Episode 344 - Google's Karen Stolberg on empowering Irish SMEs through AI

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept – it’s rapidly becoming the operating system of modern business. From global tech giants to family-run farms in North Dublin, the ability to harness AI is quickly defining who scales, who competes, and who gets left behind.And yet, while the vast majority of Irish SMEs recognise AI’s transformative potential, many remain stuck at the starting line – curious, but uncertain about how to turn that curiosity into practical, day-to-day advantage.So what’s really holding businesses back? How big is the opportunity for Ireland if we close that gap? And what does it actually look like when small teams begin to think – and build – like software creators?In this episode, I’m joined by Karen Stolberg, Vice President of Google Customer Solutions for the UK and Ireland. We explore the real economic impact of AI, the psychological shift happening inside organisations, and a major new initiative from Google and Bank of Ireland that offers training for up to 10,000 Google AI certificates licences to Irish SMEs at no cost.From “vibe coding” and workflow automation to reclaiming entire workdays through AI fluency, this conversation is about unlocking capacity, competitiveness, and confidence across Irish business.If you’ve been wondering where to begin with AI, this is the conversation that cuts through the noise.Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.