AI Works Podcast: How Leaders Use AI Now

About AI Works Podcast: How Leaders Use AI Now

Welcome to the AI Works Podcast, your essential resource for harnessing artificial intelligence to drive efficiency, innovation, and practical transformation across education, public sector, and business organisations. In each episode, we bring you: Real-world stories from leaders who have successfully integrated AI tools, overcoming common challenges. Practical insights and actionable strategies that translate cutting-edge AI into immediate operational improvements. Expert perspectives and trend analyses that demystify AI and make complex concepts clear and approachable. AI Works is designed specifically for leaders who want straightforward, high-impact ideas to unlock AI’s potential—without the hype. Join us to discover proven pathways to productivity, hear authentic experiences from your peers, and confidently navigate the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Subscribe and tune in to gain practical, accessible AI guidance that works. Produced by MKAI.works

Publisher

Richard Foster-Fletcher

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

23 Apr 2025

Latest episode

1 Sept 2025

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Sept 2025

   Building Partnerships for an AI-Enabled Future with Sally Alexander, CEO of Milton Keynes College Group

   🎧 Building Partnerships for an AI-Enabled Future with Sally Alexander 🎙️ Podcast AI Works Podcast Hosted by Richard Foster-Fletcher and Kurt Hintz 🔍 Episode Overview What does it take to lead in a world where technology, partnerships, and community expectations are changing faster than ever? In this episode of the AI Works Podcast, Sally Alexander shares her journey to becoming a CEO and her vision for building partnerships that make innovation real. With over three decades of experience across teaching, prison education, and leadership, Sally brings a perspective rooted in people, resilience, and the power of collaboration. The conversation explores how Sally and her team are embracing AI and digital transformation not in isolation, but in partnership with global players like Microsoft, KPMG, and Red Bull Racing. From rethinking assessment in the age of AI to developing new models for employer–student collaboration, she shows how strong relationships and bold leadership can unlock progress in uncertain times. 🧭 What We Cover Sally’s leadership journey and the values that continue to shape her decisions How partnerships with major employers like Microsoft and Red Bull create opportunities for innovation and skills development Supporting businesses of all sizes to navigate the practical realities of AI adoption Innovative employer–student models, including think tanks where real business problems become live projects for learners The challenge of keeping assessment relevant in an AI-driven world — and why banning AI is as futile as banning the wheel Safeguarding and social media as two of the biggest risks Sally sees for young people today Why diversity, inclusion, and early inspiration are critical to the future of industries like Formula One Sally’s vision for the role partnerships and ambition will play in shaping the next decade of opportunity 👤 About Our Guest Sally Alexander is Chief Executive Officer of Milton Keynes College Group. With a career spanning more than 30 years, she has worked across international teaching, prison education, and senior leadership before stepping into the CEO role in 2022. Sally is a passionate advocate for collaboration, digital innovation, and the belief that education and partnerships can transform lives and communities. 🔗 Links & Mentions Sally Alexander on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-alexander-73998922/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-alexander-73998922/) Richard Foster-Fletcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardfosterfletcher (https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardfosterfletcher) Kurt Hintz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-hintz (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-hintz) 📬 Stay Connected For updates, resources, and future episodes, follow the AI Works Podcast and join the conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkai-works (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkai-works)

2. 

   30 Jun 2025

   Putting People First: Navigating AI and Digital Transformation with Pat Carvalho, CEO of BMet

   BMet CEO Pat Carvalho discusses with hosts Richard Foster-Fletcher and Kurt Hintz how thoughtful leadership navigates AI adoption while keeping people and culture at the forefront, in this interview episode.

3. 

   23 Jun 2025

   Culture First, AI Second: Leading Thoughtful Tech Transformation with Julia Heap, Principal & CEO of Hopwood Hall College

   Principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College Julia Heap discusses with hosts Richard Foster-Fletcher and Kurt Hintz a culture-first approach to AI adoption, emphasizing trust and collaboration to improve staff satisfaction in this interview.

4. 

