The Copilot Comeback: Why 2026 Is Time To Use Your License

Remember when we thought Microsoft Copilot was just a "glorified file manager"? Well, things have changed in 2025.In this episode, host Maryrose Lyons is joined by the AI Institute's Head of Course Development, Emma Marlow, to discuss why the team has gone from "bearish to bullish" on Copilot. If you have a license sitting unused because the early versions felt clunky or uncreative, this is the episode that will change your mind.Emma breaks down the "game-changing" new features that have turned Copilot into a genuine productivity powerhouse—from the integration of ChatGPT-5 to the magic of "Ask Agent" in M365 . plus, we geek out on the "no-code" potential of Copilot Studio and share exclusive insights on what’s coming in 2026 (spoiler: it involves Claude).In this episode, we cover:Security First: Why Copilot wins on data privacy and the "redact, redact, redact" fatigue of other LLMs.The "Ask Agent" Feature: How to bring your custom agents directly into Word and Excel to analyze your documents.Copilot Studio: Why this "sandbox" is the hidden gem for building powerful workflows without writing code.2026 Predictions: The scoop on Claude coming to Azure and why your PowerPoint deck might finally look good.Links & Resources:Copilot Masterclass https://weareaiinstitute.com/product/copilot-courseCore Skills https://weareaiinstitute.com/product/ai-core-skills-2026Emma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demonllamalimited/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this episode, Maryrose Lyons speaks with Geoffrey Allen, CEO and co-founder of Mersus Technologies, an immersive training company specialising in VR for life sciences and manufacturing.In this illuminating chat, Geoff discusses Mersus's unique approach, which includes pioneering hand-tracked only mobile VR experiences to avoid complex controllers. They explore the concept of spatial computing as the "next digital frontier," moving past the 2D internet into a 3D environment.Key takeaways from the conversation:Discover how Mersus uses VR to standardise operations and eliminate contamination risks in high-value processes, such as training staff how to properly put on a gown or handle expensive compounds.Immersive training is self-directed and self-paced, leading to dramatic improvements in training time (75–80% quicker) and higher retention rates through muscle memory.The Role of AI: Geoff explains that the future involves integrating AI, including custom LLMs, to eventually allow for no-code virtual environment creation.Talent Development: Learn about the Mersus talent programme that trains college students in the necessary game engine skillsets (Unity and Unreal) for making commercial immersive media. By the way, they just picked up a prestigious award for Excellence in Talent Development for their programme which is a huge achievement.Tune in to hear why Geoff says, "If Apple's betting it, you have to keep an eye on it," when it comes to spatial technology.Geoff's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreyallenirl/Mersus Technologies Website: https://mersus.io/Lex Fridman Interview with Mark Zuckerberg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVYrJJNdrEgAvatar Academy on Meta Quest Store: https://www.meta.com/experiences/avatar-academy/8856539844374985/#spatialAI #3d #VR Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Reality of Vibe Coding Rob explains the difference between traditional no-code tools and AI-assisted development. Whilst an eight-year-old can build a functioning game through prompting, there's a critical gap: vibe coding gets you 60-70% of the way to a working prototype, but production applications require security, reliable hosting, and proper edge case handling. It's brilliant for prototyping, less brilliant for finishing.The Death of Traditional Coding Rob hasn't written a line of code in six months. He's shifted from typing on mechanical keyboards to managing AI agents - a role that sits between traditional coding and management. He can build in minutes what previously took days or weeks, though he admits missing the dopamine hit of that immediate code feedback loop.When Lovable Fails (and When It Works) The conversation tackles the uncomfortable truth about AI development tools: developers won't take your Lovable prototype and polish it up. These tools excel at helping non-technical founders validate ideas and create something tangible to show customers or managers. If it proves viable, that's when you either learn to build properly or hire a developer.Agents in 2026: Beyond the Hype Rob cuts through the "year of agents" narrative. Whilst large language models are plateauing, the tooling around agents is making substantial leaps. Cursor demonstrates how agents plugged into existing workflows deliver genuine value. Enterprise spending on AI agents has increased significantly, with companies finding practical sweet spots rather than abandoning