Digitally Curious is a show all about the near-term future with actionable advice from a range of global experts. Order the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderWho is your host, Andrew Grill? He’s the AI expert who speaks your business language. After 30+ years building tech solutions at companies like IBM and a range of high-tech startups, Andrew now helps executives navigate AI without getting lost in the complexity.He has held senior leadership roles, including Global Managing Partner at IBM, and has collaborated with C-suite teams from organisations such as Shell, Vodafone, Dell, SAP Concur, Nike, Nestlé, and the NHS.Andrew has delivered 600+ keynotes in over 50 countries on topics such as generative AI, quantum computing, digital transformation, and the future of work.Ranked among the world’s top 10 futurist speakers and a finalist for AI Expert of the Year, in 2025, he was recognised on the AI 100 UK List as one of the country’s leading voices in responsible Artificial Intelligence.He is the author of Digitally Curious (2024), a bestselling guide to navigating the future of AI and technology, and host of the Digitally Curious Podcast (since 2019), where he translates complex trends into actionable insights.Andrew is a regular media commentator, featured on BBC Television & Radio, Sky News, LBC, and in publications such as the Financial Times, The Guardian, and The Economist.Find out more about Andrew at actionablefuturist.com
In this episode of Digitally Curious, host Andrew Grill sits down with Gill Switalski, CEO of Infrared Kinetics, to explore how cutting-edge infrared technology is revolutionising real-time tracking and data precision - not just in motorsport, but across a host of industries.Gill shares her journey from corporate lawyer to tech innovator, describing how curiosity, intellectual property expertise, and strategic partnerships have driven Infrared Kinetics’ success. Together, we dive into:The role of digital twins in bridging the physical and virtual worldsWhy GPS is no longer sufficient and how infrared tech delivers robust, interference-proof data, even under extreme conditionsHow the company’s miniature, powerful tracking emitters are opening motorsport and STEM education to a global audienceReal-world applications in smart cities, railways, defence, logistics, and the world’s first precision drone deliveryWays the business model is transforming revenues for sporting circuits and offering new opportunities in gaming, advertising, and sports bettingGill's vision for infrastructure that makes society safer, more efficient, and more inclusiveMore informationIRK websiteGill on LinkedInThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
10/26/25 • 26:21
Two tech worlds meet to answer a pressing question: if AI can act for us, what should remain meaningfully human? In this episode, We've teamed up with Gareth Mitchell and Ghislaine Boddington from the Somewhere on Earth Podcast to compare notes on practical adoption, cultural nuance, and the messy, beautiful realities of bringing AI into daily life. Andrew Grill shares how enterprise leaders move from hype to “aha” moments, including a live case where a 17,000-cell SWOT analysis became actionable strategy in minutes. We dig into why projects stall—broken processes, outdated ROI, and thin literacy—and how smart training and transparent policies shift teams from pilots to outcomes.The conversation widens beyond boardrooms. Ghislaine traces the arc from early telepresence and immersive art to today’s “body in the digital,” where trust, intimacy, and presence underpin healthy human-machine collaboration. We examine digital human twins, agentic AI that makes decisions on our behalf, and the ethics of agents negotiating with each other. Expect clear takes on governance, transparency, and the line between pattern-matched empathy and the real thing. We also explore global perspectives: AI ethics in the Nordics, smart-city lessons from Singapore, manufacturing in Japan, and the access gaps that keep billions offline.Media and learning are transforming too. Universities are moving from AI bans to guidance that requires prompt and output documentation, building accountability and critical thinking. On the creator side, we look at AI in podcast production and the next step—personalized listening that adapts to knowledge and time. Along the way, we share recommended episodes, from Karen Jacobsen’s origin as the original Aussie Siri voice to Deborah Humble’s high-wire opera story packed with lessons in resilience and preparation.If you’re curious about technology but allergic to hype, this co-production brings grounded examples, human-centered design, and a global lens. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a practical AI playbook, and leave a quick review with your biggest “aha” or open question—what would you never let an AI decide for you?Resources mentionedSomewhere on Earth PodcastThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
10/22/25 • 53:06
In this episode of Digitally Curious, Andrew Grill speaks with Trevor Davis, renowned futurist and pioneer in big data, AI, and digital transformation about the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and the creative industries. Trevor shares insights drawn from decades of experience at the cutting edge, delving into the opportunities, challenges, and ethical dilemmas facing creative professionals in the age of “Createch.”Key TopicsTrevor’s Journey: From material science, through leadership at IBM, to independent AI consultancy focused on creative industries.Defining Createch: Understanding where creativity meets technology, and how createch businesses differ from traditional creative firms.Industry 4.0 in Creativity: The impact of generative AI, digital twins, extended/virtual reality, blockchain, and 3D printing on artistic and commercial creative fields.Generative AI in Practice:How tools like ChatGPT, OpenAI Sora, and others are transforming animation, content creation, and writing.Tensions between democratisation of content and the diminishing role of creative gatekeepers.Sustainability & AI:Why most createch startups lack sustainability policies, and the significant environmental costs of digital production and AI.The growing need for responsible energy, water, and e-waste management in creative tech supply chains.Ethics & IP in Creative AI:Core dilemmas surrounding data usage, IP, and copyright in AI tools trained on creative works.The legal grey zones and the role of large publishers versus individual artists in rights advocacy.AI’s Role in Growth:Predictions for the UK creative sector to reach £300 billion by 2030, with AI and createch as catalysts.The shifting dynamics between brands and agencies as clients use generative tools for early-stage concept work.Agentic AI & The Future of Advertising:The emerging paradigm where AI agents transact and consume advertising—what it means for brands, agencies, and human creativity.Upskilling & Mindset:Why creative professionals must proactively adopt and experiment with AI tools—or risk obsolescence.Three actionable steps for creatives: deepen tool usage, stay informed via industry and technical sources, and build simple agents for hands-on learning.Quick Fire RoundFavourite travel seat: aisleAI wish: automate laundryMost-used app: Things (for daily and long-term planning)Book recommendation: “Helm” by Sarah HallActionable tip: Don’t fear AI—explore, experiment, and keep learning.Resources MentionedGuest website: curiousdemon.comConnect: Trevor Davis on LinkedInThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