   16 Jun 2025

   Cultivating Change: Real-World AI Innovation with Jeremy Kerswell, CEO of Plumpton College

   Plumpton College CEO Jeremy Kerswell discusses with hosts Richard Foster-Fletcher and Kurt Hintz how the college strategically uses AI, robotics, and technology to solve industry challenges and drive productivity in this interview.

5. 

   9 Jun 2025

   Streamlining the Future: Intelligent Automation with Alex Denley, CTO at Harrow, Richmond, and Uxbridge Colleges

   CTO Alex Denley discusses intelligent automation at Harrow, Richmond, and Uxbridge Colleges with host Richard Foster-Fletcher, focusing on RPA's role in streamlining student enrollment and creating intelligent campuses; this is an interview.

6. 

   2 Jun 2025

   Solving Real Problems: Strategic AI Adoption with Dan Pearson, CEO of USP College

   USP College CEO Dan Pearson discusses with Richard Foster-Fletcher and Kurt Hintz his strategic approach to AI adoption in education, emphasizing problem-solving and practical solutions in this interview.

7. 

   26 May 2025

   From Co-Pilot to Co-Thinker: How Leaders Can Strategically Adopt AI with Danny Metters, CEO of Bishop Burton College

   Danny Metters, CEO of Bishop Burton College, discusses with Richard Foster-Fletcher and Kurt Hintz the strategic adoption of AI in land-based education, including practical applications, ethical considerations, and collaboration with industry partners in this interview.

8. 

   19 May 2025

   Innovating from Within: Practical AI Adoption with Julie Kapsalis, CEO of Nescot

   🎧 Episode Title: Innovating from Within: Practical AI Adoption with Julie Kapsalis, CEO of Nescot Podcast: The AI Works Podcast Hosted by Richard Foster-Fletcher Co-hosted today by Kurt Hintz 🔍 Episode Overview How can further education leaders practically, ethically, and effectively integrate artificial intelligence into their institutions? Julie Kapsalis, Principal and CEO of Nescot (North East Surrey College of Technology), joins us to share thoughtful insights and tangible examples of how AI and advanced technologies are enhancing education at her college. Julie discusses openly about: How Nescot’s 72-year legacy of technology adoption informs their current AI journey. Why the plumbing department became pioneers of AI and VR innovation, breaking stereotypes and setting examples for the college. Practical ways immersive technologies and simulators enhance vocational learning and assessment, from plumbing to highways maintenance. Building meaningful industry partnerships with global businesses like Daikin, Ringway, Tony & Guy, and cruise industry leaders to create real-world learning experiences. The ethical considerations and challenges around AI integration, including ensuring authentic assessment, maintaining originality, and safeguarding learners. How small, pioneering teams can lead transformative change within FE institutions. This episode provides actionable insights into how forward-thinking leadership can harness AI practically and ethically, benefiting educators, students, and communities alike. 🧭 What We Cover ✔️ Nescot’s practical approach to embedding AI and immersive technologies into vocational curricula ✔️ Overcoming stereotypes and fostering innovation through unlikely pioneer departments, such as plumbing ✔️ Effective strategies for using virtual simulations in vocational assessments to reduce risk and enhance learner competence ✔️ Building impactful and ethical partnerships between FE colleges and industry leaders ✔️ Using immersive environments (such as the Igloo 360 suite) to drive learner engagement, inclusion, and accessibility ✔️ Addressing internal resistance and creating a supportive environment for staff adoption of AI technologies 👤 About Our Guest Julie Kapsalis is Principal and CEO of Nescot—the North East Surrey College of Technology, based in Epsom, Surrey. With extensive leadership experience in further education, Julie also serves on the national strategy board for Artificial Intelligence in Education, chaired by Sir Anthony Seldon. Passionate about practical, ethical, and impactful innovation, Julie’s leadership is characterised by openness, collaboration, and continuous learning, helping shape meaningful educational experiences powered by technology. 🔗 Links & Mentions Nescot College: https://www.nescot.ac.uk (https://www.nescot.ac.uk) Julie Kapsalis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliekapsalis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliekapsalis) Richard Foster-Fletcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardfosterfletcher (https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardfosterfletcher) Kurt Hintz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-hintz (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-hintz) 📬 Stay Connected For updates, resources, and future episodes, follow The AI Works Podcast and join our conversations on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkai-works (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkai-works)

9. 

