Podcast
AI Today Podcast
Hosted by AI & Data Today · EN
The top podcast for those wanting no-hype, practical, real-world insight into what enterprises, public sector agencies, thought leaders, leading technology companies, pundits, and experts are doing with AI today.
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Turning AI into Scalable Language Solutions – with Johan Sporre
2w ago00:33:23Tap to summarizeKathleen Walch speaks with Johan Sporre, Engineering Manager at IKEA Retail (Ingka Group) and CPMAI-certified professional, about how AI is transforming translation and language services at scale. Johan explains how his team supports 230,000 coworkers across 64 markets, with 90% of translations now AI-driven, and how CPMAI ensures alignment, quality data, and measurable outcomes.An IKEA case study shows how redefining translation as “text generation” in IKEA’s voice, powered by a graph database enriched with metadata, created a scalable foundation across dozens of languages. Johan highlights the challenges of balancing linguistic nuance with algorithms, misconceptions about “out-of-the-box” LLMs, and why operationalization—not deployment—defines AI success.You’ll gain insights on:Why CPMAI’s structured phases prevent costly failuresHow IKEA scaled translation from 6 to 46 languages iterativelyWhy tone, grammar, and cultural context matter in AIHow sustainability and resource use shape AI’s futureHow project managers are evolving as orchestrators of AI-enabled workflowsPractical and rich with real-world lessons, this episode is invaluable for project managers, AI practitioners, and leaders navigating language, technology, and business transformation.
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AI as Your New Team Member: Scaling with Confidence – with Michael Joyce
4w ago00:31:06Tap to summarizeIn this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch speaks with Michael Joyce, Enterprise Service Delivery and AI Transformation Leader at Cisco, about what it really takes to move AI from experimentation to operational impact in enterprise project delivery. Drawing on his experience leading technical program management teams across multiple customers, Michael shares how Cisco is applying generative AI to accelerate service delivery, improve decision quality, and empower project managers. He also founded Cisco’s internal AI Innovator Hub for PMs and helped create an AI for PM playbook, giving teams a repeatable way to apply AI under delivery pressure. Michael explains why AI projects differ fundamentally from traditional software initiatives, and why treating AI like a new team member through proper onboarding, context engineering, and iterative coaching turns it into a powerful "co-pilot" rather than just another tool. He and Kathleen discuss common pitfalls for AI projects like “shiny AI features” that fail to deliver, and how the CPMAI framework helps teams ask the right questions early, using Business Understanding and the AI Go/No-Go checklist to avoid wasted effort. A standout story from the podcast is how a high-stakes hospital system cutover illustrates how organizing critical knowledge into AI-supported playbooks enabled faster responses, smoother transitions, and stronger stakeholder confidence. They also explore PMI’s M.O.R.E. vision, the importance of relentlessly reassessing AI initiatives as conditions change, and how project managers can balance speed with accountability to deliver trustworthy, responsible AI. You’ll hear insights on: How PMI-CPMAI establishes a common language between business and technical teams Why chasing “shiny” AI features without understanding why often fails How treating AI like a teammate leads to stronger results How project leaders can balance speed with accountability in responsible AI How project managers are evolving into orchestrators of AI-enabled workflows Practical, grounded, and enterprise-focused, this episode offers valuable perspectives for project managers, technology leaders, and decision-makers working to turn AI ambition into dependable business results.
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Turn AI into Action — Practical Wins with CP Richardson
Apr 1500:30:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch speaks with CP Richardson who is co-founder of Agile in Color, an Agile Alliance Board Member, and is also PMI- CPMAI certified to discuss what it really takes to bring AI into day-to-day work with discipline, intention, and the right framework.CP draws on more than 15 years of experience across software development, operations, marketing, and AI, including early work with machine learning in fraud detection. He also shares lessons learned from experimenting with AI to help run a small wine import business and how earning his PMI-CPMAI certification gave him a shared language and a structured, repeatable approach to AI, replacing instinct-driven decisions with clearer business alignment. That hands-on context provides some of the episode’s most practical and relatable insights.CP shares how he built an AI agent to help do prospecting for his wine import business. While the agent failed to deliver on the desired outcome, the lessons learned were valuable: building the right solution technically does not guarantee business success. Without CPMAI’s Phase One Business Understanding and the AI Go/No Go checklist, teams risk investing in solutions that work in theory but fail in practice.Kathleen and CP also discuss the importance of stakeholder engagement, the PMI M.O.R.E. vision of moving project managers beyond outputs to outcomes, and how combining agile principles with a data-centric methodology enables faster learning, better decisions, and more effective iteration.You'll hear insights on: Why Business Understanding is such a critical phase of any AI project How the AI Go/No Go checklist surfaces critical questions before starting your AI project What a real-world AI failure teaches about context, behavior, and business objectives Why agile practitioners need "chops" — and how AI raises the ceiling for those who have them How small businesses can punch above their weight with AI, if they're disciplined about it Practical, grounded, and anti-hype — for project managers, agile coaches, engineers stepping into AI leadership, or founders figuring out what AI can do for their business. Today's episode is brought to you by PMTraining.com. From live virtual classes to on-demand courses, PMTraining prepares students for popular PMI certifications, including the Project Management Professional or PMP. Behind the scenes, the PMTraining team is also actively applying AI across their organization, from learning development to customer support, helping them deliver training at scale. PMTraining.com is the world's largest provider of live classes for the Project Management Professional certification, running up to 35 classes every month for every schedule, with a free 30 PDU course included with your enrollment, so half of your continuing education requirement is already met once you are certified. They offer live and on-demand courses for all kinds of PMI certifications, with schedules and formats designed for working professionals. For AI Today listener discounts, visit PMTraining.com/aitoday.
