The AI Business Leadership Podcast

AI Value Track - Episode 3

Welcome to Episode 3 of The AI Value Track — our brand-new podcast series helping you cut through the AI noise and actually use it in your business. In this final episode of the series, Simon  sits down with Ed Hogg (CEO, SolvedBy.AI) and James Bolle (Head of Data & Insights, ReThink Productivity) to tackle one of the biggest strategic questions leaders face: 👉 Should you build your own AI tools, or buy them off the shelf? We keep it simple and explore: * Build vs buy decisions tied to strategy and IP  * When generic problems justify off‑the‑shelf tools  * Niche bottlenecks and owning differentiated capability  * Real costs of talent, data architecture and compute  * Governance, scope control and reliability expectations  * Data quality, sourcing and security by design  * Measurable pilots, baselines and explainability  * EBITDA impact, inference costs and ROI discipline  * Ethics beyond bias, oversight and customer impact  * Partner contracts, IP protection and reuse limits  * Scaling blockers across finance, compliance, HR and IT  * Regulations to watch including EU AI Act and GDPR If you’re thinking about making AI a real part of your business — not just a buzzword — this episode will help you make smarter, lower-risk decisions. Tune in and learn how to get your AI projects off the ground — and keep them moving. The AI Business Leadership Podcast is delivered to you by Solvedby.AI [https://solvedby.ai/]; we help businesses maximise profitability by finding the most efficient path and continually adapting to changing circumstances through AI

AI Value Track - Episode 2

Welcome back to The AI Value Track – a brand-new podcast series where we’re cutting through the hype and helping you actually use AI in your business. In this second episode, Simon Hedaux (Co-Founder of Rethink Pr [https://rethinkproductivity.co.uk/]oductivity) is joined by Ian Hogg (CEO, ShopWorks) and James Bolle (Head of Data & Insights, Rethink Productivity) to talk about something most people miss: 👉 You’re probably using AI every day – and you don’t even realise it. We dig into the three types of AI tools most businesses are already using (or should be): * Personal tools like ChatGPT (and how to use them properly) * Embedded AI is already inside your email, CRM or video calls * AI-native tools that are built to do the job of a person We also explore: * We also explore: * Personal LLMs as thinking partners and draft accelerators * Embedded AI in email, slides, CRM, and meetings * AI‑native tools mapped to roles like SDR and legal * Agents that act: scrape, configure, reset, and schedule * Quality, speed, and evidence versus laziness concerns * Training, culture, and best‑case sharing for adoption * Guardrails, verification, and human‑in‑the‑loop control * Real‑world cases in support, retail, facilities, and QSR If you're still thinking of AI as "that tool someone in marketing uses," this episode will open your eyes to what's already happening — and how to level up. Tune in and see how much AI you’re already using — and what more you could be doing with it. The AI Business Leadership Podcast is delivered to you by Solvedby.AI [https://solvedby.ai/]; we help businesses maximise profitability by finding the most efficient path and continually adapting to changing circumstances through AI

AI Value Track - Episode 1

Welcome to the first episode of our brand new podcast series: The AI Value Track. This show is for business leaders and operators who want to understand AI without getting lost in the tech speak. We’re here to cut through the noise, explain what matters, and help you actually use AI in your business. In Episode 1, host Simon Hedaux (Co-Founder at ReThink Productivity) is joined by Ian Hogg (CEO at ShopWorks) and our very own Ed Hogg (CEO at SolvedBy.Ai) for a no-nonsense conversation about: * Clear definition of AI and human‑in‑the‑loop * Where AI adds value across knowledge work * Culture over tech as the main blocker * Data readiness and training data basics * Governance to reduce shadow AI risks * Leaders modelling tools and setting objectives * Selecting first three use cases aligned to KPIs * Measuring adherence to AI recommendations * Balancing efficiency vs productivity for trust and ROI * Practical rollout: owners, feedback loops, training This isn’t about hype — it’s about making AI useful and accessible. If you’re just getting started or thinking “we should probably be doing something with AI”, this one’s for you. The AI Business Leadership Podcast is delivered to you by Solvedby.AI [https://solvedby.ai/]; we help businesses maximise profitability by finding the most efficient path and continually adapting to changing circumstances through AI

AI-First Operational Change Management: Setting the Right AI Mindset with Phil Lupton

