In this episode of Bots, Beers, and the Biz, Jason Price and Sanskaar "Skaar" Saxena sit down with AI and automation expert Michael O'Neill to untangle the complexities of AI in the workplace. With over 30 years of experience in Microsoft's ecosystem, Michael shares his insights on Copilot, Azure AI, and the ever-growing list of AI tools that businesses are scrambling to understand. The conversation dives deep into Microsoft's branding challenges, the importance of an AI strategy, and how small businesses can navigate the overwhelming landscape of AI solutions. Michael also gives a live demo, showcasing how Copilot can instantly retrieve data and streamline workflows—while also highlighting the risks of data exposure if governance isn’t properly set up.

Beyond the tech, the trio discuss the real impact AI has on employees, job roles, and business operations. From training employees on AI best practices to implementing a change management strategy, they emphasize that AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a shift in how work gets done. With case studies from companies like IKEA and Chili’s, they explore how businesses can reinvest in their workforce instead of cutting jobs. And, of course, they wrap things up with a round of beers—Shiner, Juicy Oasis, and a Kona Big Wave—because no Bots, Beers, and the Biz episode is complete without a toast. Cheers! 🍻

In this episode of Bots, Beers, and The Biz, co-hosts Jason Price, Skaar Saxena, and Arby Leon welcome special guest Dr. Arpi Mardirossian, a PhD in engineering and computer science with extensive experience in AI applications for businesses of all sizes. Over a toast of chocolatey craft beers, they dive into the challenges and opportunities that AI presents for small businesses. The discussion explores the hurdles small businesses face when adopting AI, such as budget constraints, lack of technical expertise, and the risks of relying on tools prone to “hallucination” or bias. They share real-world examples, including AI-powered chatbots and SMS solutions that can streamline operations, but only if implemented thoughtfully. Critical thinking, the importance of defining success metrics, and strategies for overcoming entry barriers are central themes.

The conversation takes a deeper turn, examining AI’s broader implications for society and governance. From ethical dilemmas like bias and trust in AI systems to the absence of comprehensive regulations, the group debates the need for proactive oversight to ensure equitable development. The hosts also highlight the pressing need for collaborative initiatives, such as think tanks and advocacy programs, to empower small businesses and balance the scales against dominant tech giants. Whether you’re a business owner, tech enthusiast, or simply curious about AI’s trajectory, this episode serves up a blend of insights, humor, and actionable advice—all paired with a refreshing pint. Cheers!

In the premiere episode of Bots, Beers, and the Biz, co-hosts Jason Price, Skaar Saxena, and Arby Leon dive into the evolving landscape of AI in the workplace, framed by a lively discussion over craft beers. As they sip on a variety of brews, they explore the nuanced challenges that AI introduces to different sectors, particularly focusing on the public sector's cautious approach and the retail sector's data-driven ambitions. From data quality and privacy concerns to the hype surrounding AI's potential, the hosts break down what businesses need to know before jumping on the AI bandwagon.

The episode emphasizes the importance of preparation, urging businesses to think critically about how AI can be responsibly integrated into their operations. The conversation touches on real-world examples, like Ikea's successful transition of customer service reps into design consultants through AI, and the potential pitfalls of implementing AI without proper data governance. Whether you're in the public sector, e-commerce, or any industry considering AI, this episode offers valuable insights into how to approach AI thoughtfully, with a focus on long-term strategy and responsible innovation.