9/16/25 • 42:35
How does a particle physicist end up shaping the UK Government’s approach to artificial intelligence? In this thought‑provoking episode, Andrew Grill sits down with Dr Laura Gilbert CBE, former Director of Data Science at 10 Downing Street and now the Senior Director of AI at the Tony Blair Institute.Laura’s unique career path, from academic research in physics to the heart of policymaking, gives her a rare perspective on how governments can use emerging technologies not just efficiently, but humanely. She shares candid insights into how policy teams think about digital transformation, why the public sector faces very different challenges to private industry, and how to avoid technology that dehumanises decision‑making.Drawing on examples from her work in Whitehall, Laura discusses the realities of forecasting in AI, the danger of “buzzword chasing”, and why the next breakthrough in Artificial General Intelligence might well come from an unexpected player, possibly from within government itself.This is a conversation for anyone curious about the intersection of science, policy, ethics, and technology, and how they can combine to make government more responsive, transparent, and human-centred.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow Laura Gilbert moved from particle physics research into government AI leadershipThe strategic role of AI in shaping modern policy and public servicesWhy forecasting in AI is harder than it looks—and how this impacts decision‑makersThe balance between technical capability and human‑centred governanceWhy governments must look beyond the tech giants for innovative solutionsLessons from the Evidence House and AI for Public Good programmesResourcesTony Blair Global Institute WebsiteUK Government AI IncubatorLaura on LinkedInRaindrop.io bookmarking appThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
8/13/25 • 39:41
In this episode of Digitally Curious, host Andrew Grill, renowned futurist and author, sits down with Shannon Scott, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Product at Airwallex, one of the world’s fastest-growing FinTech innovators.Key Topics Covered:Shannon’s Journey:From rural Victoria to leading global product strategy at Airwallex, Shannon shares how his background in computer science and mechatronic engineering shapes his approach to building next-generation financial products.Engineering Mindset in Product Leadership:Discover how thinking from first principles and understanding technology “under the hood” enables Airwallex to deliver seamless, global financial services and challenge industry assumptions.AI’s Transformative Role in Financial Services:Explore how AI is not just automating traditional tasks like fraud detection and compliance, but fundamentally transforming business workflows, onboarding, and financial operations — turning hours of manual work into minutes.Agentic AI Explained:Shannon demystifies agentic AI, describing how autonomous AI agents can handle complex, multi-step financial processes, from vendor onboarding to payment reconciliation, and what this means for both large and small businesses.Trust, Explainability & Regulation:The episode delves into the importance of maintaining trust and explainability in AI-driven finance, the role of human feedback, and why robust regulation gives financial services a head start in adopting AI responsibly.Data as a Strategic Asset:Learn why proprietary, high-quality data is the new competitive edge in the AI era, and how modular, adaptable data infrastructure is critical for future-proofing financial services.The Future of Decision-Making:Andrew and Shannon discuss the evolution of AI from an operational tool to a strategic decision partner, capable of suggesting best practices, optimising approval flows, and proactively managing risk.Actionable Insights:Shannon shares three practical steps for listeners to better understand and leverage agentic AI in finance:Embrace podcasts and diverse learning sourcesExperiment with new AI tools and servicesContinuously question and seek better ways of workingResourcesAirwallex WebsiteShannon on LinkedInThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
7/3/25 • 37:49
In this episode, Andrew Grill welcomes back Chris Juneau from SAP Concur to discuss the latest findings from the 2025 CFO Insights report, “Action for Growth.” The conversation explores the evolving role of CFOs, the growing impact of AI and automation in finance, and the introduction of new agentic AI capabilities within SAP Concur’s platform.Key Topics CoveredEvolution of CFO Mindset:The shift from “repositioning for growth” to “action for growth” reflects CFOs moving from reactive strategies to actively driving business expansion. Expanded Research Scope:This year’s report surveyed not only 350 CFOs but also 115 HR and 150 IT leaders, providing a more holistic understanding of business pressures and cross-functional collaboration.Top Challenges for CFOs in 2025:Geopolitical tensions cited as the top external challenge by 37% of CFOs Concern over worsening economic conditions has declinedA dramatic rise in manual processes as a pain point AI’s Transformational Role in Finance:Adoption of generative AI is now mission-critical for managing data overload and driving efficiency.AI is being used for forecasting, closing the books, fraud monitoring and creating new pricing models.SAP Concur’s “Verify” tool now automatically audits 100% of expense reports, with 97% requiring no human intervention.Agentic AI & SAP Joule:Introduction of “Joule,” SAP’s generative AI copilot, embedded across SAP applications.Joule automates mundane tasks, pre-audits expense reports, and provides real-time policy compliance checks.Joule acts as an agentic AI, orchestrating decisions and actions across multiple business processes, not just within finance.Integration and Real-Time Data:SAP Concur now integrates with payment providers like MasterCard and American Express to capture real-time authorisation data, streamlining expense reporting and improving categorisation.Data Privacy & Security:All financial data processed by Joule is contained within the customer’s environment and is not exposed to external AI sources.Data is anonymised when used for model training, ensuring compliance with strict privacy standards.Customisation & Future-Proofing:SAP’s Business Data Cloud enables organisations to unify and govern all SAP and third-party data, supporting custom AI queries across previously siloed data sets.Resources & Further ReadingSAP Concur CFO Insights ReportSAP Concur BlogChris Juneau on LinkedInUpcoming EventsCatch Andrew Grill and Chris Juneau on stage at Fusion Exchange in London on June 12. Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
6/3/25 • 30:41
