In this episode of the AI Adoption Podcast, I interviewed Marco Forgione, Director General of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade. Marco’s extensive experience and knowledge provides deep insights into the strategic use of AI in international trade. He argues that AI is fundamentally changing international trade and provides examples such as companies like Maersk that are using AI for predictive logistics to AI-enabled customs systems in Kenya. We discuss the challenges faced by businesses, particularly micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs), in adopting AI technologies and ways in which business leaders can address these challenges.
“AI is already transforming shipping, agriculture, and professional services, it’s not science fiction, it’s happening now.” Marco Forgione
One area that often receives little attention is the impact of AI on professional services that support international trade. Jobs and employment in these sectors will be affected, as processes are automated and simplified, with the emergence, for instance, of fully autonomous supply chains, autonomous vehicles, ports and digital customs operations. Our conversation explores the regulatory landscape and the role of government policy in facilitating AI adoption to enhance trade efficiency and economic growth. This raises the risk of the UK and the EU being left behind considering competition from the US and China. For many organisations trading internationally, the cost and skills gaps are holding them back and there is a need for the UK to ensure joined-up policy making.
Marco’s central point is clear: the technology is ready; what’s needed is leadership and political will.
Key messages
1. AI is not yet fully adopted in by the UK’s public and private sector engaged with international trade.
2. MSMEs face significant barriers to AI adoption and need tailored support.
3. Larger export trading businesses are leading in AI implementation.
4. AI can optimise supply chains in many different sectors and reduce costs.
5. Government assistance is required for MSME AI adoption.
6. Autonomous systems in shipping, ports, warehouses, and transportation are changing logistics and supply chain operations.
7. AI is rapidly transforming professional services that support international trade.
8. Interoperability between systems is important to enhance trade efficiency.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI in International Trade
02:43 Current State of AI Adoption in Trade
05:45 Challenges in Implementing AI
08:58 Empowering MSMEs in AI Adoption
11:39 Future of Autonomous Supply Chains
15:01 AI in Professional Services
19:55 Impact of AI on Employment
22:40 AI in the Creative Sector
26:00 Government Policy and AI
29:00 Supporting MSMEs for International Trade
In this episode of The AI Adoption Podcast, I speak with Kate Jones, CEO of the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF), which brings together four regulators: Ofcom, the ICO, the CMA and the FCA to work together on regulating online and digital services. We discuss the work does with the Regulatory Innovation Office, which is part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. DRCF’s influence extends internationally, as countries seek to learn from and emulate its best practices.
We explore what it means to build public trust in AI, how “principles-based” regulation can make compliance simpler, and how regulators are learning to collaborate like doctors working on one shared care plan for the digital economy.
We discussed:
• Why regulation and innovation are not opponents but partners
• How UK regulators support companies build compliance “by design”
• The concept of smart data and its potential to open new markets for SMEs
• What boards can learn from regulators about joining up compliance functions
Find out why Kate says: “if we get digital regulation wrong, the AI environment could end up dividing society rather than lifting it.”
Listen in to understand how regulation and innovation can work together to create a trusted, thriving AI ecosystem.
🎧 In this episode of The AI Adoption Podcast, I speak with Yves Bollinger, General Manager at Plan.Net Studios, part of the Serviceplan Group. We explore the fascinating intersection of AI and blockchain and how decentralised technologies such as the Masumi Protocol built on the Cardano blockchain can establish trust, identity and accountability between millions of AI agents.
We explore examples such as a team of AI travel agents planning a family trip entirely through autonomous negotiation, and how organisations can monetise their proprietary data by deploying agents in the Sokosumi marketplace. Yves discusses how these technologies could reduce reliance on big tech platforms and create a new, open and verifiable digital economy.
We discuss how businesses, large and small, can build or buy their own AI agents to monetise their data. This will improve productivity at the possible cost of fewer entry level jobs. We examine how leaders can prepare for a future in which agents collaborate, trade and take actions without human intervention, leading perhaps to an “agentic economy”.
Business Leaders and policy makers need to recognise that, as Yves says, “If we don’t find a way to integrate young people into the workforce, the expertise to oversee artificial intelligence will cease to exist.”
Listen to the full episode to hear how agentic AI is transforming trust, commerce, and the very structure of online ecosystems.
Key Messages
• Blockchain is a decentralised ledger that ensures data integrity.
