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The Incredible i Show

AI Hype vs Reality: What CIOs Are Actually Seeing Today | with Michael Gallagher, CIO at Lightedge

April 08, 2026 • Season 9 • Episode 2

0:00 | 33:45

AI is everywhere — but what’s actually working in the real world?

In this episode of The Incredible i Show, Peg Tuttle sits down with Michael Gallagher, CIO at Lightedge, to cut through the noise and explore how AI is truly being used inside organizations today.

From productivity gains to mindset shifts, Michael shares practical insights from implementing AI inside enterprise environments. This conversation goes beyond buzzwords and focuses on what it really takes to make AI work — including content strategy, data readiness, security, and adoption.

If you’re a business leader, technologist, or simply trying to understand where AI fits in your organization, this episode delivers real-world perspective you can apply immediately.

🔑 What You’ll Learn

What’s real vs. hype in AI today
Why content and data matter before AI can deliver value
How AI champions help drive adoption
What leaders should consider around security and tool selection
How AI is improving productivity across the business

💡 Key Takeaways

AI is already creating real business value
Strong content, data, and guardrails matter
Adoption works best when teams see practical use cases
AI is changing how people work, not just the tools they use

👤 About Michael Gallagher

Michael Gallagher is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Lightedge, where he leads enterprise technology strategy with a focus on innovation, operational efficiency, and AI-driven transformation. With extensive experience in IT leadership, Michael specializes in aligning technology with business outcomes, helping organizations modernize their approach to data, automation, and digital workflows.

He has been at the forefront of implementing AI within the enterprise, driving practical use cases that enhance productivity, improve decision-making, and support scalable growth.

🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-gallagher-60827672

🔗 Learn More

Lightedge: https://www.lightedge.com

🎁 One Incredible Thing

Michael shares his experience visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios — a fun reminder of the power of immersive experiences and attention to detail.

Peg shares her excitement around stepping into a new creative chapter — combining technology and creativity through podcasting, storytelling, and even quilting — and how exploring new passions can open the door to what’s next.

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