What happens when we prioritise innovation over ethics in AI development? For the 100th episode of the Digitally Curious Podcast, Kerry Sheehan, a machine learning specialist with a fascinating journey from journalism to AI policy, explores this critical question as she shares powerful insights on responsible AI implementation.Kerry takes us on a compelling exploration of AI guardrails, comparing them to bowling alley bumpers that prevent technologies from causing harm. Her work with the British Standards Institute has helped establish frameworks rooted in fairness, transparency, and human oversight – creating what she calls "shared language for responsible development" without stifling innovation.The conversation reveals profound insights about diversity in AI development teams. "If the teams building AI systems don't represent those that the end results will serve, it's not ethical," Kerry asserts. She compares bias to bad seasoning that ruins an otherwise excellent recipe, highlighting how diverse perspectives throughout the development lifecycle are essential for creating fair, beneficial systems.Kerry's expertise shines as she discusses emerging ethical challenges in AI, from foundation models to synthetic data and agentic systems. She advocates for guardrails that function as supportive scaffolding rather than restrictive handcuffs – principle-driven frameworks with room for context that allow developers to be agile while maintaining ethical boundaries.What makes this episode particularly valuable are the actionable takeaways: audit your existing AI systems for fairness, develop clear governance frameworks you could confidently explain to others, add ethical reviews to project boards, and include people with diverse lived experiences in your design meetings. These practical steps can help organisations build AI systems that truly work for everyone, not just the privileged few.This is an important conversation about making AI work for humanity rather than against it. Kerry's perspective will transform how you think about responsible technology implementation in your organisation.More informationKerry on LinkedInThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
5/5/25 • 34:54
A phone call that changes everything. A seemingly impossible challenge. Hours instead of months to prepare. When mezzo-soprano Deborah Humble received that unexpected call from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, she faced a career-defining decision: step onto the stage of the Sydney Opera House that very evening to perform Gustav Mahler's Second Symphony—a piece she had never fully sung before—or walk away from the opportunity of a lifetime.What followed was a whirlwind day of frantic preparation, from retrieving a discarded concert dress from a garbage bag in her car trunk to a 45-minute crash course with her vocal coach. With barely enough time to warm up, Deborah found herself standing before a sold-out audience at the Sydney Opera House, performing in a concert that was not only being live-streamed globally but also recorded by Deutsche Grammophon for worldwide release.The stakes couldn't have been higher. The pressure more intense. Yet amid the chaos, Deborah found clarity in a simple thought: "Simone wouldn't have asked you to step up if she didn't think you could do it." With the support of conductor Simone Young and drawing on decades of professional experience, Deborah delivered a performance that earned her a standing ovation and secured her place in Sydney Opera House history.This remarkable story transcends the world of classical music, offering powerful insights about preparation meeting opportunity, managing self-doubt, and having the courage to take calculated risks. As Deborah reflects, "We are capable of doing what we have spent our whole lives working towards." Her experience reminds us that behind every "overnight success" lies years of dedication, discipline, and determination—qualities that prepare us to seize extraordinary moments when they unexpectedly arrive.Ready to be inspired by a tale of remarkable courage under pressure? Listen as Deborah reveals what it truly takes to rise to an impossible occasion when everything is on the line.Find out more about Deborah Humble on her website.Listen to the recording here. Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
4/1/25 • 43:50
Welcome to Season 7 of the Digitally Curious Podcast. This show is a perfect compendium if you’ve bought the book of the same name, and if you haven’t grabbed yourself a copy, may I suggest that’s something you should consider investing in - just click here or ask for it by name wherever great books are sold.In today’s episode, we’re going back in time to an interview I conducted with David Shrier in late 2021 - well before ChatGPT hit the headlines. We discuss his book Augmenting Your Career: How to Win at Work In the Age of AI, and the book and our discussion are as relevant as ever, three years on.What I found interesting while editing the episode on New Year’s Day 2025 is that it’s an excellent discussion about the fundamentals of AI without the hype of ChatGPT and Generative AIDavid Shrier, a trailblazer in technology and educational innovation, joins us in dissecting the future of work in the age of artificial intelligence. His perspective on AI as "augmented intelligence" challenges us to rethink the relationship between humans and machines. With examples from around the globe, David advocates for AI literacy as a cornerstone of modern education, highlighting how nations like Denmark, China, and Singapore are setting benchmarks. This episode promises to enhance your understanding of how AI can be integrated into educational ecosystems and professional life, guided by insights from David's book, "Augmenting Your Career."Navigating the ethical landscape of AI is more important than ever, and we bring focus to the critical role of government regulators in this space. We dive into real-world examples, such as Google's image recognition failures, to underscore the importance of diverse data and ethical diligence. The conversation praises initiatives like those of the UK government and challenges the pitfalls of overregulation, drawing lessons from New York's BitLicense situation. ]Our discussion is a must-listen for anyone interested in how regulatory frameworks can either propel or stifle technological innovation.As AI reshapes the job market, we explore the shifting roles and opportunities emerging across various industries. From philosophy majors finding their niche in AI development to the resilience of healthcare and creative arts, there's a world of possibility awaiting those prepared to adapt. We also touch on corporate responsibility, using Accenture's workforce reskilling as a model for sustaining company culture amidst AI-driven changes. Discover practical strategies for staying ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape, emphasizing cognitive flexibility and continuous learning as keys to thriving in the digital age.More on DavidDavid on LinkedInDavid's booksThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
1/1/25 • 39:45