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Balancing AI and Human Expertise in Professional Certification Training – with Chris Scordo
Apr 100:38:52Tap to summarizeIn this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch sits down with Chris Scordo, Founder and Managing Director of PMTraining—a PMI Authorized Training Partner—for a candid conversation about deploying AI responsibly in a training business while keeping the human element at the center. As artificial intelligence reshapes how content is created and delivered, Chris explains how the project management training landscape is evolving. From live instruction and certification preparation to on-demand learning, he shares how AI is transforming the way professionals learn while highlighting why human instructors, subject matter experts, and instructional designers remain essential. Chris discusses how AI tools can accelerate content development and support scalable learning. However, he emphasizes that real value still comes from experienced practitioners who provide context, interpretation, and practical insight. In project management—where judgment, leadership, and decision-making are critical—human guidance remains key to helping learners apply knowledge effectively. You’ll hear insights on: How AI is reshaping project management training and content creation Why human instructors and SMEs remain critical in an AI-enabled learning environment How training providers are adapting to AI-driven learning models How AI-related skills and certifications are gaining importance What project professionals can do to stay relevant in an AI-augmented future This episode offers valuable perspectives for project managers, training leaders, and learning professionals navigating the evolving intersection of AI, certification programs, and professional development. Today's episode is brought to you by PMTraining.com. From live virtual classes to on-demand courses, PMTraining prepares students for popular PMI certifications, including the Project Management Professional or PMP. Behind the scenes, the PMTraining team is also actively applying AI across their organization, from learning development to customer support, helping them deliver training at scale. PMTraining.com is the world's largest provider of live classes for the Project Management Professional certification, running up to 35 classes every month for every schedule, with a free 30 PDU course included with your enrollment, so half of your continuing education requirement is already met once you are certified. They offer live and on-demand courses for all kinds of PMI certifications, with schedules and formats designed for working professionals. For AI Today listener discounts, visit PMTraining.com/aitoday.
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AI Project Management in the Pharmaceutical Industry – with Sumathi Arcot
Mar 1800:33:13Tap to summarizeIn this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch sits down with Sumathi Arcot, Project Director for Lean Agile Transformation in AstraZeneca’s U.S. Oncology Business Unit, for a candid conversation on what it really takes to manage AI responsibly in one of the world’s most regulated industries. Sumathi shares how the CPMAI methodology fundamentally shifted her perspective on AI, from something experimental and exploratory to a product discipline with defined outcomes, built-in governance, and clear success criteria from day one. In a pharma environment shaped by strict compliance requirements, she explains how CPMAI doesn’t slow innovation—it enables it—by aligning seamlessly with privacy impact assessments, third‑party risk reviews, and regulatory expectations. Drawing on a real-world patient value impact analysis project in the rare diseases space, Sumathi highlights how CPMAI’s six phases—especially Phase I: Business Understanding and Phase II: Data Understanding—help teams focus on the right problem before model development begins. She also connects CPMAI to PMI’s M.O.R.E. vision, explaining how structured artifacts, KPIs, and go/no-go checkpoints help project managers move beyond delivery to value especially when navigating AI initiatives with diverse, risk-aware stakeholders. You’ll hear insights on: How CPMAI transforms AI experiments into governed, auditable products Why Business Understanding is critical in AI initiatives How pharma compliance aligns to CPMAI checkpoints How the PMI M.O.R.E. vision helps project managers communicate AI value What agentic AI and human‑in‑the‑loop leadership looks like in the years ahead Whether you’re a project manager, transformation leader, or AI practitioner, this episode offers practical lessons for leading AI initiatives where the stakes and the scrutiny are high.
