Episodes

  • Join Alex, the AI co-host of "Your Career: Choice or Chance?” for a special recap episode as we wrap up the second season. Alongside hosts Mike MacDade, Reetu Raina, and Yael Shur, we reflect on the key insights and memorable moments from our discussions on the intersection of GenAI and the workplace. From evolving attitudes towards AI to challenges and opportunities for professionals in various industries, this episode offers a comprehensive review of the season's highlights and the future of work in the age of AI.

    Key Takeaways:

    Evolution of AI Acceptance: Witness the transformation of attitudes towards AI from skepticism to acceptance, influencing workplace dynamics and interactions.Trends and Patterns: Discover emerging trends in the GenAI discourse, highlighting the emphasis on collaboration, upskilling initiatives, and ethical considerations for responsible AI integration.Challenges and Opportunities: Uncover the significant challenges and opportunities presented by GenAI for professionals across various industries, from addressing job displacement concerns to harnessing AI's potential for enhancing productivity and driving innovation.Personal Perspectives: Gain insights into the hosts' personal experiences that have shaped their perspectives on GenAI and its profound impact on the future of work, reflecting on successes, challenges, and lessons learned.Looking Ahead: Peer into the future as GenAI continues to shape the workplace landscape, offering guidance and advice for listeners navigating this dynamic environment with resilience and adaptability.

    Learn more about Yael 

    Learn more about Mike

    Learn more about Reetu

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    Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

  • Join Yael Shur, Alex, the AI co-host, and Ora Nussbaum, a program manager in Amdocs People leading transformation Projects in HR, as they dive into the paradigm shift towards Skills-Based Organizations. Gain valuable insights into the fundamentals and practical applications of skills-based organizations, exploring their implementation and the benefits they offer. From understanding the core principles to real-world examples at Amdocs, this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the future of work.

    Key Takeaways:

    Definition of Skills-Based Organizations: Learn how a skills-based organization structures itself around the skills and knowledge of its employees rather than traditional job roles or hierarchies.Practical Implementation at Amdocs: Discover how Amdocs is leveraging Eightfold's Career Hub to empower employees by recognizing and utilizing their skills effectively.Benefits for Employees: Explore the personalized learning and development opportunities offered by a skills-based approach, as well as the potential for gig economy-style projects within the organization.Benefits for Managers: Understand how managers can leverage insights into their team's skills to foster individual growth, close knowledge gaps, and support career aspirations effectively.

    Learn more about Yael 

    Learn more about Ora

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    Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

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  • Join Mike, Reetu, and Yael as they explore the concept of Guided Disruption™. Discover success stories, data-driven insights that guide ongoing improvements, and strategies for ensuring AI-driven disruptions align with company goals and values. Don't miss our AI co-host Alex's final out-of-the-box question, which will leave you thinking about the future of AI-driven disruptions.

    Key Takeaways:

    Guided Disruption™ involves the strategic implementation of AI to bring about innovation and positive changes in the workplace.Balancing the need for disruption with addressing employee and customer concerns is vital for successful AI integration.Data-driven insights and metrics play a crucial role in measuring the success of Guided Disruption™ initiatives and driving ongoing improvements. 

    Guided Disruption™ is a term coined by Amdocs and is currently going through the trademark process.

    Learn more about Yael 

    Learn more about Mike

    Learn more about Reetu

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    Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

  • In this enlightening episode of "Your Career: Choice or Chance – GenAI in the Workplace," host Mike MacDade and Zvi Joseph, Deputy General Counsel, embark on a journey to unravel the intricate relationship between GenAI and individual privacy rights. With the expertise of Zvi, they explore the evolving landscape of privacy concerns amidst the rapid advancement of GenAI technologies. From data collection practices to regulatory frameworks, they examine the key challenges and opportunities presented by the intersection of GenAI and privacy.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    Background on GenAI and Privacy: Gain insights into how GenAI and privacy intersect and the implications for individuals and organizations in the digital age.Fostering a Culture of Privacy-Consciousness: Explore strategies for organizations to promote a culture of privacy-consciousness and data stewardship among employees, including training, accountability mechanisms, and incentives.Advocating for Privacy Rights: Learn how individuals can advocate for their privacy rights and navigate privacy concerns in GenAI-enabled workplaces, addressing issues such as privacy erosion, power dynamics, and regulatory gaps.Balancing Benefits and Ethical Considerations: Consider the delicate balance between the potential benefits of GenAI advancements and the ethical considerations regarding individual privacy, exploring topics such as data collection, ethical dilemmas, regulatory frameworks.