In this episode, we speak to Australia's first official astronaut, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, about her lifelong passion for space exploration and how she pursued her dream of becoming an astronaut.We also covered:The importance of international experience and cultural adaptability in the astronaut selection process and trainingThe rigorous and diverse nature of astronaut training, including spacecraft systems, robotics, survival techniques, and moreThe exciting future of space exploration, including missions to the Moon and the scientific research opportunities on the International Space StationAdvice for those interested in space-related careers, emphasizing the need for purpose-driven work and a willingness to step outside one's comfort zoneWe last covered space on the podcast in Season 4, Episode 3 - Space Based Solar Power.Quotable Quotes:"Working in an international environment from a project basis as well as from a life basis really made me say that there's lots of different kinds of engineers, lots of ways to culturally come to solutions.""Being an astronaut is bigger than the space sector. It's for many kinds of researchers, as well as raising the aspirations of the public as well."Resources:Katherine on LinkedInKatherine on InstagramKatherine on TwitterLearn more about Katherine Bennell-Pegg and the Australian Space Agency at space.gov.auExplore the International Space Station and its scientific research here.Thank you to Katherine, Engineers Australia and Frank Gallagher for contributing to this episode.Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
11/27/24 • 21:41
In this episode, Andrew Grill sits down with Carol Howley, Chief Marketing Officer at Exclaimer, a leading email signature management company. Carol shares her extensive experience in B2B marketing, from her early days at Skyscanner to her current role at Exclaimer, where she has been instrumental in scaling the company's marketing efforts. They discuss a wide range of topics, including:Carol's Marketing Journey: From her start at Best Western Hotels to building the B2B arm at Skyscanner and her move into the tech-heavy world of Canonical (the company behind Ubuntu), Carol’s career path is full of insights for aspiring marketers.The Role of Exclaimer: Learn how Exclaimer helps organisations manage their email signatures centrally, ensuring compliance and branding consistency while also turning email signatures into valuable marketing real estate.Innovative Use Cases for Email Signatures: Discover how companies are leveraging email signatures for account-based marketing, customer feedback collection, and more.Challenges in Scaling Marketing Programs: Carol discusses the challenges she faced in scaling Exclaimer’s marketing efforts, particularly around change management and balancing short-term lead generation with long-term brand building.The Evolution of Buyer Behaviour: With buyers now doing up to 80% of their research before engaging with sales teams, Carol explains how Exclaimer is adapting to this shift by focusing on personalisation and delivering value at every touchpoint.B2B Influencer Marketing: Carol shares her thoughts on the growing role of influencers in B2B marketing, both formal and informal, and how they can help build credibility and trust in a crowded marketplace.The Power of Integrated Marketing Campaigns: Why integrating multiple marketing channels leads to higher success rates and how Exclaimer wraps potential customers in consistent messaging across various touchpoints.AI in Marketing: Carol highlights how AI is transforming marketing operations at Exclaimer, from automating routine tasks to analysing customer reviews for insights that drive product development.Join us as we explore the strategies behind successful B2B marketing campaigns and gain actionable insights from one of the industry’s leading voices.Key Takeaways:Email Signatures as a Marketing Tool: Email signatures can be more than just contact information; they are valuable real estate for promoting content, scheduling meetings, and driving engagement.Scaling Challenges: Change management is crucial when scaling a business. Building new channels and operational foundations requires buy-in from all stakeholders.Adapting to Buyer Behaviour: Modern buyers are more independent, often completing most of their research before contacting sales. Marketers need to focus on building trust early in the buyer journey.AI’s Role in Marketing: AI is not replacing marketers but enhancing their ability to scale operations and make data-driven decisions faster than ever befoThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
11/11/24 • 39:40
Join Carolanne Ashley, co-host of the Your MindBody Link podcast, as we journey into the future of AI and unpack Andrew Grill's new book, Digitally Curious. Have you ever wondered how digital curiosity can shape your career? This episode promises to unravel that and more as we uncover the behind-the-scenes story of "Digitally Curious" and how Andrew's early experiments with technology and over 100 podcast interviews fueled its content.The episode examines groundbreaking technologies such as quantum computing and self-sovereign identity, discussing their imminent and profound impact on businesses. We also tackle the looming "Q-Day", and the need for organisations to prepare for a new era where quantum computers will challenge current data security measures.Find out how Andrew's experience speaking to corporate audiences as the Actionable Futurist, where he leaves them with five things to do next, spawned the "Curious Five", which is included at the end of every chapter, making it practical and actionable.Carolanne asks how AI can transform everyday workflows like never before, acting as an "always-on intern" to revolutionise business operations. Watch as the tables are turned, and the interviewer becomes the interviewee!More informationOrder Digitally CuriousMore on the bookYour MindBody Link podcastCarolanne's websiteCarolanne on LinkedInThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
10/27/24 • 21:36
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the role of the CFO is undergoing a transformative shift. As highlighted in a recent discussion on the Digitally Curious podcast with Chris Juneau, Head of Market Strategy for SAP Concur, CFOs are increasingly turning to AI to drive strategic growth and innovation.Many of you may already be using SAP Concur without realising it. When you book a trip, submit your expenses, or you use the brilliant traveller app Tripit, you’re using SAP Concur services.I spoke with Chris about a couple of recent reports from SAP Concur, one which looks at how CFOs are embracing AI, and another about how to measure and maximise the returns from AI.Key Insights from the CFO Insights Report:Rising Investment in AI: Despite 58% of CFOs admitting limited understanding of AI, investment in AI technologies has surged from 15% to 51% since 2023. This reflects a growing recognition of AI's potential to revolutionise financial processes.AI Applications in Finance: CFOs are leveraging AI for various applications, including journaling and bookkeeping (65%), financial planning (59%), and risk scenario planning (53%). These technologies are not only enhancing efficiency but also enabling more strategic decision-making.Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Education is key. SAP Concur is committed to educating financial leaders on AI applications, helping them ask the right questions and implement AI responsibly within their organisations.AI adoption is not just about cost reduction; it's about unlocking productivity gains and fostering innovation. By automating mundane tasks, CFOs can focus on strategic initiatives that drive business growth.So what can you do next?Educate and Empower: Continuously educate your teams on AI's potential and collaborate with technology partners to harness its full capabilities.Collaborate Across Functions: Partner with HR and IT leaders to ensure a holistic approach to digital transformation.Challenge the Status Quo: Always seek better ways to optimise business processes and drive strategic outcomes – start exploring your existing platforms and see if they can be enhanced by AI.Join us in exploring how AI is reshaping the role of the CFO and driving businesses towards a more innovative future. Resources MentionedCFO Insights report: Repositioning for GrowthCFO Insights report: How to Measure and Maximise AI Returns Concur ExpenseChris Juneau on LinkedInThis is a paid partnership with SAP Concur.Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
10/20/24 • 36:05
Many will know that I’ve just published my new book, Digitally Curious: Your Guide to Navigating the Future of AI and All Things Tech, which is now available worldwide. The reception has been overwhelmingly positive, and I believe it is a book that will help many people better understand the technology surrounding us.I’ve already been interviewed on several podcasts about the book, and you can find links to these below.I wanted to showcase the book on the podcast, but it would be strange for me to interview myself.I recently presented at the Skillsoft London Perspectives event at the Shard on “The future of work in the age of AI.”I always strive to present the latest thinking in my keynotes, and as part of my research, I wanted to try out the new Google product Notebook LM, which stands for Notebook Language Model.You can access it via notebooklm.googleIn Google’s own words: NotebookLM is your personalised AI research assistant powered by Google's most capable model, Gemini 1.5 Pro.One cool feature is the ability to upload your data and turn it into a podcast with two AI-generated hosts.I decided to try this out with the book. I uploaded the book's PDF, which contains 74,000 words, and pushed the button to make a podcast. I did nothing else. Five minutes later, what you hear on this episode is what was produced verbatim. I’ve not edited the 12-minute AI-generated episode in any way.I don’t think this will immediately replace podcasts or podcast hosts. However, it may be a new way to present written information.We all have different learning styles, and so perhaps this would help people who prefer to listen instead of reading content.I look forward to your thoughts on this and the content from my AI hosts about the book.If you’d like to pick up a copy of the book head to curious.click/order, and as always, I encourage you to stay curious.ResourcesNotebookLMAI in Education Podcast with Nadio GranataSilicon UK Podcast on Digitally CuriousPurchase Digitally CuriousThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
10/8/24 • 15:10
In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of AI and technology in the nonprofit sector with Jacek Siadkowsk, co-founder and CEO of Tech to the Rescue.Our discussion explores how tech innovations are revolutionizing nonprofit operations, from enhancing efficiency and service delivery to driving social good through scalable solutions. Jacek's journey from running a digital agency to spearheading a global movement offers valuable insights into the mission and impact of Tech to the Rescue.The episode kicks off with an exploration of how AI and automation are making significant strides in the nonprofit sector. Jacek highlights the role of Tech to the Rescue in bridging the gap between tech companies and nonprofits by facilitating pro bono collaborations.These partnerships enable nonprofits to leverage advanced technologies to solve real-world problems, thereby amplifying their impact. The conversation underscores the critical role of AI in enhancing efficiency, fundraising, and service delivery for nonprofits, while also addressing the challenges of ensuring accurate and reliable AI applications.A fascinating case study discussed in the episode is Bikara Udara's voter empowerment platform in Indonesia. This innovative tool is changing the political landscape by helping citizens elect candidates prioritising quality of life. The broader implications of such technology extend to various social issues like health, climate, and education.Jacek also highlights exciting partnerships with tech giants like Google.org and AWS, which are propelling the AI for Changemakers program to support nonprofits globally. Jacek's ambitious plans for Tech to the Rescue include facilitating tech services worth $1 billion by 2030 and popularizing the culture of tech for good.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in harnessing technology to drive social good. From the transformative role of AI and automation in nonprofits to the ethical considerations of responsible AI development, the discussion offers valuable insights and inspiration. More on JacekJacek on LinkedInTTTR WebsiteResources mentionedVerner VogelsThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
7/28/24 • 36:59
How can insights from managing a winery help shape the future of AI technology at Intel? Carla Rodríguez bridges both worlds. When I asked Robert Hallock at Intel who I should invite next onto the podcast – his response was instant - Carla Rodríguez, who runs Intel’s client software ecosystem.“Razor sharp … just so smart, so capable” was his description, so I just had to invite her onto the show. Carla is no ordinary big tech company exec. She served in the Peace Corps in Romania and worked her way through the ranks of Intel, joining in the finance area to become VP of one of the most important and innovative parts of the company.In between these roles, she has also found time to help run a winery business with her husband, which gives her a unique perspective on the issues facing companies of all sizes.Her role at Intel is to work closely with the developer ecosystem. With the recent launch of their AI PC program, which utilises the Intel vPro platform powered by Intel Core Pro processors, we’re seeing AI rise to become mainstream and a must-have tool in the workplace, driving innovation and productivity.In our discussion, Carla explains how running a boutique winery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley with her Husband gives her a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of running a small business, insights that she brings back to her role at Intel.You’ll also learn about:AI: Moving from Niche to MainstreamAI has now reached a tipping point where it is becoming mainstream and Intel is at the forefront of this revolution with their AI PC platform, integrating CPU, GPU, and the new Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to handle complex AI tasks efficiently. Empowering Developers with AIPCIntel's AIPC Developer Program is a crucial initiative aimed at supporting developers in harnessing the power of the NPU. By providing hands-on labs and development kits, Intel is enabling developers to experiment and create groundbreaking applications. The Immediate Impact on BusinessesFor small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the benefits of adopting AIPC are immediate. Carla emphasised that the time to invest in AIPC is now, as it offers enhanced productivity, security, and innovative capabilities. Future of Work: Embracing AIThe future of work will be significantly shaped by AI, with tools that enhance productivity and free up time for more strategic tasks. As Carla pointed out, AI is like having an always-on intern, ready to assist with various tasks, making us more efficient and effective in our roles.This podcast is sponsored by Intel.More on CarlaCarla on LinkedInIntel AI PCBeacon Hill WineryThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
