The Innovation Room

Send us a text We put our reputation on the line and asked an AI to grade our 2025 predictions. The result? A solid A. But we aren't resting on our laurels. In this festive special of The Innovation Room, the Geeks senior leadership team looks ahead to what 2026 holds for business leaders. We explore why modular neural networks will change how we update systems, why AI agents are becoming the new digital operations layer, and why human-centric AI literacy is the investment you can't afford to skip. This year, we also introduced a new segment to our annual wrap-up. We debate which business behaviours earn a spot on the ‘nice’ list, like treating tech partners strategically rather than transactionally, and which land you on the ‘naughty’ list (we’re looking at you, restrictive quotas). Join Matt, Dehan and Lindsay as they unpack these insights while attempting to construct a ‘minimalist’ gingerbread house. 

Send us a text Some businesses are scaling with AI. Others are just… surviving. In this episode of #TheInnovationRoom, Lindsay Jessup sits down with Matt Bennett to uncover the warning signs of a zombie business — and what today’s leaders must do to avoid becoming one. From AI bans to leadership denial, they explore:  - Why some companies are sleepwalking into irrelevance  - How AI is accelerating the productivity divide  - What practical steps can leaders take to stay ahead If you're a CEO, exec, or decision-maker wondering where your business stands, this one's for you. 🎧 Tune in now and find out if your organisation is built to evolve… or expire.

Send us a text AI is reshaping business at lightning speed, but the journey’s not without some twists, turns, and team tensions. In Episode 63 of #TheInnovationRoom, "Navigating the Chaotic Landscape of AI Implementation," Lindsay Jessup, CEO, and Dehan Matthee, Director of Operations at Geeks, break down how to turn AI’s wild ride into a strategic win. Dehan shares battle-tested insights on aligning teams, building an AI strategy that sticks, and keeping humans front and center. From tackling psychological safety to rapid reskilling, this episode is a must-listen for leaders and professionals navigating the future of work. Listen now and take control of the AI revolution.

Send us a text Struggling to know where AI fits in your business? You’re not alone. CEOs and leaders everywhere are under pressure to invest in AI, but where to start and how, is the main challenge for many. In Episode 62 of #TheInnovationRoom, "How to Practically and Scalably Uncover High-Impact AI Opportunities," Lindsay Jessup sits down with Lauren King, Head of Product Design at Geeks, to share a proven, data-driven approach to AI success.  Drawing from real-world wins, like the award-winning DiGence framework, Lauren reveals how businesses can cut through the noise, identify inefficiencies, and prioritise AI investments that deliver real ROI. From boosting operational efficiency in education to slashing costs in manufacturing, this episode breaks down the three-step process (Assess, Align, Act) that’s helping leaders across industries get AI-ready. Ready to make smarter AI decisions? Tune in now: 

Send us a text 🎧 AI meets advisory: The secret sauce for global expansion What happens when cutting-edge tech meets expert advice? The result is a smarter, faster way to scale your business across borders. In Episode 61 of The Innovation Room, titled "Where AI Meets Advisory for Global Expansion", Andrew Fahey, CEO of Briars Group, joins Lindsay Jessup, CEO of Geeks, to explore how AI is transforming global growth strategies. Discover how AI delivers real-time insights, automates complex tasks, and empowers advisors to provide more personalised, impactful solutions. Andrew also shares practical strategies for leaders to integrate AI into their growth plans and stay ahead in international markets. Whether you're scaling globally or curious about the future of business innovation, this episode is packed with insights you can’t miss.

Send us a text What did 2024 teach us about AI, and what does 2025 hold in store? In this festive episode of The Innovation Room, Geeks' senior leadership team Lindsay Jessup, Matt Mehrjardi, and Dehan Matthee discuss their biggest takeaways from 2024 AI advancements and share what excites them most about the future.  From small wins to transformative shifts, hear their reflections while they attempt the ultimate festive challenge: building a gingerbread house! Don’t miss this fun and insightful wrap-up episode.

Send us a text What does it mean to create a business that truly serves society? In this episode of The Innovation Room, Sarah Gillard, CEO of Blueprint for Better Business, challenges us to think beyond profit metrics and explore purpose-driven leadership. Her insights on redefining success in an AI-driven world will make you rethink how businesses can lead societal change. Through this thought-provoking conversation, Sarah and Somayeh discuss the transition from traditional financial goals to broader measures of impact, the role of AI in accelerating paradigm shifts, and how lessons from history and philosophy can shape the future of leadership. Don’t miss this episode packed with fresh ideas for navigating the complex intersection of innovation, purpose, and progress. 

Send us a text In this episode, Lindsay Jessup, CEO of Geeks, speaks with CTO Matt Mehrjardi about the Geeks AI Adoption Framework, which delivers sustainable and strategic AI adoption.  From understanding your data readiness to aligning AI with your North Star goals, Matt shares insights on how to avoid AI adoption missteps and turn innovation into lasting value. Listen now to see how businesses can leverage the Geeks AI Adoption Framework for smarter, more agile AI strategies. 

