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Peggy Smedley Show

Peggy Smedley

IoT, AI, the Future of Work—if it's revolutionizing industries, Peggy's talking about it. Each week on The Peggy Smedley Show, she delivers cutting-edge perspectives from top experts, keeping 150,000+ listeners ahead of the curve.

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  • 20 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 19 min
  • English
  • #987
    September 23 · 12 min

    Prediction for 2027: The Need for Governance

    Peggy continues her five-part series of predictions for 2027 by looking at how AI governance, security, and accountability will become increasingly important as businesses integrate AI into their operations. For her fourth prediction, Peggy says 2027 could be a turning point as companies move beyond simply adopting AI and begin establishing clear rules around who can use it, what data it can access, what actions it can take, and who is ultimately responsible for its outcomes. She also encourages listeners to: · Identify every AI system being used across the organization and understand who owns each one. · Establish clear guidelines for when AI can make recommendations or take action and when human approval is required. · Define accountability so there is always a person or team responsible. · Treat governance as an operating model that creates clarity, trust, and confidence while allowing organizations to scale AI responsibly. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

  • #986
    September 15 · 11 min

    Prediction for 2027: Data as an Asset

    Peggy continues her five-part series of predictions for 2027 by looking at how construction companies could begin treating historical data as a valuable business asset. For her third prediction, Peggy says 2027 could be a turning point as construction companies move beyond simply storing years of project information and begin using that data to inform better decisions, transfer knowledge, and improve future projects. She also encourages listeners to: · Organize and connect historical project data so it can be easily accessed and used. · Use AI to uncover patterns across past projects, including cost overruns, delays, risks, and project performance. · Capture the knowledge and lessons behind the data so experience can be shared with the next generation of workers. · Treat historical data as more than an archive and use it as a competitive advantage for future projects. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

  • #985
    September 9 · 11 min

    Prediction for 2027: Scaling AI in Manufacturing

    Peggy continues her five-part series of predictions for 2027 by looking at how AI will move from experimentation to real-world scale in manufacturing. For her second prediction, Peggy says 2027 could be a turning point as manufacturers move beyond pilots and proof of concepts and begin making AI a more integral part of how their operations run. She also encourages listeners to: · Focus on business problems where AI can create measurable value, rather than adding AI everywhere. · Fix processes, connect data, and involve people before trying to scale AI. · Use AI to augment the knowledge and experience of workers while scaling the use cases that actually work. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

  • #985
    September 9 · 34 min

    Why Open Infrastructure Engineering Matters

    Does the future of infrastructure engineering need to be open? Peggy Smedley sits down with Greg Demchak, vice president of emerging technologies at Bentley Systems, to unpack why open standards, open-source technology, and APIs (application programming interfaces) are essential for the next generation of infrastructure. He says openness is about agreeing to a standard that enables interoperability between systems. They also discuss: · What open really means in an infrastructure context. · The hidden cost of vendor lock-in and why data portability matters across an asset's lifecycle. · How Bentley's iTwin platform and iModel open schema enable a vendor-neutral, single source of truth. · The role of AI agents and MCP (model context protocol) in the future of infrastructure engineering. · Bentley Labs experiments with agentic software development. · Why governance and cybersecurity are essential with critical infrastructure. · The next frontier for generative AI and infrastructure. https://www.bentley.com/en/connected-data-unlocked-value/

  • #984
    September 2 · 16 min

    Prediction for 2027: Digital Twin

    Peggy kicks off her five-part series of predictions for 2027 by looking at how businesses will use technology to make better decisions. For her first prediction, Peggy says digital twins will move beyond visualization and become increasingly important tools for understanding what could happen next. She also encourages listeners to: · See digital twins as decision tools and to use data to look forward. · Ask more what if questions and explore scenarios before acting. · Keep human judgment in the loop and always start with the business problem. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

