Mike Schiano In the Queue

Recent studies from Carnegie Mellon, Microsoft and MITreveal that over-reliance on AI can narrow our thinking, reduceidea-generation, and lead to less varied and less original outcomes. In other words, if we're not careful, AI can actually make us less creative. In this forward-looking episode, Dr. André Walton explores why this happens and what we can do to prevent it. Drawing from neuroscience and social psychology, he explains how the brain uses two core modes of thought - one analytical and convergent, the other imaginative and divergent. Dr. Walton says, AI tools often reward the more comfortable, less effortful convergent approach. The result? We metaphorically "put our feet up," allowing AI to take over tasks that once challenged and strengthened our creative neuralpathways. Like any unused muscle, those pathways weaken over time. But that outcome is not inevitable. It is a choice, and Dr. André shows us ways we can use AI as a catalyst to advance our emotional intelligence, ourinnovative potential and our resilience. Key Takeaways: Strengthen creative thinking habits that keep the brain's innovation networks active Use AI as an innovation and decision-making partner rather than a substitute for human ingenuity Guide AI towards generating more original, diverse and high-value ideasBuild "creative resilience" and increased emotionalintelligence through spherical thinking. Valuable assets in an age of rapid technological change In short, Dr. Waltong believes the inherent laziness of the human brain is leading many users of AI down a rather negative path (as also suggested by research published last year): “Microsoft, Carnegie Mellon University,and Harvard Business School research indicates a significant negative correlation between frequent AI usage and critical thinking skills.This phenomenon, often termed "cognitive offloading," occurs when users delegate complex reasoning and problem-solving tasks to AI, leading to a measurable decline in independent analytical abilities.” Re-creating the ability to thinkcreatively is the answer to combating that. How to contact Dr. Andre P Walton  Speaker, Author, Burnout & Innovation Coach TEDx Speaker, International Best-Selling AuthorVisiting Professor of Creativity and Entrepreneurship: Newport Business School, Wales, UKAdjunct Faculty: Justice Management Master’s DegreeProgram, University of Nevada, Reno, NVProfessor, Marketing and Management, BusinessSchool, University of Nevada, Reno, NVWebsites: www.hiredrandre.com       www.plan4change.orgLinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/plan4changeCalendar: https://app.simplymeet.me/hiredrandreThank you for listening to this episode of Mike Schiano In the Queue with Dr. Andre Walton.

In this In the Queue episode, Mike Schiano explains how small business owners can use AI like a dependable new employee to streamline operations, write better prompts, create SOPs, and save time without losing the human touch.Discover how AI can become your business’s best employee. Mike Schiano shares a simple framework for using AI in daily operations, customer service, training, and workflow design for real business results.Mike’s argument is simple: most small businesses are already better prepared for AI than they think. Why? Because they already run on systems, checklists, schedules, policies, and repeatable tasks. AI performs best in structured environments, and that is exactly how many successful small businesses already operateIn this episode:AI for small businessAI for operationssmall business AI toolsAI SOP templatesAI for customer serviceAI workflow automation for SMBsGet your copy of the SMB AI SOP Starter Kit A complete set of AI-powered Standard Operating Procedure templates designed for independent business owners - Everything from customer service scripts to inventory processes to employee onboarding. The prompts are pre-built. The Master Context worksheet is included. You plug in your information and you have a professional ops system running in a day.

