Peggy Smedley Show

The way we work is changing fast — and the 2030 workforce won't look like anything we've seen before. In this episode, Peggy Smedley explores the forces reshaping work: the rise of fractional leadership, AI augmentation (not replacement), portfolio careers, and the urgent need for continuous learning. Peggy breaks down what individuals and organizations need to do now to stay ahead — from skills-based hiring and project-based teams to building cultures where learning never stops. Whether you're a leader, a professional rethinking your career path, or an organization trying to stay agile, this episode gives you a clear-eyed look at what's coming and how to prepare. Topics covered: How remote work and AI set the stage for the 2030 workforce The rise of fractional roles and portfolio careers AI augmentation vs. replacement — what's really happening Why adaptability is the most valuable skill of the decade Practical steps for individuals and organizations to prepare 🌐 Visit us: connectedworld.com | peggysmedleyshow.com 📧 Subscribe to our newsletter and follow the conversation on X @ConnectedWorld and LinkedIn. 🎙️ Live every Tuesday at 12:00 PM Central | Podcast every Thursday The Peggy Smedley Show — Your Voice for Our Connected World.

Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, joins the Peggy Smedley Show at Think 2026 to share his candid take on AI and the future of music. From how producers are already using AI as a creative collaborator in the studio, to the 75,000 AI-generated songs hitting streaming platforms every day — Harvey breaks down why AI is a powerful tool, not a replacement for human creativity, and why legislation, transparency, and proper crediting are non-negotiable. Topics covered: How artists are using AI iteratively in the studio The disruption AI is bringing to streaming and distribution Why younger creators see no limits — and what that means for the industry Who should set the boundaries for AI in music Will we ever have a truly "soulful" AI? Recorded live at IBM Think 2026.   https://PeggySmedleyShow.com

Freight rail moves 40% of long-distance goods in the U.S., but the industry's biggest challenge isn't infrastructure, it's intelligence. In this episode of The Peggy Smedley Show, host Peggy Smedley sits down with V. Krishnan, industry advisor for Microsoft manufacturing & mobility, to explore how AI agents and realtime decision tools are reshaping the future of rail. They discuss: Why railroads are drowning in data but struggling to act on it How CSX used AI to transform customer experience The Rumo case study: cutting lookup times from 4 minutes to 3 seconds Fuel optimization and how AI can cut costs 3–7% without new infrastructure Weather analytics, workforce challenges, and the retiring knowledge crisis Why the next 10% of performance won't come from more track — it'll come from smarter decisions Whether you're in logistics, supply chain, or enterprise tech, this conversation is a must-listen. https://aka.ms/RumorailAI https://aka.ms/CSXrailAI

What does it take to make AI reliable enough to design a bridge? Peggy Smedley sits down with Francois Valois, senior vice president of Bentley Open Applications at Bentley Systems, to unpack the MCP (model context protocol — an open, agnostic standard that connects AI agents to deterministic engineering tools like STAAD and MicroStation ensuring trust, validation, and accountability in engineering workflows. They explore why generative AI alone needs to be more trustworthy for infrastructure design, how MCP bridges the gap between non-deterministic LLMs (large language models) and precise calculation engines, and what Bentley's open-source strategy means for the future of connected-infrastructure data. Topics covered: What MCP is and why Anthropic invented it Why "90% accurate" isn't acceptable in engineering How STAAD and MicroStation are now AI-accessible via MCP The role of structured data (and dark data) in AI workflows How to start experimenting with AI agents in your firm The future of the engineer in an AI-augmented world infrastructure.ai | connectedworld.com | peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy shares the 7 lies she has been hearing about AI, challenging some common assumptions. She says these narratives have become so common that many of us have stopped questioning them. She also discusses: · A pattern that emerges surrounding the 7 lies. · Where the real opportunity lies and what the biggest threat is. · What you should do next inside of your own organization. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Sebastian Wernicke, author, talk about moving from being data driven to data inspired. He says most data projects don't fail, they do something much worse, they make you very good at staying the same. They also discuss: · Your data framework—how to organize it—and the decision framework in your organization. · How to keep up with the pace of change and look at all of this in relation to the people in the organization. · Fatal flaws that they will have to think about in order to overcome hurdles. https://www.datainspired.org

