Is automation coming for your job, or is it just this century's photocopier?

In this episode of TechSphere, hosted by the fabulous Nina Manku, she is joined by BPP lecturers Dr. Francesca Tagliaferri and Damien D'Arcy to navigate the hype versus the reality of the automated workplace.

The panel bring a much-needed historical perspective, comparing the current AI hype to past tech revolutions. They discuss the two sides of automation, "augmentation" versus "replacement" and point out that the most valuable skills in an automated world are surprisingly human.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Hype vs. Reality: Why the news talks about AI saving millions, while most companies are still "drowning in Excel spreadsheets".
• The Human Skills: Why "softer skills" like negotiation, strategic planning, and simply being a "nice person to work with" are becoming more valuable, not less.
• The "First Mover" Problem: The brilliant reason why other supermarkets aren't copying Amazon's automated stores—and what it teaches us about tech strategy.
• Leadership's New Job: Why ethics and governance can no longer be "tacked on at the end" and must be part of AI design from day one.

I'm Idris Fabiyi, Head of Technology and Innovation at BPP University, Estio Training, Firebrand Training & host of the TechSphere podcast. I'm on a mission to demystify complex technology and make it accessible for businesses and learners.

Follow me on LinkedIn: Idris Fabiyi

My Medium.com profile: Read my Articles

Get in Touch: [email protected]