Synopsis: In this Techstrong AI video interview, Joel Raper, senior vice president and general manager for digital workplace solutions (DWS) at Unisys, dives into the three steps organizations should follow to successfully implement Microsoft Copilots.
In this episode of the Techstrong AI video series, host Mike Vizard speaks with Joel Raper, Senior VP and general manager for Digital Workplace Solutions at World Unisys, about the practical challenges organizations face when getting started with AI, particularly generative AI (GenAI). Joel highlights that while many see the potential of AI tools, the real-world applications often lag behind the hype. He discusses how organizations are starting to utilize AI, such as Microsoft Copilot, for everyday tasks like project management and email automation. However, Joel emphasizes that the key challenge is ensuring that time saved with AI can be translated into measurable productivity gains, while also navigating concerns around security and data governance.
Joel also discusses the broader implications of AI in the workplace, suggesting that as AI adoption grows, workers might transition into supervisors managing tasks handled by machines. He warns that organizations must not neglect the need to build foundational skills, as reliance on AI tools could erode the entry-level expertise needed for long-term success. Joel advises companies to focus on data organization and governance to maximize AI’s potential. He concludes by stressing the importance of identifying clear business cases for AI investments, rather than simply adopting AI to follow industry trends.