Hello - For an upcoming Computerworld podcast episode, I would like to propose a conversation with Gary Specter, CEO of Simpro Group (SaaS for the trades - think electricians, plumbers, construction work, etc.). Gary can speak about the ways AI is working to transform the field service and trade industries - sectors that touch us all but are often overlooked in tech coverage. The field service industry is poised for massive disruption, as the majority owners - mom and pop shops and small, local or regional businesses - adopt technology, many for the first time. Gary, a seasoned executive leading digital innovation at Simpro Group, can speak to how AI promises to not only optimize operations but also reshape the workforce and customer experience across the industry. The field service industry is facing a critical labor shortage. At the same time, AI is introducing tools that make these jobs smarter, safer, and more appealing to a new generation of workers. This convergence presents a rare opportunity to rebrand the trades as high-tech, high-impact careers. Possible topics to explore: AI as a Talent Magnet for Gen Z: * How AI-powered diagnostics, scheduling, and augmented reality tools are making trade jobs more attractive to younger, tech-savvy workers. * The potential for AI to help close the skilled labor gap by modernizing the image of the trades. Smarter Tools for Smarter Work: * Real-world examples of how AI is enabling predictive maintenance, automating workflows, and enhancing safety in the field. * The shift from reactive to proactive service models, and what that means for customers. The Field Service Industry as AI's Next Frontier: * Why field service is one of the most promising sectors for positive AI disruption. * Insights from Gary Specter on how companies can embrace this change to scale operations and improve customer satisfaction. IT leaders, operations executives, and business decision-makers interested in the intersection of AI, workforce transformation, and industry modernization will be interested in this content, as well as all of us who will be positively impacted by the digital transformation poised to take hold in the trades. Thanks for your consideration! Andrea
Principal & Senior IT Architect at GO Technology Group Managed IT Services
Answered 9 months ago
Hello, I'm reaching out in response to your request for podcast guest/topic pitches on Featured. As the founder and Principal IT Architect at GO Technology Group—a managed IT services provider in Chicago—I've had a front-row seat to how generative AI and emerging technologies are actively reshaping the business technology landscape. One area I'm particularly well-positioned to speak on is how AI tools are disrupting IT operations, client expectations, and the workforce itself, especially in mid-market environments. From automation in support workflows to the growing gap between AI adoption and cybersecurity readiness, these shifts are happening in real time. I'd be happy to offer insights on: - How generative AI is streamlining (and sometimes straining) IT support functions - The risk of "shadow AI" use across business teams without proper controls - The evolving skills gap and what IT leaders are doing to retool their teams - Real-world observations from businesses navigating this transformation—not tied to any product or service I approach this conversation from the perspective of a systems thinker and advisor, with over two decades of hands-on experience supporting businesses through change. If this aligns with an upcoming episode or editorial focus, I'd welcome the opportunity to contribute. Thank you for considering. Best regards, John Marta Founder & Principal IT Architect GO Technology Group gochicagoit.com
Hello, and thank you for reaching out with such an exciting opportunity. I'm Karthik Mahalingam, a passionate advocate for the intersection between AI technology and privacy engineering. Currently, I serve as a Technical Program Manager at Amazon, where my role allows me to dive deep into both AI advancements and privacy safeguards. Reflecting on my journey in the tech industry spanning over 17 years, I've witnessed firsthand how AI is dramatically transforming business landscapes. One of the most rewarding experiences was leading the integration of privacy safeguards into Rufus, Amazon's AI-powered conversational shopping assistant. This initiative not only enhanced our customer interactions but also significantly bolstered trust by ensuring robust data protection measures. It's projects like this where the real magic happens--when you see technology working seamlessly while respecting user privacy. More recently, I've been focused on AI governance and risk management with a keen eye on generative AI's potential. Imagine the strides we could make by harnessing AI's capabilities to predict and mitigate privacy and security risks before they manifest. This isn't science fiction; it's the path we're paving at Amazon, particularly within systems like Alexa Shopping, where we've streamlined processes to protect user data while remaining compliant with regulations like GDPR. But beyond the technicalities, I hold a passion for mentoring budding professionals in privacy and security. I'm driven by the thrill of taking something complex and making it simple and accessible for others. A recent mentoring success story involves guiding a team of engineers through the intricacies of developing RESTful APIs that redefined privacy compliance protocols--bringing theory to applied knowledge that made a real difference. What truly fascinates me about the future of AI is not just the technology itself but the ethical frameworks we build around it. It's about pioneering solutions that drive innovation while securing the trust of those who use our products. In podcasts, I enjoy sharing these narratives, discussing not just the why's and how's, but the stories that humanize this technology journey. I would love the chance to delve into these topics further on your podcast, offering insights drawn from a well-rounded professional background and a personal commitment to shaping a future where AI and privacy coexist harmoniously.
