This episode dives into how to evaluate which projects truly deserve Q4 attention and how readiness today shapes what gets funded tomorrow. We explore the metrics that matter, including impact on strategic goals, timing, and measurable outcomes. Being prepared with clear business cases gives your project an advantage when leadership begins finalizing 2026 budgets.

You’ll hear practical strategies for using end-of-year resources to strengthen your proposal, build detailed plans, and secure your place when timelines shift. From competing for capital to presenting data-backed ideas, this conversation shows how preparation positions your project ahead of the rest.

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In this episode, we look at how Q4 can be a practical testing ground for 2026 priorities. From ERP planning to team capacity modeling, we break down how to validate ideas before the budget is final.

You’ll learn how to assign real roles, identify resource conflicts early, and build a clear case for what deserves investment. We also explore the executive decision-making process and how understanding the broader impact of each project can shift your approach. If you're planning big moves next year, this is the groundwork that sets them up for success.

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In this episode, we explore how to build project plans that stay strong when priorities shift. From supply chain disruptions to last-minute reallocation of resources, we break down how to stay focused, flexible, and clear when timelines slide.

You’ll hear real examples of navigating stalled initiatives, keeping teams motivated, and using downtime to get ahead. Whether you’re managing long-term programs or leading rapid-response efforts, this conversation offers practical strategies for building resilient, adaptable plans in uncertain environments.

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Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

This episode unpacks why rushing to meet year-end goals often leads to costly mistakes, particularly when it comes to AI initiatives. As leadership pushes to accelerate progress before the fiscal clock runs out, teams are left balancing urgency with the reality of what it takes to execute well.

We explore how poor timing, limited testing, and misaligned expectations can derail AI projects and distort long-term planning. More importantly, we offer a practical lens on how to respond with objectivity, present risk clearly, and serve as a strategic consultant within your organization.

Whether you're facing unrealistic go-live deadlines or navigating leadership pressure to "just make it happen," this conversation will help you protect 2026 strategy by staying grounded in data, dialogue, and thoughtful execution.

Struggling with agile rollouts? Get the FREE guide: https://theconfluencial.com/agile-whitepaper-form 

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

This episode explores how high-performing organizations use the fourth quarter to set the foundation for the year ahead. Instead of rushing to close out tasks, they begin planning major initiatives, aligning executive support, and preparing business cases as early as September. We discuss how effective program managers lead with clarity, secure resources early, and position their teams for a strong start in the new year. If your planning process feels reactive, this conversation offers a clear path toward greater structure and impact.

Struggling with agile rollouts? Get the FREE guide: https://theconfluencial.com/agile-whitepaper-form 

Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

If you're trying to prove value with AI in your QA process, this is the place to start. In this episode, we break down why automated software testing delivers the fastest, clearest return. From cutting manual test time to reducing defects early, it’s the smartest move teams can make without overwhelming their systems. We also share where big implementations go wrong and how to avoid the kind of complexity that slows everything down. Simple, practical, and focused on what actually works.

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Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

As AI takes on more responsibility in quality assurance, are we letting it think for us? In this episode, we dig into the hidden danger of overdependence on AI—where critical thinking fades and blind trust creeps in. From SpaceX explosions to the rise of human-AI hybrid roles like prompt engineers, we explore how to keep decision-making grounded in human intent and purpose.

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When AI meets QA, who takes the wheel? In this episode, we tackle a deceptively simple question with deep operational implications: which team should lead quality assurance? From manufacturing leads who know the defects, to technical teams driving implementation, and enterprise PMOs orchestrating the risk trade-offs—this conversation breaks down the cross-functional choreography behind successful AI-driven QA. We also explore real-world parallels like SpaceX's high-stakes testing and what it teaches us about live QA, decision ownership, and risk tolerance. Fast-paced, technical, and full of real talk.

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Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ 

In this episode, we cut straight to the technical essentials—what infrastructure needs to be in place for AI to add real value to QA. From defining feedback loops and role-based prompts to scenario modeling and gap analysis, this is your blueprint for AI-ready QA. Short, sharp, and actionable.

Try our FREE ERP Shortlist tool: https://theconfluencial.com/river-ai Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kylercheatham

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Most teams don’t think about quality assurance until something breaks. In this episode, Mick calls out the tendency to assume AI will “just work” and explains why that mindset invites risk. We talk about infamous failures (hello, Tay), the dangers of skipping validation and content filtering, and how unchecked hallucinations can spiral into full-blown model drift. If you’re building with generative AI, this is your reminder to slow down, set up safeguards, and treat QA like the strategic layer it is, not an afterthought.

Try our FREE ERP Shortlist tool: https://theconfluencial.com/river-ai Connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylercheatham/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kyler_cheatham_tech/ Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kylercheatham

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