EP.8 | Why Just Giving Your Team AI Won’t Work

How AI is Shaping the Future of Events and Business: A Conversation with Rob Nathan of Media 10Episode SummaryIn this episode of The AI Readiness Podcast, we welcome Rob Nathan, Group Marketing & Digital Director at Media 10. Rob shares his insights on how AI is being implemented across the business, its impact on productivity, and the role of leadership in guiding AI adoption effectively. He discusses how businesses can strike a balance between innovation and practical application, use AI to foster creativity, and move beyond the hype to unlock real-world benefits.Guest ProfileRob Nathan is the Group Marketing & Digital Director at Media 10, a leading events and publishing company known for iconic brands like Grand Designs Live and Ideal Home Show. With over 17 years at Media 10, Rob has been instrumental in driving growth, marketing innovation, and digital transformation. Now, he’s leading the company’s AI adoption strategy to enhance efficiency and creativity across the organization.Key TakeawaysWhat prompted Media 10 to explore AI?Rob first became aware of AI’s potential when ChatGPT gained mainstream attention.As a company that balances process-driven tasks with creativity, Media 10 saw AI as a way to streamline operations and free up time for innovation.The focus is on using AI to enhance human creativity rather than replace it.What were the main concerns about AI adoption?Potential risk of suppressing creativity and human-driven decision-making.Ethical considerations and ensuring AI complements rather than replaces jobs.Overcoming resistance from employees at different levels of AI literacy.How is AI being rolled out at Media 10?The leadership team underwent AI literacy training first to ensure alignment.A strategic, top-down approach was chosen to create AI champions within the company.AI is being introduced as a tool to support employees rather than being forced upon them.What advice does Rob have for other business leaders?Research AI's impact and potential use cases for your business.Speak to AI experts and understand how it can be integrated effectively.Approach AI adoption as a change management process with a clear roadmap.Focus on enhancing employee skills and preparing for the future of work.Chapters and Time Stamps[00:00] – Introduction to the EpisodeHosts introduce guest Rob Nathan and the topic of AI adoption at Media 10.[02:00] – Who is Media 10?Overview of Media 10’s journey from publishing to live events.Growth through acquisitions, including Ideal Home Show and Grand Designs Live.[06:30] – Why AI? The Business Case for AdoptionHow AI can improve efficiency and support creativity.The impact of AI on cyclical and process-driven industries like events.[11:00] – Addressing AI Concerns and ChallengesBalancing automation with human creativity.Ethical considerations of AI in business operations.[15:30] – Leadership Alignment and AI StrategyWhy Media 10 started with leadership training.How AI champions will drive adoption across the company.[20:00] – How AI is Reshaping Work at Media 10The role of AI in sales, marketing, and operations.Key lessons from the first phase of AI adoption.[24:00] – Advice for Business Leaders on AI ReadinessThe importance of AI literacy in leadership.Practical steps for introducing AI in any organization.[27:00] – Closing Thoughts and What’s Next for Media...