In this episode of The AI Transition, we step away from the weekly headlines and look ahead to 2026. What are the most likely AI shocks coming next, and how prepared are we for their human impact?

We avoid the speculative hype or techno-optimism but focus instead on how AI may reshape work, identity, power, and economic stability faster than people and organisations can adapt.

We count down of our five biggest AI predictions, from #5 to #1 — exploring each one through a transition lens, focusing not on the technology itself, but on what it does to people.

· #5 – Humanoid Robots Go Mainstream

· #4 – Proto-AGI Becomes “Good Enough”

· #3 – The First Large-Scale AI-Attributable Disaster

· #2 – Digital Immigrants Arrive

· #1 – The AI Stock Market Bubble Pops

Throughout the episode, we explore why these shifts feel so destabilising, why resistance is growing, and why the real challenge ahead isn’t technological — it’s human.

If you’re a leader, coach, or professional trying to make sense of what AI means beyond the hype, this episode is for you.

As 2025 comes to a close, Stephen and Lauren take a look back at a "crazy" year of rapid transitions and massive technological shifts. In this episode of the AI Transition Podcast, they count down the top five events that defined the human side of the AI revolution—from the surprisingly high preference for AI mental health support to the "open source shockwave" that rebalanced global power.

In this episode, we discuss:

• #5 The Mental Health Frontier: Why 46% of people reaching out to helplines are finding comfort in AI first.
• #4 The Creative Explosion: How "Nano Banana" and new image generators put professional-grade tools in the hands of everyone from school kids to retirees.
• #3 The Workplace Standard: Why Copilot is becoming as common as a search bar, and the critical "word of caution" regarding workplace surveillance.
• #2 The Model Wars: How Google Gemini caught up to OpenAI, shifting us into a "multi-prong" competitive landscape.
• #1 The Global Shift: Why the rise of DeepSeek and open-source models means AI is no longer a USA-only game.

Join us as we navigate the triumphs, the tragedies, and the "messy middle" of our transition into an AI-driven world.

In this episode of The AI Transition, Stephen and Christiane explore why the same AI wave hits people so differently — and what that means for leaders and teams navigating rapid change.

Using the Extended DISC behavioural model, they break down the four distinct “surf styles” people use when AI disruption arrives:

• the drivers who charge toward the wave,
• the influencers who turn it into a beach party,
• the steadiness types who watch the tides for danger, and
• the compliance thinkers who analyse the wave to death.

You’ll hear how each style reacts when pressure spikes, why some freeze while others paddle hard, and what leaders can do to support everyone through uncertainty.
From over-promising optimism to analysis paralysis, this conversation reveals the real human reactions underneath the AI transition.

A practical, human-centred look at sudden change — and how understanding your style can help you ride the wave instead of getting wiped out.

As home robots move from sci-fi novelty to everyday reality, a new question emerges: what happens when the machines in our homes know more about us than we realise?

In this episode, Stephen and Lauren dive into the growing privacy risks of embodied AI. From the clumsy but ever-watchful 1X Neo to XPeng’s empathy-engineered cat-suit robot, we explore how these devices gather data, who controls them, and what it means when tele-operators can literally see inside your home.

We also look at AI systems that remember your conversations, correlate your behaviour across platforms, and quietly build a portrait of your life far more detailed than any past surveillance regime.

This is the messy middle of the AI transition: technology racing ahead while law, ethics, and public awareness struggle to keep pace.

If you’ve ever wondered where the line is between helpful assistant and household spy — or what “privacy” even means in an AI-first world — this episode is essential listening.

Subscribe, follow, and share to support conversations that help people navigate real human transitions in a rapidly changing world.

Spotify Episode Description

In this episode of the AI Transition Podcast, Stephen and Lauren explore the evolving landscape of organizational roles and hierarchies in the context of AI integration. They discuss the hype surrounding AI's impact on job titles and responsibilities, the challenges leaders face in adapting to these changes, and the potential for AI to enhance efficiency and reduce burnout. The conversation emphasizes the need for critical thinking and a realistic approach to the changes AI brings to the workplace.

Takeaways

• AI is reshaping roles and hierarchies in organizations.
• The hype around AI often overshadows the reality of its impact.
• Leadership struggles with adapting to AI-driven changes.
• Organizational change is a slow process, not an overnight shift.
• AI can enhance efficiency but requires a cultural shift.
• Job titles are evolving, but many are just rebranded roles.
• The importance of critical thinking in evaluating AI's role.
• Leaders need to create space for learning and experimentation.
• AI tools can help reduce burnout by streamlining tasks.
• The future of work will require a balance between technology and human connection.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:38 The Impact of AI on Job Roles

09:35 Rethinking Organizational Structures

15:12 Leadership Challenges in the Age of AI

23:29 The Future of Work and AI Integration

32:26 Wrap Up

#AI, #organizationalchange, #leadership, #roles, #hierarchies, #technologyimpact, #jobtitles, #efficiency, #burnout

The consulting world is shifting fast. Accenture’s cutting 12,000 jobs. Deloitte’s training hundreds of thousands in AI. And somewhere in between, the rest of us are wondering — how do we keep up when everything changes?

Stephen and Lauren unpack what’s really happening inside the big firms, how AI is reshaping what “expertise” means, and what you can do right now to stay relevant, adaptable, and human.

🎙️ #AITransition #FutureOfWork #Consulting #Reskilling #AIPodcast

AI is getting weird, fun, and deeply human. Stephen and Lauren dive into Google’s NanoBanana, old photos restored by AI, and the clash between Apple and Google. From creativity boosts to job shake-ups, this episode explores how AI is reshaping work, life, and identity — and why we might just be going bananas for it.

In this episode of the AI Transition Podcast, Stephen and Lauren discuss the current state of the AI industry, exploring whether the AI bubble is bursting. They delve into the hype cycle surrounding AI, historical parallels with past tech bubbles, and the implications of inflated valuations. The conversation also touches on the emergence of shadow AI, ethical considerations in AI usage, and the tangible benefits of AI in healthcare. Ultimately, they reflect on the future of AI, emphasizing the need for real-world applications beyond the hype.

Takeaways

• The AI bubble is a topic of debate, with varying opinions on its sustainability.
• Historical parallels can be drawn between the current AI hype and past tech bubbles.
• Valuations in the AI sector have surged, raising concerns about sustainability.
• Shadow AI is becoming prevalent as employees use AI tools independently of corporate policies.
• Ethical considerations around AI usage are significant, with differing opinions on its impact.
• AI is showing promise in healthcare, with real-world applications improving efficiency.
• The conversation around AI is evolving, with a focus on practical solutions rather than hype.
• The future of AI may involve a correction in valuations but continued technological advancement.
• Real-world applications of AI are crucial for its long-term success and acceptance.
• The importance of solving genuine problems with AI technology is emphasized.

Chapters

00:00 The AI Bubble: Is It Bursting?

01:53 The Hype Cycle of AI Investments

04:54 Historical Parallels: Dot-Com and AI

10:01 The Shadow AI Phenomenon

14:57 Ethics and AI: Perspectives on Usage

19:50 AI in Healthcare: Real-World Applications

27:06 Future of AI: Beyond the Hype