Peggy Smedley and Jeff Ton, author of Uncharted Moments, talk about his leadership background and how he learned to navigate without a map. He says he is a career technologist and most of that was in leadership positions, and the story in the book is about tracing the Lewis and Clark trail. They also discuss: · Leadership lessons from the Lewis and Clark expedition. · How leaders can navigate uncertainty—which translates to today's AI era. · The concept of pausing and listening and its importance in leadership. https://jeffreyston.com/

Peggy talks about how manufacturers have production systems, improvement programs, and even data, but fail to implement consistently across their organizations. She says we need to move beyond reactive data and to better connections between data, people, learning, and action. She also discusses: · How many have a global production system—and how many report that it is fully implemented across all sites. · Why so many efforts fall short, including the two traps many manufacturers fall into. · How to solve the challenge with a combination of people and data.  https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Angie Wordell, executive vice president and chief operations and supply chain officer, Graco, talk about the company reaching 100 years and how it achieved the longevity. She says it is about staying close to customers and solving real-world problems. They also discuss: · The two founders who solved an industry problem and the pivotal inflection points. · The technology transformation and its impact on the market and business. · How labor, safety, and business intersect for a company reaching 100 years.  https://www.graco.com/us/en.html

Peggy Smedley and Dave Moelker, CEO, Twisthink, talk about why connected products, data, and AI matter today more than ever before. He says customers' expectations continue to move forward and too often there is a gap between insight and action. They also discuss: · Why so many connected product efforts stall at the pilot stage. · A good place to start with these efforts today. · Advice for the next 30 days—and four steps to take now. https://twisthink.com

Peggy gives her thoughts about why humanity stands at a crossroads with AI (artificial intelligence). She says we need to have a conversation about what kind of future we want to build. She also discusses: · What the Pope has to say about AI. · What happens when AI becomes increasingly autonomous. · The steps to take to develop successful technology ecosystems. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Chris Willis, chief design officer and futurist, Domo, talk about the danger of moving too fast with AI (artificial intelligence). He says real strategy doesn't start with fear; it starts with trying to solve a problem. They also discuss: · What history tells us about this movement, such as the PC revolution. · What needs to happen to greenlight AI projects. · How to go faster on the things you know will work. https://www.domo.com/

Peggy Smedley and Tim Lindner, warehouse automation consultant, talk about the widening gap between China and the United States in robot manufacturing and why the disparity is growing. He says robot manufacturing isn't just a technology sector anymore, but rather a foundational geopolitical battleground. They also discuss: · The ways the United States is falling behind in robot manufacturing. · The numbers related to the growth geographically and the cost of robotics. · What will happen when you can create a robot that can learn from its actions. https://www.connectedworld.com/

On Aiglatson, Peggy Smedley and cohost Dennis Draeger, foresight director, Shaping Tomorrow, talk about how workers are gaining autonomy, the inherent complexity with that, and how organizations protect collaboration and creativity when work becomes personalized. He says looking broadly the market doesn't seem to be responding to the idea that AI (artificial intelligence) is going to make a workless world. They also discuss: · Borderless work that opens global opportunities. · Why diversity and inclusion are going to be paramount. · What leaders should be doing today to prepare for the new workforce.  https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Andrew Moore, founder and CEO, Lovelace, talk about the move from raw data to real, trusted context. He has been working in AI his whole career, both in academia and industry, and he wants to make sure AI is useful. They also discuss: · Good data versus bad data and how to determine what is the most important information. · Why independent data is so important today—and an example of it. · How realtime global intelligence can enhance all of this—and the importance of looking at a lot of things at once. https://lovelace.ai

