Ten years ago, AI was not a part of life. 

Three years ago, it was barely a consumer product. 

Today, one in ten people use ChatGPT regularly. 

Why AI Feels Brilliant One Moment and Useless the Next

Understanding the Jagged Edge of AI

If you have used generative AI for any length of time, you have probably experienced this contradiction: 

AI has sparked a lot of excitement—and confusion—in the world of software development. Headlines often focus on “vibe coding” or the idea that AI can magically replace developers. But the reality is far more interesting.

In this episode of The Conversation with Model Mind AI, Loren Horsager talks with developer and consultant Mark Caufman about what AI really changes in development work. The biggest shift isn’t that developers write less code—it’s that they think more intentionally about how software is built.

AI makes it easier to generate code, but it also raises the bar for quality. With AI assisting in documentation, testing, and refactoring, the old excuses for skipping those steps disappear. Good process becomes the accelerator, not the bottleneck.

Mark explains how structured approaches—like writing specs, clarifying requirements, and validating plans before implementation—dramatically improve outcomes. Instead of reacting to AI-generated code, developers become orchestrators, guiding systems with clear intent and constraints.

The conversation also highlights how AI reshapes solo development. Independent developers can now deliver enterprise-level rigor—tests, documentation, consistency—without massive teams. AI acts as a tireless collaborator that reinforces discipline rather than undermining it.

Finally, Loren and Mark explore what this shift means for the future of development careers. As AI handles more of the mechanical work, human skills like problem framing, system design, and critical thinking become even more valuable.

AI isn’t making developers obsolete. It’s making thoughtful development more powerful—and more human than ever.

I knew immediately that I was forever changed and that it was unlikely a day would go by without thinking about him, talking to him, or asking him for help.

As 2025 comes to a close, many organizations are realizing that AI success wasn’t driven by flashy tools or massive transformations—it was driven by people.

In this episode of The Conversation with Model Mind AI, Angela Schultz and Loren Horsager reflect on what actually worked in AI adoption over the past year. As tools like Microsoft Copilot improved and became more accessible, AI stopped being theoretical. Employees began experimenting, asking better questions, and finding small wins that created real momentum.

One of the biggest pitfalls discussed is the temptation to assign AI to a single expert. While appealing on the surface, this approach often limits adoption. Instead, the most successful organizations focused on raising AI literacy across teams—empowering people closest to the work to identify opportunities and drive change.

The conversation also reinforces why AI should not be treated like a traditional IT project. Large rollouts often failed, while fast prototypes and short experiments helped teams assess value quickly and avoid costly mistakes.

Through real client examples, Angela and Loren show how practical, tailored AI use cases delivered meaningful results—and why this people-first mindset sets the stage for 2026.

From Idea to Impact: How One Leader Turned AI Into a Sales Coach

What started as a simple experiment became a blueprint for scalable AI adoption.

In this episode of AI at Work, Angela Schultz speaks with Nicole McMurray, Divisional Vice President at AppleOne, about how a nine‑hour AI course sparked the creation of an AI‑powered sales coaching assistant. Designed to reflect Nicole’s leadership voice and company values, the tool gives new hires consistent guidance, confidence, and support — without slowing the business down.

The conversation highlights a powerful truth: AI adoption doesn’t require technical backgrounds. It requires curiosity, education, and leaders willing to listen to their teams.

Full episode now available on Spotify and YouTube. 

Mini-Series: AI at Work

Angela Schultz with Special Guests

“Upskilling in the Age of AI — A Human Approach to Technology”

In this week’s episode of the AI at Work mini-series, Angela is joined by Megan Starkey, strategic advisor, founder of RBD, and author of The Intelligent Organization. Their conversation dives deep into the people side of AI, the structural side of AI, and why companies struggle to unlock value even when the technology is ready. 
 
Megan explains the difference between AI adoption (individual skills and productivity) and true organizational transformation (workflows, processes, decision rights, and culture). She also breaks down why adaptability—not technical expertise—is now the defining skill for modern leaders. 
 
If your team is feeling the pressure to “catch up,” this conversation will help reset expectations, clarify priorities, and highlight what actually moves companies forward. 
 
Full episode now available on Spotify and YouTube. 

Mini-Series: AI at Work

Angela Schultz with Special Guests

“Upskilling in the Age of AI — A Human Approach to Technology”

In this episode of The Conversation with Model Mind AI, host Angela Schultz welcomes Dr. Elizabeth M. Adams to discuss how responsible AI, education, and human connection shape the future of work. Dr. Adams, Chief Engagement Officer of the Minnesota Responsible AI Institute, shares insights on making AI accessible to all—from seniors writing family stories to students exploring AI ethics.