   12 May 2025

   From Curiosity to Culture: Navigating AI Adoption inwith Claire Foster, CEO of Boston College

   🎧 Episode Title: From Curiosity to Culture: Navigating AI Adoption in FE with Claire Foster, CEO of Boston College 🎙️ Podcast: The AI Works Podcast Hosted by Richard Foster-Fletcher 🔍 Episode Overview How can further education leaders navigate the uncertainties of adopting artificial intelligence, balancing curiosity and caution? Claire Foster, Principal and CEO of Boston College UK, joins us to openly share her personal journey and practical experiences of introducing AI in her college. From first encountering AI as an unfamiliar concept to actively championing its adoption among students and staff, Claire’s insights highlight the human aspects of technological transformation in education. Claire discusses openly about: Starting her leadership during the Covid-19 lockdown and rapidly adapting to digital learning Building a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and shared learning around AI Overcoming fear and scepticism among educators and students Addressing equity and access to AI tools in education The importance of adaptability and lifelong learning as core educational values This conversation offers authentic, thoughtful reflections on how educational institutions can embrace AI as a meaningful tool for learning, inclusion, and creativity. 🧭 What We Cover ✔️ How Boston College began its AI journey from early experimentation to strategic implementation ✔️ Creating psychological safety around AI adoption among educators ✔️ Practical ways AI tools (e.g., Copilot) can reduce workload and stress for teachers ✔️ Using AI inclusively to support learners with language and additional learning needs ✔️ Addressing digital equity concerns for both students and the broader community ✔️ Building an adaptable learning culture that prepares students for evolving job markets 👤 About Our Guest Claire Foster is Principal and CEO at Boston College in Lincolnshire, UK. With a professional background rooted deeply in further education, Claire has successfully led her college through challenging times, including Covid-19 and digital transformation. Her leadership philosophy emphasises curiosity, openness, and continuous learning, creating an environment where technology meaningfully enhances the educational experience. 🔗 Links & Mentions Boston College UK: https://www.boston.ac.uk (https://www.boston.ac.uk) Claire Foster on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-foster-46424515 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-foster-501a3a36/) Richard Foster-Fletcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardfosterfletcher (https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardfosterfletcher) Kurt Hintz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-hintz (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-hintz) 📬 Stay Connected For updates, resources, and future episodes, follow The AI Works Podcast and join our conversations on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkai-works (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkai-works)

10. 

    6 May 2025

    Bridging Policy and Practice: Leading AI Transformation with Keith Smith, CEO at HRUC

    🎧 Episode Title: Bridging Policy and Practice: Leading AI Transformation with Keith Smith, CEO at HRUC 🎙️ Podcast: The AI Works Podcast Hosted by Richard Foster-Fletcher Co-hosted by Kurt Hintz 🔍 Episode Overview How can further education (FE) institutions turn national policy into meaningful practice when it comes to artificial intelligence? In this episode, Keith Smith—CEO at Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC) and former senior leader at the Department for Education—joins us to share his perspective on sector leadership in an AI-integrated world. From building system-wide collaboration to preparing students and staff for the demands of a digital economy, this conversation explores what it takes to lead well through uncertainty, complexity, and rapid technological change. Keith shares practical insights on: Creating an AI strategy at the organisational level Supporting staff through disruption with purpose and clarity Building communities of practice across the FE sector Partnerships that stretch thinking, including HRUC’s collaboration with MIT Whether you're in education, policy, or industry, this episode offers a grounded yet ambitious perspective on the leadership required to move from AI awareness to confident, inclusive action. 🧭 What We Cover ✔️ Embedding AI into FE strategy and operations ✔️ Staff development and psychological safety in times of change ✔️ Opportunities for AI to improve inclusion and neurodiverse learning ✔️ Sector-wide collaboration and the proposed AI community for FE ✔️ The future of AI in physical form: robotics, automation, and governance ✔️ Leadership lessons from policy to practice 👤 About Our Guest Keith Smith is the Chief Executive of Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges. Prior to this role, he held senior leadership positions at the Department for Education, where he played a pivotal role in shaping national policy for the further education sector. He now leads one of the UK’s most forward-thinking college groups, with a focus on AI adoption, staff wellbeing, and system leadership. 🔗 Links & Mentions Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges: https://www.hruc.ac.uk (https://www.hruc.ac.uk) MIT Industrial Liaison Program: https://ilp.mit.edu (https://ilp.mit.edu) Connect with Keith Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-smith-1733b9140/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-smith-1733b9140/) Richard Foster-Fletcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardfosterfletcher (https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardfosterfletcher) Kurt Hintz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-hintz/ 📬 Stay Connected For updates, resources, and upcoming episodes, follow The AI Works Podcast and join the conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkai-works

