Peggy Smedley Show

The #1 podcast at the intersection of IoT, AI, and Future of Work—if it’s revolutionizing industries, Peggy’s talking about it. Each week on The Peggy Smedley Show, she delivers cutting-edge perspectives from top experts, keeping 150,000+ listeners ahead of the curve.

The Next Decade of Smart Infrastructure 05/20/2026

The Next Decade of Smart Infrastructure Peggy shares why the next 10 years may define the future of infrastructure more than the last 10. She says the question is not whether the technology is coming, but rather the bigger question we need to be asking is if our infrastructure is ready for it. She also discusses: · What cities, manufacturers, construction companies, and policymakers must do right now to prepare for the next decade of smart infrastructure. · The guardrails we must consider, such as who is responsible when AI makes a decision. · How we build a future that is safe, resilient, and accountable. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/41367180

Skills to Succeed at Work 05/20/2026

Skills to Succeed at Work Peggy Smedley and Angelia O'Neal, founder and chief learning officer, MWI Workforce Institute, talk about the essential life skills people need to succeed and the habits people can start building right now to show up stronger at work. She shares what led her to start her nonprofit. They also: · Define what the essential life skills actually are. · Talk about why it is important to always put your best self forward—and an example. · Discuss the role of AI (artificial intelligence) as it relates to essential life skills. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/41367115

Move Fast, Make Smart Decisions 05/20/2026

Move Fast, Make Smart Decisions Peggy Smedley and Dave Moelker, CEO, Twisthink, take a closer look at a team that is redefining what real innovation looks like. He says the company focuses on helping companies turn their physical products into smart, intelligent, and connected systems. They also discuss: · How the company connects strategy, design, and engineering. · A case study of remote monitoring in the mining industry. · How to move faster with AI, while also making good, smart decisions. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/41367000

Pilot to Production 05/13/2026

Pilot to Production Peggy shares her thoughts on how to scale AI (artificial intelligence), breaking down what it really looks like to move from pilots to production. She says companies must have a plan for scaling the agentic and physical AI. She also shares: · Lessons learned from M2M and the IoT (Internet of Things). · Core business challenges that exist today. · What successful implementations include. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/41284360

Advanced Recycling and American Manufacturing 05/13/2026

Advanced Recycling and American Manufacturing Peggy Smedley and Ross Eisenberg, president, America’s Plastic Makers, American Chemistry Council, talk about advanced recycling and the future of American manufacturing. He explains the difference between advanced recycling and traditional mechanical recycling, explaining it is like un-baking a cake. They also discuss: · The biggest benefits of advanced manufacturing. · Two things in the government space that are hampering the ability of this industry to compete. · What type of technology investments are needed here to make this happen. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/41284265

AI: Help or Hindrance 05/13/2026

AI: Help or Hindrance Peggy Smedley and Andreas Welsch talk about the governance that will determine whether AI (artificial intelligence) agents actually help the business or quietly create more challenges. He says it is so important to have this conversation at this moment in time. They also discuss: · What an AI agent control plane is and why leaders should be paying attention. · How to create governance for an entire ecosystem of AI agents. · How do we get the entire organization to support and trust AI. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/41284060

Our Used Future 05/07/2026

Our Used Future On Aiglatson, Peggy Smedley and cohost Dennis Draeger, foresight director, Shaping Tomorrow, talk about our “used future,” which is a future imagined decades ago and built on metaphors and assumption about what intelligence is, which ultimately impacts how we talk about AI (artificial intelligence) today. He says people seem to have different understandings of what AI actually is. They also discuss: · If AI is a technology or a narrative we have attached to computer science. · What AI is today as we talk about this used future. · What is keeping us locked in these old ways of thinking. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/41211045

Transformational Leadership 05/07/2026

Transformational Leadership Peggy Smedley and Andrea Janzen, founder and CEO, Ambition Theory, talk about how leadership is shifting fast, and organizations are feeling the pressure to evolve. She says research shows when there is at least one woman on a construction team, everyone on the team is more productive, and explains why this is. They also discuss: · The differences between transactional and transformational leadership in construction. · The No. 1 thing you can do to entice Gen Z to the construction workforce. · The 10,000 Women Leaders campaign and what it means for the next generation stepping into leadership roles. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/41211000

Physical AI Soars 04/29/2026

Physical AI Soars Peggy talks about physical AI (artificial intelligence), sharing real-world use cases, industry momentum, and the foundation required to scale physical AI. She says it is quickly becoming a reality in many businesses, and it is accelerating faster than many expected. She also discusses: · The percentage of manufacturers that plan to adopt physical AI within the next two years. · How many organizations define physical AI today. · The percentage of manufacturing tasks that will still be human driven. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/41065310