  • #983
    August 26 · 14 min

    Businesses Should Prepare for AI at Scale in 2027

    Peggy Smedley looks ahead to 2027 and explores what businesses must do to move beyond AI experimentation to real, scaled implementation. From building a people-centric AI strategy to retaining top talent, modernizing legacy infrastructure, and adopting agentic AI in business workflows, this episode breaks down the hard decisions leaders face. Topics include IDC's forecast of $22 trillion in cumulative AI economic value by 2031, Forrester's budget expectations, why more money doesn't equal more innovation, and why the companies that thrive will balance people, process, and technology. Plus, Peggy shares a practical tip: pick one technology area you don't fully understand and make it your personal assignment. PeggySmedleyShow.com

  • #982
    August 19 · 12 min

    The Skills AI Can't Replace

    I is reshaping every industry, but the real question isn't whether technology will change — it's whether your skills are evolving fast enough to keep up. In this episode of The Peggy Smedley Show, host Peggy Smedley breaks down what it really means to prepare the workforce for an AI-driven economy. We cover: Why the future of work is about humans with AI, not humans vs. AI The human skills AI can't replicate — and why they're becoming the most valuable How the best organizations are developing talent instead of just hiring it Why continuous learning is your greatest competitive advantage Practical steps leaders can take to build a culture of curiosity and growth The role of trust, ethics, and transparency in AI adoption Whether you're a business leader, manager, or professional navigating change, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you approach learning, leadership, and growth in the age of AI.

  • #981
    August 12 · 12 min

    AI Is Moving Fast. Are Businesses Moving Too Fast?

    Everyone is racing to adopt AI, automate processes, and keep up with the latest technology breakthroughs. But is moving faster always the right strategy? In this episode of The Peggy Smedley Show, Peggy explores why businesses need their own version of "recess" to step back, think clearly, and innovate with purpose. She discusses the difference between activity and innovation, why leaders must make time for reflection, and how AI should enhance critical thinking rather than replace it. Key topics include: Why speed without direction isn't a strategy The risk of solving the wrong problems with AI How reflection drives better innovation Creating intentional "business recess" time The role of leadership in the age of AI Why wisdom may be more valuable than speed What if your greatest competitive advantage isn't moving faster, but thinking better before you act? #ArtificialIntelligence #Leadership #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #BusinessStrategy #AI #FutureOfWork #PeggySmedleyShow https://peggysmedleyshow.com/

  • #980
    August 5 · 12 min

    Are You Solving the Right Problems in the Age of AI?

    Every August, students go back to school — and business leaders should take note. In this episode of The Peggy Smedley Show, host Peggy Smedley uses the back-to-school season as a lens to examine one of the most critical questions facing organizations today: As we race to adopt AI, automation, and digital transformation, are we actually solving the right problems? Peggy revisits the foundational principle that has guided Connected World for years — the right balance of people, process, and technology — and explains why that three-legged stool matters more than ever in the age of generative AI, agentic AI, and physical AI. In this episode, you'll hear why: Technology is the enabler, not the destination Data without insight is just noise AI cannot fix broken processes — it only exposes them The next decade will be won by organizations that learn continuously, not the ones that spend the most on tech This week's tip: Pick one business challenge. Don't start by asking which technology to buy — start by asking why the problem exists in the first place. Subscribe for new episodes every Thursday, and join Peggy live every Tuesday at 12 PM Central. PeggySmedleyShow.com | LinkedIn: Peggy Smedley

  • July 29 · 17 min

    Drowning in Data but Starving for Insights

    Peggy talks about one of the biggest business challenges today: turning data into insights, and ultimately better business decisions. She says we have more information available than ever before, but that doesn't automatically mean creating better insights. She also discusses: · How too much information can sometimes make decisions harder. · The next phase of digital transformation. · Four big trends driving this shift. · How AI (artificial intelligence) is changing the conversation. · Her candid thoughts on what construction and manufacturing leaders should be focusing on next. Peggy talks about one of the biggest business challenges today: turning data into insights, and ultimately better business decisions. She says we have more information available than ever before, but that doesn't automatically mean creating better insights. She also discusses: · How too much information can sometimes make decisions harder. · The next phase of digital transformation. · Four big trends driving this shift. · How AI (artificial intelligence) is changing the conversation. · Her candid thoughts on what construction and manufacturing leaders should be focusing on next. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

