Chatting GPT

This week on ChattingGPT, we have Stephen Redmond - an influential leader in data analytics and digital transformation, with a background spanning AI leadership roles at BearingPoint and Accenture. He's the Founder and Chief AI Officer of Straitéis AI, a consultancy focused on helping SMEs cut through AI noise to find real value. He is also now working with the AI Institute to deliver AI strategy for clients - combining his expertise in strategy, prioritisation and governance with ours in AI literacy training and implementation.In this show we talk about:How some executives are stuck in conference-induced paralysis whilst their staff are already using ChatGPT on their phones. Stephen Redmond talks about what actually works when implementing AI in business.Key Topics:The Freeze Response Why C-suite leaders attend conferences, hear everything they should be doing, then do nothing. The third option beyond fight or flight that's stopping AI adoption.Shadow AI Reality Billions of weekly ChatGPT users aren't waiting for corporate approval. Staff are using AI anyway—often unsafely. The security risk hiding in plain sight.AI Literacy vs AI Strategy Why training needs to start at the top and bubble up through middle managers. How literacy is climbing the Gartner hype cycle whilst generative AI slides into the trough of disillusionment.The Practical Approach Show, tell, ideate. Map customer journeys, identify pain points, prioritise by value. Why some problems need process tweaks, not AI.From Fear to Curiosity Maryrose on how the conversation shifted from "AI will take my job" (2023) to "data security" (2024) to "overwhelm" (early 2025) and now "curiosity" (now heading into 2026).The SME Gap Why Irish small-to-medium enterprises—especially construction and professional services—represent the biggest untapped opportunity for practical AI implementation.Stephen Redmond LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenredmond/Straitéis AI website: https://www.straiteis.ie/AI Institute website: https://weareaiinstitute.com/

John Clancy of Galvia and Maryrose Lyons of the AI Institute, AI Adoption specialists for the built environment sector make the case for curiosity, shared data, and human-AI collaboration that improves decisions across every store.DescriptionThis episode centres on people: giving Retail Managers a clear, shared view of performance and using gen-AI to ask better questions of the business.John Clancy outlines how to spread successful tactics across locations how they discuss talent pipelines, internships, and why Manchester and France offer useful models for pro-AI environments.Episode Notes“Once the model goes live, that’s the beginning”—why adoption is a people programme.Democratise access: managers query KPIs and predictions in natural language.Share successes fast: one-click ideas from Cork to every other store.Train for cross-sell moments (café, grooming) without hard selling.Literacy shift: beyond “write emails” to using data for decisions.Talent reality: startups can’t match salaries; offer breadth and impact instead.Policy backdrop: AI campus, minister, and investment fixes to raise national ambition.Safe by design: data remains within the retailer’s four walls.Practical proof: targeted re-engagement drove 4.4% revenue uplift.Curiosity as a KPI: reward teams for testing and sharing what works.Subscribe to Chatting GPT for clear, human-first stories on from people who are using AI to deliver real results—fortnightly drops.KeywordsAI literacy, Built Environment AI, AI Adoption, AI Transformation, AI culture, human-AI collaboration, democratising data, store manager insights, generative AI at work, curiosity at work, retail decision-making, UK Ireland AI, Manchester ecosysem, France AI policy, team enablement, knowledge sharing, Galvia, Chatting GPT

In this episode of Chatting GPT, Maryrose Lyons speaks with Breffni Greene, the head of AI and design innovation at Henry J Lyons Architects. They discuss the integration of AI in architecture, the challenges faced in traditional practices, and the evolving roles of graduates in an AI-driven environment. Breffni shares his journey of becoming an AI champion within his firm, the importance of engaging sceptics, and innovative uses of AI in projects. The conversation also touches on the future of architectural education and the skills needed for upcoming professionals in the field.Connect with Breffni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/breffnigreene/