In this engaging episode of the AI Business Leadership Podcast, host Laura Nelson, Head of Product at SolvedBy.Ai, is joined by Phil Lupton, a seasoned operational change director and strategic transformation expert. From his rich experience of leading change management in hospitality and retail industries, from grassroots to senior executives for organisations like Wagamama, Travelodge, and Rank Group - Phil shares his insights of driving innovation by establishing a deep-rooted change culture that focuses on continuous improvement, adopting an AI-mindset. He emphasises incremental change over large-scale transformations and embracing AI to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth in competitive industries like hospitality. Key Takeaways: 1. AI-Operational Change Management for Improved Efficiency: * AI as a solution to manage overwhelming workloads, automate repetitive tasks, and enable employees to focus on creativity and customer experience, using forecasting tools and AI-driven scheduling systems, illustrate the tangible benefits AI can offer. 2. ‘White Belt’ Culture of AI Adoption: * The importance of fostering a ‘white belt mentality’, emphasising continuous learning and openness to innovation by overcoming cultural resistance to AI through education, pilot projects, and celebrating quick wins. 3. Aligning Ethical AI & Data Governance with Strategic Goals: * Best practices for integrating AI projects with business objectives include ensuring a return on investment by focusing on high-impact use cases of predictive maintenance and demand forecasting. 4. Reimagining a Creative & Strategic Workplace: * AI’s potential to transform traditional roles allows leaders to envision head offices as innovation spaces rather than administrative hubs. This episode has actionable insights for leaders navigating the evolving AI landscape. Whether exploring AI for the first time or looking to scale your existing initiatives, this conversation is a masterclass from integrating AI in business processes for meaningful change to building an AI-first organisation. Tune in now to discover how to future-proof your business operations in the age of AI. --- Connect with us: Podcast Website: https://solvedby.ai/the-ai-business-leadership-podcast/ [https://solvedby.ai/the-ai-business-leadership-podcast/]Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/76147165 [https://www.linkedin.com/company/76147165]Our Sister company: https://www.theshopworks.com [https://www.theshopworks.com/]Don’t miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to our channel and follow us on social media for the latest AI and business leadership updates. --- About AI Business Leadership Podcast: We explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and business, speaking with industry leaders to uncover insights and strategies for leveraging AI to drive innovation and growth. The AI Business Leadership Podcast is delivered to you by SolvedBy.Ai [https://solvedby.ai/]; we help businesses maximise profitability by finding the most efficient path and continually adapting to changing circumstances through AI. #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Podcast #StreamGrowthPartners #BusinessStrategy #TechInnovation #changemanagement #organisationalchangemanagement #changemanagementprocess #managementskills #management #digitaltransformation The AI Business Leadership Podcast is delivered to you by Solvedby.AI [https://solvedby.ai/]; we help businesses maximise profitability by finding the most efficient path and continually adapting to changing circumstances through AI

Hospitality Technology Trends: James Stuart on Revenue-Driving Innovations

Welcome to the AI Business Leadership Podcast, where we explore the growing impact of artificial intelligence across various industries. In this episode, host Laura Nelson, Head of Product at SolvedBy.AI [https://solvedby.ai/], is joined by James Stewart, Head of Sales, to reflect on their recent experience at the B2B Hospitality Tech Expo and share insights of how AI is reshaping the hospitality industry. Throughout the episode, Laura and James break down the latest trends they observed, from improving operational efficiency to enhancing customer experiences. They discuss real-world applications of AI, drawing from conversations with industry professionals—from executives at major hotel chains to data scientists—who are navigating the opportunities and challenges that AI presents to the sector. Key topics: * Optimising capacity and space usage: How AI is helping businesses in hospitality increase profitability by maximizing occupancy and managing resources more effectively. * Data-driven decision-making for workforce planning: Using AI to improve labour forecasting, ensuring the right staffing levels are maintained at all times, boosting both employee and customer satisfaction. * AI and price optimization: Tailoring pricing strategies based on location, seasonality, and demand to drive revenue and improve margins. * Innovative technology solutions: The role of AI in tracking footfall and managing queues through camera technology, helping businesses streamline operations and improve the customer journey. * Leveraging data for business insights: How businesses can use workforce management systems, EPOS data, and other inputs to build accurate AI-driven forecasts, resulting in better decision-making and more efficient operations. Whether you work in hospitality or are just interested in how AI is transforming the sector, this episode provides valuable insights and actionable takeaways. Tune in to learn how AI is shaping the future of hospitality and discover practical ways to stay competitive in today’s fast-evolving market. --- Connect with us: Podcast Website: https://solvedby.ai/the-ai-business-leadership-podcast/ [https://solvedby.ai/the-ai-business-leadership-podcast/] Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/76147165 [https://www.linkedin.com/company/76147165] Our Sister company: https://www.theshopworks.com [https://www.theshopworks.com/] Don’t miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to our channel and follow us on social media for the latest updates on AI and business leadership. --- About AI Business Leadership Podcast: We explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and business, speaking with industry leaders to uncover insights and strategies for leveraging AI to drive innovation and growth. #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #digitaltransformation #hospitality #aitrend #aitrends #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Podcast #StreamGrowthPartners #AIinHospitality [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/aiinhospitality] #Chatbots [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/chatbots] #Robotics [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/robotics] #FutureofHospitality [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/futureofhospitality] #TechnologyinHospitality [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/technologyinhospitality] #CustomerService [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/customerservice] https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/innovation The AI Business Leadership Podcast is delivered to you by Solvedby.AI [https://solvedby.ai/]; we help businesses maximise profitability by finding the most efficient path and continually adapting to changing circumstances through AI