In this episode, Val and Dale engage with Professor Eddie Obeng to explore the multifaceted implications of AI in today's world. They discuss the hype surrounding AI, its potential benefits and challenges in various sectors, particularly healthcare and governance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of human elements in technology, the need for a balanced perspective on AI's role in society, and the necessity of dreaming a better future rather than getting swept up in the gold rush mentality.

📖 All Change! [Project Chatter Edition]

Takeaways

• AI is both a potential savior and a threat.
• The hype around AI often overshadows its practical applications.
• Understanding the human element is crucial in technology adoption.
• Persuasion plays a significant role in the AI gold rush.
• AI can enhance healthcare but must be approached cautiously.
• The future of work will be shaped by how we integrate AI.
• Governance can benefit from AI, but ethical considerations are paramount.
• Community values should guide the implementation of AI.
• AI's limitations must be acknowledged to avoid over-reliance.
• Dreaming a better future is essential for meaningful progress.

Chapters

00:00 The AI Gold Rush: Promise or Peril?

13:19 Understanding AI: Tools vs. Jobs

22:40 The Human Element in Technology

31:49 Leadership in the Age of AI

33:09 Evolve, Dominate or Die: The New Business Paradigm

34:32 Harnessing AI: A Practical Approach

38:49 The Human Element in AI and Technology

41:07 AI in Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges

44:47 Reimagining Community and Governance with AI

56:32 The Future of AI in Administration and Decision Making

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, hosts Val and Dale engage with Riccardo Cosentino to explore the unique aspects of the REM project in Canada, a public-private partnership (PPP) model that has garnered attention for its innovative funding and governance structure. Riccardo shares insights into the project's background, the role of the Quebec pension fund as a project sponsor, and the implications of risk management and return calculations. The conversation delves into the importance of early stakeholder involvement, the challenges of public opinion, and the potential for replicating this model in other sectors. Throughout the discussion, the significance of governance, long-term perspectives, and the necessary skill sets for project professionals are emphasized, providing valuable takeaways for listeners interested in infrastructure projects and PPPs.

Takeaways

• The REM project is a unique public-private partnership model.
• Risk management is crucial in financing infrastructure projects.
• The obligation to repay investments can shift from taxpayers to private entities.
• Calculating returns involves considering ridership and land value capture.
• Contingency planning is integrated into the rate of return.
• Early involvement of stakeholders leads to better project outcomes.
• Governance structures can significantly impact project success.
• Long-term perspectives are essential for managing infrastructure investments.
• Curiosity and risk-taking are important traits for project professionals.
• The REM model could be applied to other sectors beyond transportation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

03:24 Understanding Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

06:11 The REM Project Overview

08:56 Funding and Risk Management in the REM Project

11:55 Calculating Returns and Land Value Capture

14:33 Governance and Project Delivery

17:21 Long-Term Perspectives and Lifecycle Management

22:47 Changing Dynamics in Project Management

24:35 Governance and Change Management in Projects

26:38 Replicating Successful Project Models

29:08 Applying the Model Beyond Rail Projects

31:07 Reporting Mechanisms and Governance Structures

33:55 Skill Sets for Successful Project Delivery

35:39 Advice for Aspiring Project Professionals

37:27 Resilience in Today's Project Challenges

39:40 Future of the CDPQ Model and Its Replicability

In this episode, the hosts delve into the transformative role of AI in project management, discussing its evolution, practical applications, and the challenges of adoption. They explore the emergence of AI agents, their impact on consulting, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI integration in the workplace. The conversation also touches on the future of work, organisational changes, and the potential breakthroughs that AI may bring to the industry. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the interplay between knowledge, AI, and human experience. They discuss the importance of sharing knowledge, the balance between technology and human interaction, and the potential for AI to enhance project management. The dialogue also delves into philosophical perspectives on AI, the future of work, and the role of education in bridging the gap between technology and human understanding. The speakers emphasise the need for experimentation, collaboration, and a human-centric approach to technology, ultimately advocating for a fun and exploratory mindset in navigating the evolving landscape of AI.

Key Takeaways

• People often feel stiffed by societal advances.
• Experimentation is key in understanding AI's capabilities.
• Building in public fosters confidence and knowledge sharing.
• AI should give us more time for human interaction.
• The transition to AI will be challenging for many.
• Humans often get in the way of technological progress.
• Education systems are struggling to adapt to AI.
• Generative models in AI mirror human intelligence.
• The meaning of life is not limited to intelligence.

Chapters

03:32 The Evolution of AI in Project Management

06:16 Exploring AI Agents and Their Applications

09:12 Practical Experiences with AI Agents

11:54 The Future of Consulting and AI Integration

14:31 The Role of AI in Organizational Structures

17:32 Futurescaping: The Future of AI in Projects

20:13 Overcoming Resistance to AI Adoption

23:09 The Ethical Considerations of AI in Projects

36:30 Creating Value in the Age of AI

40:04 The Disappearance of Intermediaries

44:05 The Future of Work and AI

48:39 AI in Project Management

53:55 Knowledge Transfer and AI

01:06:22 Balancing Technology and Human Interaction

01:09:52 The Future of AI and Human Interaction

01:14:11 Ethics and Rights of AI

01:17:24 Understanding AI's Role in Society

01:24:30 Education and AI: Bridging the Gap

01:33:53 Generative Intelligence: Human vs AI