• AI agents require a reliable identification system.
• The Masumi protocol facilitates agent interactions on the blockchain.
• Companies can leverage their data by creating their own AI agents.
• AI agents combined with blockchain technology will change the way businesses interact with customers.
• Small businesses can utilise agentic workers for efficiency.
• Customisation of AI agents is essential for specific business needs.
• The job market will shift due to the rise of AI agents.
• Society must rethink taxation in light of reduced workforce participation.
• AI and blockchain technologies are already impacting our lives today.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI and Blockchain
03:05 Understanding Blockchain Technology
06:05 The Connection Between AI and Blockchain
09:09 The Mazumi Protocol Explained
12:12 Recent Developments in AI Agents
15:04 Adopting AI Technologies in Organisations
17:56 Utilising AI Agents for Small and Medium Businesses
20:54 Customisation of AI Agents for Businesses
23:50 Impact of AI on Job Markets
26:50 Future of AI and Society
In this episode of the AI Adoption Podcast, Alex Dalman from VCCP’s Faith and I discuss the transformative role of combining human ingenuity with AI in the advertising and marketing industry. We explore how AI tools enhance creativity, the ethical implications of AI usage, and innovative campaigns like O2’s 'Daisy vs. Scammers'. Alex explains Generative Engine Optimization, which is the new frontier after SEO. The conversation addresses the challenges and responsibilities that come with AI adoption, emphasising the importance of training data and ethical practices in leveraging AI for good.
👉 Listen now for a refreshing and practical perspective on AI in marketing that blends innovation with responsibility.
Key messages
• AI is not replacing humans yet; it's a tool to enhance creativity.
• The combination of human creativity and AI is powerful.
• Creativity remains subjective and hard to define, but AI can assist.
• Innovative campaigns like Daisy vs. Scammers showcase AI's positive potential.
• Ethics and responsibility are crucial in AI development.
• The bar for creativity is higher with AI tools available.
• AI can influence consumer behaviour, raising ethical concerns.
• Training data is essential for effective AI implementation.
• There is a tension between creativity and AI-generated content.
• GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is the new frontier for brands.
Chapters
00:00 AI in Advertising
02:59 The Role of AI in Creative Processes
05:48 Innovative AI Campaigns: Daisy vs. Scammers
08:32 AI Tools and Their Impact on Creativity
11:46 Ethics and Responsibility in AI Usage
14:54 The Future of AI in Marketing
17:39 The Dark Side of AI
20:26 Ensuring Ethical and Responsible AI Development
23:39 The Importance of Training Data
26:27 The Tension Between Creativity and AI
29:16 Advice for Incorporating AI in Marketing
In this episode of the AI Adoption Podcast, Jenna Shanks from NICE and I talk about the transformative impact of AI on customer experience and operational efficiency. She shares insights on how AI is being integrated across various industries, the cultural shifts required for successful adoption, and the importance of knowledge management. Jenna emphasises the need for organisations to embrace AI to remain competitive and highlights the skills necessary for individuals to thrive in an AI-driven world.
Listen to find out why Jenna says: “What worked in the past isn’t necessarily going to work in the future and organisations that fear change risk being overtaken by their competitors.”
Key Messages
• AI can enhance customer interactions and build loyalty.
• AI can significantly improve operational efficiency and accuracy.
• Cultural shifts are essential for successful AI adoption.
• Resistance to AI often stems from fear of job loss.
• AI will not replace humans but will replace those not using it.
• Management of knowledge essential for effective AI adoption.
• Organisations must start small and build credibility with AI.
• The future of work will involve new roles created by AI diffusion.
• Continuous learning and adaptability are key in the AI era.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Agentic AI and NICE
03:00 The Role of AI in Enhancing Customer Experience
06:01 AI Implementation Across Industries
08:48 Cultural Shifts in Organisations Due to AI
12:08 Addressing Resistance to AI Adoption
14:55 Strategic Changes in Business Models with AI
17:54 The Importance of Knowledge Management for AI
AI adoption isn’t just for big companies. For the millions of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK, AI could be a lifeline or a threat.
In this episode of the AI Adoption Podcast, Baroness Martha Lane Fox and I discuss the impact of AI on SMEs. Martha is a cross-bench member of the House of Lords, President of the British Chamber of Commerce, is on the boards of various companies and runs her own small business.