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How PMOs Lead Responsible AI Transformation in Higher Education – with Ivonne Mejia
Mar 400:25:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch talks with Ivonne Mejia, Lead Project Portfolio Manager for the San Francisco Bay Region Network at California State University (CSU), to discuss how PMOs can drive responsible AI transformation in higher education. As multiple CSU campuses consolidate under one unified PMO, Ivonne shares how she's embedding CPMAI into portfolio intake, prioritization, and oversight, ensuring AI initiatives are strategically aligned and governed. She makes the case for how CPMAI Phase One: Business Understanding shifts the question from “How do we build this with AI?” to “Should we?” The conversation covers readiness assessment, outcome definition, ethics, and stakeholder alignment. Additionally, Ivonne connects her approach to PMI’s M.O.R.E. vision: managing perceptions, owning success, relentlessly reassessing, and expanding perspectives as data and policy evolve. Tune in to hear about: How CPMAI prevents costly missteps Why starting with the right business problem changes everything How iterative go/no-go decisions keep AI projects aligned and on trackWhat the future of AI-augmented project leadership looks like This episode delivers practical insight into leading AI initiatives that are aligned, governed, and built for measurable impact.
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Why CPMAI Matters in AI Projects — with Mike Hyzy
Feb 1800:28:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch is joined by Michael Hyzy, Vice President of AI Strategy and Product Development at CGI, to explore why so many AI initiatives struggle—and why methodology matters more than ever. Drawing on his experience leading enterprise AI initiatives in regulated industries, Michael explains why treating AI like traditional software often leads to failure, stalled pilots, and unmet expectations. He shares how CPMAI provides the structure needed to manage uncertainty, align stakeholders, and move AI efforts from experimentation to measurable business outcomes. This conversation dives into the realities of managing non-linear AI work, from data readiness and model risk to governance, ethics, and long-term operationalization. Michael also looks ahead to the rise of AI agents and what project leaders must do now to prepare for a future where humans and AI systems work side by side. Tune in to hear about: Why AI projects fail when traditional delivery methods are applied How CPMAI helps teams navigate data uncertainty and iterative learning How organizations move AI from pilots to production Why governance and risk management must be built into AI projects from the start What mindset shifts do project managers need when leading AI initiatives What the transition from AI tools to AI agents means for organizations Whether you’re a project manager, AI practitioner, or organizational leader, this episode offers practical insight into delivering AI responsibly, realistically, and at scale.
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The Human Side of AI in Education — with Dr. Katrenia Reed Hughes
Jan 2800:27:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch sits down with Dr. Katrenia Reed Hughes, educator, curriculum designer, and project leader, to explore how AI is transforming education—and what it means to prepare learners for project success in a rapidly changing world. As part of AI Today's PMI Global Summit Series, this conversation highlights how AI can be used not just as a tool, but as a pathway to equity, empowerment, and confidence—especially for underrepresented learners. Katrenia shares insights on curriculum development, early exposure to AI, and the mindsets needed to ensure no one gets left behind in the age of automation. Tune in to hear about: Why exposure to AI early builds not just skills, but belief How educators are integrating AI across curriculum design The role of psychological safety and representation in project learning What “future readiness” means for tomorrow’s project leaders How AI can both challenge and enhance traditional education models The importance of mentorship, agency, and human connection in AI-powered learning Whether you're in education, project management, or talent development, this episode offers a hopeful and practical vision for building more inclusive, AI-literate teams—starting in the classroom.
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Lee Lambert on AI, Human Skills, and the Evolution of Project Management
Dec 300:22:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch sits down with Lee Lambert, PMI Fellow, a founder of the PMP certification, and long-time project management thought leader. Recorded live at PMI Global Summit 2025, this conversation bridges the past, present, and future of the project management profession.Lee shares his candid thoughts on how AI is reshaping what it means to lead projects—and why the future belongs to those who pair smart tools with power skills like communication, leadership, and empathy.Tune in to hear about:Why mindset matters more than memorization in an AI-augmented worldHow project managers can embrace AI without losing their human edgeWhy power skills are more valuable than everWhat changes—and what doesn’t—as tools evolveLee’s advice for staying relevant in a fast-changing professionReflections on the PMP’s legacy and the future of PM educationWhether you're new to the field or decades into your career, this episode offers practical, energizing advice on how to grow with the profession as AI transforms the landscape.
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Ashima Sharma on Data, Teams, and the Human Side of AI
Nov 1900:20:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch sits down with Ashima Sharma, Founding Partner of Ayuka Consulting, to explore what it really takes to deliver AI that works—in practice, at scale, and with purpose. This conversation was recorded live at PMI Global Summit 2025 and highlights the often-overlooked foundations of successful AI adoption: clean, contextual data; empowered, cross-functional teams; and a human-centered mindset that sees AI as a partner, not a product. Tune in to hear about: Why most AI efforts fail without operationally ready data How project teams can bridge the gap between experimentation and delivery What true upskilling looks like for today’s AI-augmented workforce How to navigate value misalignment, scope creep, and early AI friction What makes for “good” AI adoption—and what questions we should be asking The importance of empathy, ethics, and inclusion in AI delivery work Whether you're a project leader, product owner, or transformation coach, this episode delivers grounded insight into building AI that supports both systems and the people who run them.
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