#shifthappens in the Digital Workplace Podcast

Agentic AI is becoming a strategic layer in enterprise operations. In this #shifthappens episode, Shashank Kapadia, AI and Machine Learning Thought Leader, shares how AI is evolving from content generator to intelligent decision-maker. He breaks down what this shift means for leaders, how to overcome adoption hurdles, and why 2025 is the breakout year for agentic AI. Shashank Kapadia's comments and opinions are provided in their personal capacity and not as a representative of Walmart. They do not reflect the views of Walmart and are not endorsed by Walmart.

AI adoption starts with small, visible habits, not just with strategy decks. In this #shifthappens episode, Matt Berg, Microsoft’s Director of AI Business Solutions Business Strategy, shares how leaders can quietly but powerfully shape AI culture by using Copilot in real, everyday ways. From smart prompting to gamified challenges and Excel hacks, our conversation is a playbook for modeling confidence without forcing change.

Leadership in complex times isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about knowing how to create the conditions for learning, trust, and growth. In this #shifthappens episode, Nate Allen, retired Army officer and co-author of Taking the Guidon, reflects on what it really takes to lead through uncertainty. From psychological safety to leadership development that spans generations, Nate unpacks lessons shaped in high-stakes environments and shows how they translate to today’s business challenges. We explore how leaders can respond with intention, learn from the edges of their organization, run “safe to fail” experiments, and turn reflection into a daily habit.

When AI reshapes the workplace, emotional intelligence becomes your edge. Vladimer Botsvadze, globally recognized marketing influencer by Thinkers360, AI advisor, and Techstars mentor, explains how businesses can stay ahead by combining tech adoption with authentic human connection. He explores how AI is shifting talent demands, why personal branding is now a business asset, and what enterprises must do to navigate change while staying deeply human.

AI is reshaping modern leadership — and Jeff Epstein is here to help us decode the shift. In Part 2 of our two-part series, we go beyond the balance sheet and into what makes great boards work, how to lead through uncertainty, and why AI agents will soon outnumber your team. From Charlie Munger’s mental models to the next generation of work, this episode is a crash course in navigating disruption with clarity and confidence.

What separates a good CFO from a transformational one? Jeff Epstein, Operating Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners and former Oracle CFO, breaks it down. In this episode, he shares battle-tested strategies on balancing growth and profitability, turning finance into a lever for innovation, and building governance systems that scale. This two-part episode is a must-listen for business leaders managing high-stakes decisions in large-scale environments.

The finance world is shifting fast, and AI is leading this change. However, how can organizations use it responsibly to maintain trust and stay compliant? Ahikam Kaufman, CEO of Safebooks AI, breaks down how AI is helping CFOs and finance teams automate financial data validation, reduce fraud, and navigate growing compliance demands.

AI is moving fast, and for Ron Green, co-founder and CTO of kungfu.ai, it’s about more than just new tools. It’s about how to work with them. In this #shifthappens episode, Ron shares his journey into the field, his thoughts on AGI, and why human oversight still matters. We look at how AI is changing software development, where creativity fits in, and how businesses can adapt without losing control.

AI is here to stay, but are businesses using it effectively? In this episode, Kevin Dean, President and CEO of ManoByte, shares how companies can move beyond AI experimentation and integrate it into their core strategy. This episode dives into AI adoption, the evolving role of IT, and how AI-driven solutions like digital agents are transforming industries.

The Managed Service Provider (MSP) industry is undergoing a major shift as AI, automation, and cybersecurity redefine business operations. In this #shifthappens episode, Jorn Wittendorp, Founder of Ydentic, and Mario Carvajal, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at AvePoint, discuss the Ydentic-AvePoint acquisition, the trends affecting the industry, and strategies for MSPs to stay ahead.

#shifthappens 100th episode dives into one of the biggest challenges in tech: staying secure while pushing innovation forward. In this episode, Crayon CEO Melissa Mulholland went from Intel intern to global tech leader and now helps organizations navigate security, innovation, and the future of cyber resilience.

