AI and the Digital Workplace with Ed Rogers from Akumina and Michelle Caldwell
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Release Date: 03/06/2025
The King of Data Migration Magic with Jordan (Uytterhagen)
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Polaris 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 Jordan Uytterhagen, CEO of Cadence Solutions, about the critical role of data migration in the age of AI. They discuss the challenges organizations face when transitioning to modern platforms like Microsoft 365, the importance of information architecture, and the need for effective governance during migration. Jordan shares insights on user behavior, best practices for...
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UX Marks the Spot – Navigating the Customer Journey with Ginny Delaitre
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Polaris is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. Summary In this episode of Polaris, Chris McNulty interviews Ginny Delaitre, founder of VDS Digital Agency, discussing the critical role of user experience in marketing. They explore Ginny's journey from an iOS developer to an entrepreneur, the cultural challenges of establishing a business in the U.S., and the importance of understanding client journeys. The conversation delves into successful marketing strategies for...
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Synergy over Silos – the New Age of Knowledge
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Polaris is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. In this conversation, Chris McNulty and Gabriel Karawani discuss the challenges of fragmented information in digital workplaces and the introduction of Atlas, a knowledge assistant designed to improve productivity and knowledge management. They explore the future of AI in knowledge management, common misconceptions about AI, and the importance of integrating knowledge with AI systems. The discussion includes success...
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Two Miles High and Rising - Kelly Schuknecht
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Polaris 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 Kelly Schuknecht, CEO of Two-Mile-High Marketing, about the importance of thought leadership in marketing. They discuss Kelly's journey from being an employee to starting her own marketing agency, the significance of establishing authority, and how to effectively connect with audiences. The conversation also covers the role of messaging, the benefits of podcasting, and...
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The Introvert’s Guide to Influence - Crissy Conner
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Polaris 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 Crissy Conner, founder of the Visible CEO movement, about the complexities of developing leadership careers for women amidst gender bias. They discuss the importance of visibility, authenticity, and overcoming fear in order to succeed in leadership roles. Crissy shares her journey of becoming a visibility strategist and emphasizes the need for women to embrace their...
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Building Delight: Inside Microsoft Product Management
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Polaris 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 Sean Squires, Principal Product Manager at Microsoft, about the evolving landscape of software development, particularly in the realm of content management and AI. They discuss the challenges posed by the massive data explosion, the role of AI in enhancing content findability, and the importance of customer empathy in product management. Sean shares insights into the...
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Not Too Big, Not Too Small – TechCon is Just Right - David Wilhelm
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Polaris is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. Summary In this conversation, Chris McNulty and David Wilhelm discuss the challenges of AI adoption in enterprises, emphasizing the importance of training and expertise. They explore the evolution of TechCon 365, highlighting the benefits of mid-sized tech events, community engagement, and the diversity of attendees. The discussion also covers the direct engagement opportunities available at these events and the upcoming...
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Bots to Books to Bucks – The AI Revenue Flywheel - Zack Zeller
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Generative AI is reshaping the business world by accelerating sales and customer engagement. In this episode of Polaris, Zack Zeller shares how thought leadership and engaging content can fuel the AI-powered revenue flywheel. From practical frameworks to emotional resonance in marketing, Zack explores how AI can amplify authenticity, streamline content creation, and drive meaningful business outcomes. 📌 Key Takeaways AI as a Catalyst: AI is not just a tool—it’s a catalyst for deeper customer connections and more efficient marketing systems. The Revenue Flywheel: Thought leadership and...
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The Wonderful World of Mark Kashman
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Polaris is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. Summary In this episode of Polaris, Mark Kashman and Chris McNulty explore the evolution of the Microsoft 365 community, emphasizing the importance of personal engagement. They discuss the role of internal advocates in technology adoption, the excitement surrounding new features, and the value of the TechCommunity. The conversation also touches on automation, collaboration, and the significance of events like the...
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Strategy Unplugged: Dialogues with Dr. John Hillen
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Polaris 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 engages with Dr. John Hillen, author of 'The Strategy Dialogues', to explore the complexities of business strategy. They discuss the common misunderstandings surrounding strategy, the importance of dialogue in strategy development, and how to bring strategic thinking into everyday business practices. Dr. Hillen emphasizes the need for clear definitions of strategy, the distinction...
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