The Innovation Room

Ep 66: AI and cross-cultural trust in global business with Gary Young

Send a textGlobal supply chains are under immense pressure. Rising geopolitical tensions and volatile shipping costs mean the traditional model of making goods overseas and shipping them globally is no longer a safe bet.How can your business adapt and protect its margins? The secret lies in combining cutting-edge artificial intelligence with genuine human trust.In our latest episode of The Innovation Room, Geeks Ltd CEO Lindsay Jessup sits down with Gary Young, CEO of Avela Group. Together, they unpack the urgent shift towards decentralised production and the exact technology making it possible.Gary shares 24 years of manufacturing expertise to reveal how AI is fundamentally rewriting the rules of global operations. You will learn how AI-driven robotics allows factories to scale their output locally, bringing manufacturing closer to home and drastically reducing international risk.But we also explore the firm limits of technology.AI is an incredible tool for automating due diligence and clearing language barriers before a big meeting. However, it cannot read the room or shake hands on a multi-million pound deal. When real money is on the table, building cross-cultural trust still requires vital feet on the ground.

Ep 65: Christmas Special, 2025 Wrap-up

Send a textWe 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. 

Ep 64: AI is exposing Zombie Businesses: A wake-up call for leaders

Send us Fan MailSome 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 aheadIf 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.

Ep 63: Navigating the Chaotic Landscape of AI Implementation

Send us Fan MailAI 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.

Ep 62: How to practically and scalably uncover high-impact AI opportunities

Send us Fan MailStruggling 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: