AI Meets Reality

Guest LinkedIn: Fiona Towner | LinkedInPodcast Key Takeaways:Practical AI Adoption MattersFiona Towner emphasizes that successful AI adoption starts with practical use cases, helping employees understand how the technology can support day-to-day work and deliver measurable value.Peer Learning Accelerates ChangeOrganic, peer-to-peer knowledge sharing can be more effective than top-down training, building curiosity, confidence, and stronger adoption across the organization.Agentic AI Is Reshaping AnalyticsThe conversation explores how AI agents are beginning to move users beyond static dashboards by enabling more dynamic analysis, recommendations, and action-oriented insights.Trust and Governance Remain CriticalAs AI becomes more embedded in workflows, organizations must balance speed and efficiency with validation, governance, and responsible use of data.Strategy and Budget Must AlignScaling AI requires leadership support, thoughtful investment, and a clear focus on where automation, copilots, or agents can create the greatest business impact.

Guest NotesErika Albert is the program strategist for major and principal gifts at ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In her role, she builds relationships with donors, develops fundraising strategies, and helps secure critical support to advance St. Jude’s mission of providing free care and advancing pediatric research. Guest LinkedIn: Erika AlbertPodcast Key TakeawaysPersonal Connection Drives MissionErika Albert’s experience as a childhood cancer survivor deeply informs her passion and commitment to fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. AI Enhances FundraisingThe use of AI tools, such as Copilot and ChatGPT, helps Erica and her team streamline donor research, personalize outreach, and summarize complex medical information, slowing them to focus on building authentic relationships.Balancing Technology and HumanityWhile AI offers efficiency, maintain genuine human connection with donors remain essential, especially in the era of increasing autonomation and skepticism about authenticity. Ethical and Data ChallengesThe team faces ongoing challenges around data privacy, model accuracy, and ethical use of donor information, highlighting the importance of responsible technology adoption in philanthropySt. Jude’s Global ImpactSt. Jude’s work extends beyond patient care, with innovative genomics research and international collaboration accelerating program progress in pediatric cancer treatment and benefiting children worldwide.

Guest LinkedInCarlin Power, MBA | LinkedInKey Takeaways:Educate: Spark Curiosity and ConfidenceJLL began its AI journey by inspiring experimentation and providing practical training, making AI approachable and relevant for every employee.Define Strategy: Connect Vision to ImpactA clear, company-wide AI strategy - centered on measurable goals and consistent messaging - ensured that every initiative aligned with business outcomes.Lay the Foundation: Build Security and TrustJLL prioritized data security, privacy, and governance from day one, creating a trusted environment for safe and scalable AI adoption.Prepare Your People: Empower and EngageContinuous feedback, tailored training, and user-centric design enabled employees to confidently adopt, use, and shape AI tools in their daily work.Go & Grow: Sustain Momentum and Scale InnovationJLL is investing in agentic AI and citizen development, scaling expertise and empowering teams to create future-ready solutions that drive ongoing impact.