Peggy Smedley Show

On Aiglatson, Peggy Smedley and cohost Dennis Draeger, foresight director, Shaping Tomorrow, talk about big signals that are realigning how talent moves and leadership sits. He says the trend with AI (artificial intelligence) cuts both ways in the hiring process. They also discuss: · City states vs nation states and the impact on the workforce. · Hybrid vs return-to-office mandates and the impact on work. · How the leadership pipeline and workforce planning will all be rewritten. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Steve Yates, CEO, Buildxact, talk about how the construction industry is evolving quickly and the next wave of meaningful innovation. He says small business builders are trying to determine how to grow with the resources they have. They also discuss: · How technology can help solve some of the challenges for small business builders. · Labor shortages and the importance of recognizing the highest and best use of workers. · The difference between the availability of the data and the usefulness of the data. https://www.buildxact.com/

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

Peggy Smedley and Atif Ansar, cofounder, executive chairman, Foresight Works, and professor, University of Oxford, talk about data center delivery and demand and how AI (artificial intelligence) can give the power to build institutional knowledge. He says there is a great degree of fear around AI and what it might do in replacing human jobs, but they should not worry. They also discuss: · Human-centered AI and what a healthy human-AI partnership looks like in complex project environments. · Human barriers such as the failure myopia and the recency bias. · What leaders should start thinking about in terms of data long term. https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/about-us/people/atif-ansar

Why can't the construction industry find the talent it needs? Peggy Smedley talks with Tasha Jones, Espire Collective, about resilient talent ecosystems, the rise of fractional expertise, what top tier talent really looks like, and how to reshape operations. She says what is happening in construction is a preview of a broader workforce design issue across complex industries as a whole. They also discuss: · If the labor shortage is a pipeline problem or is it a workforce design issue. · How to attract and educate the construction workforce. · How to equip businesses in the construction industry. https://theespirecollective.com/

Peggy looks back on Black History Month and looks forward to Women's History Month, citing why it is important for a diverse workplace. She says complex workplaces require diverse thinkers to problem solve, innovate, and lead the next era of work. She also discusses: · How to translate awareness into hiring practices, leadership development, and culture. · The data shows how inclusive workplaces are more successful. · Three practical steps for building collaborative workplaces. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

On Aiglatson, Peggy Smedley and cohost Dennis Draeger, foresight director, Shaping Tomorrow, talk about obsolescence in this era of AI (artificial intelligence), narrowing in on human vs machine obsolescence. He says the technology industry has always considered humans second and favoring progress over human dignity. They also discuss: · Things that were made obsolete during the Industrial Revolution—and what will happen next in the era of AI. · The Horizon scandal in the United Kingdom—and how it demonstrates how technology can make mistakes. · How cultural narratives spread faster than institutional reforms. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy digs into a new report that looks at ransomware, business email compromise, and data incidents. She says for all businesses this represents an operational risk, a financial risk, a brand risk, and a leadership risk. She also discusses: · Which industry was the most heavily targeted for ransomware. · Five key predictions for 2026. · Three next steps businesses should take to protect their businesses. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Sabari Raja, managing partner, JFFVentures, and Molly Blankenship, associate vice president, Jobs for the Future, talk about new research from the Jobs for the Future, which reveals only 40% of U.S. workers hold jobs that meet basic standards for financial stability, mobility, agency, and safe, respective working conditions. They also discuss: · How much it costs employers when workers are disengaged. · How learning has happened in the past—and how AI will change upskilling and reskilling. · How to make sure jobs are providing what they need to for workers and the economy. https://www.jff.org/

Peggy Smedley and Kelly Ireland, CEO, CBT, talk about the mindset leaders carry into every decision—and the beliefs that shape culture, narrowing in on industry stagnation at the leadership level. She says it is a mixed bag and some of it is about what they have seen as being unsuccessful in the past. They also discuss: · POC purgatory and what stalled. · Adoption amid a mixed workforce. · The biggest blind spot leadership has. https://www.cbtechinc.com/

Peggy talks about new quantum research at universities and some case studies. She says quantum could add trillions of dollars to the world's economy and thousands of jobs—but we need to ensure we have a strategy around security and implementation. She also discusses: · Quantum photonics—and how it is key to the future of mass-produced quantum communications systems. · A map of where quantum courses can be found at higher education institutions. · Energy-efficient superconductors that will speed quantum technologies. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Scott Aaronson, chair of computer science, University of Texas, Austin, and director of Quantum Information Science Center, separate the science from the mythology of quantum. He says there has been a hope for decades that quantum computers would be useful beyond the two more common quantum tasks. They also discuss: · What limit the field still underestimates. · How an organization should proceed—and if there is a roadmap to consider. · How to educate students—and ultimately look forward. https://www.scottaaronson.com/

Peggy Smedley and Deborah Farone, CEO, Farone Advisors, and author of Breaking Ground, talk about the shift with data. She says technology will make it easier to go out and develop business, but the hard thing is markets are constantly in motion. They also discuss: · What data we should collect and what data we need. · Data kept can tell stories if it is put in the right place. · What she learned by talking to women about how to prepare for the future—and three key traits of these women. https://deborahfarone.com/

Peggy dissects the three pillars of quantum technology: quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communications. She says the quantum revolution is inevitable and the new innovations that could come as a result of this are exciting. She also discusses: · The growth anticipated for the entire market and for each pillar. · The opportunities that exist within each pillar. · The inherent risks companies will face, such as Q-Day. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Morgan Hays, senior director product management, construction, Bentley Systems, talk about 4D modeling and what comes next with the help of AI (artificial intelligence). He says 4D modeling and 4D-based planning is a massive step forward in the way the construction industry plans both during preconstruction and during execution. They also discuss: · The marriage that occurs between the reality capture and the model—and how technology is advancing to enable greater data sharing. · How 4D is being democratized, becoming available to everyone. · Several case studies of how 4D can help on projects. https://www.bentley.com/synchro