  • #979
    July 29 · 29 min

    How AI Is Reshaping the AEC Workforce

    AI is changing everything in the AEC industry — but not in the way most people fear. In this episode of The Peggy Smedley Show, host Peggy Smedley sits down with Claire Rutkowski, Executive Director of AI Productivity and Enablement at WSP, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the engineering workforce. They dig into how AI is catching recurring clash patterns, flagging spec drift before it becomes costly rework, compressing meeting prep time, and freeing engineers to focus on judgment, creativity, and higher-value decisions. Claire also shares how WSP is upskilling its workforce, why the most skeptical engineers are often the most valuable voices in the room, and what it means to mentor a generation that's ready to go AI-native. Topics covered: Is AI coming for engineering jobs? The honest answer How AI agents work alongside engineers today — and where it's heading Clash detection, spec inconsistencies, and change order prevention Smarter coordination meetings powered by AI Upskilling engineers: persona-based training at scale The shift from project delivery to full asset lifecycle intelligence What separates firms that will lead from those that fall behind Guest: Claire Rutkowski, WSP Executive Director of AI Productivity and Enablement 🌐 wsp.com | Follow Claire on LinkedIn

  • #978
    July 22 · 43 min

    Your Sleep Is Aging Your Arteries

    What is your sleep really telling you about your long-term health? In this episode, Peggy Smedley sits down with Dr. Pierre Escourrou, Senior Medical Advisor at Withings and practicing cardiologist, to unpack groundbreaking research linking nighttime breathing patterns to arterial aging — and what that means for your cardiovascular health. They explore: How sleep apnea and snoring accelerate arterial stiffness Why a single night of sleep data leads to 20% misdiagnosis rates — and how continuous monitoring changes that The power of connected device ecosystems (IoT) over standalone wearables How AI + IoT data is shifting medicine from treatment to prevention What conditions — including hypertension, heart failure, COPD, and menopause — may be detectable years earlier using devices like the Withings Sleep Analyzer and smart scale The regulatory and insurance hurdles still standing in the way Whether you're a health tech enthusiast, a clinician, or someone who just wants to understand their sleep data better, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Learn more at withings.com

  • #977
    July 15 · 15 min

    The Workforce of 2030, Skills, AI, and the Future of Work

    The way we work is changing fast — and the 2030 workforce won't look like anything we've seen before. In this episode, Peggy Smedley explores the forces reshaping work: the rise of fractional leadership, AI augmentation (not replacement), portfolio careers, and the urgent need for continuous learning. Peggy breaks down what individuals and organizations need to do now to stay ahead — from skills-based hiring and project-based teams to building cultures where learning never stops. Whether you're a leader, a professional rethinking your career path, or an organization trying to stay agile, this episode gives you a clear-eyed look at what's coming and how to prepare. Topics covered: How remote work and AI set the stage for the 2030 workforce The rise of fractional roles and portfolio careers AI augmentation vs. replacement — what's really happening Why adaptability is the most valuable skill of the decade Practical steps for individuals and organizations to prepare 🌐 Visit us: connectedworld.com | peggysmedleyshow.com 📧 Subscribe to our newsletter and follow the conversation on X @ConnectedWorld and LinkedIn. 🎙️ Live every Tuesday at 12:00 PM Central | Podcast every Thursday The Peggy Smedley Show — Your Voice for Our Connected World.

