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; we help businesses maximise profitability by finding the most efficient path and continually adapting to changing circumstances through AI

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 Productivity) 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; we help businesses maximise profitability by finding the most efficient path and continually adapting to changing circumstances through AI

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 Positivity) 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; we help businesses maximise profitability by finding the most efficient path and continually adapting to changing circumstances through AI

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.

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Connect with us:

Podcast Website: https://solvedby.ai/the-ai-business-leadership-podcast/
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/76147165
Our Sister company: 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.

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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; 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; we help businesses maximise profitability by finding the most efficient path and continually adapting to changing circumstances through AI

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, 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.

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Connect with us:

Podcast Website: https://solvedby.ai/the-ai-business-leadership-podcast/
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/76147165
Our Sister company: 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 #Chatbots #Robotics #FutureofHospitality #TechnologyinHospitality #CustomerService

The AI Business Leadership Podcast is delivered to you by Solvedby.AI; we help businesses maximise profitability by finding the most efficient path and continually adapting to changing circumstances through AI

Welcome to the AI Business Leadership Podcast, where we explore how artificial intelligence is transforming industries and enhancing productivity. In this episode, our host Laura Nelson, Head of Product at SolvedBy.Ai, sits down with David Adderson, co-founder of Youtopia—a cutting-edge AI-driven company revolutionizing the accountancy world.

David shares his journey from working in diverse business roles to building Utopia with a focus on modernising financial processes using AI. They delve into how automation is reshaping the accounting profession, eliminating repetitive tasks, and creating opportunities for higher-value work. David explains how AI is not just making financial operations more efficient but also enabling teams to shift their focus from routine data entry to strategic decision-making and customer interactions.

Key topics include:

• The impact of AI on accountancy and the future of the industry
• How automation is transforming mundane accounting tasks
• The evolving role of accountants in an AI-enhanced world
• Why adopting AI is essential to stay competitive in today’s market
• Predictions on where AI will take the industry in the next decade

If you want to understand how AI is influencing the future of accountancy and the skills needed to stay ahead, this episode is a must-watch.

Connect with us:

Podcast Website: https://solvedby.ai/the-ai-business-leadership-podcast/
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/76147165
Our Sister company: 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 #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Podcast #StreamGrowthPartners #BusinessStrategy #TechInnovation

The AI Business Leadership Podcast is delivered to you by Solvedby.AI; we help businesses maximise profitability by finding the most efficient path and continually adapting to changing circumstances through AI

In this episode of The AI Business Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Cristina Duta, Head of Intelligent Automation at AECOM, to explore the intricacies of leading successful AI initiatives in modern organisations. With over 12 years of experience in software development and AI-driven digital transformation, Cristina shares invaluable insights on how to strategically implement AI for maximum impact.

We delve into the essential do's and don'ts for AI adoption, emphasising the importance of starting with clear business objectives, investing in data quality, and scaling AI projects gradually. Cristina also highlights how fostering a culture of continuous learning within teams is key to thriving in the fast-evolving AI landscape.

The conversation moves into the common pitfalls organisations face, such as prioritising technology over strategy and underestimating the significance of data readiness and cultural shifts. Cristina shares practical advice on gaining leadership buy-in by framing AI initiatives around measurable business KPIs and aligning them with long-term strategic goals.

As we wrap up, Cristina offers her vision of AI’s future, predicting that AI will evolve into a collaborative partner, helping solve pressing global issues like climate change, personalised healthcare, and education. This episode is packed with actionable advice for leaders looking to navigate the exciting yet challenging world of AI and business transformation.

Stay tuned for practical strategies, leadership insights, and real-world examples of how AI can drive growth, enhance decision-making, and revolutionise business operations.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe for more discussions on AI, leadership, and business innovation.

Connect with us:

Podcast Website: https://solvedby.ai/the-ai-business-leadership-podcast/
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/76147165
Our Sister company: 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 #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Podcast #StreamGrowthPartners #BusinessStrategy #TechInnovation

The AI Business Leadership Podcast is delivered to you by Solvedby.AI; we help businesses maximise profitability by finding the most efficient path and continually adapting to changing circumstances through AI

The AI Business Leadership Podcast is delivered to you by Solvedby.AI; we help businesses maximise profitability by finding the most efficient path and continually adapting to changing circumstances through AI

Are businesses truly prepared for the AI revolution? In this episode of The AI Business Leadership Podcast, we explore the key to staying competitive in the AI era: your people.

Join us as we sit down with Christina Chen, CEO of First AI Talent, to discuss how companies can overcome the AI talent gap and build a workforce that’s ready for the future. From developing hybrid talent skilled in both business and technology to implementing long-term AI strategies, Christina shares her expert insights on what businesses must do to stay ahead.

In this episode, we cover:

• The biggest challenges companies face when adopting AI technologies.
• Why building internal AI capabilities is crucial for long-term success.
• How hybrid talent—those skilled in both tech and business—are the future of AI.
• The role of diversity in creating successful AI teams.
• Practical strategies for attracting, retaining, and developing AI talent.

Whether you’re a business leader, HR professional, or just curious about the future of AI, this episode will give you actionable insights to help you prepare for what’s next.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation with Christina Chen!
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe for more discussions on AI, leadership, and business innovation.

Connect with us:

Podcast Website: https://solvedby.ai/the-ai-business-leadership-podcast/
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/76147165
Our Sister company: 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 #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Podcast #StreamGrowthPartners #BusinessStrategy #TechInnovation

The AI Business Leadership Podcast is delivered to you by Solvedby.AI; we help businesses maximise profitability by finding the most efficient path and continually adapting to changing circumstances through AI