® company, is the global technology and services leader that powers the world’s best brands, today and into the future. The company is solution-focused, tech-powered, intelligence-fueled to design, build, and run fully integrated, end-to-end solutions at speed and scale across the entire enterprise. Concentrix helps over 2,000 clients solve their toughest business challenges. With unique data and insights, deep industry expertise, and advanced technology solutions, it’s the intelligent transformation partner that powers a world that works, helping companies become refreshingly simple to work, interact, and transact with. Delivering outcomes unimagined across every major vertical in 70+ markets. Virtually everywhere. Visit concentrix.com to learn more.

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