Author: Peggy Smedley
What if people don’t embrace technology the way we are anticipating or even intend? Peggy talks about digital burnout and AI (artificial intelligence). She says digital transformation isn’t about using more technology but rather using technology in a way that is very thoughtful and strategic. She also discusses: · How many people experience digital burnout—and how it impacts our personal and professional lives. · Tips for how to implement digital transformation at scale. · When technology adoption will be the most successful. https://peggysmedleyshow.com
Peggy Smedley and Brandon Michalski, chief economist, MSI, talk about two new reports that look at what is happening now and what is coming in the future. He says he looks at the noise versus the signal, and points to a few key areas as examples. They also discuss: · Tariffs and how it might impact the construction industry in 2026. · The surge in data center projects that will reshape infrastructure for years to come—and how retail factors in. · What will likely unfold in 2026 in construction—and how projects are being reshaped. https://mocasystems.com/
Peggy Smedley and James Bohnaker, senior economist, Cushman & Wakefield, dig into some of the biggest takeaways from the latest U.S. economic outlook. He says there is a transition from resilience to cautious optimism, with inflection points across commercial real estate and property types, which is presenting opportunities in the industry. They also discuss: · Resilience and risks that are defining our economy. · Where investors are focusing their energy. · How AI and other emerging technologies are reshaping market landscape. https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/united-states/insights/united-states-outlook
AI (artificial intelligence) brings promise—but also profound unease within manufacturing. In this commentary, we examine the darker, dystopian lens through which many in the industry view technology. This week’s commentary builds on blog series, following on from last week’s deeper discussion examining manufacturing’s utopian vision of technology. Let’s start by asking what is the dystopian view of technology in the manufacturing industry? Manufacturing’s darker AI narratives focus on loss of agency. We are no longer influencing real outcomes. Rather algorithms dictate production schedules. Systems optimize throughput while ignoring human cost. Factories move faster than people can reasonably adapt overall. Simply,…
If you have been following along in our blog series, then last week you read as we explained construction’s utopian view of technology. It is important to recognize that alongside optimism, AI (artificial intelligence) has sparked deep unease in construction, which is why for today’s blog, we are going to take a closer look at construction’s dystopian viewpoint of technology, or more specifically the concept of AI’s role in an industry that has been around for centuries. Consider for a moment a dystopian view of technology in general in the construction industry. Critics warn of deskilled labor, algorithmic decision-making detached…
Peggy and cohost Dennis Draeger, foresight director, Shaping Tomorrow, talk about aiglatson and the extremes that define our digital destiny, looking at both the utopian and dystopian narratives. He says the reality of automation often turns into something else. They also discusses: · The theory of cultural lag and how it impacts technology adoption. · The information super highway phase and Y2K period of AI (artificial intelligence). · If AI could be the aiglatson silver bullet—and inherent dangers. http://peggysmedleyshow.com
Peggy Smedley and Dan Miklovic, founder, Lean Manufacturing Research and leader, Third Eye Advisory, talk about what is real, what is BS, and what is next in 2026. He says we are going to see AI (artificial intelligence) penetrate manufacturing, but more in the form of embedded AI—not generative AI. They also discuss: · The challenge with digital transformation. · AI at the edge and AI in the cloud. · How to prepare for the future. https://thirdeyeadvisory.com
Manufacturing has always been shaped by tools that extend human capability, which is why we are kicking off the new year with a new blog series looking at both utopian and dystopian views of technology. I will be taking a historical perspective of the utopian view of technology in the manufacturing industry today, and then I will tie it to what is happening with AI (artificial intelligence) today—and what will come next. If you look at the construction column, I have been exploring this topic over there as well. It’s a great topic and one that deserves deep contemplation. The…
Every major technological shift arrives wrapped in big promises—and big fears. AI (artificial intelligence) is no different. Today, AI is often framed as either the construction industry’s ultimate problem-solver or a looming threat to jobs, safety, and human judgment, which is why we are kicking off the new year with a new blog series looking at both utopian and dystopian views of technology. History suggests we should pause before embracing either extreme, which is exactly where we stand at this moment in time. It’s no surprise, we have been here before. Electricity transformed construction by refining workdays, improving safety, and…
All year, I have been sounding the horn that the future of work isn’t just about technology, but rather it is about people and skills. The technologies transforming work—which we discussed last week—are powerful. But technology alone won’t determine the future. People will. The question is: How can workers prepare to thrive in this new era? Let’s explore five key areas workers must consider in 2026. Embrace Lifelong Learning The days of static skill sets are over. The future worker needs digital fluency—not just the ability to operate tools, but to understand data, interpret insights, and collaborate with intelligent systems.…