AI Readiness Podcast

We've officially made it to double digits — and we haven’t been cancelled yet.

In this special compilation episode, Lucy and Andrew look back at the best (and most chaotic) moments from the first 10 episodes of AI Readiness.

But this isn’t just a blooper reel.

It’s a behind-the-scenes tour of what’s really been going on in the world of AI culture, adoption, and capability.

We explore why dropping Copilot into people’s laps doesn’t mean they’ll actually use it — or trust it. Culture, support and context matter more than rollout.

You’ll hear how poor communication and lack of inclusion can quietly sabotage AI adoption before it’s even begun.

We talk about the shift that happens when people go from “I don’t get this” to “I actually love this.”

The before-and-after of real AI literacy is kind of magic.

We get into the emotional blockers (especially for women) around using AI — and how guilt is holding people back from using tools that could transform their work.

Yes, we had a conversation with a digital coach. Yes, it got weird. Yes, it’s in the episode.

You’ll finally understand the origin of the “bananas” outburst — and why Rich might be the real star of the show.

You’ll hear how the iconic AI Readiness music came to life… and how close we came to something truly awful.

• “Surely AI is a plug-and-play tool?”
• “Why is everyone else getting this and I’m not?”
• “Can we please make AI less serious for a second?”

Drop a comment, send us a message, or shout “bananas” at the next client meeting.

We’re still not cancelled. And we’re still just getting started.

In this milestone 10th episode of the AI Readiness Podcast, Lucy and Andrew celebrate reaching double digits while diving into a rich conversation about the latest in AI tools, practical use cases, and the cultural shifts needed for adoption. From ChatGPT 4.5's newest features to the heated debate around AI-authored writing, they bring their signature wit and insight to bear on the real challenges facing organisations right now.

Special guest Mark Brewster, CEO and Founder of Explori, joins the conversation to share how his global SaaS business has embedded AI from both a technical and cultural perspective. His candid take on trust, experimentation, compliance, and long-term value offers a playbook for any leader looking to make AI stick.

Mark Brewster is the CEO and founder of Explori, a global SaaS company specialising in performance metrics and benchmarking within the events industry. With over 13 years of experience, Mark has led Explori through the evolution of AI, building trust-based internal systems while embedding cutting-edge large language models directly into their platform to drive client value and save thousands of hours in labour.

• ChatGPT 4.5 in the Wild: Enhanced memory, better reasoning, and image processing – but has it wowed users yet?
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• Authenticity vs. Efficiency in AI Writing: When does AI-written content cross the line – or does it?
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• Onboarding Reinvented with AI: Legal firms are reimagining welcome journeys through CEO videos, chatbots and culture-focused content.
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• From 1 to 10 Hours Saved per Week: Why some teams gain more than others from AI training programmes.
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• Explori’s AI Strategy: How Mark Brewster built an in-house AI engine that delivers scalable value, compliance, and internal trust.
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Mark shares that Explori adopted AI back in 2019 to address labour-intensive tasks like thematic text analysis. Initially leveraging third-party tools, the business later transitioned to a fully integrated LLM-based solution to scale efficiency across their SaaS platform. The result: enhanced consistency, reduced human error, and greater job satisfaction.

Mark highlights that the leadership team was already seeking solutions, which eased adoption. Cultural resistance was minimal due to the existing alignment around solving recurring problems with data processing. The biggest hurdle? Ensuring airtight compliance and data security.

Explori created a robust internal AI policy, guided by their in-house data compliance experts. They clearly defined where freedom to experiment was allowed and where data-related caution was non-negotiable. This clarity empowered team members to explore generative AI tools responsibly.

Mark personally uses ChatGPT daily, particularly for strategic thinking, communications, and learning. Perplexity is gaining traction across the team too, praised for its research capability and citation-led answers.

Mark urges smaller businesses to move quickly: “The ship has sailed.” Delaying AI adoption risks losing competitive advantage. If internal knowledge is lacking, he advises bringing in a specialist to help navigate safely and confidently.

Mark describes how Explori replaced...

In this episode of the AI Readiness Podcast, Andrew and Lucy tackle some hot AI topics, including China's new large language model, DeepSeek, and whether we should be worried or excited about it. They also discuss the evolving AI landscape, the impact of AI tools on human cognitive ability, and the growing competition among AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity.

A brand-new segment, "How-To", makes its debut, offering practical tips on getting better results from AI tools—this week focusing on how to communicate effectively with ChatGPT and Copilot.

• DeepSeek is a Chinese-developed AI model, which sparked concerns over data security and bias.
• The need for diversity in AI models is crucial, as most current tools are built on Western perspectives.
• Much of the fear around DeepSeek may be exaggerated, possibly even linked to financial speculation affecting Nvidia’s stock price.