Send us a text When should you take action with AI, and when should you hold back? In Episode 57 of The Innovation Room, “Preparing for AI in Action Part 1: When to Take Action with AI and When to Hold Fire,” Matt Mehrjardi, CTO of Geeks, joins Lindsay Jessup, CEO of Geeks, to explore one of the most critical challenges businesses face today: deciding when to adopt AI and when to wait.  They discuss practical insights, including how to assess if your organisation is ready for AI, the importance of a leadership mindset, and real-life case studies that demonstrate how to navigate the AI journey. Listen now to discover the key factors that can determine AI success. Topics covered include: Assessing AI readiness Leadership and AI expectations Case studies and real-world examples Risk versus reward The role of human-AI collaboration

Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered how AI is shaping the future of healthcare? It's more than you might think. In Episode 56 of The Innovation Room, titled 'The Future of General Practice: How AI is Shaping Health Outcomes and the Journey to 100+,' Dr. Seun Bakare, Clinical Lead GP for Urgent Care joins Lindsay Jessup, CEO of Geeks to discuss the groundbreaking ways AI is transforming patient care. From predictive analytics to personalised treatment plans, AI is redefining the way we approach health. Watch or listen now to see how the future of general practice is being shaped by AI.

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to Episode 55 of The Innovation Room, where we explore the cutting-edge advancements in healthcare with Tia Cheang, Chief Data & Analytics Officer. In this episode, Tia shares her insights on how AI is revolutionising patient engagement and transforming healthcare delivery. In This Episode: • Tia's unique journey from NHS to leading digital health innovation • The critical role of data and AI in improving patient outcomes • Ethical considerations and the importance of data privacy in healthcare • Real-life examples of how AI and wearables are used to enhance patient care

Send us a Text Message. When thinking about adopting new software technologies or AI, the construction sector might not be top of mind. In episode 54 of #TheInnovationRoom, Exploring AI & Tech in Construction, we'll delve into this sector. Join host Lindsay Jessup, CEO of Geeks, and Rob Candler, CEO of Fixatex, for a conversation about the challenges and opportunities of adopting technology in the construction industry.

As we steer through the digital era, the integration of AI can be a thrilling yet daunting challenge. Navigate this journey with clarity in Episode 53 of The Innovation Room: "Human Anxiety Triggered by AI".  Join host Somayeh Aghnia and psychotherapist Philip Karahassan for a deep dive into the emotional currents of AI adoption. Understanding the psychological impact on your team is as crucial as strategising for AI. In this episode, you'll learn how to mitigate AI-induced anxieties and lead with confidence in a landscape shaped by technology. Don't let the fear of the unknown paralyse your strategic vision. Watch or listen now to forge a path through uncertainty with insight and empathy.

Is your business story getting lost in the noise? Master the art of storytelling in the age of AI with the latest episode of our podcast "The Story of You and AI: Mastering Storytelling in Business" Join Somayeh Aghnia as she dives deep with branding & storytelling guru, Lazar Dzamic on why compelling narratives are essential for businesses today. You'll learn how to tell the story of your AI integration, avoid common pitfalls, and unlock the power of storytelling. This episode of #TheInnovationRoom tackles the critical role of narrative in the AI age. Lazar shares insights on crafting a captivating business story, navigating the integration of AI into your narrative, and avoiding common storytelling mistakes. He even offers executive tips for shaping your organisation's AI future. Don't let your business story get lost! Listen to the full episode now.

The legal sector is going to face a massive disruption with AI. But is it an existential threat... or an opportunity? The latest episode of The Innovation Room podcast dives into the future of legal services in an AI-powered world. Somayeh Aghnia sat with Paul Madden, Chief Marketing and Client Experience Officer at MAPD Group, to explore the future of legal firms with AI. From empowering lawyers to provide more personalised client experiences to democratising access to justice, Paul shares his insights on how AI can revolutionise the legal industry.

What if AI could give healthcare professionals more 'time to care'? Hear from Barry Frostick (CDIO of Mid and South Essex ICB) and Mark Thomas (CDIO of BLMK ICB) as they discuss "The Future of Hospitals with AI" with Somayeh Aghnia in Episode 50 of #TheInnovationRoom podcast.  They cover how AI can drive efficiency, enable preventative care, and augment human expertise - not replace it. 

With AI, your office is about to get a mind of its own. Join Somayeh Aghnia and Emilia Cardamone in The Innovation Room as they explore how AI can transform the Future of Real Estate. From optimising space usage to personalising the office experience, AI is unlocking exciting possibilities for the future of work. But is AI the key to unlocking a brighter future for real estate, or is there more to the story?

Curious about the future of the UK economy? In the latest episode of The Innovation Room, we explore the "Future of the UK economy with AI". Our special guest, Roger Martin-Fagg, a renowned behavioural economist and Somayeh Aghnia, delve into the dynamics of labour markets, productivity puzzles, and how AI is the UK's way of getting back on the growth track. Roger's key advice to business leaders - "You have got to have an under 30-year-old on your board meetings because they will tell you things you'd never thought of."  

The Innovation Room: Can AI remedy healthcare? On the latest episode of The Innovation Room, Somayeh Aghnia explores with oncologist and cancer researcher of UCL, Adam Pennycuick whether AI marks a revolution or evolution in medicine. They examine AI's role in transforming healthcare from reactive to predictive, unlocking preventative care through data-driven insights. Somayeh and Adam also explore the pitfalls, from biased data to communicating complex risk models. Ultimately, both predict an evolutionary path where AI assists, not replaces, human expertise.

How can AI enable hyper-personalised and cost-effective travel experiences? Join Somayeh Aghnia and Kate Ross, MD at eight&four Episode 46 of The Innovation Room as they explore the "Future of Tourism with AI".  Kate Ross predicts AI will make tailored, luxury trips accessible to more people. But can tech ever replace the joy of human connection? Tune in for an insider view of travel's high-tech, personalised-touch future. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynv_TZfecT0