7/21/24 • 36:00
How can emerging technologies and critical thinking shape the future of business? Join us on Digitally Curious as we sit down with Arvind Ravishunkar, General Manager of Think Tank and Tech Strategy at Wipro.Arvind offers an inside look at the groundbreaking projects at Wipro's innovation lab, Lab45, and discusses how the lab is pioneering new business models and sustainable practices. Discover how their Think Tank's new podcast, Unpacked, aims to make complex technical topics accessible, and why understanding technology at a fundamental level is crucial for modern business leaders.Imagine a workplace where debate and critical thinking are not only encouraged but essential. Arvind explains the transformative power of monthly debates within their think tank, designed to challenge team members to see all sides of an issue, backed by data and evidence.These debates sharpen minds and foster adaptability, preparing the team to navigate an unpredictable business landscape. He shares how knowledge-sharing sessions and a culture open to change are vital for fostering innovation and staying ahead.The future of AI is here, and it's reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace. Arvind delves into the implications of AI integration, from Apple's latest partnerships to the broader trends in AI adoption. He underscores the importance of data quality and strategy in successful AI projects and shares his journey towards cultivating digital curiosity in his team.Explore the far-reaching impacts of AI on job markets, the evolving role of educational institutions, and the necessity for responsible AI practices. Tune in for an episode rich with insights into the evolving landscape of technology and business leadership.More on ArvidArvind on LinkedInLab45 Think TankUnpacked podcastThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
6/16/24 • 44:55
This episode is sponsored by Intel.There are some exciting new developments in AI, and we're at the beginning of a truly transformative era, thanks largely to innovations led by companies such as Intel.Intel's recent advancements in AI technology, particularly Intel vPro PCs powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, are setting a new benchmark for what professional devices can do. With a strategic shift towards local AI processing, Intel is mitigating the traditional reliance on cloud services, which cuts costs and significantly boosts data privacy and processing speeds.I spoke with Robert Hallock, Intel's Vice President and General Manager, Client AI & Technical Marketing, to learn more about what Intel is doing with AI.Robert believes the integration of AI capabilities directly into PCs will drive the most significant change in personal computing in 20 years.A significant development enabling this shift is Intel's new Core Ultra processor. It is designed to optimise AI software performance by efficiently splitting tasks between the CPU, GPU, and a new component – the Neural Processing Unit or NPU. This will allow AI PCs to provide enhanced experiences with marketing & content creation, productivity assistance, and privacy controls, all powered by on-device AI.Intel and Microsoft have co-defined the definition of AI PC. It is a PC with a dedicated copilot key, and it brings new AI experiences in productivity, creativity, and security through a combination of the CPU, GPU, and the new NPU from Intel.In this episode, Robert and I looked at the business case for the AI PC.The ability to perform traditionally processor-intensive AI tasks locally will benefit knowledge workers who aren't always connected and need to prioritise data security. A key benefit of an AI PC powered by the Intel Core Ultra processor will be the improved capacity for AI powered threat detection offered by Intel Threat Detection Technology within the Intel vPro platform.It's now becoming clear that organisations must adopt AI capabilities to remain competitive, as classic corporate software rapidly adopts AI and disadvantages non-adopters.Whether you're a business leader looking to harness the power of AI for competitive advantage or an IT Professional keen to understand the vision for AI integration in personal computing, this episode is for you.You can find out more about Intel's vision for AI PCs Built for Business at Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
5/12/24 • 56:12
This podcast episode features an interview with Darshan Chandarana and Julia Howes from PwC about opportunities in enterprise AI. They discussed AI adoption across industries, with financial services and retail leading the way, and Darshan emphasised the importance of responsible AI and understanding societal impacts.Julia discussed the challenges of AI adoption like determining value and data privacy issues. Julia gave examples where Microsoft's Copilot AI is helping non-native English speakers and explains how the future of work with AI could involve remote working and creativity hubs. Emerging technologies like augmented reality are also discussed, and our guests encourage experimenting with AI, embracing change, and coordinating cross-functional teams to unlock value from enterprise AI.We also discussed:Industries benefiting the most from Gen AIResponsible AI in practiceGetting started with AIWhy GenAI needs an intelligent approach to adoptionPWCs own tool - ChatPWCWhat are customers asking about Generative AI?What are AI Co-Pilots?AI Strategy and Execution ChallengesThe need for an AI Council to help co-ordinate activitiesWhat do clients need to look out for with AI projects?Common challenges faced in integrating AISafe, short experimentsAI Applications and Data QualityThe quick wins for AI projectsThe need for quality AI-ready dataWithout good data, there is no good AIIndustry-specific LLM'sAI Industry Trends and ApplicationsThe most unique problems solved by AIPodcast tip - using AI for language translationPreparing the workforce for Gen AIAddressing employee issues around AI deploymentsFuture Work Trends and Emerging TechThe need for critical thinking in the age of AIThe future of work under AIEmerging technologies to watchHow to stay informed on new technologies3 actionable tips to prepare for Enterprise AIMore on DarshanDarshan on LinkedInMore on JuliaJulia on LinkedInResources mentioned in this episodeThe PWC Essential 8 TechnologiesPWC website"I am Flame" book on AmazonThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