ship after failed proof-of-concepts.Where to Start with Agents For small business owners and marketers, Rob recommends starting with Notion's business plan - use the agent in the bottom right corner to build databases and organise your work. From there, progress to Microsoft Copilot, then eventually tools like Cursor if you want to build custom applications.The YouTube Growth Strategy Rob's channel success stems from obsession and authenticity rather than gimmicks. His advice: spend a week on the hook and packaging (title and thumbnail) rather than slapping them together in five minutes after creating the content. Study analytics religiously and commit to consistent output.Key Takeaway: AI development tools are transforming who can build software, but they're not magic. Understanding their limitations - that crucial 30% gap between prototype and production - is essential for anyone looking to implement AI practically in their business.Connect with Rob: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RobShocksAbout ChattingGPT: The only podcast dedicated to how real Irish people are actually implementing AI in the workforce - no theory, no fluff, just genuine challenges and practical breakthroughs.Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on ChattingGPT, we have Stephen Redmond - an influential leader in data analytics and digital transformation, with a background spanning AI leadership roles at BearingPoint and Accenture. He's the Founder and Chief AI Officer of Straitéis AI, a consultancy focused on helping SMEs cut through AI noise to find real value. He is also now working with the AI Institute to deliver AI strategy for clients - combining his expertise in strategy, prioritisation and governance with ours in AI literacy training and implementation.In this show we talk about:How some executives are stuck in conference-induced paralysis whilst their staff are already using ChatGPT on their phones. Stephen Redmond talks about what actually works when implementing AI in business.Key Topics:The Freeze Response Why C-suite leaders attend conferences, hear everything they should be doing, then do nothing. The third option beyond fight or flight that's stopping AI adoption.Shadow AI Reality Billions of weekly ChatGPT users aren't waiting for corporate approval. Staff are using AI anyway—often unsafely. The security risk hiding in plain sight.AI Literacy vs AI Strategy Why training needs to start at the top and bubble up through middle managers. How literacy is climbing the Gartner hype cycle whilst generative AI slides into the trough of disillusionment.The Practical Approach Show, tell, ideate. Map customer journeys, identify pain points, prioritise by value. Why some problems need process tweaks, not AI.From Fear to Curiosity Maryrose on how the conversation shifted from "AI will take my job" (2023) to "data security" (2024) to "overwhelm" (early 2025) and now "curiosity" (now heading into 2026).The SME Gap Why Irish small-to-medium enterprises—especially construction and professional services—represent the biggest untapped opportunity for practical AI implementation.Stephen Redmond LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenredmond/Straitéis AI website: https://www.straiteis.ie/AI Institute website: https://weareaiinstitute.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Clancy of Galvia and Maryrose Lyons of the AI Institute, AI Adoption specialists for the built environment sector make the case for curiosity, shared data, and human-AI collaboration that improves decisions across every store.DescriptionThis episode centres on people: giving Retail Managers a clear, shared view of performance and using gen-AI to ask better questions of the business.John Clancy outlines how to spread successful tactics across locations how they discuss talent pipelines, internships, and why Manchester and France offer useful models for pro-AI environments.Episode Notes“Once the model goes live, that’s the beginning”—why adoption is a people programme.Democratise access: managers query KPIs and predictions in natural language.Share successes fast: one-click ideas from Cork to every other store.Train for cross-sell moments (café, grooming) without hard selling.Literacy shift: beyond “write emails” to using data for decisions.Talent reality: startups can’t match salaries; offer breadth and impact instead.Policy backdrop: AI campus, minister, and investment fixes to raise national ambition.Safe by design: data remains within the retailer’s four walls.Practical proof: targeted re-engagement drove 4.4% revenue uplift.Curiosity as a KPI: reward teams for testing and sharing what works.Subscribe to Chatting GPT for clear, human-first stories on from people who are using AI to deliver real results—fortnightly drops.KeywordsAI literacy, Built Environment AI, AI Adoption, AI Transformation, AI culture, human-AI collaboration, democratising data, store manager insights, generative AI at work, curiosity at work, retail