Human Agency in a Machine-Accelerated World

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

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. https://suryaramkumar.com/

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. https://www.unseenleadership.com

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. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

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. https://www.microsoft.com/manufacturing https://www.microsoft.com/mobility  

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.  https://transformainsights.com/

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. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

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.  https://www.rlb.com/

  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. https://www.abc.org

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. https://peggysmedleyshow.com