Smart Manufacturing in South Carolina 04/29/2026

Smart Manufacturing in South Carolina Peggy and Thorsten Wuest, professor, University of South Carolina, talk about the future of industry. He says the university that he is working at today consciously decided it wanted to be strong in manufacturing. They also discuss: · How he ended up working in South Carolina—and the new opportunities that exist in South Carolina. · The smart manufacturing program at the University of South Carolina. · Research projects with partners such as Scout Motors, Mercedes, and Trane. 2:13 How he ended up working in South Carolina. 8:25 The collaboration between the University of South Carolina and Clemson. 14:20 Research projects with partners like Scout Motors, Mercedes, and Trane. 16:34 Challenges and opportunities when working with industry. 19:38 How to recruit students to manufacturing—and a student internship example. 22:19 The long-term vision for the center. 25:33 How to apply real-world solutions to real-world problems in an advanced manufacturing environment. 28:05 How to get students to understand the data and be inquisitive. 32:50 The importance of problem solving and taking initiative among the younger generation. 36:55 How all of this will impact work in the future in South Carolina and in other states. 38:46 How the team came together and the undergrad research culture at the university. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/41065190

Distracted Driving: What Can We Do? 04/22/2026

Distracted Driving: What Can We Do? Peggy talks about distracted driving, why the problem hasn’t gone away, and what we can do about it. She says we need a multi-layered approach that starts and ends with each and every one of us. She also discusses: · The number of lives lost and the number of people injured in 2024. · The history of distracted driving and why it persists. · The evolution of technology and where we are headed. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/40980130

Shifts for OEMs 04/22/2026

Shifts for OEMs Peggy and Dave Moelker, CEO, Twisthink, talk about the societal factors impacting OEMs (original-equipment manufacturers) today including shifting customer expectations and accelerating technology cycles. He says there are a couple of different dimensions, especially in the B2B context. They also discuss: · The need to bring in muti-disciplinary groups. · The importance of contextual data. · Two next steps to take. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/40980025

The IoT through the Decades 04/22/2026

The IoT through the Decades Peggy and Matt Hatton, founding partner, Transforma Insights, talk about how the IoT (Internet of Things) has changed in the past decade. He shares a few interesting points, such as the fact that it is an operational issue, rather than just a technological issue. They also discuss: · What has happened in more recent years. · Challenges, current realities, and where the best IoT use cases come from. · What’s to come in the next decade. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/40979920

AI and the Senior Leader 04/15/2026

AI and the Senior Leader Peggy explores how AI (artificial intelligence) is reshaping senior leadership and what it ultimately means for the future of work. She says AI is a force that is redefining what it means to lead at the highest level. She also discusses: · The role of the senior leader—past, present, and future. · How many leaders identified human factors as the primary barrier to adoption. · Next steps to take to prepare for the new era of work. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/40890235

The Evolution of Transportation 04/15/2026

The Evolution of Transportation Peggy Smedley and David Levinson, professor, University of Sydney, talk about how transportation is evolving as cities grow and technologies accelerate. He says 30 years ago, there was an assumption technology wouldn’t change, but there have been technology shifts. They also discuss: · How the field of transportation has changed throughout his career. · Challenges cities are going to face and lessons learned. · How cities are going to have to change and be reimagined for the future. · Designing roads for safety. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/40890175

AI Reshapes Construction 04/15/2026

AI Reshapes Construction Peggy and Wyatt Jenkins, senior vice president of product management, midmarket, Intuit, talk about how AI (artificial intelligence) is reshaping the future of construction operations. He says labor is still the number one consideration for construction companies today. They also discuss: · The biggest priorities for construction companies today. · The importance of job cost accuracy and cash flow visibility in realtime. · The space that is moving the fastest from a technology perspective. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/40890075

Big Signals about Work 04/08/2026

Big Signals about Work On Aiglatson, Peggy Smedley and cohost Dennis Draeger, foresight director, Shaping Tomorrow, talk about big signals that are realigning how talent moves and leadership sits. He says the trend with AI (artificial intelligence) cuts both ways in the hiring process. They also discuss: · City states vs nation states and the impact on the workforce. · Hybrid vs return-to-office mandates and the impact on work. · How the leadership pipeline and workforce planning will all be rewritten. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/40776920

Small Business Builders Scale 04/08/2026

Small Business Builders Scale Peggy Smedley and Steve Yates, CEO, Buildxact, talk about how the construction industry is evolving quickly and the next wave of meaningful innovation. He says small business builders are trying to determine how to grow with the resources they have. They also discuss: · How technology can help solve some of the challenges for small business builders. · Labor shortages and the importance of recognizing the highest and best use of workers. · The difference between the availability of the data and the usefulness of the data. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/40776845

AI and Middle Management 04/01/2026

AI and Middle Management Peggy answers one big question: What happens to middle management in the age of AI (artificial intelligence)? She says the conversation around middle managers needs to shift from whether we need them to what kind of managers we need. She also discusses: · The role of middle management historically and today. · Research that suggests organizations are using AI to flatten structures. · The real risk if we fail to evolve middle management. https://peggysmedleyshow.com /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/40701795

Human Agency in a Machine-Accelerated World 04/01/2026

Human Agency in a Machine-Accelerated World Peggy Smedley and Surya Ramkumar, strategist, author, and speaker, talk about why progress feels stuck and human agency in a machine-accelerated world. She says we are taking the fastest path forward, cutting costs in the easiest parts to cut. They also discuss: · The future of industry and the leader of the future. · Key questions good leaders should be asking today. · Shorter hiring and firing cycles. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/40701715

