In this episode of Swimming with Sharks, Kevin Dean, CEO of ManoByte, is joined by Rob Ryan, Head of Thought Leadership at WorkGrid Software, for an in-depth discussion on the role of conversational AI in streamlining employee workflows and improving internal communication. Rob shares his insights on organizational change, the evolution of employee experience platforms, and the importance of aligning AI projects with business goals.

Introduction: Kevin introduces Rob Ryan, who has extensive experience in organizational strategy and technology deployment. Rob provides background on WorkGrid Software and its mission to reduce digital friction in the workplace.

Interview Highlights:

• Conversational AI as a Digital Assistant: Rob explains how WorkGrid leverages NLP and machine learning to create digital assistants that streamline employees’ day-to-day tasks. He discusses how conversational AI can reduce digital distractions by integrating with existing tech stacks and bringing actionable insights directly to employees.
• Getting Started with AI Projects: The conversation explores practical steps for organizations to initiate AI projects, emphasizing the importance of quick wins and internal use cases. Rob shares advice on piloting AI initiatives, mitigating risks, and developing a governance strategy to ensure AI aligns with business objectives.
• Transforming Employee Experience with AI: Rob highlights how conversational AI can enhance the employee experience by reducing app hopping and context switching, ultimately fostering a more productive and engaging work environment. He emphasizes that AI should assist, not replace, the human workforce.

Key Takeaways:

• Building an AI Strategy: Rob advises organizations to start with low-risk, high-value AI use cases that support internal goals and gradually expand based on proven results.
• Importance of Governance: A strong governance framework is essential for AI projects to ensure that they are sustainable and that technology is used ethically and effectively.
• Prioritizing Employee Experience: By integrating AI into the flow of daily tasks, companies can improve employee engagement and reduce friction, allowing employees to focus on high-value work.