Agentic AI and the Art of Asking Better Questions

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I’ve had a lot of conversations about AI over the past couple of years, some of them useful, some of them exaggerated, and some of them that make me wonder if we’re talking about the same technology. But every now and then, I have the opportunity to sit down with someone who not only understands technology, but also sees its broader implications clearly and honestly. This episode of TechSpective Podcast It’s one of those moments.

Jeetu PatelPresident and Chief Product Officer at ciscojoins me in an impromptu, unfiltered conversation covering a larger topic than I could have identified in a set of pre-written questions. In fact, I have drafted a set of written questions in advance. We didn’t follow or use it at all. Jeetu and I have known each other for a while, and this episode reflects the kind of conversation you only have with someone deeply immersed in the strategic and human sides of technology. It’s thoughtful. It’s philosophical. And he doesn’t pull any punches.

At the heart of our discussion is the concept of “agent AI” – a term that is used frequently, sometimes without much clarity. We explain what it actually means, what it can realistically do, and how it differs from the wave of chatbots and content generators that came before it. Most importantly, we talk about how these AI agents can change not only the tasks we automate, but also the way we think about work itself.

Naturally, with any conversation about AI and the future of work comes the inevitable tension: what is being lost, what is being reimagined, and what still requires clear human judgment. Jeetu offers a nuanced look at this, rooted in his experience pioneering product innovation at one of the world’s largest technology companies. It’s not a conversation full of predictions so much as it is a reframing of the questions we should be asking.

What caught my attention is how quickly we normalize the unusual. Technology that seemed magical a couple of years ago has become an integral part of our daily workflow. This speed of adoption changes the risks. This means we need to be more intentional, not just about what AI can do, but also what we want it to do, and what we risk unpacking too quickly.

We also touch on the philosophical implications. If AI agents are truly capable of handling more heavy cognitive loads, what is our role in this episode? Do we become liberators? Moderators? Explorers of the new frontier? How do we prepare for jobs that don’t yet exist, with tools that are evolving faster than we can document them?

I think this episode will resonate with anyone trying to navigate this moment, whether you work in product development, policy, marketing, or just someone who likes to think a few steps ahead. It’s about more than just artificial intelligence. It’s about how we adapt, how we define value, and what we choose to hold onto as the landscape changes.

Give it a listen. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I have a passion for technology and gadgets and a desire to help others understand how technology can impact or improve their lives. I also love spending time with my wife, 7 kids, 4 dogs, 5 cats, a pot-bellied pig, and a turtle, and I like to think I enjoy reading and golf even though I don’t have time for either. You can contact me directly at tony@xpective.net. For more from me, you can follow me on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.