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Polaris: AI and the Digital Workplace with Akumina

Chris McNulty

Digital workplaces are no longer a distant reality; they are here, transforming how we communicate, collaborate, and drive productivity.

In this special episode of Polaris, we explore the interplay between AI and the digital workplace with our guests, Ed Rogers, CEO of Akumina, and Michelle Caldwell, CEO of Synozur. In our original discussion of digital workspaces, we had such an extensive discussion about AI that we’re publishing it as its own special episode (a “Polaris Pulse”.)

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Digital workplaces are virtual work environments that combine technology, people, and business processes to drive communication, collaboration, and productivity.

Akumina creates digital employee hubs that deliver:

  • Effortless communication with unified solutions for news and information

  • Tools to integrate apps and tools that boost productivity

  • Streamlined processes that boost operational efficiency

Our Speakers:

Ed Rogers - CEO and co-founder of Akumina: Ed has a rich history of helping business leaders change the way they do business. Before Akumina, he was the COO of Ektron, a leader in the web content management space. Ed is a member of the New Hampshire CEO consortium and is passionate about hockey and spending time with his four children.

Michelle Caldwell – CEO and co-founder of Synozur: With over 25 years of experience, Michelle excels in spearheading business transformations. Her strategic guidance and impactful advice have been instrumental in shaping executive steering committees, refining annual strategies, and enhancing operational frameworks. An esteemed global speaker on operational design and employee engagement, Michelle is based in the Pacific Northwest.

Here are the highlights of our discussion:

The Transformative Power of AI

AI is revolutionizing digital workplaces by automating routine tasks, providing data-driven insights, and enhancing decision-making processes. Ed and Michelle emphasized that AI should be leveraged to augment human capabilities rather than replace them. They highlighted the importance of maintaining a human-centric approach while integrating AI technologies to ensure that employees feel empowered and engaged.

Strategies for Effective AI Integration

Integrating AI into digital workplaces requires a cohesive strategy that aligns with the organization’s goals and values. Ed and Michelle discussed the need for a comprehensive approach that includes:

  • Employee Training: Providing employees with the necessary training and resources to use AI tools effectively.

  • Change Management: Implementing change management practices to address employee concerns and ensure a smooth transition.

  • Collaboration: Encouraging collaboration between IT and business units to identify the most impactful use cases for AI.

Avoiding Fragmentation

One of the challenges in digital workplaces is the fragmentation of digital tools and platforms, which can hinder productivity and user experience. Ed and Michelle stressed the importance of having cohesive strategies that ensure seamless integration of various digital tools. This approach helps avoid silos and ensures that employees have a unified and efficient work environment.

The Role of Omni AI

Omni-AI, or the integration of AI across multiple platforms and touchpoints, is essential for creating a consistent and cohesive digital experience. Ed and Michelle explained how omni-AI can enhance productivity by providing employees with intelligent insights and recommendations regardless of the platform they are using, fostering a more inclusive and collaborative digital workplace.

Join Us for our Next Webinar

We invite you to join us live on Tuesday, March 11 for our next webinar, “Transforming Your Digital Workplace” with Michelle and Ed.  We’ll include live demos and Q&A as we explore the evolution of digital workplaces in the AI world.

Transforming Your Digital Workplace: Insights and Strategies | Tuesday, March 11, 2025 8:00AM PST (Online)

Polaris is available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, YouTube or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Thanks.

Show Notes

Welcome to a special episode of Polaris Pulse, where we’re joined by Ed Rogers of Akumina and Michelle Caldwell to explore the transformative impact of AI on digital workplaces, discussing the challenges and strategies for effective integration. AI offers new ways to generate and consume information in the digital workplace, while digital workplace tools can unify fragmented user experiences that are a byproduct of a multiplying range of AI systems. Together, they unravel the challenges and strategies necessary for creating cohesive and productive digital workplaces, emphasizing the crucial balance between technology, people, and processes.

Keywords

AI, digital workplace, productivity, omni-AI, employee engagement, integration, technology transformation, chatbots, organizational culture, strategies

Takeaways

  • ·       The proliferation of AI tools is reshaping digital workplaces. Task switching among AI applications is a significant productivity drain.

  • ·       Digital workplaces must integrate technology, people, and processes effectively.

  • ·       AI is not just a tool; it's a strategic necessity for businesses.

  • ·       A cohesive strategy is needed for integrating various AI systems.

  • ·       The human element remains vital in AI interactions.

  • ·       Organizations must avoid fragmentation in their digital tools.

  • ·       AI should enhance human interaction, not replace it.

Sound Bites

"AI is not just a tool; it's a partner that can enhance our creativity and productivity, making digital workplaces more dynamic and efficient." - Ed Rogers

"Integrating AI in the workplace is not just about automation; it's about creating an environment where innovation flourishes." - Michelle Caldwell

References

  • AI continues to grow. Synozur research is projecting the market for generative AI is growing at triple digit rates and we'll reach significantly over $100 billion in 2025. But that expansion of revenues is also leading to an expansion of interfaces.

Events

Production

Polaris is produced with the help of our friends at Riverside.fm. Our theme song, “Alternative Dream” is provided courtesy of Adobe. Additional music and sound provided by IndieGuy Records. Graphic design by Josh Brantley.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Digital Workplaces

02:07 Trends and Data on Digital Workplaces and AI

04:31 Introducing Ed Rogers and Michelle Caldwell

04:31 AI and Integrated Digital Workplaces

06:05 The Impact of AI on Digital Workplaces

09:35 Can AI Chat be the Interface to Everything

11:41 Human-Centric Approaches in AI Interactions

13:57 Upcoming Events

14:49 Closing

15:41 New Chapter