The Realities of AI Adoption in Business with Patrick Shields – VistaTalks Ep 188

Patrick Shields, experienced executive and PhD researcher in Artificial Intelligence, joins host Simon Hodgkins for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on leadership, innovation, and the realities of AI adoption in business. Recorded for VistaTalks Episode 188, this discussion dives deep into how organizations, particularly SMEs, can navigate AI responsibly while empowering their people and protecting trust.

Patrick is currently completing his PhD at Munster Technological University, where his research focuses on how businesses actually adopt AI in practice, rather than how technology vendors say they should. The result is a grounded, experience-led discussion that blends academic insight with decades of executive leadership across hospitality and international business.

00:00 - Patrick Shields - VistaTalks Ep 188

01:00 - Why Patrick Is Researching AI Adoption

04:57 - The Real Reason Businesses Struggle with AI

06:09 - Shadow AI and Hidden Organizational Risks

14:14 - Leadership, Trust, and Communication in AI Change

19:03 - Practical Steps for Building AI-Ready Teams

30:32 - Responsible AI, Ethics, and Sustainability

39:12 - The Next Five Years of AI and Leadership

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