In this episode of Rise Up, Tim Staton interviews Deepak Bhootra (also known as Dr Deepak Bhootra), a sales career longevity advisor, ICF-certified coach, and founder of the Rise Up platform. They explore how to manage upwards at work, the real manage upwards meaning, and practical strategies for how to manage upwards effectively to build stronger relationships with leadership and accelerate your career. The conversation delivers clear insights into career progression meaning, career progression definition, and a proven career progression framework that works across roles — including career progression for project manager, career progression plan template, career progression plan example, and career progression plan for employees. Deepak also breaks down career longevity meaning and why so many professionals lose significant earnings due to poor career navigation.

In this episode of AI at Work, Tim Staton sits down with Kate Marshall, founder of the GRAI Fractional Chief AI Officer and author of AI at Work. They explore practical how to use AI at work, effective ways to use AI at work, and answer the common question how can AI help me at work while addressing can I use AI at work responsibly in professional environments. Kate shares expert guidance on AI at work who runs the office — the critical balance between human leadership and intelligent systems. The conversation dives deep into what is AI and data governance, AI and data governance and privacy OECD frameworks, and the role of the Centre for AI and Data Governance in helping organizations stay compliant. They also unpack what is AI and cybersecurity, AI and machine learning cybersecurity, generative AI and cybersecurity, and tackle the debate AI and cybersecurity which is better when building secure, resilient systems.

In this episode of The AI Ready Human, Tim Staton interviews Paul Slater on the critical need for an AI readiness assessment to stay relevant in today’s rapidly changing world. With over three decades guiding technology transformations at organizations including Microsoft and Fortune 500 companies, Paul shares his insights on building a comprehensive AI readiness assessment framework, AI readiness checklist, and practical AI readiness assessment tool that goes far beyond basic tool training. The conversation explores the evolution of workplace dynamics and the digital workplace evolution, highlighting evolution workplace solutions that prepare teams for what a future ready workforce truly looks like. Tim and Paul dive deep into the future of workforce trends, answering “what is future ready workforce?” and examining strategies for skilling future ready workforce through targeted development of uniquely human capabilities.

Are critical thinking skills declining in the age of AI? In this episode of Critical Intelligence, we sit down with Geoff Gibbins, author of Critical Intelligence, to explore how AI is transforming human cognition—and what we must do to stay ahead. From students relying on chatbots for homework to executives using AI for strategy, overdependence on technology risks cognitive atrophy. This episode dives deep into critical thinking skills, how critical thinking works, critical thinking steps, and why these abilities are more vital than ever. We examine are critical thinking skills declining, can critical thinking be taught, critical thinking for strategic intelligence, critical thinking and analysis, and the complex relationship between critical thinking and AI.

In this episode, Tim Staton and Kristen McAlister explore fractional CEO services for small businesses, clarifying fractional CEO meaning and what does fractional CEO mean for today’s leaders and owners. They discuss fractional CEO jobs, typical fractional CEO salary expectations, and answer the question: What can a fractional CEO make? Kristen McAlister explains how fractional CEO services work for small businesses by providing on-demand executive expertise that delivers immediate impact without the overhead of a full-time C-suite hire. Listeners will learn How to become a fractional chief executive and gain insight into the growing world of fractional leadership roles. Key Topics Covered: * The surge in awareness around fractional CEO meaning and the benefits of fractional leadership roles for small businesses * Kristen McAlister’s journey into fractional and interim leadership, including her experience as a military spouse * Real-world examples of how fractional CEO services transform business performance, from financial oversight to strategic growth * The critical importance of agility in leadership and what is leadership agility in today’s uncertain environment * How leadership and agility enable companies to adapt quickly while developing internal teams * Addressing common challenges like team cohesion, delegation, and resistance to external fractional leaders * Market trends showing rapid adoption of fractional CEO services across the U.S. and globally * Practical advice for business owners on when and how to engage fractional leadership * Guidance for military veterans interested in fractional CEO jobs and transitioning into fractional chief executive roles, including programs like SkillBridge * The future of flexible leadership models emphasizing specialized expertise and work-life balance