The Innovation Room

Send us Fan MailGlobal supply chains are under immense pressure. Rising geopolitical tensions and volatile shipping costs mean the traditional model of making goods overseas and shipping them globally is no longer a safe bet.How can your business adapt and protect its margins? The secret lies in combining cutting-edge artificial intelligence with genuine human trust.In our latest episode of The Innovation Room, Geeks Ltd CEO Lindsay Jessup sits down with Gary Young, CEO of Avela Group. Together, they unpack the urgent shift towards decentralised production and the exact technology making it possible.Gary shares 24 years of manufacturing expertise to reveal how AI is fundamentally rewriting the rules of global operations. You will learn how AI-driven robotics allows factories to scale their output locally, bringing manufacturing closer to home and drastically reducing international risk.But we also explore the firm limits of technology.AI is an incredible tool for automating due diligence and clearing language barriers before a big meeting. However, it cannot read the room or shake hands on a multi-million pound deal. When real money is on the table, building cross-cultural trust still requires vital feet on the ground.

Send us Fan MailWe put our reputation on the line and asked an AI to grade our 2025 predictions. The result? A solid A.But we aren't resting on our laurels. In this festive special of The Innovation Room, the Geeks senior leadership team looks ahead to what 2026 holds for business leaders. We explore why modular neural networks will change how we update systems, why AI agents are becoming the new digital operations layer, and why human-centric AI literacy is the investment you can't afford to skip.This year, we also introduced a new segment to our annual wrap-up. We debate which business behaviours earn a spot on the ‘nice’ list, like treating tech partners strategically rather than transactionally, and which land you on the ‘naughty’ list (we’re looking at you, restrictive quotas).Join Matt, Dehan and Lindsay as they unpack these insights while attempting to construct a ‘minimalist’ gingerbread house. 

Send us Fan MailSome businesses are scaling with AI.Others are just… surviving.In this episode of #TheInnovationRoom, Lindsay Jessup sits down with Matt Bennett to uncover the warning signs of a zombie business — and what today’s leaders must do to avoid becoming one.From AI bans to leadership denial, they explore: - Why some companies are sleepwalking into irrelevance - How AI is accelerating the productivity divide - What practical steps can leaders take to stay aheadIf you're a CEO, exec, or decision-maker wondering where your business stands, this one's for you.🎧 Tune in now and find out if your organisation is built to evolve… or expire.

Send us Fan MailAI is reshaping business at lightning speed, but the journey’s not without some twists, turns, and team tensions. In Episode 63 of #TheInnovationRoom, "Navigating the Chaotic Landscape of AI Implementation," Lindsay Jessup, CEO, and Dehan Matthee, Director of Operations at Geeks, break down how to turn AI’s wild ride into a strategic win.Dehan shares battle-tested insights on aligning teams, building an AI strategy that sticks, and keeping humans front and center. From tackling psychological safety to rapid reskilling, this episode is a must-listen for leaders and professionals navigating the future of work.Listen now and take control of the AI revolution.

Send us Fan MailStruggling to know where AI fits in your business? You’re not alone. CEOs and leaders everywhere are under pressure to invest in AI, but where to start and how, is the main challenge for many.In Episode 62 of #TheInnovationRoom, "How to Practically and Scalably Uncover High-Impact AI Opportunities," Lindsay Jessup sits down with Lauren King, Head of Product Design at Geeks, to share a proven, data-driven approach to AI success. Drawing from real-world wins, like the award-winning DiGence framework, Lauren reveals how businesses can cut through the noise, identify inefficiencies, and prioritise AI investments that deliver real ROI.From boosting operational efficiency in education to slashing costs in manufacturing, this episode breaks down the three-step process (Assess, Align, Act) that’s helping leaders across industries get AI-ready.Ready to make smarter AI decisions? Tune in now: 

Send us Fan Mail🎧 AI meets advisory: The secret sauce for global expansionWhat happens when cutting-edge tech meets expert advice? The result is a smarter, faster way to scale your business across borders.In Episode 61 of The Innovation Room, titled "Where AI Meets Advisory for Global Expansion", Andrew Fahey, CEO of Briars Group, joins Lindsay Jessup, CEO of Geeks, to explore how AI is transforming global growth strategies.Discover how AI delivers real-time insights, automates complex tasks, and empowers advisors to provide more personalised, impactful solutions. Andrew also shares practical strategies for leaders to integrate AI into their growth plans and stay ahead in international markets.Whether you're scaling globally or curious about the future of business innovation, this episode is packed with insights you can’t miss.

Send us Fan MailWhat did 2024 teach us about AI, and what does 2025 hold in store?In this festive episode of The Innovation Room, Geeks' senior leadership team Lindsay Jessup, Matt Mehrjardi, and Dehan Matthee discuss their biggest takeaways from 2024 AI advancements and share what excites them most about the future. From small wins to transformative shifts, hear their reflections while they attempt the ultimate festive challenge: building a gingerbread house!Don’t miss this fun and insightful wrap-up episode.

Send us Fan MailWhat does it mean to create a business that truly serves society? In this episode of The Innovation Room, Sarah Gillard, CEO of Blueprint for Better Business, challenges us to think beyond profit metrics and explore purpose-driven leadership. Her insights on redefining success in an AI-driven world will make you rethink how businesses can lead societal change.Through this thought-provoking conversation, Sarah and Somayeh discuss the transition from traditional financial goals to broader measures of impact, the role of AI in accelerating paradigm shifts, and how lessons from history and philosophy can shape the future of leadership.Don’t miss this episode packed with fresh ideas for navigating the complex intersection of innovation, purpose, and progress. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Lindsay Jessup, CEO of Geeks, speaks with CTO Matt Mehrjardi about the Geeks AI Adoption Framework, which delivers sustainable and strategic AI adoption. From understanding your data readiness to aligning AI with your North Star goals, Matt shares insights on how to avoid AI adoption missteps and turn innovation into lasting value.Listen now to see how businesses can leverage the Geeks AI Adoption Framework for smarter, more agile AI strategies. 

Send us Fan MailWhen should you take action with AI, and when should you hold back?In Episode 57 of The Innovation Room, “Preparing for AI in Action Part 1: When to Take Action with AI and When to Hold Fire,” Matt Mehrjardi, CTO of Geeks, joins Lindsay Jessup, CEO of Geeks, to explore one of the most critical challenges businesses face today: deciding when to adopt AI and when to wait. They discuss practical insights, including how to assess if your organisation is ready for AI, the importance of a leadership mindset, and real-life case studies that demonstrate how to navigate the AI journey. Listen now to discover the key factors that can determine AI success.Topics covered include:Assessing AI readinessLeadership and AI expectationsCase studies and real-world examplesRisk versus rewardThe role of human-AI collaboration