Peggy Smedley and Tim Lindner, warehouse automation consultant, talk about robots and what they really mean for workforce trends. He says he sees a shift in the type of people that companies that deploy robots will need. Enter the robot wrangler. They also discuss: · If robots are displacing workers—or if they are replacing the work. · Blending machine intelligence with human intelligence. · The movie robot that is most like the humanoid robot you can expect to work with. https://www.voxware.com/

Peggy and cohost Dennis Draeger, foresight director, Shaping Tomorrow, talk about the promise versus the peril of Aiglatson. He says the difficulty is the risk isn't so much on the AI, the risk is on humanity giving up its responsibility to AI. They also discuss: · The most credible existential risks of AI. · How Aiglatson leaders should benchmark them against other risks. · A comparison of AI to other historical innovations such as the printing press. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley interviews Tim Lindner, warehouse automation consultant, about how humanoid robots and robots in general have had a big impact since we started talking about them in 2015. He says there are a number of examples in history when something was in a fixed position, and it began to move. They also discuss: · If AI is changing the capabilities of robots, compared to even five years ago. · How logistics and distribution companies can adapt to changing robots. · Places where we will come into contact with humanoid robots. https://www.voxware.com/

Peggy talks about all things automotive, sharing some of the top takeaways from CES earlier this month. She says we are at a precipice where much is set to change in the industry, with the rise of AI (artificial intelligence) spurring along innovation. She also discusses: · The state of the AV (autonomous vehicle) market. · The state of the EV (electric vehicle) market. · Some of the biggest automotive news to come out of CES—and how to prepare for what comes next. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Jennifer Urban, partner, Foley & Lardner, and Aaron Tantleff, partner, Foley & Lardner, talk about a seismic data shift in every modern enterprise and how the lines are blurring between security and privacy. Urban says it is driven by new cybersecurity laws. Tantleff says undefined ownership of the role is a challenge. They also discuss: · If organizations are prepared to justify why they collect data—not just how to protect that data. · How we can prepare the next generation of workers. · The risks versus the rewards and what they should or shouldn't be tracking. https://www.foley.com/

Peggy Smedley talks about M&As (mergers and acquisitions) in the construction technology space—and the impact on the industry. She says the acquisitions are often about accelerating transformation through strategic dealmaking. She also discusses: · Four key trends driving a wave of consolidation. · One recent example of an acquisition. · Thoughts for how to proceed in the year ahead. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Boris Martin, CEO, Engineers Without Borders USA, talk about community-driven engineering and the next generation of work in the industry. He says the organization was born around the turn of the millennium 25 years ago, and it was born out of a concern and sense of responsibility. They also discuss: · Solving problems that matter and being part of something bigger than yourself. · Three principles for Engineers Without Borders. · AI (artificial intelligence) and the impact it will have on the engineering community. https://ewb-usa.org/

Peggy Smedley and Daniel Burrus, a global technology futurist, business strategist and disruptive innovation expert, talk about the top technologies for 2026. He says we live in an increasingly technological world, however, we live in a human world—and in a human world, it is all based on relationships. They also discuss: · How to approach generative AI (artificial intelligence) and agentic AI in the year ahead. · The importance of keeping people at the center of strategies. · When quantum will jump from theory to impact. https://www.burrus.com/

What if people don't embrace technology the way we are anticipating or even intend? Peggy talks about digital burnout and AI (artificial intelligence). She says digital transformation isn't about using more technology but rather using technology in a way that is very thoughtful and strategic. She also discusses: · How many people experience digital burnout—and how it impacts our personal and professional lives. · Tips for how to implement digital transformation at scale. · When technology adoption will be the most successful. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Brandon Michalski, chief economist, MSI, talk about two new reports that look at what is happening now and what is coming in the future. He says he looks at the noise versus the signal, and points to a few key areas as examples. They also discuss: · Tariffs and how it might impact the construction industry in 2026. · The surge in data center projects that will reshape infrastructure for years to come—and how retail factors in. · What will likely unfold in 2026 in construction—and how projects are being reshaped. https://mocasystems.com/

Peggy Smedley and James Bohnaker, senior economist, Cushman & Wakefield, dig into some of the biggest takeaways from the latest U.S. economic outlook. He says there is a transition from resilience to cautious optimism, with inflection points across commercial real estate and property types, which is presenting opportunities in the industry. They also discuss: · Resilience and risks that are defining our economy. · Where investors are focusing their energy. · How AI and other emerging technologies are reshaping market landscape. https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/united-states/insights/united-states-outlook

Peggy and cohost Dennis Draeger, foresight director, Shaping Tomorrow, talk about aiglatson and the extremes that define our digital destiny, looking at both the utopian and dystopian narratives. He says the reality of automation often turns into something else. They also discusses: · The theory of cultural lag and how it impacts technology adoption. · The information super highway phase and Y2K period of AI (artificial intelligence). · If AI could be the aiglatson silver bullet—and inherent dangers. http://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Dan Miklovic, founder, Lean Manufacturing Research and leader, Third Eye Advisory, talk about what is real, what is BS, and what is next in 2026. He says we are going to see AI (artificial intelligence) penetrate manufacturing, but more in the form of embedded AI—not generative AI. They also discuss: · The challenge with digital transformation. · AI at the edge and AI in the cloud. · How to prepare for the future. https://thirdeyeadvisory.com