Cover of AI Works Podcast: How Leaders Use AI Now

AI Works Podcast: How Leaders Use AI Now

AI Works Podcast: How Leaders Use AI Now

By: Richard Foster-Fletcher
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Welcome to the AI Works Podcast, your essential resource for harnessing artificial intelligence to drive efficiency, innovation, and practical transformation across education, public sector, and business organisations. In each episode, we bring you:
  • Real-world stories from leaders who have successfully integrated AI tools, overcoming common challenges.
  • Practical insights and actionable strategies that translate cutting-edge AI into immediate operational improvements.
  • Expert perspectives and trend analyses that demystify AI and make complex concepts clear and approachable.
AI Works is designed specifically for leaders who want straightforward, high-impact ideas to unlock AI’s potential—without the hype.

Join us to discover proven pathways to productivity, hear authentic experiences from your peers, and confidently navigate the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Subscribe and tune in to gain practical, accessible AI guidance that works.

Produced by MKAI.worksCopyright Richard Foster-Fletcher Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Building Partnerships for an AI-Enabled Future with Sally Alexander, CEO of Milton Keynes College Group

    Building Partnerships for an AI-Enabled Future with Sally Alexander, CEO of Milton Keynes College Group
    1 Sep 2025
    🎧 Building Partnerships for an AI-Enabled Future with Sally Alexander 🎙️ Podcast
    AI Works Podcast

    🔍 Episode Overview

    What does it take to lead in a world where technology, partnerships, and community expectations are changing faster than ever? In this episode of the AI Works Podcast, Sally Alexander shares her journey to becoming a CEO and her vision for building partnerships that make innovation real. With over three decades of experience across teaching, prison education, and leadership, Sally brings a perspective rooted in people, resilience, and the power of collaboration. The conversation explores how Sally and her team are embracing AI and digital transformation not in isolation, but in partnership with global players like Microsoft, KPMG, and Red Bull Racing. From rethinking assessment in the age of AI to developing new models for employer–student collaboration, she shows how strong relationships and bold leadership can unlock progress in uncertain times.

    🧭 What We Cover
    • Sally’s leadership journey and the values that continue to shape her decisions
    • How partnerships with major employers like Microsoft and Red Bull create opportunities for innovation and skills development
    • Supporting businesses of all sizes to navigate the practical realities of AI adoption
    • Innovative employer–student models, including think tanks where real business problems become live projects for learners
    • The challenge of keeping assessment relevant in an AI-driven world — and why banning AI is as futile as banning the wheel
    • Safeguarding and social media as two of the biggest risks Sally sees for young people today
    • Why diversity, inclusion, and early inspiration are critical to the future of industries like Formula One
    • Sally’s vision for the role partnerships and ambition will play in shaping the next decade of opportunity
    👤 About Our Guest


    Sally Alexander is Chief Executive Officer of Milton Keynes College Group. With a career spanning more than 30 years, she has worked across international teaching, prison education, and senior leadership before stepping into the CEO role in 2022. Sally is a passionate advocate for collaboration, digital innovation, and the belief that education and partnerships can transform lives and communities.

    🔗 Links & Mentions
    • Sally Alexander on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-alexander-73998922/
    📬 Stay Connected For updates, resources, and future episodes, follow the AI Works Podcast and join the conversation on LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkai-works
    Show more Show less
    35 min
  • Putting People First: Navigating AI and Digital Transformation with Pat Carvalho, CEO of BMet

    Putting People First: Navigating AI and Digital Transformation with Pat Carvalho, CEO of BMet
    30 Jun 2025
    🎧 Episode Title:
    Putting People First: Navigating AI and Digital Transformation with Pat Carvalho, CEO of BMet

    🔍 Episode Overview How can leaders strategically implement AI and digital transformation to genuinely enhance staff skills, boost productivity, and improve student outcomes? In this episode, Pat Carvalho, CEO of Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet), joins Richard and Kurt to explore how thoughtful leadership can navigate AI adoption while keeping people and culture at the forefront.

    Pat discusses:
    • The critical importance of embedding AI within strong organisational values and culture, ensuring technology enhances rather than erodes workplace culture.
    • BMet’s practical approach to AI adoption, balancing structured frameworks with safe spaces for experimentation and innovation.
    • Real-world examples of successfully implementing digital tools, including Copilot and Teachmatic, to enhance teaching practices and staff productivity.
    • The strategic role of internal digital change-makers in inspiring and supporting staff through digital transformation.
    • How BMet fosters a nurturing, supportive environment to manage resistance and encourage staff buy-in around new technologies.
    • Pat’s vision for systematically using AI to improve essential college operations like policy management, quality assurance, and coaching for managers.
    • Her thoughtful reflections on AI’s impact on job security, emphasising adaptation, skill enhancement, and the enduring importance of human relationships in education.
    This episode offers meaningful guidance for any leader navigating complex technological changes, ensuring people remain at the heart of every decision.

