Today's guest is Kieran McCorry, National Technology Officer at Microsoft Ireland. In this podcast, Kevin shares insights into the transformative role AI is playing in contemporary work environments as AI continues to reshape business landscapes globally. From emerging trends to challenges and opportunities, Kieran delves into how AI is no longer just an option but a necessity for businesses looking to stay competitive.

Topics include:

0:00 AI skills are key career drivers as we tackle the workplace access gap

5:23 How AI use skews toward leaders due to top-down deployment

7:17 The need for strategic deployment as managers struggle to adopt AI

9:18 How targeted AI use boosts skills, equity and retention

13:03 Workplace interruptions harm focus, with AI tools like Copilot helping manage tasks

16:02 How AI is boosting efficiency, reshaping roles and promoting a hybrid workforce

18:53 AI expands capabilities, accelerates careers and drives employee retention

21:39 As Employees seek AI training, employers must enable practical adoption

Today’s guest is Jennifer Geraghty Ryan, Principal Product Manager at Microsoft. In the podcast, Jennifer delves into the rapidly evolving world of AI agents, from covering the significant recent advancements and taking a glimpse into the transformative potential AI holds for businesses across diverse sectors.Topics include:

0:00 Working on Microsoft’s autonomous agents program and AI governance

2:17 How Microsoft agents now support multi-agent collaboration and deep research

3:56 How Research agents work autonomously and show transparent reasoning processes

5:30 An insight into agents clarifying problems, using internal data and automating tasks

8:13 Applying AI to enable rapid product testing, feedback and persona insights

11:31 How agents can learn in real time from other agents

12:58 AI agents provide diverse perspectives through role-playing simulations

15:56 Effective AI use requires feedback, context, and iterative prompting

18:00 How Teams Copilot automates meeting recaps and workflow documentation

20:05 AI captures tacit knowledge and automates workflows effectively

Today's guest is Aisling Browne, CEO and Co-Founder at Glitch. Glitch are a pioneering company set on transforming the world of B2B marketing through unique insights and solutions. The company is built on a foundation of resilience, with strategic partnerships and innovative approaches spearheading its success. In this podcast, Aisling delves into their journey, their unique value proposition and how they are addressing the complex challenges faced by businesses today.Topics include:

0:00 Her journey from rom politics to startups, partnerships and entrepreneurship

3:51 How early startup lessons shaped a smart, resilient founder mindset

6:59 Lessons from highs and lows such as resilience, foresight & adaptability

9:13 Making B2B ads accessible through Glitch with agency-level support

12:29 How Glitch bridges ads, insights and sales–marketing alignment

15:04 Using data to reveal real customers, not assumptions

16:55 Leveraging AI to massively boost productivity and efficiency

Today's guest is Deirdre Lyons, CEO at Examfly. With a staggering 50% failure rate in some professional exams, the need for an effective, enjoyable studying experience is more critical than ever. This is precisely the challenge Deirdre Lyons is tackling with her pioneering startup, Examfly. In this episode, Deirdre explores her journey, the impact of technology and the role of AI in shaping the future of education.

Topics include:

0:00 Her journey from law and tax professional to entrepreneur inspired by learning

3:12 Transforming professional learning and business models with Examfly

4:21 How Irish startup support from Enterprise Ireland helped validate and develop the idea

5:43 Combining AI with Animation and interactive tools to enhance learning

7:06 Enabling scalable, high-quality content and personalized learning journeys with AI

9:01 Target customers such as large enterprises, especially Big Four firms, globally

11:00 How they raised €2.1M with investor feedback shaping growth strategy

13:24 Her advice to move fast, focus on core AI use cases and refine continuously

Today's guest is David Bermingham, Director of AI at Advancing Innovation in Manufacturing (AIM) Centre. The AIM Centre is dedicated to supporting Irish SMEs, particularly in the manufacturing sector, as they navigate the evolving landscape of AI. Their mission is to demystify AI, making it accessible and actionable for businesses of all sizes. Through clear communication and hands-on support, the AIM Centre helps companies move beyond buzzwords and focus on tangible use cases that drive efficiency and growth.Topics include:

0:00 AIM Centre's goal to guide SMEs to practical, applied AI solutions

3:10 How their Accelerator guides diverse SMEs from AI hype to practical use

9:13 Why companies prioritise simple AI fixes for efficiency

10:51 Streamlining workflows with AI, enabling growth through efficiency gains

15:34 Simple AI demos unlock potential, but scaling remains challenging

20:35 Post-accelerator, companies pursue new AI use cases

22:27 Their National AI Studio offers immersive, hands-on industry demonstrations

24:28 Sponsoring the AI Awards to showcase real manufacturing innovation and transformation

26:15 Falling AI costs democratize access, boosting business confidence

29:32 Getting involved with the AI accelerator which starts in October

Today's guest is Oisin Boydell, Chief Data Officer at Cortytics. One of the most pressing challenges within Artificial Intelligence remains regulation and compliance. As AI technology advances, businesses face the dual task of keeping pace with these changes while ensuring they remain compliant with regulations that are themselves in constant flux. In this podcast, Oisin sheds light on these challenges and the ways AI can aid compliance professionals.

