In the latest episode of the Disruption Interruption podcast, Doug Shannon, a leading authority in intelligent automation, delves into the transformative role of culture and AI in modern organizations. Tune in to discover how diverse, multi-generational teams, clear leadership, and thoughtful AI integration can build trust, enhance talent retention, and drive sustained success.
TAMPA BAY, Fla., Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Generative AI is transforming workplaces across all industries, with 24% of employees using it weekly and one in nine relying on it daily, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research. 1 In the latest episode of the , Doug Shannon—an IT automation leader ranked among the top 50 global experts in intelligent automation—joins host Karla Jo Helms (KJ) to explore how businesses can navigate the challenges of multi-generational workforces amid the AI revolution. "Leaders need to enable, empower, and embolden employees; they're their first customers," Shannon emphasizes, while advocating for the creation of "Brave Spaces" that keep people at the heart of technological progress.
The Evolving Culture in Organizations
While every company believes it's a "perfect snowflake", most share similar technologies and structures. The real differentiator is culture: how they treat employees, engage with customers, and shape their internal values, points out Shannon.
In the past, culture was dictated from the top down by rigid leadership rules. Now, it's the collective experience of employees that defines it. That's why Shannon highlights that companies must treat their teams as their "first customers". Without this focus, organizations risk losing their identity and falling behind in a market where adaptability and collaboration are essential.
"Hierarchical management companies can't move as fast as they need to compete today. We're in a transitional state where everything changes every six months," Shannon explains.
Building Brave Spaces in a Multi-Generational Workforce
From Boomers to Gen Z, every generation brings distinct perspectives, values, and communication styles that can enrich company culture—but these differences can also lead to tension. Effective leadership is key: without understanding and empowering their teams, organizations risk fostering toxic environments and losing valuable talent.
Rebuilding trust starts with clarity and transparency. But trust alone isn't enough. According to Doug Shannon, it also requires "brave spaces." He explains, "Organizations need spaces where people feel safe to be wrong and to fail. Failure fosters deeper understanding and propels us toward the next level of growth."
The Future of AI and Human Integration
In the evolving AI landscape, companies must focus on integrating technology to empower—not replace—humans. While AI can handle repetitive tasks, true innovation comes from enabling and emboldening employees. Forward-thinking organizations shouldn't aim to reduce staff due to AI advancements; instead, they should reconsider hiring strategies.
AI's impact is hard to quantify because tracking is often inconsistent. "Few companies collect the data needed to measure AI's true value," Shannon notes. Yet, the same technology offers a solution: agents can maintain records, track data, and serve as champions for continuous learning. This approach not only streamlines operations but also retains institutional knowledge, reducing reliance on transient employees.
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Disrupting IT Automation: Doug Shannon on Human-First AI and Self-Healing Systems
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Disruption Interruption is the podcast where you will hear from today's biggest Industry Disruptors. Learn what motivated them to bring about innovation and how they overcame opposition to adoption.
Disruption Interruption can be listened to in Apple's App Store and Spotify.
About Disruption Interruptionâ„¢
Disruption is happening on an unprecedented scale, impacting all manner of industries— MedTech, Finance, IT, eCommerce, shipping, logistics, and more—and COVID has moved their timelines up a full decade or more. But WHO are these disruptors and when did they say, "THAT'S IT! I'VE HAD IT!"? Time to Disrupt and Interrupt with host Karla Jo "KJ" Helms, veteran communications disruptor. KJ interviews badasses who are disrupting their industries and altering economic networks that have become antiquated with an establishment resistant to progress. She delves into uncovering secrets from industry rebels and quiet revolutionaries that uncover common traits—and not-so-common—that are changing our economic markets… and lives. Visit the world's key pioneers that persist to success, despite arrows in their backs at .
About Doug Shannon
Doug Shannon is an esteemed IT automation professional with over 20 years of experience in advanced technology roles. A recognized thought leader in enterprise robotic process automation and AI, Doug excels in implementing strategic initiatives that enhance business functionality and lead diverse teams through successful digital transformations.
As one of the top 50 intelligent automation leaders globally, Doug is known for developing self-healing automation processes that prioritize a human-first approach to AI initiatives. He co-hosts the YouTube show AI Insights from Insight Jam, where he shares valuable insights on AI integration in business, engaging over 21,000 followers on LinkedIn with a realistic perspective on generative AI and its workforce implications.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Doug is dedicated to fostering innovation by creating brave spaces within organizations that encourage calculated risk-taking. His insights challenge the status quo and advocate for a human-centric approach to automation, driving meaningful change and transforming industries.
About Karla Jo Helms
Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR® Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™. Karla Jo learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line — and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen, or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumnus of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators, and the media to help restore companies of goodwill into the good graces of public opinion — Karla Jo operates on the ethic of getting it right the first time, not relying on second chances and doing what it takes to excel. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way, and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception.
References
1. Tyson, Jim. "Generative AI Hits 28% Usage Rate, Spreads throughout US Workplace: NBER." CFO Dive, 3 Oct. 2024, . Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Media Inquiries:
Karla Jo Helms
JOTO PRâ„¢
727-777-4629
jotopr.com
Media Contact
Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PRâ„¢, 727-777-4629, [email protected], jotopr.com
SOURCE Disruption Interruption
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