As someone deep in the AI video generation space, I can share firsthand how we're using AI to transform sports and entertainment content creation, including our work with NBA teams that's generated over 200M views. I'd be excited to discuss the technical challenges we've overcome, like maintaining visual consistency across video transformations, and explore broader implications for creative industries - both the incredible opportunities and important ethical considerations.
I noticed an emerging trend of generative AI being used in robotics, particularly in the field of "instant scripting". In robotics, engineers are now using LLMs to generate basic Robot Operating System scripts on demand. This makes prototyping vastly faster but also increases the surface area for embedded system bugs. CTOs at robotics startups and human-robot interaction researchers can comment on this delicate tradeoff. According to a research paper by MIT, generative AI has been successfully used to generate controllers for robotic systems, leading to improved performance and adaptability in unpredictable environments. As the use of generative AI continues to expand in robotics, it opens up opportunities for automation and efficiency in various industries. For example, warehouses can utilize robots with generative AI capabilities to optimize their storage and retrieval processes. This not only increases productivity but also reduces human error and potential injuries.
Below are a few podcast topic/guest pitch ideas that stay focused on thought leadership—not product pushing: 1. "The Hidden Cost of GenAI: What Happens When Models Go Off-Script?" Guest: AI ethics researcher or academic Topic: Real-world cases where generative AI produced unexpected or harmful outputs—and how companies are grappling with explainability, liability, and governance. Especially timely with upcoming global AI regulations. 2. "Can the AI Hype Survive the IT Talent Shortage?" Guest: Tech labor market analyst or hiring strategist Topic: The disconnect between AI adoption goals and the shortage of skilled engineers, PMs, and data people. How companies are rethinking upskilling, hiring, and retention in AI-heavy roles. 3. "Beyond Chatbots: How Generative AI Is Quietly Reshaping Legacy Industries" Guest: Analyst or academic with case study insight Topic: Practical examples of gen AI in insurance, logistics, compliance—industries that aren't flashy, but are quietly undergoing massive shifts. Focus on operational gains, not gimmicks. 4. "From Model to Mess: The Risks of Deploying AI Without a Safety Net" Guest: CISO or AI governance expert Topic: Where security meets AI—data leakage risks, prompt injection, shadow AI. Why responsible deployment now matters as much as innovation. 5. "How to Make AI Boring (And Why That's a Good Thing)" Guest: Tech philosopher or veteran PM Topic: A counter-hype episode. Making AI predictable, measurable, and boring might be the only way to scale it responsibly. A calm voice amid the noise.
I am seeing AI is reshaping the role of security analysts from detectives to strategists. Generative AI's ability to synthesize incident reports and simulate threat patterns is altering cybersecurity roles. Analysts are curating AI-generated summaries and proactively testing attack vectors suggested by LLMs instead of manually sifting through logs. CISOs and red team leaders are uniquely positioned to discuss how AI is becoming a co-strategist, not just a filtering tool. According to Gartner, by 2025, AI will be utilized in more than 75% of security software. This transformation is increasing efficiency and accuracy in threat detection and allowing analysts to focus on higher-level tasks such as vulnerability management and risk assessment.
