Zoë Routh welcomes Candice DeVille, co-founder and CEO of AI CoPilot, to discuss the impact and practical applications of AI tools in personal and professional settings. They explore how AI can enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and create opportunities for business leaders. Candice shares insights into AI’s geopolitical landscape, the importance of diverse perspectives in AI development, and how leaders can implement AI to streamline business operations.

The conversation also covers the ethical considerations of AI, its evolving capabilities, and how businesses can develop a strategic AI roadmap. Additionally, Zoë recommends Tough Broad by Caroline Paul, an inspiring read on outdoor adventure for women.

SHOWNOTES are here.

https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/ai-power-practical-strategies-for-leaders

Key Quotes

“The challenge for leaders isn’t just keeping up with AI—it’s making smart, strategic choices about where to use it." – Zoë Routh

"The best use of AI is not to replace people, but to augment what they’re already doing." – Candice DeVille

"We have the opportunity to shape AI by how we use it, what we teach it, and how we engage with it." – Candice DeVille

"When using AI, start small. Automate the tasks that are repetitive, prone to human error, and the ones that people complain about the most." – Candice DeVille

Questions Asked

1. How can AI be used to expand our perspectives?

2. What is the role of AI in creating meaningful connections rather than just generating content?

3. How can leaders implement AI in a structured way without overwhelming their teams?

4. What are the key geopolitical considerations shaping AI development?

5. How do open-source AI models like DeepSeek compare to proprietary models?

6. What are the most effective ways for SMEs to start leveraging AI?

7. How can business leaders ensure AI adoption is ethical and effective?

Take Action

1. Identify repetitive tasks in your business – Make a list of time-consuming, error-prone processes that could be automated.

2. Ask AI how it can help – Use tools like ChatGPT to explore automation options tailored to your needs.

3. Develop an AI roadmap – Start with a small, low-risk AI project to test the benefits before scaling up.

4. Encourage AI education in your team – Provide training so employees can leverage AI effectively.

5. Set clear AI guardrails – Ensure AI tools align with ethical considerations and business values.

6. Explore free AI learning resources – Check out Candice DeVille’s AI CoPilot courses for business leaders.

Tip of the Week

Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only.

Join the community here: https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast-news

You’ll get 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, along with a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff.

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:18 Exploring AI Tools: Bordi on LinkedIn

01:59 Power Games and Upcoming Book Launch

02:54 Using AI to Expand Perspectives

04:53 Interview with Candice DeVille: AI CoPilot

06:00 Candice DeVille's Journey in Tech

08:04 AI's Impact and Future Directions

19:44 Practical AI Applications for Businesses

28:48 Candice DeVille's Free AI Program for Leaders

33:39 Book Recommendation: Tough Broad

35:15 Conclusion and Call to Action

Power Games Kickstarter Campaign, sign up here:

https://www.zoerouth.com/power-games

MagicMind Nootropic:

They have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code TFLPOD20 at checkout.

You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/TFLPOD

We explore the evolving conversation around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and whether its future is at risk. We dive into the backlash against DEI, what is driving these changes, and how leaders can approach this complex topic with a systemic lens.

We have also discussed the latest advancements in brain-computer interfaces, the concept of mental wealth, and strategies to enhance leadership effectiveness.

SHOWNOTES are here

Key Quotes
“More brains equal more magic. DEI is about systemic change, not just representation.” – Zoë Routh
“The real question isn’t whether DEI should exist but how it should evolve.” – Zoë Routh
“Bias exists. The question is: what systems are we creating to counteract it?” – Zoë Routh

Questions Asked
1. How can organisations ensure DEI initiatives drive real change rather than just optics?
2. How do we balance meritocracy with systemic fairness?
3. Are organisations addressing deep-rooted structural issues, or simply applying band-aid solutions?
4. How can we create more inclusive work environments without tokenism?
5. What are practical strategies to counteract cognitive biases in hiring and promotions?

Take Action
1. Evaluate your organisation’s DEI policies. Are they creating meaningful change or just checking boxes?
2. Experiment with bias-free recruitment. Anonymise applications and assess the impact.
3. Read Tim Urban’s book “What’s Our Problem?” to understand the broader political and social dynamics around DEI.

Tip of the Week

Review the collaboration self-checklist - available for subscribers only. Join the community here. You’ll get 40 book summaries and recommendations on Leading Strategy and Performance, along with a special secret audio from my award-winning book, People Stuff.

Key Moments
00:00 - Welcome back to the show
00:45 - Brain-computer interfaces and the latest technology trends
05:30 - The concept of mental wealth and performance
09:45 - The growing backlash against DEI: What’s happening?
14:20 - The meritocracy debate: Does it hold up?
19:15 - How DEI initiatives can move beyond optics to systemic change
25:00 - The role of leadership in fostering truly inclusive workplaces
30:10 - Book recommendation: "What’s Our Problem?" by Tim Urban
35:00 - Closing thoughts and action steps

Power Games Kickstarter Campaign, sign up here:
www.zoerouth.com/power-games

MagicMind Nootropic:
They have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases with code TFLPOD20 at checkout.
You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/TFLPOD

#leadershiptips #DEI #leadershipdevelopment #futureofwork