AI Agents Are Here - Are You Ready to Manage Them?

Microsoft Innovation Podcast

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https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/735
What if your next teammate wasn’t human - but an AI agent? In this episode, Stephanie Donahue, Modern Workplace Practice Lead at Avanade, unpacks how AI is reshaping the way we work, lead, and innovate. From the rise of digital coworkers to the resistance from IT and legal teams, Stephanie shares hard-won insights from the front lines of Microsoft 365 Copilot rollouts. Whether you're a tech leader or a curious professional, this conversation will challenge how you think about delegation, governance, and the future of your role.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- AI agents are the new coworkers: Learn how agentic AI is transforming roles, workflows, and expectations across organizations.
- Delegation is evolving: Managing AI requires a shift from output-based tasks to outcome-driven thinking - and new skills in digital delegation.
- IT isn’t the enabler - it’s the blocker: Discover why risk, legal, and IT departments are often the biggest hurdles to AI adoption.
- Shadow AI is already happening: Employees are using public AI tools to get work done, even when official tools are blocked.
- Change enablement is non-negotiable: Successful AI rollouts depend on communities, champions, and continuous learning - not just licenses and training.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Microsoft 365 Copilot – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot
👉 Viva Engage – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-viva/engage
👉 Microsoft MVP YouTube Series - How to Become a Microsoft MVP - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzf0yupPbVkqdRJDPVE4PtTlm6quDhiu7

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Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith

챕터

1. AI Agents Are Here - Are You Ready to Manage Them? (00:00:00)

2. The Whirlwind of AI: From GenAI to Agentic Workforces (00:02:24)

3. The Rise of the Frontier Firm: Rethinking Business Processes with AI (00:04:39)

4. Delegating to Digital Counterparts: A New Managerial Skillset (00:09:09)

5. Shadow AI vs. Responsible Automation: The Real Risk in Enterprise Adoption (00:14:44)

6. Viral Adoption & Change Enablement: The Secret to Copilot Success (00:20:53)