• A Microsoft study suggested AI usage could reduce human cognitive ability in certain tasks.
• However, Andrew and Lucy argue that AI frees up time for higher-level strategic thinking, much like how SatNavs reduced the need for manual map reading.
• The key is to use AI as a thinking partner rather than a replacement for human intelligence.

• ChatGPT’s Deep Research Mode is now live, offering a smarter, more refined way to gather information.
• Google Gemini’s Enhanced Research Capabilities leverage Google Search, Maps, and YouTube for richer insights.
• AI Agents are slowly emerging, with tools like Gemini already acting as semi-agents in travel planning and deep research.

• Many people use ChatGPT and Copilot like Google, leading to poor-quality outputs.
• The MANAGE framework improves AI interactions:
• Map out the context.
• Aim—define what you want to achieve.
• Necessary details—provide as much info as possible.
• Align—confirm AI understands before generating content.
• Generate—let the AI create the output.
• Evolve—iterate and refine as needed.
• Using MANAGE reduces rework, saves time, and enhances accuracy.

• Lucy and Andrew introduce Episode 9.

• Should we be concerned about China’s AI model?

• Microsoft’s controversial study and why the narrative is misleading.

• Another AI model enters the mix.

• AI’s role in breaking down silos within teams.
• AI adoption in construction consultancy—real-world productivity gains.
• How AI-powered leadership development is reshaping training.

• Testing ChatGPT’s Deep Research for in-depth insights.
• Google Gemini vs Perplexity—which research tool performs better?
• The slow rise of AI Agents—how AI tools are starting to automate complex tasks.

• New segment! Practical tips for communicating with AI effectively.
• The MANAGE

In this episode of The AI Readiness Podcast, we welcome Rob Nathan, Group Marketing & Digital Director at Media 10. Rob shares his insights on how AI is being implemented across the business, its impact on productivity, and the role of leadership in guiding AI adoption effectively. He discusses how businesses can strike a balance between innovation and practical application, use AI to foster creativity, and move beyond the hype to unlock real-world benefits.

Rob Nathan is the Group Marketing & Digital Director at Media 10, a leading events and publishing company known for iconic brands like Grand Designs Live and Ideal Home Show. With over 17 years at Media 10, Rob has been instrumental in driving growth, marketing innovation, and digital transformation. Now, he’s leading the company’s AI adoption strategy to enhance efficiency and creativity across the organization.

• Rob first became aware of AI’s potential when ChatGPT gained mainstream attention.
• As a company that balances process-driven tasks with creativity, Media 10 saw AI as a way to streamline operations and free up time for innovation.
• The focus is on using AI to enhance human creativity rather than replace it.

• Potential risk of suppressing creativity and human-driven decision-making.
• Ethical considerations and ensuring AI complements rather than replaces jobs.
• Overcoming resistance from employees at different levels of AI literacy.

• The leadership team underwent AI literacy training first to ensure alignment.
• A strategic, top-down approach was chosen to create AI champions within the company.
• AI is being introduced as a tool to support employees rather than being forced upon them.

• Research AI's impact and potential use cases for your business.
• Speak to AI experts and understand how it can be integrated effectively.
• Approach AI adoption as a change management process with a clear roadmap.
• Focus on enhancing employee skills and preparing for the future of work.

• Hosts introduce guest Rob Nathan and the topic of AI adoption at Media 10.

• Overview of Media 10’s journey from publishing to live events.
• Growth through acquisitions, including Ideal Home Show and Grand Designs Live.

• How AI can improve efficiency and support creativity.
• The impact of AI on cyclical and process-driven industries like events.

• Balancing automation with human creativity.
• Ethical considerations of AI in business operations.

• Why Media 10 started with leadership training.
• How AI champions will drive adoption across the company.

• The role of AI in sales, marketing, and operations.
• Key lessons from the first phase of AI adoption.

• The importance of AI literacy in leadership.
• Practical steps for introducing AI in any organization.

In this engaging episode of the AI Readiness Podcast, Andrew, Lucy, and Rich delve into the challenges of developing AI strategies and organizational alignment. They explore breaking news about Microsoft potentially overhauling the PC keyboard with a dedicated Copilot button, and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff's controversial comparison of Copilot to Clippy.

This week's guest, Carla De Schepper, People and Culture Director at Animal Care Group, shares her insights on leading AI adoption in a global organization. From aligning senior leaders to embedding AI literacy into the culture, Carla provides a practical playbook for strategic success. Plus, Lucy and Andrew tackle listener questions about overcoming policy paralysis and keeping momentum alive on stalled AI projects.

Carla De Schepper is the People and Culture Director at Animal Care Group, a global organization focused on innovation in the veterinary and animal health industries. Carla is a forward-thinking leader who has championed AI adoption by bringing clarity, purpose, and alignment to senior leadership teams.

