Rob Scott
As a business that embraces a four-day work week, we’ve always been passionate about working smarter, not longer. It’s this principle that led us to launch our AI Lab in March 2025—a development that’s proving transformational for Today Digital in ways I couldn’t have fully anticipated.
The Genesis of Our AI Journey
The journey began in 2023 when we started noticing the rise of shadow IT within our organization. Team members were experimenting with generative AI tools like ChatGPT, exploring their capabilities much as I was myself. While this experimentation showed tremendous initiative, it also highlighted the need for a structured approach to AI adoption.
We’re acutely aware of the compliance and security challenges that come with unauthorized applications. From data protection concerns to the potential leakage of corporate information, the risks are significant. Yet standing still isn’t an option either—innovation requires embracing new technology.
This tension led us to develop our first AI policy, outlining acceptable usage guidelines while encouraging experimentation. What became immediately apparent was the potential for workplace transformation across all touchpoints and workflows.
Creating White Space in a Time-Poor Business
Operating on a four-day work week means we’re inherently time-poor. We don’t have the luxury of the traditional five-day schedule, which makes productivity essential. Every minute counts, and we need to create what I call “white space”—room for creativity and innovation that’s often consumed by repetitive tasks.
AI tools have become crucial in this mission. They’re helping us automate routine processes, streamline complex tasks, and ultimately unlock greater creative potential across the business. When you can offload the mundane, you create space for the meaningful.
From Individual Experimentation to Collective Intelligence
As AI usage grew throughout the company, we faced a new challenge: knowledge sharing. Everyone was at different stages of their AI journey, with some team members developing sophisticated prompts while others were just getting started. The diversity of skill levels created both an opportunity and a barrier.
How could we share knowledge, level up skills across the organization, and ensure everyone benefited from collective learning?
Introducing the AI Lab
Our solution launched in early 2025: the Today Digital AI Lab. It’s both a digital space on Microsoft Teams and a weekly gathering that’s transforming how we work:
- A prompt library of approved templates that can be used across the business
- Weekly AI Lab Live sessions held before work at 8:30 AM where we share discoveries
- An open forum for ideas and collaborative learning
- AI over coffee discussions that bridge professional and personal productivity
What’s particularly exciting is how these sessions have evolved beyond purely professional applications. We’re also exploring how AI can enhance our personal productivity—creating more balance in our lives beyond work.
After attending our first AI Lab, Kieran Devlin, Technology Journalist for UC Today, said:
The AI lab was a positively creative and collaborative experience, with some terrific ideas for maximising AI as a work copilot.
Dan Simpson, Performance Marketing Manager, told us:
The AI Lab is a great way to not only discover new tools which work best for different needs, but interesting strategies and features which have integrated into daily work life. This is helping me to streamline repetitive tasks, quickly visualize data, and juggle multiple responsibilities at once.
The Mission Continues
Our mission remains clear: work smarter, not longer. As a growing business, we’re constantly looking to move the needle, better serve our customers, and satisfy our audience with exceptional content.
The AI Lab is becoming the vehicle that enables this mission, helping us make transformational impact as we continue to grow. It’s about creating space for what matters most—the creative thinking and innovation that truly differentiates Today Digital.
Join Our Journey
If you’d like to know more about our AI journey or even join one of our AI Lab sessions, we’d be delighted to welcome you. Reach out to me directly to discuss how we might share ideas and spark debate on what’s becoming an increasingly crucial topic for businesses of all sizes.
After all, the future of work isn’t about longer hours—it’s about smarter collaboration, and AI is proving to be the perfect partner in that mission.
Rob Scott is the Founder and CEO of Today Digital