She highlights the challenges SMEs face in adopting AI, including resource constraints and the need for better data management. Our conversation explores the role of government in supporting SMEs, the importance of effective AI usage, and the potential for productivity gains. Additionally, we address the implications of AI on job disruption and the necessity for clear regulatory frameworks. The British Chambers of Commerce's initiatives to assist SMEs in adopting AI are also discussed.
Here’s the clarion call: “It’s a dereliction of duty if SME leaders aren’t engrossed in AI.” Baroness Martha Lane Fox
Key messages
• AI is transforming the economy especially for SMEs.
• SMEs often lack the resources to invest in AI.
• AI can serve as a “great equaliser” for SMEs.
• Data management is crucial for effective AI use.
• Government should provide clear direction without over regulation.
• Many SMEs are not using AI effectively despite its potential.
• SME leaders must actively engage with AI technologies.
• Small businesses can benefit significantly from AI tools.
• SMEs must avoid the risks of superficial adoption vs. embedding AI into strategy.
• The British Chamber of Commerce is launching initiatives to support AI adoption in SMEs.
• The changing world of work: productivity boosts, job disruption, and the challenge of building senior talent when entry-level roles are automated.
🎙️ Listen now to explore what AI adoption really means for SMEs and why leaders must “get playing with the stuff.”
Chapters
00:00 AI and SMEs
02:01 The Impact of AI on SMEs
05:40 Government's Role in SME AI Adoption
07:51 Building SME AI Ecosystems
10:24 Challenges for Micro and Small Businesses
13:55 Infrastructure and Skills for AI
16:39 Medium-Sized Businesses and AI
18:41 AI's Role in Improving Productivity
20:49 Job Disruption and AI
22:56 Dealing with AI's Rapid Changes
26:08 Regulatory Concerns for AI Adoption
27:47 Support from the British Chamber of Commerce
In this episode of the AI Adoption Podcast, I am delighted to speak with Raghava Krishna, Technology Director for Digital and AI at the AA. This conversation brings together two key themes: the promise of AI in services organisations and the practical challenges of AI adoption in a complex, distributed organisation. The AA is one of the UK’s most trusted brands and integrity is critically important when implementing digital transformation and artificial intelligence. He highlights the importance of leveraging historical data to implement customer-centric AI solutions. Raghava explains how the AA established governance principles and guardrails for AI initiatives. He emphasises the need for training and education within the organisation, at all levels, to prepare for the rapid evolution of AI technology and striking a balance between innovation and trust.
“AI is not just another technology. Every employee, from leadership to front line, must understand what it can and cannot do.” Raghava Krishna
Key Messages
1. The AA has a rich history of 120 years, evolving from roadside assistance to a comprehensive service provider.
2. Digital transformation is crucial for the AA, with a focus on expanding services through online and mobile channels.
3. Artificial intelligence is being implemented to enhance customer experience and provide predictive maintenance solutions.
4. Leveraging historical data is essential for making informed AI decisions and improving service delivery.
5. A customer-centric approach is fundamental in identifying AI use cases that enhance member experience.
6. Establishing governance and coordination is key to managing AI initiatives across different business units.
7. Balancing innovation with trust is vital for maintaining customer confidence in AI solutions.
8. How AI and IoT could enable predictive roadside support, such as alerting members before their battery fails.
9. Guardrails are being developed to ensure responsible AI deployment and compliance with data privacy.
10. Training and education on AI are necessary for all employees to foster a culture of innovation.
11. Organisations should start small with AI initiatives to adapt to the rapidly changing technology landscape.
Chapters
00:00 The AA's Digital Journey
02:47 AI Implementation and Predictive Maintenance
06:00 Leveraging Historical Data for AI
09:00 AI in a Distributed Organisation
12:03 Balancing Innovation and Trust in AI
14:40 Establishing Guardrails for AI Deployment
17:43 Monitoring and Enforcing AI Guardrails
20:35 Future of AI and Organisational Readiness
23:48 Training and Educating for AI Adoption
26:44 Rapid Changes in AI Technology
In this episode of The AI Adoption Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Matt Houlihan, Senior Director of Government Affairs, Cisco Europe.
Matt brings a wealth of experience from both government and the private sector, and together we explored what it truly means for organisations to be AI ready. Cisco’s AI Readiness Index provides fascinating, and at times sobering, insights: while 98% of companies see the urgency of AI adoption, only 13% consider themselves fully ready.
