Switchboard Connect

Every other week, I curate a few relevant pieces of AI & Automation news and insights for SMB operators & execs.

And if your social and news feeds are anything like mine, you’re seeing too much AI Agent hype so I won’t talk about that – yet.

Lots to discuss though so let’s dive in!

A great read: I read this HBR article recently that felt like it was siphoning from my mind—and I think you’ll feel the same.

It explores how leading teams are rethinking their businesses in the age of AI. If you haven’t started thinking this way yet, this is your moment to catch up.

Why it matters:

• Businesses leveraging AI successfully aren’t just adding “shiny, new tools”—they’re reimagining processes entirely.

• As AI continues to reshape industries, it’s critical to shift from incremental updates to transformative thinking. Not in the corny “Digital Transformation” sense, but this era needs a shift in thinking from leaders inside each business.

Actionable insights:

• Start with the end in mind: Define the outcome you want AI to drive, then work backward.

• Marry AI with process management: AI isn’t a standalone fix—it works best when integrated into clear, efficient processes.

• Build for adaptability: The best AI strategies account for evolving needs and new opportunities.

Go deeper: Read the full article and learn how to adapt your approach here.

What’s new: Deloitte’s 2025 Tech Trends report reveals how AI is redefining businesses and IT inside of them.

I fully agree with what Jensen Huang, NVIDIA’s CEO, said recently, “IT will be the HR for AI’s just as HR is for humans.” This report makes that abundantly clear with some actionable insights for you.

A few relevant highlights:

• IT is transforming: AI is shifting IT from a support function to a strategic powerhouse, automating processes & infrastructure management.

• Humans in the loop: Generative AI allows IT teams to focus on orchestration and innovation while automating routine tasks.

• Automation at scale: AI and IT leaders are empowering “citizen developers” to automate work within their team as it’s becoming easier to do when the right strategy is at play.

I believe that IT departments not only will but must look fundamentally different in the next 2-3 years and you’ll see from reading (or skimming 😉) this report how that is already starting to happen.

Here’s a direct link to the full report →

The opportunity: Instabase automates the painful process of reading, transcribing, and structuring unstructured data—like paper forms, faxes, and handwritten documents—so businesses can finally unlock true AI automation.

Why it matters:

• I’ve been testing it, and it’s a game-changer for turning messy, time-consuming document workflows into seamless, automated processes.

• Structuring data is the key to scaling AI, but doing it manually wastes countless hours. Instabase takes that burden off your team.

The big picture: Instabase’s recent $100M funding round is proof they’re doubling down on a product that is working. If paperwork and digitizing data still feels like a bottleneck, this could be the fix you’ve been waiting for.

Go deeper: Learn more about Instabase here →

What’s new: Digital Transformation—a term I often poke fun at for its legacy of buzzwords and overhyped “frameworks”—can still a handy umbrella for teams navigating the intersection of tech, strategy, and operations.

Why it matters: CIO.com cuts through the jargon with a sharp look at what’s in, what’s out, and what’s next for Digital Transformation in 2025—and I agree with much of it.

What’s in and out this year?

• In: Automation is replacing fragmented tools, helping teams scale efficiency across processes by connecting the tools involved.

• Out: Broad, unfocused digital projects—teams are moving toward more targeted, outcome-driven initiatives.

• In: Doubling down on data and AI governance—teams are prioritizing data security, governance, and quality to fuel reliable, safe AI while reducing risk.

• Out: Expecting employees will keep up with AI—businesses that neglect change management will fall behind as AI accelerates workflows.

• Core shift: Technology is no longer a department—it’s becoming the backbone of strategy and culture in teams.

Go deeper: Read the full write up here →

That’s all for this week.

A quick question before you go:

Chat soon 👋