Are you just "playing" with AI, or are you building a force multiplier for your business?In this episode of In the Queue, host Mike Schiano sits down with John Munsell, a technology entrepreneur and AI strategist, to discuss why 95% of AI initiatives fail and how you can ensure yours is part of the 5% that succeeds.John reveals that true AI adoption isn't just about using a single app; it’s about achieving "skill density" where your team builds their own tools to solve day-to-day problems.We dive deep into Munsell's proven frameworks, including the AI Strategy Canvas and the 10 Levels of AI Mastery, to help you move from basic prompts to managing autonomous agents.Key topics discussed in this episode:The AI Strategy Canvas: Why your organization needs a common lexicon to align leadership, IT, and HR on AI implementation.Scalable Prompt Engineering: How to design standardized, reusable prompts using containers and variables so your whole team can collaborate.The Three-Axis AI Maturity Model: Balancing AI mastery, architectural complexity, and AI governance to mitigate risk while driving innovation.AI Archetypes: Identifying the Producers, Administrators, Entrepreneurs, and Integrators on your team to build a balanced AI governance board.Real-World ROI: How one CEO used Claude and GenSpark to reduce a 350-page RFP analysis from six hours to just 20 minutes, potentially adding millions in revenue capacity.Stop treating AI as a distraction and start building organizational AI fluency. Whether you are a small business owner or a corporate leader, this episode provides the roadmap to turn AI into a scalable capability.Special Offer for Listeners: John is offering a free digital copy of his upcoming book for those who join the waiting list at ingrain.ai/2026 and mention they heard him on "In the Queue."Books Mentioned in the episode:IngrainAI by John MunsellTraction by Gino WickmanThe Corporate Life Cycle by Asman Damadoran

In the Queue Podcast: Mike Schiano Interviews Laurens Tijssen of Breathpage.comWhat does it really take to build a future‑proof, AI‑driven website strategy in today’s digital economy? In this episode of the In the Queue Podcast, host Mike Schiano talks with Laurens Tijssen, founder of Breathpage.com, a European website agency that has designed and launched more than 400 websites for over 150 companies worldwide.Laurens shares his journey from earning his first online income at just 14 to becoming a digital ecosystem architect, helping entrepreneurs turn their websites into true business engines, not just online brochures.Even with AI chatbots, social media, and marketplaces, Laurens explains why your website remains the core of any AI‑driven website strategy. It is the only digital asset you fully control, and when optimized, it becomes the hub for traffic, leads, data, and revenue.Tijssen breaks down his Attention → Interaction → Transaction model for building a scalable online ecosystem:Attention – Attracting the right visitors from search, social, email, and other channels.Interaction – Using content, design, and automation to nurture trust and engagement.Transaction – Converting qualified attention into sales, bookings, or applications with clear, frictionless paths.This framework shows how to connect every part of your AI‑driven website strategy, so channels reinforce each other instead of operating in silos.Mike and Laurens compare European and American website and branding strategies:U.S. businesses typically favor direct offers, clear CTAs, and conversion‑first design.European brands often lean into subtlety, brand storytelling, and long‑term relationship building.You’ll learn how combining these styles can make your website strategy both high‑converting and brand‑strong.If you are launching or rebuilding a digital business, this episode gives you a clear, anti‑overwhelm starting point:Begin with one core offer and a focused website.Add channels and automation gradually as systems stabilize.Prioritize consistency and clarity over chasing every new platform or tool.This is especially valuable for founders and teams trying to build an AI‑driven website strategy without burning out or wasting budget.Laurens shares how he uses tools like Perplexity, Grok, and Gemini inside his workflow to support research, content, and decision‑making. Instead of collecting dozens of tools, he focuses on a lean stack that amplifies execution and keeps the website at the center of the digital ecosystem.Entrepreneurs and founders building an online businessCoaches, consultants, and creators selling expertiseDigital marketers, web designers, and agenciesBusiness owners overwhelmed by AI tools and marketing platformsAnyone serious about building a scalable, AI‑driven website strategy that supports long‑term growthTo learn more from Laurens and explore his resources:Visit Breathpage.com to:Access his free growth blueprintRequest a power audit of your website and digital ecosystemSee how his team helps businesses turn websites into revenue‑driving assetsYou can also reach him at: [email protected] frameworks for structuring your AI‑driven website strategyReal‑world lessons from launching hundreds of sitesActionable insights you can apply immediately to make your website work harder for your businessIf this conversation helps you think differently about your digital ecosystem:Subscribe for more high‑level founder conversationsComment: Which part of your AI‑driven website strategy needs the most work right now—traffic, engagement, or conversion?