Listen to find out why Matt says: “there’s a huge gap between the excitement about AI and organisations’ actual readiness to make a success of it.”
We discussed:
• The five pillars of AI readiness, which are strategy, infrastructure, data, governance, and culture/talent.
• Why the UK’s productivity challenge makes tech adoption a national priority.
• The dual role of AI in cybersecurity both as a threat and as a defence.
• The importance of trust and responsible AI principles and how Cisco embeds them into practice.
• The future of jobs, in particular, the transformation in ICT, rising demand for AI skills, and the vital role of training and digital skills.
Key messages
• AI readiness is crucial for successful adoption.
• Leadership plays a significant role in AI readiness.
• Data management is essential for effective AI use.
• Cybersecurity concerns can hinder AI adoption.
• Trust in AI systems is vital for organisations.
• Regulation can coexist with innovation in AI.
• AI is transforming job roles and productivity.
• Digital skills training is necessary for workforce adaptation.
• Cisco aims to train 25 million people in digital skills by 2030.
• Demand for AI skills in job postings has surged.
00:00 Introduction to AI Adoption and Cisco's Role
04:22 Understanding AI Readiness and Its Importance
10:04 Key Factors of AI Readiness
13:22 The Role of Data in AI Adoption
16:34 AI and Cybersecurity: A Double-Edged Sword
21:16 Building Trust in AI Systems
25:52 Ensuring Principles are Lived in Organisations
28:05 Navigating Regulation and Innovation in AI
34:15 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Skills
Sue Daley OBE, Director of Technology and Innovation at Tech UK is my guest for this episode of The AI Adoption Podcast. We discuss the current state of the UK tech sector, particularly focusing on AI adoption and its implications for businesses and the economy. The conversation covers the role of AI in the UK’s Industrial Strategy, the challenges faced by SMEs in adopting AI, and the importance of government, university and industry collaboration to support AI initiatives. Sue emphasises the need for education, awareness, and the integration of AI into everyday business tools and processes to facilitate adoption. The discussion also focuses on the future of work and the evolving landscape of jobs as agentic AI is rolled out into many organisations.
Sue shares powerful insights on:
• Why the UK ranks third globally in AI behind the US and China.
• How AI adoption, not just innovation, drives value across every sector.
• The challenge of bringing SMEs into the AI journey.
• Why scaling pilots into real-world deployments is the next frontier.
Listen now to understand how AI adoption is reshaping business, skills, and the future of work in the UK.
Key messages
• AI is a transformative technology that is itself rapidly evolving.
• The UK is third in the world for AI development and adoption.
• AI is integral to the UK's Industrial Strategy and economic growth.
• Adoption of AI requires a narrative that resonates with businesses.
• SMEs need support and education to adopt AI effectively.
• AI is becoming embedded in everyday processes, tools and services.
• Government, university and industry collaboration is crucial for AI adoption.
• Training and upskilling the workforce is essential for AI integration.
• Peer-to-peer learning can help SMEs understand AI benefits.
• The future of work will involve AI augmenting human roles.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI Adoption and Tech UK
02:48 Impact of the UK's Industrial Strategy on the UK Tech Sector
05:58 Moving from AI Plans to AI Adoption
08:54 Key Developments for AI Adoption
12:00 Small Language Models
14:51 Coping with Rapid Changes in AI Technology
17:55 Supporting SMEs in AI Adoption
20:51 Government and Policy Support for AI
23:49 The Role of Tech Companies in AI Adoption
26:34 Impact of AI on Jobs and Workforce
29:27 AI and the Future of Work
In this episode of the AI Adoption Podcast, Sean Betts, Chief AI and Innovation Officer at Omnicom Media Group, and I discuss the transformative impact of generative AI on marketing and advertising. Sean shares how generative and agentic AI are reshaping the industry, from producing campaign content to designing synthetic research panels that simulate consumer behaviour. He highlights the rapid advancements in creative applications, the importance of building future capabilities, and the challenges of ensuring responsible AI adoption. The conversation examines the emerging capabilities of using synthetic data, the evolution of agentic AI, and the potential societal and business model disruptions that may arise as AI technologies continue to advance.
“We’re seeing early agents now … they may handle a week’s work in an hour.” Sean Betts
🔎 What you’ll learn:
• How Generative AI is rapidly changing the advertising landscape.