Peggy talks about why women are adopting AI (artificial intelligence) tools at a lower rate than men on average. She says when more people understand and use AI effectively, everyone benefits. She also discusses: · Why framing women as behind is too simplistic because some skepticism around AI is healthy. · Five major concerns that could come as a result if this gap persists. · What needs to happen next to ensure consistent adoption across companies. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Bryan Reimer, research scientist, MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics, talk about some of the tough AI (artificial intelligence) questions: Who pays for its impact? How will we tax it? Who is liable when it fails? Who gets hit hardest in the workforce? What happens when innovation outruns governance? How do we make AI really useful? He says we forget that AI today may be as much of a transformation in society as electricity was many years ago. They also discuss: · What public officials need to be debating—and if taxes need to shift. · What obligations AI developers must ensure against systemic failure or success. · How AI is changing the workforce and how workers can prepare for it. https://ctl.mit.edu

Peggy Smedley and Boris Martin, Engineers Without Borders USA, talk about healthcare workers that are fighting to save lives without the basics like clean water, safe sanitation, and dependable energy. He says the question of fair, equitable access to infrastructure is seldom in the news and people don't pay much attention to it, but health often is. They also discuss: · Engineering solutions and community partnerships that can help. · Stories from around the world. · How innovation can help solve this global problem. https://ewb-usa.org

Peggy shares why the next 10 years may define the future of infrastructure more than the last 10. She says the question is not whether the technology is coming, but rather the bigger question we need to be asking is if our infrastructure is ready for it. She also discusses: · What cities, manufacturers, construction companies, and policymakers must do right now to prepare for the next decade of smart infrastructure. · The guardrails we must consider, such as who is responsible when AI makes a decision. · How we build a future that is safe, resilient, and accountable. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Angelia O'Neal, founder and chief learning officer, MWI Workforce Institute, talk about the essential life skills people need to succeed and the habits people can start building right now to show up stronger at work. She shares what led her to start her nonprofit. They also: · Define what the essential life skills actually are. · Talk about why it is important to always put your best self forward—and an example. · Discuss the role of AI (artificial intelligence) as it relates to essential life skills. https://www.mwiworkforce.com

Peggy Smedley and Dave Moelker, CEO, Twisthink, take a closer look at a team that is redefining what real innovation looks like. He says the company focuses on helping companies turn their physical products into smart, intelligent, and connected systems. They also discuss: · How the company connects strategy, design, and engineering. · A case study of remote monitoring in the mining industry. · How to move faster with AI, while also making good, smart decisions. https://twisthink.com/

Peggy shares her thoughts on how to scale AI (artificial intelligence), breaking down what it really looks like to move from pilots to production. She says companies must have a plan for scaling the agentic and physical AI. She also shares: · Lessons learned from M2M and the IoT (Internet of Things). · Core business challenges that exist today. · What successful implementations include. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Ross Eisenberg, president, America's Plastic Makers, American Chemistry Council, talk about advanced recycling and the future of American manufacturing. He explains the difference between advanced recycling and traditional mechanical recycling, explaining it is like un-baking a cake. They also discuss: · The biggest benefits of advanced manufacturing. · Two things in the government space that are hampering the ability of this industry to compete. · What type of technology investments are needed here to make this happen.  https://www.americanchemistry.com

Peggy Smedley and Andreas Welsch talk about the governance that will determine whether AI (artificial intelligence) agents actually help the business or quietly create more challenges. He says it is so important to have this conversation at this moment in time. They also discuss: · What an AI agent control plane is and why leaders should be paying attention. · How to create governance for an entire ecosystem of AI agents. · How do we get the entire organization to support and trust AI. https://intelligence-briefing.com

On Aiglatson, Peggy Smedley and cohost Dennis Draeger, foresight director, Shaping Tomorrow, talk about our "used future," which is a future imagined decades ago and built on metaphors and assumption about what intelligence is, which ultimately impacts how we talk about AI (artificial intelligence) today. He says people seem to have different understandings of what AI actually is. They also discuss: · If AI is a technology or a narrative we have attached to computer science. · What AI is today as we talk about this used future. · What is keeping us locked in these old ways of thinking.  https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and Andrea Janzen, founder and CEO, Ambition Theory, talk about how leadership is shifting fast, and organizations are feeling the pressure to evolve. She says research shows when there is at least one woman on a construction team, everyone on the team is more productive, and explains why this is. They also discuss: · The differences between transactional and transformational leadership in construction. · The No. 1 thing you can do to entice Gen Z to the construction workforce. · The 10,000 Women Leaders campaign and what it means for the next generation stepping into leadership roles. https://ambitiontheory.com