Cybercrime is advancing fast, with AI playing a significant role in both attacks and defense. In this episode of #shifthappens, we sit down with cybersecurity expert and Have I Been Pwned Founder Troy Hunt to uncover the real threats of data breaches, why some companies suppress or delay breach disclosures, and how AI is reshaping cybersecurity — both for good and bad. From social engineering scams to the future of AI-powered security measures, this episode offers valuable insights to help you stay safer online.

AI is transforming data security, but not by changing the rules; it’s amplifying both risks and rewards. In this episode of the #shifthappens podcast, Bob Buda, Founder of Buda Consulting, shares how organizations can harness AI without compromising data integrity. He highlights the importance of getting the basics right for AI-driven insights. From managing unstructured data to addressing AI-powered threats, Bob also offers a compelling vision for the future, all powered by AI. Tune in for practical insights and a fresh perspective on AI’s real potential.

The future of accessible AI isn't just about creating new technologies – it's about ensuring technologies serve everyone regardless of ability. Ioana Tanase, AI and Accessibility Program Manager at Microsoft, shares 97% of the world's websites are not accessible, underscoring the magnitude of the digital divide that people with disabilities face daily. This reveals the tremendous opportunities and critical responsibilities of technological evolution, including data privacy, mental health applications, and the future of human-AI interaction. She delves into important considerations around meta-prompting and safety measures in developing responsible AI systems, offering valuable perspectives for developers and business leaders.

AI agents represent the next frontier in artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional AI, which requires explicit instructions, AI agents can take actions on behalf of users and solve semi-complex tasks. This democratization of AI allows businesses of all sizes to compete on a level playing field and innovate in ways that were previously unimaginable. Sam Mallikarjunan, a growth strategist, entrepreneur, and the Growth Lead at agent.ai, shares the importance of making AI accessible to everyone.

Leadership plays a crucial role in driving digital transformation. A hands-on approach is exemplified by leaders like Jeff Bezos and Satya Nadella, who are actively involved in solving problems and understanding their businesses from the ground up — actively rolling up their sleeves and working alongside their teams. Learn why traditional operational approaches often fail in transformation initiatives with John Rossman, Thought Leader and Advisor on Digital Transformation and author of Big Bet Leadership. He breaks down two principles that have had a profound impact on his career and continue to resonate with leaders worldwide: customer obsession and “invent and simplify.”

Join us as Javier Inclán, Assistant Inspector General for Management and CIO at the National Science Foundation - Office of Inspector General (NSF OIG), debunks the myth that government lags in technology. Discover how NSF OIG attracts top talent through programs like the NSF-funded Scholarship for Service, and learn about the critical role of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the workplace. Plus, explore the transformative potential of generative AI in public service.

Imagine a world where sorting through stacks of invoices and summarizing financial reports is no longer a tedious task, but one accomplished quickly and accurately by AI. This picture is becoming increasingly a reality driven by technological advancements, private equity investments in CPA firms, and a shrinking talent pipeline. David Hartley, Partner-in-Charge of Advisory at Anders CPAs + Advisors, discusses AI adoption challenges and how technology is reshaping the industry known for its conservative nature and resistance to change. How can accounting firms successfully navigate this shift?

The business technology landscape is rapidly evolving, but not in the ways many expected. Rather than returning to "normalcy" following the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations face new challenges in a more complex environment accelerated by digital transformation. Jon Reed, Co-Founder of diginomica, offers a unique perspective on responsible AI implementation, the gap between vendor hype and practical reality, and the importance of education in successful AI deployments.

One of the key challenges in AI adoption is overcoming resistance rooted in misconceptions about what AI is and how it works. Daniel Larsson, Senior Architect at Cristie Nordic, highlights the importance of education in the AI adoption process. By demystifying AI and explaining its limitations as well as its capabilities, organizations can help employees feel more comfortable with the technology and understand its potential benefits.