  • #977
    July 15 · 13 min

    AI Won't Kill Music — But It Demands Guardrails

    Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, joins the Peggy Smedley Show at Think 2026 to share his candid take on AI and the future of music. From how producers are already using AI as a creative collaborator in the studio, to the 75,000 AI-generated songs hitting streaming platforms every day — Harvey breaks down why AI is a powerful tool, not a replacement for human creativity, and why legislation, transparency, and proper crediting are non-negotiable. Topics covered: How artists are using AI iteratively in the studio The disruption AI is bringing to streaming and distribution Why younger creators see no limits — and what that means for the industry Who should set the boundaries for AI in music Will we ever have a truly "soulful" AI? Recorded live at IBM Think 2026. https://PeggySmedleyShow.com

  • July 1 · 28 min

    Reshaping Railroad with AI

    Freight rail moves 40% of long-distance goods in the U.S., but the industry's biggest challenge isn't infrastructure, it's intelligence. In this episode of The Peggy Smedley Show, host Peggy Smedley sits down with V. Krishnan, industry advisor for Microsoft manufacturing & mobility, to explore how AI agents and realtime decision tools are reshaping the future of rail. They discuss: Why railroads are drowning in data but struggling to act on it How CSX used AI to transform customer experience The Rumo case study: cutting lookup times from 4 minutes to 3 seconds Fuel optimization and how AI can cut costs 3–7% without new infrastructure Weather analytics, workforce challenges, and the retiring knowledge crisis Why the next 10% of performance won't come from more track — it'll come from smarter decisions Whether you're in logistics, supply chain, or enterprise tech, this conversation is a must-listen. https://aka.ms/RumorailAI https://aka.ms/CSXrailAI

  • #976
    July 1 · 31 min

    Model Context Protocol 101

    What does it take to make AI reliable enough to design a bridge? Peggy Smedley sits down with Francois Valois, senior vice president of Bentley Open Applications at Bentley Systems, to unpack the MCP (model context protocol — an open, agnostic standard that connects AI agents to deterministic engineering tools like STAAD and MicroStation ensuring trust, validation, and accountability in engineering workflows. They explore why generative AI alone needs to be more trustworthy for infrastructure design, how MCP bridges the gap between non-deterministic LLMs (large language models) and precise calculation engines, and what Bentley's open-source strategy means for the future of connected-infrastructure data. Topics covered: What MCP is and why Anthropic invented it Why "90% accurate" isn't acceptable in engineering How STAAD and MicroStation are now AI-accessible via MCP The role of structured data (and dark data) in AI workflows How to start experimenting with AI agents in your firm The future of the engineer in an AI-augmented world infrastructure.ai | connectedworld.com | peggysmedleyshow.com

  • #975
    June 24 · 13 min

    7 Lies about AI

    Peggy shares the 7 lies she has been hearing about AI, challenging some common assumptions. She says these narratives have become so common that many of us have stopped questioning them. She also discusses: · A pattern that emerges surrounding the 7 lies. · Where the real opportunity lies and what the biggest threat is. · What you should do next inside of your own organization. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

  • #975
    June 24 · 30 min

    Data Inspired

    Peggy Smedley and Sebastian Wernicke, author, talk about moving from being data driven to data inspired. He says most data projects don't fail, they do something much worse, they make you very good at staying the same. They also discuss: · Your data framework—how to organize it—and the decision framework in your organization. · How to keep up with the pace of change and look at all of this in relation to the people in the organization. · Fatal flaws that they will have to think about in order to overcome hurdles. https://www.datainspired.org

  • #975
    June 24 · 15 min

    Navigating without a Map

    Peggy Smedley and Jeff Ton, author of Uncharted Moments, talk about his leadership background and how he learned to navigate without a map. He says he is a career technologist and most of that was in leadership positions, and the story in the book is about tracing the Lewis and Clark trail. They also discuss: · Leadership lessons from the Lewis and Clark expedition. · How leaders can navigate uncertainty—which translates to today's AI era. · The concept of pausing and listening and its importance in leadership. https://jeffreyston.com/

  • #974
    June 17 · 13 min

    Connecting Manufacturing

    Peggy talks about how manufacturers have production systems, improvement programs, and even data, but fail to implement consistently across their organizations. She says we need to move beyond reactive data and to better connections between data, people, learning, and action. She also discusses: · How many have a global production system—and how many report that it is fully implemented across all sites. · Why so many efforts fall short, including the two traps many manufacturers fall into. · How to solve the challenge with a combination of people and data. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

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