• Strategic Clarity Accelerates Adoption: Aligning senior leadership around a clear vision is critical for effective AI integration.
• Small Pilots, Big Impact: When top-down policies stall, teams can create localized AI guidelines and run small-scale pilots to demonstrate value.
• Build Literacy, Build Trust: Organizations must prioritize AI literacy to foster trust, mitigate fears, and drive adoption.
• Breaking News: Microsoft’s rumored Copilot button aims to integrate AI seamlessly into workflows, while Salesforce’s CEO criticizes its lack of transformational value.
• Mindset Shift: AI isn’t a one-and-done initiative—it’s a constantly evolving journey requiring ongoing learning and adaptability.

The rumored Copilot button aims to make AI tools more accessible, signaling Microsoft’s commitment to embedding AI into daily work. However, Andrew and Lucy remain skeptical about whether this will address core adoption and trust challenges.

Carla De Schepper explains how she introduced AI literacy programs and created strategic alignment among senior leaders to foster confidence and clarity in their AI initiatives.

Lucy suggests starting small by creating team-specific AI guidelines and running pilot programs to build momentum, collect insights, and inform organizational policies.

Andrew and Lucy highlight barriers like fear of the unknown, lack of clear direction, and fragmented leadership. Building literacy, fostering collaboration, and maintaining transparency are key to overcoming these obstacles.

A shift from waiting for "final versions" to embracing constant learning is critical. AI’s rapid evolution means that teams must adopt a growth mindset and learn to adapt in real-time.

Andrew and Lucy set the stage, discussing the podcast’s mission to help organizations tackle AI adoption challenges.

In this episode of the AI Readiness Podcast, Andrew and Lucy explore the evolving intersection of culture, capability, and generative AI within organizations. They discuss maintaining the joy of work and aligning AI adoption with purpose. Breaking news highlights OpenAI’s Sora text-to-video creation tool and Google’s Agent Space as competitors to Microsoft’s CoPilot.

This week’s guest, Peter Boswell from Greene King, shares how AI and learning and development are driving innovation in the hospitality industry, from pubs to employee upskilling. They also reflect on fostering AI literacy, supporting organizational readiness, and balancing individual creativity with AI tools.

Peter Boswell is the Learning and Development Director at Greene King, one of the UK's leading pub and hospitality companies. Peter is passionate about integrating AI to enhance employee engagement, deliver innovative training solutions, and improve customer experience.

• AI Adoption Starts with Leadership: Senior leadership teams must align on the purpose and strategy for AI implementation, ensuring it fits the organization’s culture.
• Balancing Productivity and Joy of Work: Generative AI can boost efficiency, but organizations must consider how to preserve employees' enjoyment and sense of purpose in their roles.
• Smaller vs. Larger Organizations: Smaller businesses can integrate AI literacy quickly, while larger organizations need structured strategies and leadership buy-in to build AI-ready cultures.
• Responsible AI Use: Successful AI adoption requires clear communication, psychological safety, and acknowledgment of employees' fears and hesitations.
• Tech Update: Tools like ChatGPT Vision and HeyGen are reshaping interactions by offering real-time video insights and human-like avatar interactions, paving the way for enhanced learning and coaching experiences.

Andrew and Lucy discussed OpenAI's new Sora tool, which enables text-to-video creation. While promising, its restricted availability in Europe highlights challenges in accessibility and regulatory compliance.

Lucy emphasized the importance of preserving employees’ sense of purpose and joy. AI should complement rather than replace tasks that employees find fulfilling.

Peter Boswell shared insights on how Greene King’s leadership prioritizes AI literacy and integrates it into the company culture, ensuring employees feel empowered rather than threatened by AI.

Andrew and Lucy explained that smaller teams can embrace AI literacy quickly and collaboratively, while larger companies need top-down strategies and structured training.

Andrew and Lucy explored the use cases for these tools, from assisting visually impaired users to providing coaching simulations and improving customer interactions with AI-powered avatars.

Andrew and Lucy discuss the podcast’s mission to demystify and simplify AI for organizational...

In this insightful episode of the AI Readiness podcast, Lucy and Andrew tackle some of the most pressing concerns about AI, including security and trust, guilt surrounding AI adoption, and how leaders can navigate the evolving AI landscape. Featuring Andrew Elia, founder and manager of Arishi, the episode unpacks the myths and realities of AI security and explores why some professionals, particularly women, feel "AI guilt" when using these tools.

From practical advice on implementing AI tools to creating an AI culture within organizations, this episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to embrace AI while maintaining ethical and secure practices.

Andrew Elia is the founder and manager of Arishi, a technical innovation consultancy specializing in secure software development and AI solutions. With over 25 years of experience, Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge to help organizations confidently navigate the complexities of AI integration.