2/25/24 • 45:30
In this episode, we look at a report I wrote in partnership with Vodafone UK to examine how 5G Standalone (5G SA) could transform UK over the next 5-7 years.To talk more about the findings, I spoke with Nicki Lyons, Vodafone UK's Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer.Some of the predictions in the report include:We’ll see the end of Video Assisted Referee (VAR) and poor off-side decision-making thanks to smart ball tech, pitch sensors and player wearables enabled by 5G Standalone (5G SA) – meaning more time is devoted to the beautiful game and less time on disputes.Connected clothing will mean trainers will ‘talk’ to each other and collate style and sustainability-inspired looks from other feet on the street, powering your very own AI-powered style guide – enabling fashionistas to discover styles and express themselves in new ways.Working with Vodafone, in a new report, leading futurist Andrew Grill predicts how 5G SA could transform the things the UK loves most in the next five-to-seven years – from retail and sports to gaming and entertainment.The report supports the growing need for 5G SA infrastructure in the UK, as the proposed Vodafone and Three merger paves the way for UK 5G SA leadership with a pledge to invest £11 billion and reach over 99% of the UK population with 5G SA by 2034.More on Nicki LyonsNicki became Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability in October 2021. She’s responsible for external communications, government and regulatory affairs, and sustainable business. Before this, she worked in senior roles at Walgreen Boots Alliance, Unilever, PepsiCo, in UK government and in international development.Nicki on LinkedInResources mentioned in the showAnn Patchett Tom Lake bookVodafone UK WebsiteVodafone and Three websiteMore on the reportVodafone press release about the reportDownload the reportThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
2/13/24 • 19:30
In this episode, we’re casting our minds back to 2004, when NASA landed the Spirit rover on Mars; the last episode of Friends aired; George W Bush was re-elected US president, and the number one hits were LMC’s Take Me To The Clouds Above in the UK and Hey Ya! By Outkast in the US.Over at Harvard University, computer science student Mark Zuckerberg is coding in his dorm room. Lately, he’s been nurturing a reputation as a minor enfant terrible on campus after creating the shortlived site FaceMash, which allowed students to rate each other’s hotness.Today, Wednesday, 4th February, he’s about to push “publish” on TheFacebook, which would later become simply Facebook.So what does Facebook look like at 20, and what can we learn from this social networking phenomenon?To help me answer this and more, I’m joined by Jason Mander, Chief Research Officer at leading global consumer research platform GWI, to dive into their vast research platform and take a deep dive on Facebook at 20.Here are the key statistics Jason mentioned on the podcast, extracted from the GWI platform.75% of people in the UK use Facebook monthly, 66% use it weekly, and 50% use it dailyBoomer Facebook usage has increased 20% over the last decade, with around 66% of boomers currently using itGen Z and student Facebook usage has decreased compared to 10-20 years ago, though around 66% of Gen Z still use itHalf of 13-14 year olds are on Facebook, despite declining usage among younger generationsTikTok, Instagram and Snapchat are the most popular platforms among childrenMeta owns Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger – the top 4 platforms in the UK15% of UK residents purchase secondhand items online weeklyAround 50% of Brits use eBay for selling items, 25% use Facebook Marketplace, and smaller percentages use sites like GumtreeThree quarters of Millennials and Gen X in the UK use Facebook, with stable usage over the last 10 yearsInstagram ranks as the 4th most used social media platform in the UK, used by around 60% of peopleFacebook Messenger ranks 3rd for pure messaging platforms in the UKiMessage overtakes Messenger among younger Gen Z96% of Gen Z in the UK use at least one Meta platform like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsAppBoomers’ Facebook usage is up 20% in the last decadeMore on JasonJason on LinkedInJason on TwitterYou can listen to the episode with GWI Tom Smith here.Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
2/1/24 • 33:36
Twenty-four years ago, the world prepared for the risk of a global meltdown due to the "Y2K bug" - the potential for computer errors related to the formatting and storage of calendar data for dates in and after the year 2000. The issue at the time was many programs represented four-digit years with only the final two digits, making the year 2000 indistinguishable from 1900. Because many computer systems could not correctly distinguish dates, this had the potential to bring down worldwide infrastructures for computer-reliant industries.Thanks to the awareness of this as early as 1985, many systems could be modified in time, and the impact of the Y2K issue was minimal.However, a new threat is looming with the advent of Quantum computing. These mega-powerful computers will potentially be able to decrypt current-day encryption by 2030, with some cybersecurity experts suggesting it could even be as soon as next year.What does this mean for businesses and consumers? Any currently encrypted data could be stored until such a time that quantum computers can decrypt it, exposing our most important secrets and personal information to bad actors and hackers.Are you prepared for the quantum threat? In this first episode for season six, we discuss the risks and opportunities of quantum computing with Chris Johnson, Senior VP and Global Head of Enterprise at Nokia.Chris explains how quantum computing will exponentially increase data volumes and processing power, potentially allowing encrypted data from today to be decrypted in the future. He stresses the importance of preparing networks and systems now to be "quantum safe."We also explore the positive uses of quantum, such as accelerating research and optimizing complex systems, and Chris shares examples of how quantum could speed up vaccine development and financial analysis.Tune in to learn what Nokia is doing in the quantum space, how edge and cloud computing will work with quantum and three actionable steps you can take today to future-proof against quantum threats. It's a fascinating look at an emerging technology with worldwide implications.About ChrisChris is Senior Vice President and Global Head of Enterprise at Nokia. A veteran sales and business leader, Chris focuses on delivering critical network solutions for the world's most essential industries. He is a passionate champion of industrial digitalization for enterprises and government organizations, with a deep understanding of how innovative and intuitive digital technologies can bring resilience, productivity, efficiency and sustainability to any operation. Drawing on his experience defining business strategies, developing teams, executing initiatives and driving profitable growth, Chris helps Nokia Enterprise customers harness the exponential potential of networks to unlock new business models and build capacity for long-term success.Connect with Chris on LinkedinConnect with Chris on TwitterThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