Most Leaders Are Still in Denial of AI workforcetransformation but by the end of this post you will learn what AI workforce transformation actually looks like for leaders today.If AI is a human transformation and not a tech upgrade, then leadership must change before headcount does. Here is what that looks like in practice.1. Stop Asking, “How Do We Use AI?” and Start Asking “What Work Shouldn’t Exist Anymore?”Most AI discussions fail because they’re framed around tools instead of work.Instead of asking teams how AI can “help” them, ask:• Which recurring tasks consume time but produce little differentiation?• Where are humans acting as routers, copy pasters, or compliance buffers?• What work exists only because systems and processes are outdated?The goal isn’t augmentation for its own sake. It’s intentional subtraction.2. Make AI Literacy a Leadership Requirement, not a Training ProgramAI fluency cannot be optional, delegated, or confined to Innovation teams.That means:• Leaders personally using AI in their own workflows• Managers being expected to explain where AI fits and doesn’t fit inside their function• Promotion and credibility being tied to adaptive capability, not just past performanceIf leaders can’t model the behavior, the organization won’t follow it.3. Redesign Roles Before You Resize TeamsMost layoffs framed as “AI driven” are more likely redesign failures.Before cutting roles, leaders should:• Deconstruct jobs into tasks and decisions• Identify which components are automatable, assistive, or still human critical• Rebuild positions around judgment, accountability, and context rather than activity volumeThis is slower than cutting headcount, but it preserves institutional trust and optionality.4. Bring the Workforce into the Conversation EarlyThe biggest risk is not fear. It is silence.Leaders should be explicitly discussing:• Where AI is already changing how work gets done• What skills are becoming more valuable, and which are not• How the organization will support reskilling versus waiting for obsolescencePeople don’t panic when they are treated like participants. They disengage when they’re treated like bystanders.5. Shift From “Change Management” to “Change Readiness”AI makes continuous change the default state. That breaks traditional transformation models.Practical signals of readiness include:• Teams empowered to experiment without lengthy approval chains• Faster decision cycles with imperfect information• Psychological safety around redefining roles and workflowsIf your organization still treats change as an exception, AI will feel like a constant disruption instead of a capability.6. Measure What Actually Matters in an AI Enabled OrganizationLegacy metrics reward busyness. AI exposes how little it matters.Leaders should begin shifting metrics toward:• Decision quality and speed• Outcome ownership rather than task completion• Learning velocity at the team levelWhat you measure tells people what future you believe in.7. Accept That Waiting Is a DecisionChoosing not to act is still a strategy but not a survivable one.Organizations that delay:• Lose internal trust first• Fall behind in capability second• Resort to blunt layoffs lastBy the time AI forces action, leaders no longer have the freedom to shape the outcome.The Leadership Test Is Not Technical - It’s BehavioralAI doesn’t demand perfect foresight. It demands courage, clarity, and consistency.The leaders who navigate this moment well will not be the ones with the most advanced tools. They will be the ones who:• Tell the truth early• Redesign work deliberately• Treat people as partners in transformationThat’s how you lead through the biggest shift in work we’ve seen and keep your organization intact on the other side.SPSContact.com