For a podcast focused on AI trends and the tech landscape, I'd pitch a guest who could speak on the broader implications of generative AI in the workplace. For example, an academic or analyst who can discuss how AI's rapid evolution is reshaping industries like healthcare, finance, and education, specifically in terms of ethics, workforce displacement, and regulatory challenges. A recent trend is the integration of AI in automation and its effects on job markets, which could be a compelling conversation. The guest could also touch on the role of AI in cybersecurity, exploring how generative AI is both a tool and a threat in the context of data protection. This approach would be insightful, addressing real-world issues while steering clear of product-centric content. It would engage listeners by offering strategic insights on how AI is transforming industries and the workforce, without the "solution pitch" angle.
I'm Ali Yilmaz, CEO of Aitherapy. I'd love to join your show to talk about how AI is becoming one of the most intimate human-computer interfaces we've ever had, not just for work, but for emotional support. We've come full circle from ELIZA, the first chatbot which was designed to be a therapist, to now where people turn to AI when they're overwhelmed, anxious, or just need to be heard. I've been building tools in this space and can share what we're learning about trust, memory, and emotional design in AI. Let me know if it sounds like a fit.
The intersection of AI and logistics is transforming how eCommerce brands approach fulfillment. Having spent over a decade in AI leadership at Meta, working with PyTorch and generative AI models, I've witnessed firsthand how technological revolutions unfold—and we're seeing similar patterns in logistics today. At its core, the 3PL industry has traditionally operated on relationships and tribal knowledge. Finding the right warehousing partner often meant relying on word-of-mouth or extensive RFP processes. Today, AI is democratizing this information, helping match businesses with fulfillment partners based on sophisticated algorithms that consider everything from product dimensions to geographic distribution needs. One fascinating case study: We recently worked with a DTC beauty brand shipping 15,000 orders monthly who was leveraging basic automation. By implementing AI-driven inventory forecasting and connecting them with a tech-forward 3PL, they reduced stockouts by 32% and cut shipping costs by 18%. The ROI wasn't just financial—customer satisfaction metrics improved significantly. The most exciting developments are happening at the convergence points between technologies. Warehouse robotics paired with generative AI for route optimization. Predictive analytics that can anticipate supply chain disruptions before they occur. Virtual warehousing networks that dynamically adjust to demand patterns. What's often overlooked is how AI is empowering smaller brands to compete with enterprise retailers. The technology that was once available only to companies with eight-figure tech budgets is becoming accessible across the market. This democratization effect mirrors what we saw with cloud computing—suddenly, sophisticated tools become available to companies of all sizes. For any publication covering business tech, this intersection of AI and logistics offers rich territory for discussion—it impacts everything from consumer expectations to sustainability initiatives to the changing nature of retail itself.
Topic: "When AI Meets Empathy: The Future of Behavioral Health in the Age of Automation" As AI and automation begin to touch even the most human-centered professions—like addiction recovery, trauma therapy, and family-based care—the stakes are uniquely high. Travis Benfaida brings an operator's view of how AI is being integrated into real-world behavioral healthcare settings while navigating privacy, trust, and ethical complexity. He's not selling tech—he's building systems where technology supports, but never replaces, the healing process. Proposed Talking Points: - AI in admissions, triage, and relapse monitoring: How chat-based intake tools, predictive analytics, and digital aftercare are helping behavioral health providers scale with integrity - The tension between automation and authenticity in human-first industries like recovery and mental health - Why first responders, couples, and trauma survivors need tech that's trauma-informed, not just fast - Leadership insights on workforce tech adoption in emotionally intense care environments—what's working, and what clinicians are resisting - Lessons from behavioral health that other sectors (education, customer support, HR) can learn from when deploying AI in emotionally sensitive contexts About Travis Benfaida: Travis Benfaida is the Chief Executive Director of Legacy Healing Center, a multi-state behavioral health system known for its trauma-informed, evidence-based addiction treatment programs. A certified Recovery Support Specialist and former collegiate athlete in long-term sobriety, Travis blends lived experience with executive leadership to drive compassionate innovation in healthcare. His expertise spans organizational culture, ethics in care delivery, and the intersection of tech, trust, and human recovery.