    🧭 What We Cover
    ✔️ How BMet is embedding AI tools thoughtfully into the organisation’s teaching and operational frameworks, maintaining strong alignment with core values.
    ✔️ The role of internal digital champions and dedicated staff marketplaces in successfully driving digital adoption and skills development.
    ✔️ Practical insights into using Copilot and other AI tools to reduce workload, increase productivity, and enhance staff wellbeing.
    ✔️ Strategies for addressing and managing resistance and uncertainty around AI within teams and maintaining clear communication on job security.
    ✔️ Pat’s vision for leveraging AI systematically in operational areas like policy management, quality assurance, and coaching for middle managers, boosting overall organisational effectiveness.
    ✔️ Navigating innovation strategically, deciding when and how to invest in emerging technologies, and ensuring sustainable benefits for the organisation.

    👤 About Our Guest Pat Carvalho is the CEO of Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet). A thoughtful, compassionate, and strategic leader, Pat places people and organisational culture firmly at the heart of digital and technological transformation. With her practical and considered approach, she helps teams adopt new technologies confidently, fostering innovation while maintaining the organisation’s core values and strong community relationships.

    🔗 Links & Mentions
    • Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet): https://www.bmet.ac.uk
    • Pat Carvalho on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patcarvalho/
    📬 Stay Connected For updates, resources, and future episodes, follow the AI Works Podcast and join our conversations on LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkai-works
    Show more Show less
    33 min
  • Culture First, AI Second: Leading Thoughtful Tech Transformation with Julia Heap, Principal & CEO of Hopwood Hall College

    Culture First, AI Second: Leading Thoughtful Tech Transformation with Julia Heap, Principal & CEO of Hopwood Hall College
    23 Jun 2025
    🎧 Episode Title: Culture First, AI Second: Leading Thoughtful Tech Transformation with Julia Heap, Principal & CEO of Hopwood Hall College

    🔍 Episode Overview
    How can leaders effectively navigate the rapid adoption of AI and technology while maintaining a supportive and authentic organisational culture? Julia Heap, Principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College, joins Richard and Kurt to discuss her thoughtful, culture-first approach to embedding digital innovation within the college.

    Julia discusses:
    • Hopwood Hall’s journey into AI and digital transformation, and the importance of starting from a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and trust.
    • Practical experiences introducing tools like Copilot and ChatGPT, strategically improving staff workload, efficiency, and overall workplace satisfaction.
    • How Hopwood Hall’s internal digital champions—trusted educators turned tech advocates—have helped colleagues embrace and adopt new technologies.
    • Julia’s leadership philosophy: empowering her teams to innovate at their own pace, offering gentle nudges rather than imposing rigid mandates.
    • Creating a safe space for staff to experiment with technology through innovative approaches like Hopwood Hall’s annual "digital marketplace."
    • Addressing common fears about AI's impact on jobs and the critical importance of clear, consistent communication from leadership.
    • Balancing structured frameworks and organisational risk management with the flexibility needed to foster creativity, innovation, and individual growth.
    This episode provides an honest, clear-eyed, and practical perspective on leading successful, human-centred digital transformation.

    🧭 What We Cover

    ✔️ Julia’s approach to creating a culture-first environment that empowers teams to experiment with AI in safe, supported ways.
    ✔️ How internal champions and digital marketplaces are helping Hopwood Hall staff confidently embrace new technologies and methods.
    ✔️ Insights into successfully managing fears about AI’s impact on jobs, emphasising skill enhancement and improved working lives.
    ✔️ The importance of maintaining authenticity and human connections amidst increasing AI-driven interactions and automation.
    ✔️ How Julia strategically balances risk, cost, and innovation to ensure investments in technology are impactful and sustainable.
    ✔️ Julia’s vision for nurturing staff confidence, professional development, and long-term organisational agility through thoughtful technology adoption.

    👤 About Our Guest Julia Heap is Principal and CEO at Hopwood Hall College, renowned for her thoughtful leadership and commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration. With a clear passion for supporting staff and students alike, Julia leads from a foundation of trust, authenticity, and curiosity—guiding the college through transformative digital innovations without losing sight of the human element at the core of education.
    🔗 Links & Mentions
    • Hopwood Hall College: https://www.hopwood.ac.uk
    • Julia Heap on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-heap-73253876/
    📬 Stay Connected For updates, resources, and future episodes, follow the AI Works Podcast and join our conversations on LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkai-works
    Show more Show less
    39 min
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