This is a podcast episode titled, Automation is Change Management. The summary for this episode is: <h3>Episode Summary</h3><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Markus Zirn and Michael Balarezo explore the transformative realm of automation and AI. Leveraging his experience leading Media.Monk’s Automation and AI strategy, Michael offers a wealth of invaluable insights on navigating digital transformation. They discuss the synergy of AI and automation, highlighted by Media.Monks’ revolutionary software, Monks.Flow. Michael also emphasizes the importance of fostering an automation-first culture and making AI tools accessible across the workforce. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or industry professional, Michael's expertise offers practical advice for leveraging automation and AI to drive organizational transformation.</p><p><br></p><h3>Timestamps</h3><p><br></p><p>*(00:00) Episode Start</p><p><br></p><p>*(03:52) Michael's thoughts on AI and automation</p><p><br></p><p>*(08:11) Media.Monks' Monks.Flow software</p><p><br></p><p>*(11:37) Michael's journey at Media.Monks</p><p><br></p><p>*(22:00) Automation culture at Media.Monks</p><p><br></p><p>*(29:16) Empowering people in automation</p><p><br></p><p>*(34:59) Experiences with AI integration in automation</p><p><br></p><p>*(39:59) AI as a tool for inspiration</p><p><br></p><p>*(45:12) Michael's advice on automation and AI</p><p><br></p><h3>Episode Key Takeaways</h3><p><br></p><ul><li><strong>Maximize the power of automation with AI</strong>: Look for ways to bring AI into your automation projects. AI can help make smarter decisions and supercharge your automation processes to work even better alongside humans.</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li><strong>Foster an automation-first culture</strong>: Make automation a part of your organization's DNA. Encourage everyone to get on board with automation, ensuring that its benefits and know-how are available to all.</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li><strong>Democratize access to technology</strong>: Ensure that everyone in your team has access to AI and automation tools and training. By giving everyone a chance to engage with these technologies, you're opening the door to new ideas and innovations.</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li><strong>Prioritize your budget for automation and AI</strong>: Get the money conversation going early. Make sure there's a dedicated budget for automation and AI projects by working closely with your financial decision-makers. With clear financial planning, you can speed up the adoption and growth of automation and AI in your organization.</li></ul><p><br></p><h3>Top Quote</h3><p><br></p><p>"I've always said automation is change management. And there's this push and this pull in the automation journey. As you continue to scale out automation in your practice, you have to really identify what works and what doesn't work, for your business. But it's a team effort. If you don't have other folks around you supporting that and also beating the same drum, it makes it very difficult to kind of adopt that sort of mentality, that mindset, that culture." – Michael Balarezo</p>