I'd be happy to discuss how AI is changing retail real estate, drawing from our work where we've evaluated over 800 locations during bankruptcy auctions and open uped $1.6M in cash flow for retailers. The intersection of machine learning and brick-and-mortar retail offers fascinating insights beyond the typical "AI will replace jobs" narrative. What's particularly interesting is how AI bridges the physical/digital divide in retail. During Party City's bankruptcy, we helped clients secure 20 prime locations by processing complex demographic, traffic, and cannibalization data in 72 hours - work that would take teams weeks. This speed advantage is creating a new competitive landscape where smaller retailers can make data-driven decisions previously available only to giants. I could discuss how retailers are using AI to fight back against e-commerce dominance. Traditional retail isn't dying - it's evolving. Companies like JP Morgan Chase are expanding physical locations while using predictive intelligence to transform real estate from a liability into a strategic asset with 40% shorter payback periods. From my perspective as both a retail insider (worked in my family's retail business before founding GrowthFactor) and an AI entrepreneur, I see retailers hitting growth ceilings around 50 locations when their manual processes collapse under scale. This creates fascinating dynamics around why some retail brands break through while others stall completely.
As an online reputation management expert, I've seen AI completely transform how people and businesses are perceived online. My work removing negative content has given me a unique perspective on "digital identity in the AI era" - a topic I believe your podcast audience would find valuable. AI-driven search algorithms are increasingly determining which content gets seen first. In my experience, 85% of users never scroll past the first page of search results, making these AI gatekeepers incredibly powerful in shaping public perception. The rise of deepfakes and AI-generated disinformation presents unprecedented reputation challenges. Only 26% of Americans feel confident in their ability to recognize fake news, and with generative AI tools becoming more accessible, this problem is intensifying. The most overlooked aspect is how structured data (schema markup) impacts how AI interprets and presents your digital identity. We've seen businesses completely transform their online presence not through traditional SEO, but by speaking the language AI understands through proper data structuring.
My background in game development and AI-powered interactive experiences gives me a unique lens on how generative AI is redefining storytelling, user engagement, and even decision-making across sectors. For example, I can discuss how AI is enabling hyper-personalization in gaming—allowing narratives to adapt in real-time based on player behavior—and how this could foreshadow broader shifts in entertainment, marketing, and learning. I'm also keen to talk about the ethical dilemmas and regulatory challenges this raises: Can AI-authored content truly be considered original? How do we navigate transparency and intellectual property issues in an AI-first world?
I get invited to about 30 podcasts a year to talk AI trends, agents and the future of intelligent systems. I've been in machine learning since 2008 and always tailor the conversation to the audience whether they're technical, strategic, or just AI-curious. I've had 4 exits as a founder and have several patents. Finally, I have already spoken at two AI conferences this year. If you need practical insights with a bit of edge, I'm your guest.
As someone who's built AI systems for nonprofits that increased donations by 700%, I've observed a fascinating "trust paradox" in AI adoption. Organizations are hesitant to trust AI with donor relationships, yet our data shows personalized AI communications actually strengthen human connections when properly implemented. What's rarely discussed is how AI is redefining fundraising economics. We've helped organizations achieve an 1800% growth in online following without increasing ad spend by using AI to identify micro-communities of potential donors previously invisible to traditional marketing approaches. I'm particularly interested in discussing ethical AI frameworks for mission-driven organizations. The question isn't just about efficiency gains but how AI can amplify genuine impact storytelling while maintaining authenticity. We've developed protocols where AI improves rather than replaces the human elements that drive emotional connection to causes. The most transformative AI applications we've seen aren't the flashiest - they're the ones that eliminate administrative burdens. For example, we built systems that automate donor journey orchestration across multiple channels, freeing staff to focus on meaningful relationship-building while still delivering personalized experiences at scale.