decision-making, UK Ireland AI, Manchester ecosysem, France AI policy, team enablement, knowledge sharing, Galvia, Chatting GPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Chatting GPT, Maryrose Lyons speaks with Breffni Greene, the head of AI and design innovation at Henry J Lyons Architects. They discuss the integration of AI in architecture, the challenges faced in traditional practices, and the evolving roles of graduates in an AI-driven environment. Breffni shares his journey of becoming an AI champion within his firm, the importance of engaging sceptics, and innovative uses of AI in projects. The conversation also touches on the future of architectural education and the skills needed for upcoming professionals in the field.Connect with Breffni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/breffnigreene/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Three Types of AI Adopters - Companies dilly-dallying in the shallow end, those taking strategic initiatives, and businesses going AI-first. Only 1% feel their AI has hit maturity.Shadow AI Crisis - Up to 78% of employees are using AI tools regardless of company policy, creating massive GDPR and data exfiltration risks. Enterprise Ireland's AI ban exemplifies this problem.The VW Trade Secret Leak - How an engineer's ChatGPT query accidentally revealed an unreleased drivetrain design, highlighting the real risks of ungoverned AI use.Beyond Task Automation - Moving from basic automation to AI-first requires rethinking entire business processes - from CRM strategies to contact centre operations.SME Advantage vs Resource Reality - Small businesses have agility but face cost barriers. Lee's framework for strategic COO-led AI initiatives with focused expert teams.EU AI Act: Quality Control, Not Innovation Killer - Why the legislation is product regulation protecting fundamental rights, not a barrier to innovation. Companies complaining really just don't want to build quality products.Lee Bristow is originally from Cape Town, now based in Ireland, working with Saros Consulting on cybersecurity, AI governance, and helping enterprises navigate AI implementation strategically.CONNECT Find Lee on LinkedIn or through Saros Consulting for AI governance and cybersecurity expertise.SUBSCRIBE Hit subscribe to ChattingGPT to continue learning from leaders navigating the messy reality of AI implementation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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What if AI could let you test a million building designs before laying a single brick? Or age a structure 50 years to see how climate change might affect it?Sharon Richardson reveals how artificial intelligence is quietly revolutionising one of the world's oldest industries. From robots that lay tiles with surgical precision to AI systems that run thousands of design iterations in minutes, construction is getting a complete overhaul.We also tackle the big question everyone's asking: does AI's energy appetite matter if it helps us slash the other 97% of global electricity use? Sharon breaks down the numbers that might surprise you.In this episode:Why AI feels like having an engineering time machineThe real energy cost of AI (it's smaller than you think)How robots and humans will split construction workClimate modelling that shows buildings decades into the futureWhy the built environment shapes us as much as we shape itPerfect for anyone curious about AI's practical impact beyond the heSmart, grounded, and refreshingly honest, this is a must-listen for leaders shaping the future of cities, sustainability, and innovation.You can connect with Sharon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonr/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Look Back from 2030: The Human Side of AIHow Skills, Culture, and Transformation Shaped the Future of WorkIn this episode of Chatting GPT, Maryrose Lyons sits down with transformation expert Stephanie Prenderville for a playful yet thought-provoking conversation set in the year 2030.Together, they explore how work has evolved in an AI-first world—from three-day work weeks and skills-based rewards to the critical importance of human literacy. You’ll hear insights about why creativity, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking have become the core skills of the modern workforce, and how leaders can overcome fear and overwhelm to build cultures that thrive alongside technology.Topics Covered:What it really means to put humans at the heart of AIHow AI transformed hiring, learning, and performance managementWhy critical thinking and human literacy are non-negotiable leadership skillsThe move to transparent, skills-based rewardsThe role of creativity and sustainability in measuring successTips for leaders starting their AI transformation journeyConnect with Stephanie Prenderville:👉 Follow Stephanie on LinkedInLearn more about the AI Institute:👉 Visit the AI Institute Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.