🎙️ Welcome to Episode 19 of the Gen AI Podcast!

Strap in, folks, because Dale and Greg are back from their whirlwind tour of global conferences, and they’re serving up insights hotter than your in-flight meal (assuming they didn’t run out of chicken). This week, we dive deep into the wild world of AI adoption in project management, the construction industry’s so-called productivity crisis, and, of course, a healthy dose of existential musing about human emotion and perception.

00:00 – Intro
Dale and Greg catch up after their globetrotting adventures and reflect on the joys and perils of business travel. (Spoiler: Being home for Christmas wins every time.)

05:10 – Automation vs. Generation
Greg breaks down AI for the everyday project professional: is it about automation or creation? Dale tries to simplify it with math, but Greg takes it a step deeper (cue existential dichotomy).

11:50 – Planes, Pilots, and AI Pals
Would you board a pilotless plane? Dale’s audience poll reveals trust issues with AI—even though it flies better than your average junior planner.

16:30 – Perception in Project Management
Whoever controls the narrative controls the room. Dale and Greg unpack why perception shapes project success more than hard data ever will.

24:00 – Misconceptions About the Construction Industry
Is construction really broken? Greg debunks two big myths:

1. "Most projects fail."
2. "Construction productivity hasn’t improved in decades."
   (Also featuring chocolate and death—stay tuned for the correlation!)

33:00 – Selling Project Controls: Safety and Comfort
Greg explains how great project controls create emotional safety, comfort, and a dash of excitement for stakeholders. And no, it’s not about the size of your PMO team; it’s about the value of your insights.

40:20 – Addictive AI and Virtual Companions
Consumer AI is getting personal—sometimes a little too personal. Greg explores how addictive design might shape the next wave of AI interactions (including virtual "companions").

49:10 – The Year in Review
Dale and Greg reflect on their first year of podcasting, the experiment of zero guests, and their plans to close the year strong with Episode 20. Will they finally get all four hosts together? (Probably not.)

51:30 – Greg’s Closing Thoughts
A heartfelt thank-you to listeners for joining this pub chat with mics. Cheers to more debates, discussions, and maybe even some guests in the new year!

Listener Challenge
Think we’re wrong? Tell us! Dale and Greg love a good debate—especially if it involves whiskey and arguments about project controls.

Don’t Forget to Share & Subscribe!
We’re wrapping up the year soon with our 20th episode—help us go out with a bang (or at least more downloads than Greg’s frequent flyer miles).

Subscribe on YouTube and follow us on Spotify: 🐧 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@GenAIPodcast 🐧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vj7VdckiifSuyVc9EV0SB?si=078f3747c26e4d61 🐧 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gen-ai-podcast #AI #ProjectManagement #Technology #Innovation #FutureOfWork

In this episode, Dale and Alan reflect on the journey of the GenAI podcast and the progress of AI and tech. They discuss the current status of the AI market and the jitteriness of investors. Alan shares his opinion on the unrealistic expectations and impatience in the market. They also explore the lag in upskilling and adoption of AI, comparing it to the early days of the internet. They discuss the future delivery of AI as a product and the potential decline of software as a service (SaaS) in favor of AI interfaces that reduce friction. The conversation explores the future of user interfaces and the potential impact of AI on software as a service (SaaS) products. The speakers discuss the increasing importance of email and the desire for more efficient interfaces. They consider the possibility of moving away from visual interfaces and relying more on voice interactions. They also discuss the potential for AI-powered assistants to replace traditional user interfaces in SaaS products, using Procore as an example. The conversation highlights the importance of time and patience in the development and adoption of AI technology.

Takeaways

• The AI market is experiencing jitteriness and unrealistic expectations from investors, leading to volatile stock prices.
• The adoption of AI is a long process, similar to the early days of the internet, and requires patience and time for upskilling.
• Software as a service (SaaS) may decline as AI interfaces that reduce friction become more prevalent.
• AI will be delivered as a product through interfaces that allow users to interact with AI systems using natural language or voice commands. Email continues to be important and there is a desire for more efficient interfaces.
• Voice interactions may become more prevalent, reducing the need for visual interfaces.
• AI-powered assistants have the potential to replace traditional user interfaces in SaaS products.
• The development and adoption of AI technology require time and patience.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Reflection on the Podcast Journey
• 02:13 The Jitteriness of the AI Market
• 04:33 The Lag in Upskilling and Adoption of AI
• 09:14 The Demise of Software as a Service (SaaS)
• 12:04 The Future of AI Delivery: Voice Commands
• 25:11 The Importance of Email and Desire for Efficient Interfaces
• 28:35 Redefining Software as a Service
• 33:22 The Future of User Interfaces
• 35:18 Adoption of AI and the Need for Patience

Subscribe on YouTube and follow us on Spotify: 🐧 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@GenAIPodcast 🐧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vj7VdckiifSuyVc9EV0SB?si=078f3747c26e4d61 🐧 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gen-ai-podcast #AI #ProjectManagement #Technology #Innovation #FutureOfWork

In this episode, Dale and Alan discuss the application of AI in engineering design. They explore the idea of a roadmap for AI in design, from AI-aided design to autonomous agents creating designs. They also discuss the need for healthy data for AI to consume in order to produce accurate and reliable designs. The conversation touches on the role of humans in the design process and the importance of responsible engineers. They also speculate on the potential future of AI in engineering design, including AI agents controlling robots on construction sites. In this conversation, Alan and Dale discuss the use of blockchain technology in design and the potential threats it poses. They also explore the concept of predetermined outcomes and the role of AI in the design process. They discuss the idea of AI replacing human jobs, particularly in project controls, and the need for humans to find new roles and add value. They emphasize the importance of critical thinking and curiosity in embracing AI and encourage listeners to share their perspectives and challenge others in a respectful manner.

Takeaways 🍣 AI is being taken seriously by governing bodies in engineering, with organizations and associations focusing on AI in design. 🍣 A roadmap for AI in design could involve transitioning from AI-aided design to autonomous agents creating designs. 🍣 Healthy data is crucial for AI to produce accurate and reliable designs. 🍣 The role of humans, particularly responsible engineers, will still be important in the design process. 🍣 The future of AI in engineering design could involve AI agents controlling robots on construction sites. The use of blockchain technology in design raises concerns about accessibility and security. 🍣 AI can assist in predicting and optimizing outcomes in the design process. 🍣 Humans play a crucial role in setting goals and determining the intent of AI optimization. 🍣 AI has the potential to replace repetitive and mundane tasks in project controls, allowing professionals to focus on value-added decision-making. 🍣 Embracing AI requires critical thinking, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge existing beliefs and practices. 🍣 Spreading awareness and engaging in discussions about AI can help drive change and adoption in the workplace.

Chapters

02:08 The Importance of AI in Engineering Design

04:53 The Need for Healthy Data in AI-Assisted Design

07:55 The Future of AI in Engineering Design: AI Agents and Robotics

15:40 AI in the Delivery Phase

21:45 The Role of Responsibility in AI-Designed Projects

23:31 Blockchain Technology in Design

26:28 AI's Role in the Design Process

28:08 Predetermined Outcomes

30:37 AI as a Companion in Professional Roles

32:30 Embracing AI and Spreading Awareness

Subscribe on YouTube and follow us on Spotify: 🐧 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@GenAIPodcast 🐧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vj7VdckiifSuyVc9EV0SB?si=078f3747c26e4d61 🐧 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gen-ai-podcast #AI #ProjectManagement #Technology #Innovation #FutureOfWork