• Why creative applications of AI are being widely adopted.
• Efficiency and automation are key benefits of AI in business.
• Why building capabilities around AI is essential for future success.
• Synthetic data can enhance consumer research significantly.
• Validation of synthetic data is crucial for accuracy.
• Agentic AI represents a new frontier in AI capabilities.
• How AI agents are evolving to perform more complex tasks.
• Bias in AI decision-making poses significant risks.
• Why incumbent businesses may struggle to adapt to rapid AI technological changes.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI in Advertising
01:10 Impact of Generative AI on Creativity
03:53 Efficiency and Automation in Business Processes
06:10 Emerging Capabilities of AI
10:10 Synthetic Data and Consumer Research
12:56 The Role of AI Agents
19:34 Guardrails for AI Implementation
22:41 Future of Agentic AI
25:54 Societal Implications of AI
30:47 Business Model Disruption by AI
Join me, Professor Ashley Braganza, and AI expert Dr Nikolay Burlutskiy as we explore the rise of AI agents, the power of synthetic data and what organisations must do to adopt AI responsibly.
According to Nikolay, “Synthetic data proved better than real-world datasets in our trials at Astra Zeneca.”
What you’ll learn:
• Why 2024 was GenAI and 2025 is firmly the year of AI agents
• How to set internal benchmarks and assess performance, cost and AI vulnerabilities
• Best practice: start small, integrate agents securely, then scale
• Use cases: from AI-generated pathology reports saving lives to automating knowledge retrieval across enterprise systems
• Why synthetic data can outperform real data thus boosting AI model accuracy
• The importance of upskilling your workforce in problem-solving, literacy, and keeping humans in the loop
Key messages:
• AI platforms can be simplified by consolidating multiple solutions into one.
• Cost control is essential when adopting generative AI solutions.
• Companies should establish internal benchmarks for AI model performance.
• AI agents are becoming integral to business processes.
• Upskilling the workforce is crucial for successful AI integration.
• AI can significantly reduce waiting times using healthcare diagnostics.
• The future of work will involve a collaboration between humans and AI agents.
• AI has the potential to create new job opportunities while transforming existing roles.
Find out why Nikolay thinks: “AI agents will change the way we work… but they must be integrated carefully, with human oversight.” Dr Nikolay Burlutskiy
Listen now discover how to harness GenAI, AI agents and synthetic data in your organisation.
Chapters
00:00 Early AI robot developments
04:08 Simplifying AI Platform Creation
09:59 Choosing the Right AI Models
14:57 Incorporating AI Agents into Workflows
20:07 The Impact of AI on Workforce Dynamics
25:00 Use Cases of AI in Healthcare and Business
30:04 The Role of Synthetic Data in AI Development
When machines are learning, evolving, making and enacting decisions on their own, what should you do?
In this episode of The AI Adoption Podcast, I speak with Maggie Sarfo, CEO of Meres Consult, about why human emotional intelligence (EI) is the essential counterweight to machine artificial intelligence (AI) in today’s workplaces. Maggie says that leaders can navigate this shift with clarity, empathy, and adaptability.
🔍 Key topics explored:
• How emotional intelligence and AI can collaborate not compete
• Soft skills are becoming core leadership strengths in an AI workplace
• The importance of recognising and addressing fear, uncertainty and intergenerational divides that arises with AI adoption
• Maggie’s Meres Adaptability Framework for managing extreme change
🗣 “If we can develop machines that act on their own, we can also develop ourselves to be even more human.” Maggie Sarfo
This conversation is a must-listen for leaders developing and adopting an AI strategy, team wellbeing, and long-term organisational resilience.
Key messages
• Emotional intelligence (EI) is crucial for effective leadership.
• AI and EI can complement each other in organisational settings.
• Human-AI collaboration is essential for optimal workflows.
• Organisations can retain EI by embedding it in AI strategies.
• Leaders must address fear and uncertainty regarding AI.
• New roles, such as AI trainers and explainers, are emerging.
• The Meres Adaptability Framework helps organisations navigate change.
• Workshops on EI should accompany AI adoption training.
• Leaders need to support their teams through AI transitions.
• Emotional intelligence should be prioritised in decision-making processes.