    Learn more about Zvi

    Learn more about Mike

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    Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

  • In this episode of "Your Career: Choice or Chance – Gen AI in the Workplace," host Yael Shur welcomes Itay Gadot, Marketing Strategy Executive, to explore the transformative impact of Multimodality in AI. Together, they delve into the intricate world of AI, unpacking the concept of Multimodality and its profound implications for the future of work. With the insightful perspective of Alex, our AI co-host, the conversation navigates through the nuances of Multimodal AI, from its definition and differences from traditional single modal AI to its diverse applications across various industries.

    Key Takeaways:

    Understand the essence of Multimodality in AI and its role in seamless reasoning, decision-making, and analysis across various data types.Explore diverse use cases of Multimodal AI, from enhancing learning and healthcare to revolutionizing customer service and entertainment.Gain insights into how Multimodal AI will influence the future of work, fostering enhanced collaboration, communication, productivity, and creativity.

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    Learn more about Itay.

    Learn more about Yael. 

    Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

  • In this episode, Mike MacDade and Jeremy Smith, CTO-Engineering discuss the impact of GenAI on Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Together with AI co-host Alex, they dive into various phases of SDLC affected by GenAI, touching on planning, development, testing, and human collaboration aspects. They explore challenges, opportunities, and ethical considerations arising from the integration of AI into the SDLC.

    Key Takeaways:

    Integrating Generative AI in SDLC demands new skills from developers and prompts changes in team dynamics, fostering a collaborative relationship between human developers and AI systems.Incorporating Generative AI in SDLC influences end-user interactions, emphasizing the importance of responsible and unbiased AI usage to address ethical concerns regarding fairness, accountability, and transparency in decision-making algorithms.

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    Learn more about Jeremy.

    Learn more about Mike.

    Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

  • Join host Yael Shur, for a special episode as we celebrate International Women's Day by diving into the intriguing world of GenAI and gender bias. Yael welcomes Laila Sprejer, an esteemed leader in data science and AI teams, to uncover the risks associated with biased data and the challenges faced by women in tech leadership roles. With the insightful perspective of Alex, our AI co-host, the discussion navigates through the impact of gender biases in AI algorithms and strategies to bridge the gender gap in tech-related positions.

    Key Takeaways:

    Gen AI Impact: Understand how Gen AI affects our lives, from content creation to automation, and the risks of biased data.Bias Origins: Examine gender bias origins in AI, from skewed datasets to gender underrepresentation in tech, impacting economic and social equality.Empowering Women: Discover the importance of women's engagement in Gen AI and strategies to bridge the gender gap in tech roles. Bias Mitigation: Learn methods to identify and mitigate gender bias in AI, from data selection to fostering diverse teams and promoting transparency.

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    Learn more about Laila.

    Learn more about Yael

    Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

  • In this episode, Mike MacDade and Mary Tsilov, Product Strategy Manager, dive into the impact of AI on traditional roles, focusing on the importance of reskilling in the product management landscape. They discuss the challenges faced by professionals and organizations and delve into strategies for effective reskilling initiatives. Throughout the conversation, Alex, the AI co-host, brings a unique AI perspective, emphasizing the benefits of reskilling and sharing insights into successful reskilling endeavors.

     

    Key Takeaways:

     

    Evolving product management roles in the AI era.The significance of reskilling and challenges faced by professionals.Strategies for driving impactful reskilling programs.Real-life benefits and outcomes of reskilling in product management.