Emmanuel Gobillot is among the world’s foremost thinkers and authorities on leadership. Described as “the first leadership guru for the digital generation” and “the freshest voice in leadership today,” he provides consulting to CEOs across countries and industries. In his new book, "Alive Inside: Unlock Your Leadership advantage in the Age of AI," Gobillot asserts that today's most effective leaders are thos who lead most like humans.In this special episode of In the Queue, he helps leaders understand how to resist the pressure to adopt AI before first asking whether it’s appropriate.Many of today’s leaders, spurred on by headlines warning of the danger of “being left behind,” have come to frame technological progress as some kind of Darwinian process. Anyone questioning its application, value, and worth risksbeing a future victim of natural selection. Decisions that feed leaders’ fears of obsolescence, in turn, drive their need for obedience. This herd mentality drives copycat behavior without clear objectives.When leaders become awestruck by AI and treat its adoption as inevitable, they stop asking whether it’s appropriate. But it’s critical to remember that, as leaders, we are the stewards of the values, purpose, and culture of our organizations. It’s our role to make choices. As leaders, we have to filter, question, and ultimately decide to employ a new tool based on our purpose rather than any pressure we may feel.Drawing from his 20-plus-years of consulting across countries and industries, Emmanuel Gobillot addresses critical leadership concerns, including:• How to protect our human edge while embracing technology• How our curiosity, compassion, and imperfections aren’t faults but competitive advantages• How vulnerability outperforms perfection• How an ethical lapse in the world of rapid automation will multiply exponentially• How to recognize when to make the decision to slow down or abandon a pursuit entirely

If you’ve tried AI and thought “this isn’t useful,” the problem often isn’t the model—it’s the prompt. In this 15-minute episode of In the Queue, Mike Schiano breaks down prompt engineering for beginners and business owners using a simple operations mindset: the prompt is your SOP.You’ll learn a practical prompt framework (Task, Context, Format—plus Role and Constraints) and hear real examples you can copy for marketing emails, customer support replies, and building SOPs faster. Mike also shares the strategies that make AI predictable in day-to-day operations: prompt libraries, guardrails, and QA-style self-checks so your outputs are consistent, on-brand, and usable.Perfect for: small business owners, operators, service businesses, CX/support teams, and anyone who wants AI to save time without creating more rework.In this episode:Why vague prompts create vague resultsThe simplest prompt structure that works across use cases“Steal these prompts” templates for marketing, support, and opsHow to standardize prompts like you standardize processes Listen now and build your first “prompt library” for the work you repeat every week.This episode covers prompt engineering, AI prompts, ChatGPT prompts for business, small business AI, AI for customer service, operations, SOPs, productivity

Oleg Danyliuk is founder and CEO of Duanex and Co-founder and CTO of Insyghtful.ai. This AI innovator, Entreprenuer, and strategist joins Mike In the Queue to discuss several key topics including the 2 questions every business must ask before beginning to integrate AI.Get hands-on insight into building of AI Agents and how to properly introduce them into your business and to your employees and customers for maximum positive outcomes and success.Oleg also answers the question: Where will we be with AI in 3 years?Learn the state of conversational AI today and the simplest AI operating cadence to install. Who owns it, how often should it be reviewed and who owns it.Whether you've started integrating AI or not, this is episode will supercharge your efforts to plan, implement, or improve your strategies and outcomes.

AI is reshaping work fast but most leaders still manage teamhealth with lagging indicators and gut feel. In this episode of In the Queue, Mike Schiano sits down with Diane Weaver, COO and co-founder of Baryons, to unpack a bold idea: managers are “flying blind” on engagement, stress, and burnout and AI can provide earlier, human-centered signals to change that.​Diane explains Baryons’ “flourishing partner” approach -  a voice-first AI companion that supports individuals through quick daily check-ins/check-outs and in-the-moment coaching (prep for tough conversations, role-play, perspective shifts), while surfacing anonymized, high-level trends for leaders via dashboards. They also dig intowhy trust and culture before AI determine whether AI becomes an accelerator or an anxiety amplifier and what one nationwide nonprofit did right to drive real adoption at scale.​You’ll also hear how Baryons ties its approach to the PERMAframework (positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment), why “human energy” may become the most valuable metric in AI-heavy workplaces, and how the company is thinking about ethics, efficacy, and democratizing coaching beyond the C-suite. Want to explore it yourself? Diane shares how individuals like you can try a Baryon directly and what it takes to roll it out across entire organizations.

