Tech Reality Check

Peggy zooms in on one of the seven critical infrastructure verticals: energy and power, which is projected to require a staggering $23 trillion in investment through 2040. She unpacks the global trends shaping the sector—from the rise of renewables to digital transformation—and explores how we must rethink infrastructure to meet rising expectations. She also discusses: · Why energy demand is rising and how renewable energy and low-carbon sources will come into play. · The emerging role of small modular reactors and what countries are already taking action. · The need for grid resilience—and how digital twins, edge, and AI (artificial intelligence) can help. http://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Anil Sawhney, head of sustainability, RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), and Kay Pitman, sustainability analyst, RICS, talk about the highlights from a new AI (artificial intelligence) and construction report 2025, current rates of adoption, blockers to adoption, and the outlook. He says the report was an outcome from conversations and a survey from members who are at the forefront of technology. Pitman says the technology is rapidly evolving, and AI has the potential to reshape the industry. They also discuss: · How many construction respondents reported no use of AI. · The widening gap between investment ambition and organizational readiness. · Two levels we need to think about when we think about AI. http://www.rics.org

Peggy Smedley and Dan Miklovic, founder, Lean Manufacturing Research and leader, Third Eye Advisory, talk about the real cost behind not investing in reskilling and if a talent gap is on the horizon already. He says it depends on how you define it because there are going to be skills by 2030 that we don’t even know we need yet. They also discuss: · Where the biggest risk lies. · One of the prime reasons workers leave companies. · Where the real skill lies today—and how durable skills come into play. https://thirdeyeadvisory.com/

Peggy takes a hard look at the staggering $106 trillion question: how will we build the infrastructure of tomorrow? She breaks down a major new report that maps the future of global infrastructure investment through 2040 and shares a real-world case study in Indiana. She also discusses: · Seven verticals where investment will be needed. · How infrastructure is shifting from centralized and government-led to tech-enabled, modular, and market-driven. · Why redefining infrastructure is no longer optional—and what leaders must do next.   https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Joe Scheidler, cofounder and CEO, Helios, pull back the curtain on the real issues that plague government, discussing why most AI (artificial intelligence) platforms fail in government environments. He says you can see so many pain points and inefficiencies and there aren’t many solutions in policy for several reasons. They also discuss: · The pace of policy—and how technology can help. · Acting locally—and thinking and reacting globally. · Where innovation is going to take us in government—and how to measure success.   http://www.heliosintel.ai

Peggy Smedley and Dane Linn, senior vice president of corporate initiatives, Business Roundtable, talk about making safety central to corporate culture. He says the mental health initiative is really focused on helping CEOs address some of the mental health needs of their employees and their families, saying mental health is essential for employee wellbeing and business performance. They also discuss: · Y How mental health and wellbeing have become a core element to safety. · Core pillars of the mental health initiative. · Case studies—and why it is important to hear other approaches to mental health.   https://www.brt.org

As the year comes to a close, Peggy has a reality check: can we really trust today’s tech predictions? She takes listeners on a journey through past forecasts and unpacks why many bold claims never quite lived up to the hype—and gives her thoughts on how to turn this into action and strategy. She also discusses: · Why historical hindsight is necessary. · Why so many predictions miss the mark—and what it means for your business. · Critical questions every leader should ask before acting on the next forecast. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Rahul Shahani, partner, McKinsey & Co., talk about AI (artificial intelligence) in manufacturing and the frontline worker. He says the core work of manufacturing doesn’t change, but AI will bring new capabilities to manufacturing. They also discuss: · How agentic AI can help build an optimal production schedule, bringing higher quality products and empowering the workers with dynamic scheduling. · How to train and engage the frontline worker alongside AI and how leaders can prepare. · That tech is only 20% of the fully loaded spend to change the way a process or business works to embrace AI—and what the other 80% is. http://www.mckinsey.com/

Peggy Smedley and Ali Jani, chief product officer, Acumatica, talk about trends happening in construction and manufacturing—and how digital transformation, AI (artificial intelligence), and ERP (enterprise resource planning) will play a role. He says opportunities come usually when there is change and disruption happening—which is the case in both construction and manufacturing. They also discuss: · The role of ERP during disruption. · How the next wave of digital transformation goes beyond the cloud—and what’s next for the role of AI. · Four factors you must consider if you want to perform and grow with new technologies. Get a 15% discount on software at: https://refer.acumatica.com/PEGGYSMEDLEY https://www.acumatica.com/industries/

Peggy wraps up the month, giving her final thoughts about agentic AI (artificial intelligence). She pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening behind the scenes in today’s digital transformation—and offers her candid perspective on what comes next. She also discusses: · The critical risks businesses must address in the days ahead. · The four steps to take today to prepare for a better tomorrow. · Why the time to act is now—and how companies can cut through the hype to focus on what really matters. https://peggysmedleyshow.com