The Three Types of AI Adopters - Companies dilly-dallying in the shallow end, those taking strategic initiatives, and businesses going AI-first. Only 1% feel their AI has hit maturity.Shadow AI Crisis - Up to 78% of employees are using AI tools regardless of company policy, creating massive GDPR and data exfiltration risks. Enterprise Ireland's AI ban exemplifies this problem.The VW Trade Secret Leak - How an engineer's ChatGPT query accidentally revealed an unreleased drivetrain design, highlighting the real risks of ungoverned AI use.Beyond Task Automation - Moving from basic automation to AI-first requires rethinking entire business processes - from CRM strategies to contact centre operations.SME Advantage vs Resource Reality - Small businesses have agility but face cost barriers. Lee's framework for strategic COO-led AI initiatives with focused expert teams.EU AI Act: Quality Control, Not Innovation Killer - Why the legislation is product regulation protecting fundamental rights, not a barrier to innovation. Companies complaining really just don't want to build quality products.Lee Bristow is originally from Cape Town, now based in Ireland, working with Saros Consulting on cybersecurity, AI governance, and helping enterprises navigate AI implementation strategically.CONNECT Find Lee on LinkedIn or through Saros Consulting for AI governance and cybersecurity expertise.SUBSCRIBE Hit subscribe to ChattingGPT to continue learning from leaders navigating the messy reality of AI implementation.

What if AI could let you test a million building designs before laying a single brick? Or age a structure 50 years to see how climate change might affect it?Sharon Richardson reveals how artificial intelligence is quietly revolutionising one of the world's oldest industries. From robots that lay tiles with surgical precision to AI systems that run thousands of design iterations in minutes, construction is getting a complete overhaul.We also tackle the big question everyone's asking: does AI's energy appetite matter if it helps us slash the other 97% of global electricity use? Sharon breaks down the numbers that might surprise you.In this episode:Why AI feels like having an engineering time machineThe real energy cost of AI (it's smaller than you think)How robots and humans will split construction workClimate modelling that shows buildings decades into the futureWhy the built environment shapes us as much as we shape itPerfect for anyone curious about AI's practical impact beyond the heSmart, grounded, and refreshingly honest, this is a must-listen for leaders shaping the future of cities, sustainability, and innovation.You can connect with Sharon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonr/

A Look Back from 2030: The Human Side of AIHow Skills, Culture, and Transformation Shaped the Future of WorkIn this episode of Chatting GPT, Maryrose Lyons sits down with transformation expert Stephanie Prenderville for a playful yet thought-provoking conversation set in the year 2030.Together, they explore how work has evolved in an AI-first world—from three-day work weeks and skills-based rewards to the critical importance of human literacy. You’ll hear insights about why creativity, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking have become the core skills of the modern workforce, and how leaders can overcome fear and overwhelm to build cultures that thrive alongside technology.Topics Covered:What it really means to put humans at the heart of AIHow AI transformed hiring, learning, and performance managementWhy critical thinking and human literacy are non-negotiable leadership skillsThe move to transparent, skills-based rewardsThe role of creativity and sustainability in measuring successTips for leaders starting their AI transformation journeyConnect with Stephanie Prenderville:👉 Follow Stephanie on LinkedInLearn more about the AI Institute:👉 Visit the AI Institute Website

What if AI didn’t just take tasks off your plate but actually made you smarter?Stephen Klein – marketer, educator, disruptor and soulful tech strategist – joins Maryrose Lyons to unpack why he believes meaning will be the last competitive edge.Follow him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbklein/Check out: https://curiouser.ai/We cover:Why the future isn’t task automation, it’s human augmentationWhy AI companies are losing billions while consultants get richStephen Klein on how the big AI companies are replaying the Big Tobacco playbookHis solutions: Curiouser.ai - it flips the script and exists to teach you (not learn from you)If you liked this episode, we'd love if you considered following us.Or rate us.Be nice.We'd love that.

From cyber law to Kabul, from the UN to Brussels, Caro Robson has been at the frontline of AI regulation for two decades. In this episode, she joins Maryrose Lyons of the AI Institute to dissect the global power struggle over AI.They talk DeepSeek, Deep State, and the deep flaws in Europe’s AI readiness. Caro breaks down the delays in the EU AI Act, the surprising innovation culture in China, and the human cost behind every clever chatbot.Expect a smart, clear-eyed take on ethics, enforcement, and why Malta is outperforming Ireland on AI preparation.📚 Read Caro’s latest work: carorobson.com/blog-news-resources including her post on the EU AI Act 'Is it dead on arrival?'📚 Kate Crawford's book "Atlas of AI" which Caro highly recommends.📚 Link to the podcast with Declan Power on AI in warfare.