Andrew highlights common fears about AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot, particularly concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity. He offers clarity on best practices to mitigate risks, such as avoiding sensitive data uploads and implementing clear AI usage policies.

Lucy delves into the emotional aspect of AI adoption, particularly among women, who often feel guilt or hesitation when using AI. This stems from societal norms around perfectionism and fear of "cheating." Peer support and comprehensive training programs are recommended to foster confidence and competence in using AI tools.

The hosts discuss whether organizations should invest in AI-specific roles or upskill existing teams. Andrew emphasizes the importance of organizational alignment and suggests smaller companies start by educating their executive teams on AI capabilities before considering specialized hires.

Lucy and Andrew introduce Episode 5 and outline the key topics, including AI security, guilt, and the role of leadership in AI adoption.

Discussion on ChatGPT’s new features, including the pros and cons of the $200/month subscription and the new Canvas feature.

Lucy and Andrew share surprising stats about AI adoption, including low confidence levels among executives and a lack of AI policies in organizations.

Lucy explores how guilt and hesitation impact AI adoption, particularly among women, and offers solutions to overcome these barriers.

The hosts share their experiences with AI tools, from ChatGPT's Tech Advisor bot to Microsoft Copilot’s evolving functionality.

Andrew Elia discusses practical strategies for ensuring AI security and building trust within organizations.

A fun segment where Lucy and producer Rich answer quirky questions about AI's role in their daily lives.

A sneak peek into the next episode featuring Peter Boswell from Green King, discussing AI implementation in large organizations.

The AI Readiness podcast helps leaders navigate the complexities of adopting AI in their organizations. Hosted by Lucy and Andrew, the show offers practical advice, expert interviews, and real-world insights to make AI accessible,...

Episode Summary

In this engaging fourth episode of the AI Readiness Podcast, Lucy and Andrew, alongside producer Rich, discuss overcoming imposter syndrome while navigating the fast-paced world of AI. They share insights into practical AI applications for businesses, from building AI literacy in small teams to exploring tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. The episode also features Anna Tanner, Head of Employee Experience at Flagship Housing Association, who provides a real-world perspective on fostering AI adoption within her HR team.

Guest Profile

Anna Tanner

Head of Employee Experience, Flagship Housing Association

Anna is a trailblazer in integrating AI tools within HR to improve efficiency and employee engagement. In her interview, she highlights the transformative power of AI, how to overcome resistance to change, and the importance of creating a safe space for experimentation.

Key Takeaways

What is imposter syndrome, and how can leaders manage it?

Lucy and Andrew reflect on their experiences with imposter syndrome, particularly when faced with technical experts in the AI field. They emphasize maintaining a learning mindset and embracing curiosity as essential tools for navigating uncharted territories.

Should small teams adopt ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot?

The hosts debate this common question, emphasizing the importance of building AI literacy before making decisions. They explain how ChatGPT offers flexibility for experimentation, while Copilot integrates seamlessly into Microsoft 365, providing added security for sensitive environments.

How can AI tools support sales and HR teams?

Lucy and Andrew outline specific use cases for sales and HR teams, including automating email drafts, conducting market research, and enhancing learning and development programs with interactive AI tools like Claude's artifacts.

Chapters and Time Stamps

[00:00] – Introduction: Imposter Syndrome and AI Readiness

Lucy and Andrew share their personal struggles with imposter syndrome and discuss the podcast’s growing success.

[08:41] – Breaking News: Operator Modes and Voice Functionality in AI

The team dives into the latest AI developments, including ChatGPT’s operator mode and Claude’s artifact tool.

[18:22] – Conversations in the Field: AI Literacy in Sales and HR

Lucy recounts her experiences training a sales team in AI tools, while Andrew shares insights from the Barclays AI Symposium.

[25:36] – Guest Interview: Anna Tanner on AI in HR

Anna Tanner discusses how Flagship Housing Association integrates AI tools to enhance employee experience.

[36:00] – Adventures in AI: Talking to Documents and Building Web Apps

Lucy and Andrew explore the capabilities of Claude and ChatGPT for document interactions, creating artifacts, and using live avatars.

[47:00] – Dear Lucy: ChatGPT vs. Copilot

Lucy advises a listener debating which AI tool is best for a 30-person team, offering guidance on balancing innovation and security.

[53:02] – Quickfire Questions: Fun and Reflections

The team wraps up with lighthearted questions, from comparing themselves to TV duos to discussing their biggest "bottles."

About the Podcast

The AI Readiness Podcast is your go-to resource for actionable insights and expert interviews in the world of artificial intelligence. Hosted by Lucy and Andrew, co-founders of a fast-moving AI consultancy, the podcast covers the latest trends, tools, and techniques to...