Prefer to listen? Check out the podcast:
Amazon Music
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
On a recent episode of the Next Moves podcast, Joe Diubaldo, CEO & Founder of Clarity Recruitment, explored the transformative potential of AI with John Stroud and Jen Schellinck from AI Guides. As leaders in AI advisory and coaching, they shared compelling insights on how businesses can prepare for the rapid advancements reshaping industries.
Jen emphasized the unprecedented speed of AI innovation, urging companies to “get on this train now.” From AI models synthesizing human-like podcasts to advanced predictive analytics, the capabilities of AI continue to expand. John highlighted a future where AI not only answers questions but performs tasks, requiring businesses to rethink roles and workflows.
The discussion introduced the concept of “agentic AI”—tools acting as virtual team members, capable of executing complex, multi-step tasks. This evolution shifts AI from a passive assistant to an active participant in business operations. Jen likened these agents to interns needing oversight, training, and alignment with company values.
The conversation underscored the importance of developing in-house AI expertise. Jen and John shared a success story of helping a client optimize resources across distributed teams by combining internal upskilling with cutting-edge AI solutions. This iterative approach empowered the company to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.
AI Guides is evolving its services to focus on coaching leaders to build “healthy AI habits” and foster a culture of curiosity and experimentation. They advocate for leaders to engage with AI tools firsthand, set clear strategies, and communicate changes through storytelling to inspire organizational alignment.
For businesses at a crossroads with AI, John and Jen offer a free self-assessment tool to evaluate readiness and identify next steps. Their pragmatic, tech-neutral approach ensures companies adopt AI solutions that genuinely align with their goals.
As John put it, “The question isn’t whether AI will change your business—it’s how you prepare to harness it.” Visit AI Guides to start your journey or book a consultation with their team for personalized guidance.
This episode serves as a call to action for leaders to embrace AI’s opportunities while navigating its challenges with intention and foresight.
If you need support finding finance, accounting, or data analytics talent:
When Rob Cherun started his career at Morgan Stanley and McKinsey, he was on the fast track to a high-powered corporate career. But instead of climbing the well-worn path of investment banking and consulting, he took a leap into entrepreneurship; one that would see him transform a small video surveillance company into an industry powerhouse.
What drives human behaviour? Why do we make the choices we do? These are the questions that have fueled Alex Kaju’s career – a journey that has taken him from the football field to academia, from marketing to behavioural science, and from industry to consulting. Now an Assistant Professor of Marketing and Consumer Psychology at HEC Montréal and a consulting behavioural scientist, Alex’s path is anything but conventional.
Are you planning to expand your accounting and finance team this year? Use our finance & accounting salary guide for benchmarking and resource planning.
