In this episode of Digitel Talk, Ian Ginn is joined by innovation strategist Michael Bednar-Brandt to explore how AI is reshaping leadership in telecoms—not just as a tool, but as a transformative force redefining how organisations operate.
They unpack the challenges facing telecoms leaders in an era of accelerated change, from agentic AI and data sovereignty to leadership mindsets, agility and the “fitness level” required to stay competitive. Michael also shares a future-facing view on automation, lights-out operations, and why leadership in telecoms needs to shift from control to adaptability.
Links and resources

• Futurenet World – https://www.futurenetworld.net
• NVIDIA NeMo Framework – https://developer.nvidia.com/nemo
• Anthropic’s MCP (Modular Context Protocol) – https://www.anthropic.com
• AI Act – European Commission – https://artificialintelligenceact.eu

Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe– Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitisation and growth [https://www.ifgconsultingeurope.com]

Guest bio
Michael Bednar-Brandt is CEO of Unify7 and a specialist in leadership for Human–AI organisations. With a background in corporate innovation, digital transformation, and international executive roles, he helps companies build the capabilities needed for sustainable performance in complex environments.

Podcast credits:

• Host: Ian Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-ginn/)
• Guest: Michael Bednar-Brandt (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bednarbrandt)
• Editor: Francis Wright (https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciswaudio/)
• Designer: Rebecca Ginn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-ginn-86218414a/)
• Project manager: Ivana Duric (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanamj/)

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