Chapters
00:00 AI and Emotional Intelligence
02:58 The Intersection of AI and Emotional Intelligence
05:50 Human-AI Collaboration in Workflows
08:56 Retaining Emotional Intelligence in AI Adoption
12:09 The Role of Leaders in an AI World
14:54 Addressing Fear and Uncertainty in AI
18:05 Emerging Roles in the Age of AI
20:54 Supporting Teams Through AI Transition
24:02 The Meres Adaptability Framework
27:03 Bringing It All Together: AI, Leadership, and Emotional Intelligence
💡 In this wide-ranging conversation, Lord Kulveer Ranger draws on decades of experience across technology, transport, and policy to unpack how AI must be embedded into business thinking and strategic action. He says AI is more than standalone tech tools, it is a catalyst for transformation.
🚀 Topics explored in this episode:
• Why change management is central to AI success
• UK start ups are being “hoovered up” by overseas investors
• The real skill sets businesses need to drive AI adoption and many are non-technical
• Lessons from past tech waves and how to apply them to AI adoption
• Why culture, not just code, will determine an organisation’s AI maturity
🗣️ "You have to have those people who are also going to be the business change leaders for AI. The ones who understand which outcomes you want to drive through your business." Lord Kulveer Ranger
🔎 Lord Ranger also discusses the UK’s critical need to:
• Retain and scale homegrown innovation
• Build an investment pipeline that keeps businesses sovereign
• Rethink operating models to align strategy, culture, and technology
🎙 Whether you’re a policymaker, business leader, or technologist, this episode offers strategic clarity on what enables AI to succeed in organisations and across the UK economy.
Chapters
00:00 Looking back to go forward
07:10 Lessons from Previous Technology Waves
12:28 Change Management and AI Adoption
16:32 Impact of AI on Business Models and Culture
24:09 Supporting Start ups and Scale-ups in the UK
30:45 Strategic Priorities for AI Adoption
In this episode, I am joined by Dr Alexandra Dobra-Kiel, Innovation and Strategy Director at Serviceplan Group and member of the Advertising Association’s AI Task Force.
Together, we explore why AI adoption must go far beyond implementation and why organisational culture, leadership vulnerability and strategic clarity are essential to making AI work for people, not just systems.
Alexandra offers a timely and thought-provoking analysis of how businesses can avoid superficial rollouts and instead embed AI in a way that delivers sustainable value.
🎯 In this conversation, we cover:
Why 77% of employees are anxious about AI taking their jobs and how leaders should respond with honesty and dignity
The difference between automation and augmentation and why we need a talent reboot, not a talent reduction
The importance of psychological safety and a culture that encourages openness, experimentation and risk-taking
Why “boring tasks” are often critical for learning, and removing them may unintentionally damage development
How leaders must demonstrate humility and vulnerability to build trust in AI
The traps of ego-driven resistance and incremental thinking and how to escape them
Why governance should be a tool for growth, not just compliance
How to ensure AI adoption reflects both human strengths and AI limitations
Whether you're a senior leader, strategist, policymaker or innovator, this episode offers practical insights for shaping the future of work with AI.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding AI Adoption vs. Implementation
02:58 Factors Influencing AI Adoption in Workplaces
05:52 Motivating Employees to Engage with AI
09:06 The Future of Jobs in the Age of AI
11:40 Balancing Ethics and AI Deployment
14:39 Evolving Business Models with AI
17:57 Spotting Opportunities in AI
20:43 Assessing Organisational Maturity in AI
23:33 Innovating While Achieving Operational Efficiencies
26:30 Prioritising AI Adoption in the Boardroom
In this insightful episode, I speak with Allison Gardner, MP for Stoke-on-Trent South and an expert in AI regulation. We explore the UK Government’s AI Action Plan, the development of AI growth zones, and the critical role of governance and regulation in public services.
Allison brings her expertise in health, AI policy, and data ethics to this engaging conversation, covering:
✅ The Government’s AI Plans and investment in data centres
✅ Using AI to improve diagnostics and manage public services like pothole detection
✅ The urgent need for robust AI governance and statutory regulation
✅ Support for SMEs in AI adoption
✅ Protecting the creative industries and the quality of training data
Allison says: "My concern is actually we risk the integrity of our AI models if we don't protect human created data."
This episode is essential for anyone interested in public policy, AI adoption, and the UK’s innovation strategy.
