AI and the Digital Workplace with Ed Rogers from Akumina and Michelle Caldwell
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Release Date: 03/06/2025
Copilot, Culture & the Cloud: 2025 at Synozur
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. Four Synozur leaders - Michelle Boyd, Michelle Caldwell, Joshua Christensen & Shari Oswald – join Chris McNulty on a special holiday edition of Polaris to reflect on 2025's seismic shifts in AI, the gap between technology and organizational maturity, and why 2026 will separate those who merely adopted tools from those who fundamentally transformed how work gets done. KEY TAKEAWAYS Agentic AI arrived in force in...
info_outline
Larry Namer: The Kid from Coney Island Who Invented Modern TV
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. Summary Larry Namer, co-founder of E! Entertainment Television, shares his remarkable journey with Chris McNulty on Polaris - from working underground installing cables in Manhattan to building a multi-billion-dollar global media empire that transformed celebrity culture, pioneered red carpet coverage, and expanded entertainment across 140 countries—plus his insights on AI, thinking globally, and why passion alone isn't always...
info_outline
Humanity as a Strategy - Ed DeAngelis
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. In this episode of Polaris, Chris McNulty interviews Ed DeAngelis, CEO of EDA Contractors, who shares his journey of transforming a roofing company into a leader in the construction industry through a focus on servant leadership and a people-first approach. Ed discusses the challenges faced in the construction sector, the importance of creating a win-win culture, and how humanity plays a crucial role in business success. He...
info_outline
Microsoft Ignite 2025 - Day One News on Copilot and M365
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. In this episode of Polaris, Chris McNulty discusses the latest innovations announced at Microsoft's Ignite conference, focusing on AI advancements in Microsoft 365. Key topics include the introduction of Work IQ, the centralized management platform Agent 365, new features in Office apps, enhancements in Outlook for AI powered scheduling, and the role of SharePoint in AI-driven collaboration. The episode also highlights the...
info_outline
On Point with SharePoint - Adam Harmetz
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. In this episode of Polaris, Chris McNulty speaks with Adam Harmetz, Corporate Vice President for SharePoint at Microsoft. They discuss Adam's career journey, and the significant role of AI in knowledge management. The conversation delves into how SharePoint is evolving as a knowledge engine for AI, the importance of community feedback in product development, and the future of information management. Adam shares insights on...
info_outline
AI for Nonprofits - Tori Miller-Liu & Andrew Borg
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. Nonprofits are moving from AI experiments to governed, human‑centered deployments. AIIM’s Tori Miller‑Liu and Synozur’s Andrew Borg share field lessons, from “conversational search” that cites sources to coalition‑driven ethics and the EU AI Act’s impact horizon. Takeaways AI is a force multiplier, not a headcount reducer. The biggest value today is in accelerating research, finance, content triage, and...
info_outline
Trendspotting - The Future of AI with Michael Tchong
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. In this episode of Polaris, Chris McNulty and futurist Michael Tchong, founder of the Ubertrends Academy, discuss the profound impact of AI on society, the workforce, and the economy. They explore the rapid advancements in AI technology, the potential for job displacement, and the need for upskilling in the workforce. Michael emphasizes the importance of understanding the trends and innovations that AI brings, as well as...
info_outline
Tarmacs, Tariffs, and Transformation – Rob Asen
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Show Notes is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. In this episode of Polaris, Chris McNulty and Rob Asen discuss the critical challenges of corporate transformation, the role of transformation offices, and the impact of AI on business strategies. They share insights from successful transformation projects, highlight common pitfalls to avoid, and outline a five-step process for effective transformation. Additionally, Rob shares his personal experiences with community...
info_outline
Content without Compromise – Inside the M-Files & Microsoft Alliance
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. In this episode of Polaris, Chris McNulty hosts Ryan Barry from M-Files and Ian Story from Microsoft to discuss the evolving landscape of content management, particularly in light of their new partnership. They explore how AI is transforming traditional content management systems, the unique offerings of M-Files, and the importance of unstructured data in leveraging AI effectively. The conversation highlights the benefits of...
info_outline
From Lean to Lead – A Consultant-Turned-Owner Story – Damien Lacey
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. In this episode of Polaris, Chris McNulty speaks with Damien Lacey, an expert in operational excellence, about his journey from a consultant to a business owner. They discuss the importance of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies in today's business landscape, the challenges of acquiring a business, and the cultural shifts that come with ownership. Damien shares insights on balancing strategy with operations, the impact of AI on...
info_outlinePolaris is a production of Synozur - an advisory agency focused on transforming business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategic planning with ease.
Welcome to a special episode of Polaris Pulse, where we’re joined by Ed Rogers of Akumina and Michelle Caldwell to explore the transformative impact of AI on digital workplaces, discussing the challenges and strategies for effective integration. AI offers new ways to generate and consume information in the digital workplace, while digital workplace tools can unify fragmented user experiences that are a byproduct of a multiplying range of AI systems. Together, they unravel the challenges and strategies necessary for creating cohesive and productive digital workplaces, emphasizing the crucial balance between technology, people, and processes.
Keywords
AI, digital workplace, productivity, omni-AI, employee engagement, integration, technology transformation, chatbots, organizational culture, strategies
Takeaways
- The proliferation of AI tools is reshaping digital workplaces.
- Task switching among AI applications is a significant productivity drain.
- Digital workplaces must integrate technology, people, and processes effectively.
- AI is not just a tool; it's a strategic necessity for businesses.
- Employee engagement is crucial for a successful digital workplace.
- A cohesive strategy is needed for integrating various AI systems.
- The human element remains vital in AI interactions.
- Organizations must avoid fragmentation in their digital tools.
- AI should enhance human interaction, not replace it.
Sound Bites
"AI is not just a tool; it's a partner that can enhance our creativity and productivity, making digital workplaces more dynamic and efficient." - Ed Rogers
"Integrating AI in the workplace is not just about automation; it's about creating an environment where innovation flourishes." - Michelle Caldwell
References
- Synozur research projects the market for generative AI is growing at triple digit rates and will reach significantly over $100 billion in 2025. But that expansion of revenues is also leading to an expansion of interfaces.
- AI proliferation contributing to productivity declines: Our research also shows that the productivity drain from knowledge worker task switching will reach $279.5 billion this year. Embracing the Future: Predictions for AI in 2025 — The Synozur Alliance
Events
- Transforming the Digital Workplace – Webinar. On March 11, join Ed Rogers and Michelle Caldwell for a live webinar exploring digital workplaces in depth, with demos and resources.
Production
Polaris is produced with the help of our friends at Riverside.fm. Our theme song, “Alternative Dream” is provided courtesy of Adobe. Additional music and sound provided by IndieGuy Records. Graphic design by Josh Brantley.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Digital Workplaces
02:07 Trends and Data on Digital Workplaces and AI
04:31 Introducing Ed Rogers and Michelle Caldwell
04:31 AI and Integrated Digital Workplaces
06:05 The Impact of AI on Digital Workplaces
09:35 Can AI Chat be the Interface to Everything
11:41 Human-Centric Approaches in AI Interactions
13:57 Upcoming Events
14:49 Closing