     

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    Learn more about Mary.

    Learn more about Mike.

    Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

  • Reetu hosts Tzvia Reinhold, an Organizational and Occupational Psychologist and a manager in the Talent Management Team. In this episode, they explore the impact of AI on the employee experience, rethinking AI's role in the workplace, and addressing common fears and misconceptions employees have about AI and automation. With his last question, Alex, our AI co-host, brings his unique AI perspective into the discussion, understanding AI's collaborative potential and coping mechanisms to thrive in a technologically advancing world.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    Reimagining AI as a collaborative partner, not a competitor, in the workplace.Addressing common fears and misconceptions about AI and automation among employees.Coping strategies for employees and employers in a technology-driven world.

     

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    Learn more about Tzvia.

    Learn more about Reetu.

    Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

  • In this episode, Mike MacDade and Alex, the AI co-host, dives into the groundbreaking world of AI's influence on design with industry experts Mirit Cohen, an Interactive Designer, and Andrew Weigand, a Multimedia Professional. The episode navigates through reshaped creative processes, challenges faced in working with AI, opportunities arising, and strategies to adapt to an AI-influenced industry landscape.

     

    Key Takeaways:

     

    Reshaping Creativity: AI integration prompts workflow adaptations, leveraging AI's unpredictability strategically and redefining success metrics in design projects.Challenges and Adaptations: Managing unexpected AI-generated designs, ensuring design coherence, and adapting feedback to AI content remain pivotal challenges.Opportunities and Career Growth: Continuous learning in AI-integrated design, identifying career prospects, and upskilling strategies amid AI advancements.Future Design Trends: Embrace AI as a design tool, stay competitive in AI-integrated design, and enhance skills for an evolving landscape.

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    Learn more about Mirit.

    Learn more about Andrew.

    Learn more about Mike.

    Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

  • Reetu Raina and Alex, the AI co-host, meet Esty Liani, Head of R&D, to explore the complexities of managing diverse teams of humans and machines. The discussion navigates the transition from technical expertise to leadership roles after AI advancements.

    Key Takeaways:

    Transitioning from technical expertise to leadership roles amidst AI advancements.Principles for holistic management of diverse technical teams.Strategies for talent retention and motivating AI teams.Overcoming challenges and fostering trust in mixed AI-human teams.

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    Learn more about Esty.

    Learn more about Reetu.

    Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

  • In this episode, Reetu Raina welcomes Adam Rogers, Talent Strategy Lead, for an insightful discussion about how Gen AI is revolutionizing talent acquisition. 

    Don't miss our AI co-host Alex's final out-of-the-box question, which will leave you thinking about the future of talent management with AI.

    Key Takeaways:

    AI-driven tools are transforming talent acquisition by personalizing career development and enhancing the recruitment process.AI fosters diversity and inclusion in talent acquisition, contributing to more successful and sustainable organizations.Organizations that strategically integrate AI into talent management gain a competitive edge and improve their overall success.

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    Learn more about Reetu.

    Learn more about Adam.

    This podcast is produced by Quill.

    Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

  • In this episode, our host, Yael Shur Shmueli, Head of HR Amdocs technological and Corporate units welcomes Vilma López Lemoine, Technical Program Manager- Data Scientist, to uncover the skills and qualities individuals need to thrive in an AI-driven workforce. 

    Don't miss our AI co-host Alex's final out-of-the-box question, which will leave you thinking about the transformative power of acquiring new skills in the era of AI and automation.

    Key Takeaways:

    Higher cognitive, social, emotional, and technological skills are key for thriving in an AI-driven workforce.Professionals can develop these skills through continuous learning, adaptability, and leveraging AI-driven skill development programs.Adaptability is a crucial skill in a dynamic job market, allowing individuals to navigate change and seize opportunities for career growth.

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    Learn more about Yael. 

    Learn more about Vilma.

    This podcast is produced by Quill.

    Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

  • Yael Shur Shmueli, Head of HR Amdocs technological and Corporate units, Mike MacDade, Head of Operations, Amdocs Strategy and Technology, and Reetu Raina, Head of Talent Management, come together again to set the stage for an exciting exploration of Gen AI's role in reshaping the workplace. Discover what to expect in the upcoming episodes and why the future of work is a topic that impacts us all. In this episode, you’ll get to know a new, exciting addition to this season! Alex, our new AI co-host, who adds a unique, out-of-the-box perspective to the discussions! Get ready to embark on a career transformation and innovation journey in a GenAI workplace.

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    Learn more about Yael. 

    Learn more about Mike.

    Learn more about Reetu. 

    This podcast is produced by Quill.

    Interested in further exploring the impact of GenAI? Check out the Future of Tech Podcast for diverse perspectives within the tech realm.

  • Yael Shur Shmueli, Amdocs Head of HR Strategy and Technology Units hosts the final episode of the first season. Join her as she interviews her co-hosts Mike MacDade, Executive Chief of Staff, and Reetu Raina, Head of Talent Management Organization. Together they explore the growing trend of boomerang employees in the workplace. 

    Key Takeaways:

    The choice to leave:

    Reetu found her career at Amdocs inspiring but after some time she felt she needed something more holistic and broader. Mike, thoroughly enjoyed his position but the direction the customer was headed in didn’t align with what he wanted both personally and professionally. 

    Why come back?

    Reetu admits that even after she had left Amdocs she still carried Amdocs with her. She would mention Amdocs in her new work environment to the point that her new colleagues said she loved Amdocs. 

    The experience of coming back:

    Mike describes it as an “odd familiarity”. On the one hand you’re back at Amdocs but on the other there are new people and working relationships to be forged. In his case, coming back to a different part of the organization, felt like a different experience. 

    Advice from Mike and Reetu

    In both cases, the choice to return was both choice and chance. A choice to return followed by a chance opportunity. 
  • Reetu Raina, Head of Talent Management, interviews Ayana Gisser, Head of Israel Communications and Social Media, about navigating the workplace without a formal degree. Ayana believes in the importance of formal education but notes that experience is just as important. Her career journey has been filled with opportunities and her willingness to open the door when they knock. 

    Key Takeaways:

    A journey to self-discovery:

    The truth is that Ayana had no idea what she wanted to do with her career 20 years ago. She learned what her skills and passion were in the course of her career and decided to hone in on them. 

    Is a formal education important? 

    Ayana’s story is not to disregard the importance of a formal education and she will encourage and empower her own children to complete their education. It’s important to note that studies are showing many organizations believe that experience is equally important. 

    There are two factors to consider:

    A person’s personality and the formal education they carry are the two components of success. 

    A choice and a chance:  

    Ayana’s direction into storytelling may have happened by chance but she has made choices about where she could best use her skill. Amdocs has been one of those choices.
  • Mike MacDade, Executive Chief of Staff, interviews Ela Radzi, Head of Strategic Initiatives, Programs and Operations, Saas and Data business unit, about the opportunities of moving in between units. Ela speaks about her career journey and why she finds internal mobility exciting. 

    Key Takeaways:

    Moving has always been a choice:

    Ela says that twice in her career she had to move due to customer needs, but it was never imposed on her. The choice to move in between units has always been hers. 

    Why does Ela enjoy moving in between units? 

    Ela is passionate about her work and enjoys change. She’s excited at the prospect of building something from scratch. It increases internal networking because moving within Amdocs exposes you to different units and departments. 

    The advantages of moving in between units:

    It offers the opportunity to harness new skills for example, the skills needed in the technology units are different from those in customer-facing roles. You need to know and understand the latest technological advancements in technical units. In customer-facing roles, you need more soft skills like presentation skills and executive speaking. 

    Fear is normal and good:

    If you take a new role that you’re not even a little scared of then you won’t find it exciting. A little fear is a good thing, it keeps the work interesting and will push you to learn new things. 