Peggy talks about physical AI (artificial intelligence), sharing real-world use cases, industry momentum, and the foundation required to scale physical AI. She says it is quickly becoming a reality in many businesses, and it is accelerating faster than many expected. She also discusses: · The percentage of manufacturers that plan to adopt physical AI within the next two years. · How many organizations define physical AI today. · The percentage of manufacturing tasks that will still be human driven. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy and Thorsten Wuest, professor, University of South Carolina, talk about the future of industry. He says the university that he is working at today consciously decided it wanted to be strong in manufacturing. They also discuss: · How he ended up working in South Carolina—and the new opportunities that exist in South Carolina. · The smart manufacturing program at the University of South Carolina. · Research projects with partners such as Scout Motors, Mercedes, and Trane.   2:13 How he ended up working in South Carolina. 8:25 The collaboration between the University of South Carolina and Clemson. 14:20 Research projects with partners like Scout Motors, Mercedes, and Trane. 16:34 Challenges and opportunities when working with industry. 19:38 How to recruit students to manufacturing—and a student internship example. 22:19 The long-term vision for the center. 25:33 How to apply real-world solutions to real-world problems in an advanced manufacturing environment. 28:05 How to get students to understand the data and be inquisitive. 32:50 The importance of problem solving and taking initiative among the younger generation. 36:55 How all of this will impact work in the future in South Carolina and in other states. 38:46 How the team came together and the undergrad research culture at the university. https://www.thorstenwuest.com

Peggy talks about distracted driving, why the problem hasn't gone away, and what we can do about it. She says we need a multi-layered approach that starts and ends with each and every one of us. She also discusses: · The number of lives lost and the number of people injured in 2024. · The history of distracted driving and why it persists. · The evolution of technology and where we are headed. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy and Dave Moelker, CEO, Twisthink, talk about the societal factors impacting OEMs (original-equipment manufacturers) today including shifting customer expectations and accelerating technology cycles. He says there are a couple of different dimensions, especially in the B2B context. They also discuss: · The need to bring in muti-disciplinary groups. · The importance of contextual data. · Two next steps to take. https://twisthink.com

Peggy and Matt Hatton, founding partner, Transforma Insights, talk about how the IoT (Internet of Things) has changed in the past decade. He shares a few interesting points, such as the fact that it is an operational issue, rather than just a technological issue. They also discuss: · What has happened in more recent years. · Challenges, current realities, and where the best IoT use cases come from. · What's to come in the next decade. https://transformainsights.com

Peggy explores how AI (artificial intelligence) is reshaping senior leadership and what it ultimately means for the future of work. She says AI is a force that is redefining what it means to lead at the highest level. She also discusses: · The role of the senior leader—past, present, and future. · How many leaders identified human factors as the primary barrier to adoption. · Next steps to take to prepare for the new era of work. https://peggysmedleyshow.com

Peggy Smedley and David Levinson, professor, University of Sydney, talk about how transportation is evolving as cities grow and technologies accelerate. He says 30 years ago, there was an assumption technology wouldn't change, but there have been technology shifts. They also discuss: · How the field of transportation has changed throughout his career. · Challenges cities are going to face and lessons learned. · How cities are going to have to change and be reimagined for the future. · Designing roads for safety. https://transportist.org/

Peggy and Wyatt Jenkins, senior vice president of product management, midmarket, Intuit, talk about how AI (artificial intelligence) is reshaping the future of construction operations. He says labor is still the number one consideration for construction companies today. They also discuss: · The biggest priorities for construction companies today. · The importance of job cost accuracy and cash flow visibility in realtime. · The space that is moving the fastest from a technology perspective. https://www.intuit.com/enterprise

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