Ben Johnson, co-founder and CTO of Uptitude and adviser to UK Parliament, joins me to explore what it really takes for enterprise organisations to adopt AI meaningfully.
🎯 Highlights:
• Why AI starts with data and ends with culture
• The hidden risks of bad data and siloed ownership
• What leadership teams must do to embed AI across functions
• A bold call for Chief AI Officers at board level
📢 “It’s not just tech. AI is a human opportunity. And unless boards reflect that, we’ll keep missing its potential.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI Adoption in Enterprises
02:11 The Importance of Data Quality
11:25 Data Management Responsibilities
13:31 Opportunities Driving AI Adoption
19:11 Barriers to AI Adoption
25:51 Strategic AI Deployment for Boards
29:03 Policy Considerations for AI Adoption
31:50 Balancing Internal and External Policies
In this episode of The AI Adoption Podcast, I am joined by Janine McKelvey, General Counsel for Data, AI and Security at BT Group, to discuss the critical aspects of AI adoption, focusing on governance, compliance, and the strategic implementation of AI within organisations.
Janine shares insights on the essential elements of an AI strategy, understanding the AI supply chain, conducting impact assessments, and navigating legal considerations. The conversation highlights the need for skills development in AI, the impact of AI on compliance and legal jobs, and the balance between governance and value in AI initiatives.
Key messages
1. AI strategy is essential for organisations considering adoption.
2. Understanding the AI supply chain is important for risk management.
3. Impact assessments help identify potential risks associated with AI.
4. Compliance with regulations is necessary for safe AI deployment.
5. Skills development is vital for effective AI integration.
6. AI can enhance productivity by automating mundane tasks.
7. Organisations must balance governance with the pursuit of value.
8. Legal considerations are critical in AI procurement and deployment.
9. AI's impact on jobs will create new opportunities and roles.
10. Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary in AI governance.
Chapters
00:00 The Components of an AI Strategy
10:11 Building an AI Supply Chain: Key Considerations
17:59 Achieving Compliance with Limited Resources
26:01 Skills and Capabilities Needed for AI Adoption
29:11 AI's Impact on Legal and Compliance Jobs
32:16 Advice for Boards Adopting AI
In this episode, I’m joined by the Right Reverend Steven Croft, the Lord Bishop of Oxford. Our conversation explores the philosophical and ethical questions that arise as generative and agentic AI becomes more deeply embeddedin our lives.
Together, we ask:
· How is AI reshaping the meaning of being human?
· Can faith traditions offer wisdom for this newtechnological era?
· What does responsible AI governance actuallylook like?
· And how do we ensure AI serves human dignity, not the other way around?
Steven brings a rare and thoughtful perspectivebased on a wide range of experiences from his work in the House of Lords to years of theological reflection. He reminds us that AI doesn’t exist in a vacuum: it’s changing how we understand truth, trust, and each other.
“The development of AI will inevitably force humanity to reflect more deeply on what it means to be human.” Steven Croft
Chapters
00:00 Exploring Humanity in the Age of AI
06:08 The Interplay of AI and Human Characteristics
11:22 Faith's Role in the AI Conversation
20:03 Truth in the Context of AI
24:20 Human-Machine Partnerships: Opportunities and Concerns
26:52 The Role of Regulators in AI Development
29:52 Balancing Regulation and Innovation
36:48 Trust and Transparency in AI Interactions
39:20 Setting Boundaries for AI Development
42:14 Social Responsibility in AI Governance
Keywords
Keywordsaigovernance aitruth aitrust airegulation artificialintelligence generativeai agenticai aiethics aiandsociety ai chatgpt gemini google chatbot llm claude oxforddiocese
In this episode, Zahra Bahrololoumi CBE, CEO of Salesforce UK & Ireland, explores agentic AI, a new generation of artificial intelligence that processes, decides, acts and responds autonomously across business functions.
In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll hear:
“This is not just a transition – it’s a full-scale transformation,” says Zahra.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Agentic AI and Its Impact
08:07 Benefits and Applications of AI Agents
12:05 The End of Human Only Workforces?
18:39 Ensuring Trustworthy Agentic AI
22:20 Impact of Agentic AI on Job Losses
23:18 Navigating the Digital Divide and Job Displacement
27:43 Where does the UK Position Itself in AI?
29:34 Boardroom Priorities to Adopt Agentic AI
33:42 Human Agent and AI Agent Productivity