    Learn more about Mike MacDade 

    Learn more about Ela Radzi 

    This podcast is produced by Quill

  • Yael Shur Shmueli, Amdocs Head of HR Strategy and Technology Units, talks to Fiona Malone, Amdocs Network Business Operations Project Manager, about embracing new beginnings after an acquisition.  Join them as Fiona shares her unique career journey, organization change and the opportunities and challenges that go with it.

    Key Takeaways:

    Career life after a merger 

    There are significant unknowns, with positives and challenges to being acquired by another, larger organization.  While change involves a significant learning curve, this can be viewed as an opportunity.

    Embracing new beginnings and the positives 

    Fiona unpacks the opportunities of moving to Amdocs, a multicultural organization with global reach. There is increased interaction with colleagues all over the globe. Amdocs is people and environment centric, with a significant focus and investment on wellbeing, diversity, inclusion, CSO and volunteering. Greater internal movement possibilities and improved benefits, competitive compensation plans, learning and development and employee share purchase schemes.

    The challenges of transitioning into new ways of working 

    Coming from a smaller company and moving into an organization of 28000 people, can feel slower and less agile.  This shift entails establishing new people networks very quickly and working relationships, understanding who’s who and who does what, and learning new platforms and new processes.

    Learn more about Yael Shur 

    This podcast is produced by Quill.

  • Reetu Raina, Head of Talent Management, talks to Itzhak Tueg, Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) Implementation Manager, about the opportunities for upskilling and why it’s valuable to our careers. With a more than twenty-year career in software, Itzhak started in the testing domain and today manages production. Itzhak believes that his progress is due to upskilling which added knowledge to his career.

      

    Key Takeaways:  Itzhak has constantly made choices to look at where he wants to be and what he needs to get there. He uses learning tools, learning courses, and learning from those around him with more experience to reach his career goals.

    Challenges to upskilling:  Some companies find it challenging to create upskilling programs which employees feel are connected to their job or career.  In the case of Amdocs, the company does offer upskilling but the challenge for the employees is to dedicate the time to upskill themselves.

    Why should employees upskill?  Employees need to think of their long-term goals for their careers. Where do they want to be in five years and how upskilling can help them reach that goal? Technology is always changing such as with the introduction of Generative AI, and everyone needs to constantly learn new tools to improve themselves and stay relevant.

    How can employees get upskilling? Managers are aware and able to offer advice about upskilling and employees should feel free to speak to them first to get the necessary guidance. 

    Learn more about Reetu Raina

    Learn more about Itzhak Tueg

    This podcast is produced by Quill.

  • Mike MacDade, Executive Chief of Staff, talks to luliana Secrieru, Product Manager in Digital Brands and Youth Product, about coming back and embracing leave. In this episode, luliana shares her personal experiences, talks about the different types of leave, and shares insights for colleagues who are considering taking leave. 

    Key Takeaways:

    Embrace whatever kind of leave you have when you take it. Uncertainty is a common feeling surrounding taking leave, but employees shouldn’t worry as most of the time there are many opportunities after they return. 

    Paternal vs maternal leave:

    There are differences in countries and regions in terms of duration and payment however more can be done to encourage men to take advantage of paternity leave. Parental leave should be viewed as a positive commitment to a man’s family and establishing a good work/life balance. 

    Do colleagues experience discrimination when coming back from leave?

    luliana didn’t experience any discrimination because she felt that Amdocs fosters an environment that supports leave. Unfortunately, discrimination still exists in society as a whole with many women feeling that taking maternity leave works against them. Due to this, Iuliana did feel a certain amount of guilt around taking leave, regardless of the company. 

    The challenges coming back from maternity/paternity leave:

    Becoming a new parent can be overwhelming, challenging, and stressful. New parents now have increased responsibilities therefore time management can be a challenge. A lot of attention is needed on both sides, professional and personal. 

    Learn more about Mike MacDade 

    Learn more about Iuliana Secrieru

    This podcast is produced by Quill.