Key Takeaways:
- Upskilling starts with curiosity and care—not just code.
- Responsible AI means understanding impact before innovation.
- Leadership in AI requires listening to employees and empowering them to contribute.
- The future of AI should center on joy, equity, and human thriving.

Episode 12 Recap: “AI and the Workforce — Leading Through Disruption”

In Episode 12 of The Conversation with Model Mind AI, host Angela Schultz and CEO Loren Horsager dive into how AI is reshaping the workplace and what leaders can do to respond. They discuss employee fears, leadership approaches, and how to unlock the empowering side of AI adoption.

Key Insights:
- Fear of disruption is natural, but adoption opens doors to innovation
- Reskilling and hands-on training are critical to long-term success
- Accessible tools like ChatGPT and Copilot can be the best place to start
- AI adoption isn’t about replacing people—it’s about helping them succeed

The future of work isn’t about AI replacing humans, but humans learning to thrive with AI as a partner. Start small, build momentum, and create a culture where every employee feels empowered.

Episode 12 Recap: “AI and the Workforce — Leading Through Disruption”

In Episode 12 of The Conversation with Model Mind AI, host Angela Schultz and CEO Loren Horsager dive into how AI is reshaping the workplace and what leaders can do to respond. They discuss employee fears, leadership approaches, and how to unlock the empowering side of AI adoption.

Key Insights:
- Fear of disruption is natural, but adoption opens doors to innovation
- Reskilling and hands-on training are critical to long-term success
- Accessible tools like ChatGPT and Copilot can be the best place to start
- AI adoption isn’t about replacing people—it’s about helping them succeed

The future of work isn’t about AI replacing humans, but humans learning to thrive with AI as a partner. Start small, build momentum, and create a culture where every employee feels empowered.

Episode 11 Recap: Buy vs. Build - The AI Question Every Leader Faces

Should you buy established tools or build your own with AI? In Episode 11 of The Conversation, Angela Schultz and Loren Horsager examine this dilemma in depth. They show when it makes sense to buy trusted platforms, when AI makes building realistic, and how each choice shapes efficiency, cost, and company culture. If you’ve felt overwhelmed by product pitches or curious about custom AI tools, this episode is for you.

Episode 9 Recap: “Build Your Own – Custom GPTs as Your AI Foundation”

In Episode 9 of The Conversation with Model Mind AI, host Angela Schultz and CEO Loren Horsager dive into why custom GPTs (and their Microsoft Copilot counterparts) are the most accessible way to build your own AI experience — and the essential first step toward agentic systems.

Episode 9 Recap: “Build Your Own – Custom GPTs as Your AI Foundation”

In Episode 9 of The Conversation with Model Mind AI, host Angela Schultz and CEO Loren Horsager dive into why custom GPTs (and their Microsoft Copilot counterparts) are the most accessible way to build your own AI experience — and the essential first step toward agentic systems.

Episode 8 Recap: 'Memory - The Future of AI'

Artificial intelligence is evolving fast, and memory is shaping up to be one of its most powerful capabilities. In Episode 8 of The Conversation with Model Mind AI, Angela Schultz and CEO Loren Horsager explore how memory is changing the way we interact with AI tools, how it can make agents more proactive and personalized, and why leaders should pay close attention to its implications.

Episode 7 Recap: “From Ready to Results - AI Strategy in Action”

In this final episode of the AI Readiness series, Angela and Loren shift from preparation to execution. Strategy is what transforms your assessment insights into real business outcomes - and it starts with a focused, realistic plan.

Episode 6

AI Agents - Beyond the Workflow

AI agents are here, and they’re changing the game. Loren Horsager joins Angela Schultz to demystify how agentic systems work—and why they matter right now. From memory and context to voice interfaces and team collaboration, this episode lays the groundwork for using agents strategically.

Episode 5

AI Workflows - Turning Everyday Friction into Efficiency

In Episode 5 of The Conversation with Model Mind AI, Angela Schultz and Loren Horsager explore the nuts and bolts of AI workflows and automations. This isn’t about futuristic robots or coding wizardry - it’s about solving real workplace friction with smarter systems anyone can build. From hiring emails to marketing reports, Loren shows how automation is the clearest path to real business efficiency. Read on to learn the difference between workflows and agents, how to validate what you build, and why business users—not just IT—should be in the driver’s seat.

Data Isn’t Boring—It’s Your AI Superpower

Welcome to The Conversation—Model Mind AI’s podcast about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we work, lead, and think. I’m Angela Schultz, curriculum developer and trainer here at Model Mind.

Today’s episode isn’t about spreadsheets or SQL—it’s about data literacy and how it can make or break your AI strategy.