I've been developing custom GPTs and AI workflows for marketing agencies for over 20 years, and I'm seeing three underreported disruptions that would make compelling podcast discussions. **The Custom GPT Revolution in B2B**: Most AI coverage focuses on ChatGPT, but businesses building proprietary GPTs are seeing massive competitive advantages. I've helped agencies create custom GPTs that know their client's brand voice, industry regulations, and historical campaign data. One agency reduced client approval cycles from 5 days to same-day because their custom GPT already understood the client's preferences and compliance requirements. **AI-Human Creative Handoff Strategies**: The real story isn't AI replacing creatives—it's the emergence of new hybrid workflows. My agencies use AI for research and first drafts, then human strategists focus purely on relationship building and creative direction. This workflow redesign increased content output by 300% while improving client satisfaction scores because humans spent more time on strategy instead of execution grunt work. **The LinkedIn Automation Backlash Effect**: While everyone discusses AI social media tools, the bigger trend is platforms fighting back with detection algorithms. Companies succeeding now use AI for content planning and audience research, but keep human authenticity in actual posting and engagement. This approach maintains platform compliance while still gaining AI efficiency benefits.
Generative AI is fundamentally transforming how professionals learn, adapt, and grow, and that's something I see every day leading Invensis Learning. What's especially striking is that while AI is rapidly being integrated into business processes, the workforce is struggling to keep pace, not just in technical upskilling, but in areas like decision-making, critical thinking, and ethical judgment in AI-augmented environments. The future of work isn't just about knowing how to use AI tools; it's about understanding how to work with AI. This calls for a shift in how training programs are designed, delivered, and scaled. There's a huge opportunity for a conversation around how learning models must evolve to match the velocity of AI innovation, and what this means for leadership development, job market readiness, and even credentialing frameworks. A podcast episode that unpacks this transformation, how AI is quietly reshaping the DNA of lifelong learning, could bring a deeply relevant and underexplored narrative to the audience.
As a technology broker working with over 350 cloud providers and tech leaders across industries, I've observed how AI is reshaping digital change strategies beyond the hype. The most pressing issue for mid-market companies isn't implementing AI itself, but building the proper cloud and network infrastructure to support these initiatives. One interesting trend I'm seeing is how cybersecurity and AI are becoming increasingly interconnected. From our work with financial services and healthcare clients, organizations implementing AI must simultaneously strengthen their security posture - AI initiatives without proper security frameworks are creating significant vulnerabilities that ransomware attackers are exploiting. The talent gap in implementing these technologies presents another compelling podcast topic. Our State of Disruption research shows 69% of tech leaders fear a security breach could cost them their job, yet only 34% feel their internal teams are qualified to manage their full IT infrastructure. This creates a fascinating dynamic where organizations must balance innovation with security risk. I could share real-world examples of how companies are consolidating their tech stacks to build AI-ready infrastructure while maintaining security posture - a critical balance many organizations are struggling to achieve. The intersection of SASE networks, edge computing, and AI represents the next major shift in enterprise technology architecture that few leaders are adequately prepared for.
I bring over 20 years of hands-on experience mergin traditional SEO with AI-driven strategies that havepowered $50M in online sales. My work shows that genrative AI isn't just a buzzword—it's reshaping how w craft content and engage customers. I'd love to discuss how AI's evoluion is revolutionizing workflow efficiency and creatve marketing, based on real-world results from scalig businesses and helping 700+ entrepreneurs. This coversation isn't about selling a product; it's a deepdive into technology's transformative impact on busiess strategy and direct marketing.