What really worked with AI in 2025—and what didn’t?
Angela Schultz and Loren Horsager reflect on a year of real-world AI adoption,sharing lessons from training teams, building agents, and helping organizationsavoid common pitfalls. This episode focuses on practical wins, people-firstadoption, and what’s coming next as AI tools continue to evolve.

AI doesn’t scale impact on its own — leaders do.

In this episode of AI at Work, Angela Schultz talkswith Nicole McMurray, Divisional Vice President at AppleOne, about turning anAI idea into a real‑world sales coaching solution. Nicole shares how education,curiosity, and a commitment to people helped transform a prototype into ascalable training tool used across her organization.

You’ll hear how AI can empower new hires, free leaders tofocus on what matters most, and create a culture where innovation spreadsorganically — without requiring technical expertise.

Leading AI Transformation with Megan Starkey

Angela sits down with Megan Starkey, founder of RBD and author of *The Intelligent Organization*, to explore what AI adoption and AI transformation really require from today’s leaders. They unpack people-centered change, mindset barriers, organizational design, and why adaptability—not technology—is the true competitive advantage.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:
- Why AI transformation is really about workflow, structure, and organizational identity
- How leaders should think about individual adoption vs. enterprise transformation
- The psychological barriers executives face—and how to overcome them
- The importance of creating “learn-it-all” and knowledge-sharing cultures
- Real-world stories from transformation projects in the field

If you want clarity on how to move your team forward, this episode is packed with insight from one of the sharpest strategic advisors working in AI today.

First Episode in the mini-series: AI at Work

What does responsible innovation really look like? In thisepisode, host Angela Schultz talks with Dr. Elizabeth M. Adams of the MinnesotaResponsible AI Institute about the human side of AI—why empathy, ethics, andeducation must lead the way.
You’ll hear:
- Why the future of AI depends on inclusion, care, and lifelong learning- How leaders can create responsible AI cultures that invite every voice- Dr. Adams’ 'Rose, Thorn, and Bud' framework for balancing optimism and risk- What both employees and employers can do to prepare for the AI era- How joy and curiosity can become leadership superpowers
Tune in to discover how AI can uplift, not replace, the human experience.

AI Strategy Is a Marathon

Success with AI isn’t about who starts fastest—it’s aboutwho keeps going. Angela Schultz and Loren Horsager unpack the mindset businessleaders need to build endurance in AI adoption. Learn how to measure progress,empower teams, and navigate rapid change without losing focus.

You’ll hear:

Why learning is the new ROI

How to future-proof your tools and data

What companies get wrong about AI leadership

Loren's predictions for industries most affected by AI in 2026

A practical "prompt of the week" for giving better feedback with AI

Episode 12: AI in the Workforce — From Fear to Empowerment
Disruption is here, but so is opportunity. In this episode, Angela Schultz andLoren Horsager tackle the big questions about AI and the workforce: Will jobsbe lost? How do we retrain employees? And what role should leaders play inmaking AI adoption a shared, empowering experience?
You’ll hear:
- Why skepticism can be healthy but action is urgent- How hands-on training creates aha moments for employees- The leadership styles that succeed in AI adoption- Why starting with accessible tools like ChatGPT and Copilot builds momentum
Tune in to discover how to lead your teams into an AI-powered future withconfidence.

Episode 11: Should You Buy or Build With AI?
Angela Schultz and Loren Horsager unpack the most common question they hearfrom leaders right now: is it smarter to buy established business tools, or tobuild lightweight custom ones with AI? They explore the pros and cons of eachpath, from cost and compliance to team adoption and training. If you’ve everwondered whether that shiny new AI product is worth it—or whether you couldjust build it yourself—this episode has the answers.
You’ll learn:
- Why buying still makes sense for certain platforms- Where AI‑powered building opens new possibilities- The cultural and training factors leaders often overlook- How to use prompts to test whether building could work for you
Follow The Conversation for no‑hype, human‑centered AI strategies.

Episode 10: Ten AI Answers for Today’s Business Challenges

AI feels overwhelming... business leaders are asking the same set of questions.

In this episode, Angela Schultz and Loren Horsager answer the 10most common AI questions they hear from business leaders. From tool selectionto data governance to workflow automation, they cover the essentials in astraightforward, no-hype way.
You’ll learn:
- How companies are really using AI right now- Which AI tools and apps are worth your time- Why paying for AI is non-negotiable- Where to start if your team feels behind- How to measure ROI and manage risk
Follow The Conversation for clear, human-centered AI strategies.