Less Chatter, More Matter: The Communications Podcast #158 AI is here, and this is what internal comms needs to know (and do) (ft. Dan Sodergren)
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Feb 18, 2026 
Dan Sodergren, futurist and author of The AI Advantage, explores what AI means for internal communicators. He discusses shadow AI and policy gaps. He outlines role shifts as routine work is automated. He highlights the importance of training, trust, transparency and emotional intelligence. He also covers data ownership, personalization risks and AI’s potential for accessibility and learning.
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Early AI Network Shaped Dan's Career
- Dan's long-term friendships inside AI (including knowing DeepMind's co-founder) led him to work on AI and HR tech well before mainstream interest.
- He recounts geeking about AI for 30 years and shifting from marketing into HR tech and speaking on future of work.
Shadow AI Is A Major Unseen Risk
- Shadow AI is widespread: many employees use consumer AI tools with company data outside policy.
- Dan cites research claiming about 67% of employees use unauthorized AI, creating data leakage and compliance risk.
Start Learning AI Yourself Today
- Start learning and using AI now or risk being outcompeted by colleagues who do.
- Dan bluntly warns roles will be amalgamated or taken by more tech-literate people if communicators don't upskill.