Episode 100: The 2026 AI Playbook — From Digital Employees to Real Business Impact with Pat Barry

In Episode 100 of the Digital Velocity Podcast, Erik Martinez is joined by Pat Barry, President of AI Consulting Partners, for a forward-looking conversation on where artificial intelligence is headed as we move into 2026. After several years of experimentation, this episode focuses on what it looks like when AI shifts from novelty to something embedded in everyday business operations.

Pat brings more than two decades of experience in data science and AI, having worked with organizations like Discovery Channel, Google, and Fortune 100 brands including Unilever, McDonald's, and UnitedHealthcare.

Together, Erik and Pat discuss why 2026 will be defined less by new tools and more by automation, confidence, and real operational change. As Erik notes, "I think it's going to be the year of automation," and Pat describes how advanced organizations are already managing AI as a "digital employee" supported by agents and sub-agents.

Listeners will learn:
• Why automation and AI agents are becoming practical tools for daily business use
• How organizations are applying AI to improve communication, workflows, and clarity
• Why measuring AI success may shift away from traditional ROI models
• The risks of shadow AI and the need for clear training and policies
• What agentic shopping and AI-powered search could mean for marketers and brands

Throughout the conversation, Erik and Pat stress that progress with AI starts with intention. Pat cautions businesses to avoid rushing into tools and instead recommends experimenting within existing platforms and focusing on training. They also reinforce the importance of keeping a human in the loop to maintain quality and accountability.

For marketers, operators, and executives across industries this milestone episode offers a practical look at how AI adoption is evolving heading into 2026. The takeaway is clear: focus on real problems, build confidence with the Large-Language Model tools, and prepare for a future where automation supports, not replaces, human work.