Rahul Desai is Founder & CEO of AI America, an AI training firm based in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has trained 300+ strategy and operations leaders from firms like Microsoft, HubSpot, US Bank, Goldman Sachs, and more. He also serves as an expert-in-residence at Cintrifuse Capital, supporting portfolio companies with operations and AI. Desai is the author of the upcoming book, The Invisible Advantage: How A-Players Navigate the JobMarket in the Age of AI.In the Queue is hosted by Mike Schiano, an author, broadcaster, and business leader with over 30 years of experience in contact center operations. This program examines the development and integration of artificial intelligence in business, featuring insights from industry leaders, experts, and thinkers on the impact of AI on organizations and the workforce. Business leaders and employees around the world will benefit from listening to this episode of In the Queue.

The latest AI news and views from the Author of AI is Coming for your Job and the forthcoming book, AI is Coming for your Business.Your host Mike Schiano discusses AI in the news, AI's impact on you, your job, your business and the world.Enjoy and tell your friends.

In the latest episode of In the Queue, Mike Schianounpacks the hidden psychology behind our blind trust in tools like ChatGPT—and why that’s more dangerous than AI “hallucinations” themselves.⚠️ Fluent doesn’t mean factual.⚠️Confidence doesn’t equal credibility.🔁Save this to remind yourself to question how AI answers, not just what it says.#AI #TrustInTech #ChatGPT #AIethics #Podcast#ThoughtLeadership #InTheQueue #MikeSchiano #FutureOfWork #CriticalThinking#AutomationRisks #GenerativeAI #InTheQueue #PodcastClips #TechPodcast #SPSContact

In this week’s episode of the In the Queue Podcast, where we delve into the intersections of technology, finance, and the evolving job market, we spotlight a significant development out of Texas that's making waves in the realm of artificial intelligence and consumer rights.On June 22, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 149 into law. It is officially known as the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act, or TRAIGA. This landmark legislation positions Texas at the forefront of AI regulation in the United States.TRAIGA sets forth comprehensive guidelines to ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly. Learn what other states are enacting similar laws to protect consumers and businesses from abuses from the use of Artificial Intelligence in all areas of our lives related to education, employment, finance, healthcare, housing, insurance, and legal services.Enjoy this episode and please let us know what you think.

ROGER HOOKS brings 36 years of business experience to the Queue. He has collaborated with industry giants such as Apple, Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, and Universal Music Groupshowcasing his versatility in creative leadership. As Creative Director at Supermicro since 2006, Roger has significantly impacted the company’s global brandstrategy, helping increase its market cap from $250M to $50B. He played a key role in the 3.0 Brand launch, elevating Supermicro into the Tier 1 Enterprise Server Solution space. Roger’s leadership, working closely with seniorexecutives, has shaped the company’s identity, emphasizing collaboration and teamwork over individual accolades. His career blends strategic thinking with creative innovation, making him a highly influential figure in corporate branding and design. In the Queue Roger discusses AI's impact on creative roles and how workers can leverage AI to boost their careers and how businesses can make the right decisions about which AI power tools to deploy for maximum impact.This episode is brought to you in part by Mike's new book, AI is Coming for Your Job, What you can do to Survive and Thrive available where you get your books and eBooks.