Modern Leadership 04/01/2026

Modern Leadership Peggy Smedley and Amy Clark, author, talk about how leadership is changing—and what modern leadership should really look like. She says relevance is a choice, explaining that it happens when we default to what is familiar rather than what is needed. They also discuss: · What it looks like to unlearn—and three key things to consider. · Replacing reacting with reflection. · Practicing and experimenting in public. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/40701600

AI and the Entry Level Worker 03/25/2026

AI and the Entry Level Worker Peggy talks about how AI (artificial intelligence) is reshaping organizations, particularly the role of entry-level workers. She says every major technological shift—the Industrial Revolution, the computer revolution, and now AI—has changed how work is done. She also discusses: · The profile of the entry level role yesterday and today. · Early data that suggests entry level work is changing. · Three key questions your business needs to ask itself in the next era of work. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/40621140

From Pilots to Deep Implementation 03/25/2026

From Pilots to Deep Implementation Peggy Smedley and John Reed, general manager, manufacturing and mobility, Asia, Microsoft, talk about what is pushing manufacturing to look from digital tools to intelligent AI (artificial intelligence) systems. He says we are seeing a movement from pilots to deep implementation, which involves process reengineering and the orchestration of technology, process, and change across the enterprise. They also discuss: · The digital thread and interconnection of the enterprise. · Islands of successful AI implementations. · Case studies about how to establish roadmaps across business. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/40621030

IoT: What Comes Next? 03/25/2026

IoT: What Comes Next? Peggy Smedley and Matt Hatton, founding partner, Transforma Insights, talk about what is coming in the IoT (Internet of Things) in 2026. He shares IoT transition topics and what is likely to be the most impactful during the next 12 months, pointing to the role of AI (artificial intelligence), video analytics, 5G, eSIM, and more. They also discuss: · GSMA standards—what has come before and what we have today. · How AI and the IoT are working together. · How many IoT devices will have embedded AI in the next decade. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/40620730

Infrastructure Up or Down? 03/18/2026

Infrastructure Up or Down? Peggy Smedley talks about the state of the construction infrastructure market, sharing numbers and research from one new report. She says the companies that will win in the next decade will be the most adaptable. She also discusses: · What markets are thriving and what markets are stalling. · How we can build the cities and infrastructure of tomorrow. · Five steps organizations will need to take in the year ahead. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/40524695

Construction Cost, Risks, and Markets 03/18/2026

Construction Cost, Risks, and Markets Peggy Smedley and Paul Brussow, president, RLB North America, talk about the forces reshaping construction and the built environment, diving into a new report looking at cost, risks, and markets. He says we saw a federal rate cut in December 2025, and while we didn’t see the surge of groundbreakers we hoped, developers are cautiously optimistic. They also discuss: · If construction companies are repositioning for a different kind of economy. · Investment in training and the challenge of the retiring workforce. · Adjustments that are needed in certain sectors moving forward. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/40524585

Tech in Construction Today 03/18/2026

Tech in Construction Today Peggy Smedley and Patrick Scarpati, director of construction technology and innovation, ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors), talk about the pressures contractors are facing and how technology is becoming central to that shift. He says technology is accelerating at varying levels throughout the industry. They also discuss: · How we can use technology to keep up with the speed of change. · The state of integration and APIs (application programming interfaces). · If technology will play a part in upskilling and reskilling. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/40524505

Clarity over Clicks 03/11/2026

Clarity over Clicks Peggy talks about why trusted brands matter more than ever in the construction and manufacturing industries. She says align yourself with brands that have earned it and support voices that prioritize clarity over clicks. She also discusses: · How many executives believe their companies are highly trusted by customers—and the percentage of consumers that agree. · What trust looks like in 2026—and how companies can achieve it. · The importance of people throughout this conversation. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/40397465

Healthy Human-AI Partnership 03/11/2026

Healthy Human-AI Partnership Peggy Smedley and Atif Ansar, cofounder, executive chairman, Foresight Works, and professor, University of Oxford, talk about data center delivery and demand and how AI (artificial intelligence) can give the power to build institutional knowledge. He says there is a great degree of fear around AI and what it might do in replacing human jobs, but they should not worry. They also discuss: · Human-centered AI and what a healthy human-AI partnership looks like in complex project environments. · Human barriers such as the failure myopia and the recency bias. · What leaders should start thinking about in terms of data long term. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/40397350

Construction’s Top Talent 03/11/2026

Construction’s Top Talent Why can’t the construction industry find the talent it needs? Peggy Smedley talks with Tasha Jones, Espire Collective, about resilient talent ecosystems, the rise of fractional expertise, what top tier talent really looks like, and how to reshape operations. She says what is happening in construction is a preview of a broader workforce design issue across complex industries as a whole. They also discuss: · If the labor shortage is a pipeline problem or is it a workforce design issue. · How to attract and educate the construction workforce. · How to equip businesses in the construction industry. /episode/index/show/peggysmedley/id/40397175

Peggy Smedley Show

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