11. 

    28 Apr 2025

    Leading AI Transformation in Education: The Windsor Forest Approach

    Series: FE Leadership in an AI-Driven World Hosts: Richard Foster-Fletcher, CEO, MKAI.works Kurt Hintz, CEO, Petroc Guest: Gillian May, CEO and Group Principal, Windsor Forest Colleges Group Guest Bio: Gillian May is the CEO and Group Principal at Windsor Forest Colleges Group, known for her strategic leadership in driving innovation, efficiency, and organisational transformation within Further Education. Under her direction, Windsor Forest has launched Winnie, a pioneering private AI platform leveraging advanced ChatGPT technology to enhance operational productivity, data analysis, and student engagement. Episode Title: Leading AI Transformation in Education: The Windsor Forest Approach Episode Overview: In "Leading AI Transformation in Education," we explore how Gillian May and Windsor Forest Colleges Group successfully implemented Winnie, a bespoke AI platform based on ChatGPT. Gillian shares insights into how the college overcame initial scepticism, championed AI adoption across all departments, and set new standards for efficiency and innovation. The episode discusses practical applications, the importance of secure AI deployment, and the potential for significant sector-wide disruption. Key Topics of Discussion: The strategic vision and implementation of Winnie, Windsor Forest's private AI platform Addressing initial internal resistance and effectively championing organisational AI adoption Leveraging AI for administrative efficiency, workload reduction, and operational enhancements Transforming student experiences and preparing learners with AI skills relevant to industry Navigating ethical considerations, privacy, and data management within AI integration Key 'Takeaway' Ideas: Effective AI integration requires visionary leadership, transparent communication, and demonstrable quick wins to build organisational trust. Further Education can substantially enhance efficiency, reduce administrative burden, and improve educational outcomes through tailored, secure AI solutions. AI provides significant opportunities for disrupting legacy systems within FE, particularly in assessment, compliance, and back-office functions.

12. 

    23 Apr 2025

    Introducing AI Works: Practical Insights for Leaders Navigating Artificial Intelligence

    Welcome to the AI Works Podcast, the essential resource for leaders navigating the realities of artificial intelligence in the public sector and beyond. In this introductory episode, host Richard Foster-Fletcher sets the stage, outlining exactly what listeners can expect from future episodes: Real-world insights: Hear directly from public-sector leaders who are actively integrating AI into their organisations. Practical strategies: Discover actionable ideas and proven approaches to common challenges leaders face during AI adoption. Candid conversations: Learn from the experiences and lessons of executives addressing AI’s toughest questions around ethics, implementation, workforce readiness, data privacy, and more. If you’re responsible for guiding your organisation through AI-driven change, AI Works offers clear, grounded conversations to help you confidently lead the way. Subscribe now and join us for practical, insightful discussions about what’s working, what isn’t, and how leaders are successfully adapting in real-time.

Who has been a guest on AI Works Podcast: How Leaders Use AI Now

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Pat Carvalho
• Julia Heap
• Jeremy Kerswell
• Alex Denley
• Dan Pearson

Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

49

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0