Topics include:

0:00 His journey from From broad AI at Ceadar to compliance-focused AI at Corlytics

1:56 How AI assists humans in managing complex, evolving regulations

4:33 Ensuring ethical, trustworthy AI governance and compliance with ISO 42001

7:35 How AI assists compliance teams while humans retain final oversight

10:51 AI's role in helping track and interpret rapidly changing regulations

11:59 Helping businesses navigate and prove compliance with regulations

12:47 How LLMs excel in interpreting nuanced, semi-structured legal language

14:01 Why AI democratization lets non-experts use tools efficiently

14:54 Why AI literacy is crucial to prevent a technology divide

18:21 Book recommendations that explores technology’s societal impact

19:36 While AI’s impact is unpredictable; regulation and literacy are crucial

Today's guest is Dr. Lollie Mancey, Anthropologist, Futurist and Programme Director at UCD Innovation Academy. A self-described cyber anthropologist and futurist, Lollie effortlessly blends social anthropology, technology and entrepreneurship. Her interdisciplinary approach to understanding the world provides valuable insights into the ongoing cognitive revolution and the dynamic interplay between humans and technology.

Topics include:

0:00 A Cyber anthropologist blending academia, innovation, social justice & entrepreneurship

3:38 Her curious mind exploring AI’s deep societal, cognitive and justice impacts

6:47 Balancing roles, leveraging LinkedIn & being passionate about impactful connections

9:32 How years of storytelling, ritual study and preparation shape confident speaking

12:20 Why she values tangible learning over digital distractions

14:28 Why AI is overhyped with a hybrid human-AI future with unintended consequences

18:40 How AI companions reflect human loneliness, judgment and complex social needs

22:43 AI companionship can blur lines between personal data and humour

25:32 AI mirrors humanity’s flaws and strengths, guiding progress

27:26 AI empowers solo entrepreneurs, reshaping freedom and opportunity

28:45 Promoting AI literacy to bridge generations and ease loneliness

32:00 Excited for series two of Futureville exploring how Ireland shapes its future

Today’s guest is David Bowles, Managing Partner at The Yield Lab. In this enlightening conversation, David shares his journey and insights into the dynamic world of AgriFood Technology and venture capital. He delves into the foundational experiences that led him to his current role, the strategic decision-making involved in choosing AgriFood tech and the evolving role of AI in this sector.Topics include:

0:00 Growing The Yield Lab into Europe's leading AgriFood tech VC

1:16 His journey from Computer scientist turned consultant, joining ezetop during growth phase

3:18 How VC blends variety and smart founders, which was his perfect fit

4:35 Choosing AgriFood tech to merge Irish strengths and fight climate change

7:18 Investing in AgriFood tech using AI, science to cut emissions and innovate faster

10:29 How AI helps analyse deals, but summaries lack key facts

16:53 As AI aids research, experts drive deeper innovation insights

18:48 Why AI must add real value, not just hype, to succeed

22:52 Why AI literacy is crucial but broader, ongoing education is needed

26:54 How VC isn’t the only success path with the need to focus on real revenue

32:42 Helping founders grow by embracing a risk and failure culture

Today's guest is Dympna O'Sullivan, Academic Lead, Digital Futures Research Hub at Technological University Dublin. In the podcast, Dympna shares her valuable insights into how AI technologies are reshaping the landscape for those living with age-related cognitive challenges, such as dementia. She also covers topics from ethical AI use to empowering individuals with dementia to live independently.

Topics include:

0:00 Her journey building AI assistive tech co-designed with cognitive-impaired users

2:17 How AI supports dementia care ethically, enabling independent living

7:49 Their AI toolkit which supports dementia care with personalized reminders

12:15 Routines empower dementia patients, boosting confidence and autonomy

15:08 The role of music to evoke memories while AI empowers older adults

17:41 Generative AI risks shallow thinking, but expertise improves outcomes

20:42 Why a overreliance on AI can hinder deep learning and growth

24:36 Advocating for AI literacy, empowering users and including citizen voices

Today's guest is  Rebecca Keenan, Global Head of Intelligent Automation at Expleo Group. In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, companies are constantly seeking ways to leverage artificial intelligence and automation to enhance productivity and solve complex problems. In today’s podcast, Rebecca shares her insights on the transformative power of AI and the importance of strategic implementation in organisation’s today.

Topics include:

0:00 Her journey in tech from growing an RPA team to now leading AI solutions

2:46 Why many companies skip RPA before AI, missing easy wins

4:49 How AI enhances service, automates checks and predicts maintenance efficiently

9:30 Real-time AI decision-making advances in big firms, but small ones lag

11:34 Tighter budgets are prompting a shift toward greater efficiency

13:40 Starting AI as a capability builds readiness amid busy schedules

14:56 Advice to leverage existing AI-enabled tools before adopting new tech

16:47 Ensure strong governance and compliance before using sensitive data

17:57 Using AI daily for meeting notes, summaries and process mapping

20:49 Clear storytelling and hands-on involvement help people embrace AI