On this show you will hear key strategies to help you not only maintain job security but thrive in an evolving workplace increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence (AI). The central theme is adaptation and integration, positioning AI as a partner rather than a replacement for human workers.1. AI Skill Acquisition and Utilization:Mastering AI Communication Tools: the importance of becoming proficient in AI tools designed for writing and communication, such as ChatGPT and Claude. The ability to effectively utilize these tools can significantly enhance efficiency in drafting various forms of written content. Leveraging AI for Presentation Creation: Tools like Tome and Gamma are presented as solutions for streamlining the creation of professional presentations, freeing up time and effort traditionally spent on slide design. "No more struggling with slides. These tools help create polished, professional decks from your ideas with just a few clicks."Understanding Prompt Engineering: The ability to provide effective instructions to AI is crucial for maximizing its potential. The source emphasizes learning prompt engineering through readily available online resources, underscoring that "The better your instructions, the smarter your AI gets."2. Automation and Efficiency Enhancement:Automating Repetitive Tasks: Tools like Zapier and Make are recommended for automating routine tasks such as data entry, email responses, and report generation. This automation allows individuals to dedicate their time and energy to more strategic and high-value activities.AI-Powered Visual Design: The document points to the accessibility of AI tools like Canva AI and MidJourney for creating visual content without requiring specialized design skills. This can be particularly beneficial for marketing, branding, and personal projects.3. Cultivating Uniquely Human Skills:Prioritizing Creativity and Emotional Intelligence: Recognizing the limitations of current AI, the source emphasizes the enduring importance of human skills such as storytelling, leadership, and empathy. These "human superpowers" are presented as differentiators in an AI-driven world.4. Continuous Learning and Adaptation:Committing to Upskilling: The document stresses the need for ongoing learning to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Dedicating even a small amount of time weekly to platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Skillshare is recommended for keeping up with trends in AI and related fields.5. Embracing the AI-Powered Gig Economy:Exploring Side Hustles with AI: The source suggests leveraging AI skills to generate income through platforms like Fiverr or Etsy. Offering AI-enhanced services like eBook creation or resume writing can provide new opportunities and demonstrate adaptability.6. Collaborative Approach with AI:Working Alongside AI: Understanding how AI can augment existing roles, such as speeding up research or improving customer service, is crucial for successful integration. "Work Alongside AI — Not Against It. Learn how AI can support your role: speed up research, improve customer service, or enhance decision-making."7. Building a Future-Proof Personal Brand:Utilizing AI for Content Creation: The source suggests using AI to create content for personal branding purposes, such as blog posts, videos, and LinkedIn updates. This can help individuals showcase their skills, attract opportunities, and establish themselves in their respective fields.

MECH the Super Humanoid robot powered by AI and the future of Warehouse and shipping jobs. Where is your career headed now that AI is Coming for Your Job? How can you Survive and Thrive? Join host Mike Schiano for another engaging episode of In the Queue.

Business and Digital Marketing Consultant Len Ward is In the Queue telling Mike "AI will destroy every fabric of Marketing" as we know it. Len gives his deep insight on the impact of AI on business and employees based on his 26 + year's of experience.Len Ward is a Digital Strategist, Business Consultant and Managing Partner & Head of AI for Commexis. linkedin.com/company/commexis/Mike Schiano (host)Len Ward (guest, entrepreneur, business consultant, digital marketing expert)Key Topics Discussed:AI Adoption and ImpactAI has exploded in the past 12 monthsAccessibility and quick user adaptationAI is changing marketing fundamentallyMarketing TransformationMarketing will be disrupted by AIFuture involves bot-to-bot negotiationsBrand marketing and human influence will remain relevantWorkforce DisplacementAI will impact workers across all age groupsPotential for mass layoffs in repetitive jobsMarketing industry likely to be first significantly affectedBusiness Preparedness for AIThree types of business owners: a) Actively researching and implementing AI b) Aware but overwhelmed c) Fearful of potential business eliminationAI Implementation StrategyOrganize and digitize company contentCreate a blueprint based on processes and systemsAutomate repetitive tasksMove from search-and-retrieve to problem-solving approachFuture of AI CompaniesExisting tech giants will remain playersPotential for small, agile 5-person companies to become billion-dollar enterprisesFocus on innovative leaders and their potentialAction Items:Digitize and organize company contentExplore AI implementation in business processesStay informed about AI developments

What is a more "Humanistic" customer service role? Mike talks AI in business and Call Centers. AI is coming for your Job! Get prepared. Listen to this episode. Want to be a guest In the Queue? Email us at [email protected].

This is the start of a journey where we will explore how Artificial Intelligence is being developed for businesses and integrated into business operations. AI represents a seismic change for businesses and especially workers around the world. In the Queue will bring you business leaders, experts, authors, writers and thinkers who will share their thoughts, hopes, fears and insights on the topic of business and AI.