1/13/24 • 21:02
Curious about edge computing? Want to understand why it's the next big thing in the world of IT? My conversation with Mark Swinson, an enterprise IT Automation Sales Specialist at Red Hat, might just be the discussion you're looking for.Mark takes us on a deep dive into the world of edge computing, discussing its benefits, applications, and the crucial role of open-source projects. We navigate the diverse applications of edge computing, exploring its transformative impact in sectors like retail, autonomous driving, and more. Mark also enlightens us on the significant role of AI and Kubernetes in shaping the edge computing landscape. Our conversation also touches upon the unique challenges in edge computing and why data security is paramount in this field. More on MarkMark on LinkedInResources MentionedRed Hat Connect London 7 November 2023The Age of AI - Henry Kissinger, Eric Schmidt, Daniel HuttenlocherThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
10/30/23 • 27:23
On this episode of the Actionable Futurist Podcast, I had an in-depth conversation with Steve Young, UK SVP & Managing Director for Dell Technologies, on why it is now critical that CEOs, CIOs, CFOs and CISOs play a role in driving a well-planned multicloud strategy for their businesses.In recent years, cloud technology has proliferated. However, many are realising that not all workloads and applications are suited to a single public cloud environment. Or, in fact, a public cloud environment at all.. As such, going 'multi-cloud' has been implemented unintentionally rather than strategically.The need for a multi-cloud approach is now more urgent as companies are deploying more complicated applications and services, so this Podcast is timely and important for business leaders in any organisation to hear.The discussion made me realise that multi-cloud strategy is not just about the tech world – and as Steve highlights, it has significant implications for various industries, including financial services and FMCGIn the podcast, we discussed how a financial services organisation has efficiently utilised multi-cloud for cost and efficiency using ground-to-cloud and cloud-to-ground approaches.We also explored Dell Technologies' vision and differentiation in the multi-cloud space and how they focus on enabling customers to consume public cloud-style services irrespective of where their data and applications sit.Dell Technologies is helping to bridge the gap in the market for multi-cloud skilled talent. Artificial Intelligence also impacts the multi-cloud environment, and we talked about how AI will function in a multi-cloud world.It’s fair to say that multi-cloud environments offer numerous benefits, from increased flexibility and agility to improved cyber resilience; however, the journey towards effective multi-cloud adoption is filled with challenges.We examined in detail how each member of the C-suite can benefit from a multi-cloud approach.More and more, CEOs understand the importance of technology in driving business innovation and growth. Embracing a multi-cloud strategy allows CEOs to get their organisations on the front foot of digital transformation.Steve explained how organisations can successfully navigate the multi-cloud maze through strategic planning, business understanding, and the right technological support.We also spoke about the Dell Technologies Forum on November 28th in London that I'm attending, the premier conference for technology enthusiasts and business leaders looking to drive innovation and growth. You can sign up for a free pass at futurist.click/dell-forumResources mentioned in this episodeSteve on LinkedInSign up for the Dell Technologies ForumThis was a sponsored podcast in partnership with Dell Technologies.Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
10/17/23 • 43:40
The world of law is not immune to the sweeping changes brought about by technological advancements, specifically the advent of Artificial Intelligence. In a fascinating discussion with Jaeger Glucina, Chief of Staff at Luminance, we delve into how AI is reshaping the legal industry and creating new possibilities for efficiency and accuracy in legal processes.Built on a proprietary legal Large Language Model (LLM), Luminance uses next-generation AI to automate the generation, negotiation and analysis of contracts. Developed by world-leading AI experts and validated by leading lawyers, Luminance’s specialist ‘legal-grade’ AI is a trusted co-pilot for any legal team.From taking a first pass review of any contract under negotiation, to a first-of-its-kind AI chatbot for redrafting clauses on-the-fly and an intelligent contract repository for granular insight into any contractual landscape, Luminance brings AI to every touchpoint a lawyer has with their documents.A key area of focus in this conversation is the revolutionary role of AI in contract drafting and reviewing. Luminance is leading the way by using a combination of generative and analytical AI to improve accuracy and efficiency in these areas. This technology allows for the identification of risk elements in contracts and the generation of drafts with simple prompts. As Jaeger highlights, this is a significant shift from traditional legal processes and has the potential to greatly improve the working lives of lawyers and legal professionals.One of the fascinating aspects of AI's integration into the legal sector is its potential to redefine traditional business models. A significant shift is taking place in how lawyers bill for their services. AI is introducing opportunities for automation, leading to a drastic reduction in time spent on certain tasks. This change is influencing the billing model in the legal industry, moving away from hourly billing towards value-based pricing.As the legal industry continues to embrace AI, there's a growing need for digital literacy among legal professionals. The integration of AI into legal processes requires a workforce that understands and can effectively utilize these new tools. Jaeger underscores the importance of equipping legal professionals with the necessary digital skills to harness the full potential of AI in their work.More on JaegerJaeger on LinkedInJaeger on TwitterLuminance websiteThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
9/8/23 • 27:23
Imagine a world where AI seamlessly integrates into your daily workflows, driving productivity gains, efficiency increases, and automation. AI and in particular Generative AI is all over the media, and now companies are looking at how they should be introducing AI into the enterprise.While Generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT have been trained on publicly available data, they may not be suitable for always-on and mission-critical systems. So what’s the opportunity for enterprise-grade AI?To answer this question, I’m delighted to have on this episode Umesh Sachdev, CEO of Uniphore, an Enterprise-class, AI-native company that has set out to transform businesses delivering compelling and engaging customer and employee experiences.As we navigate the exciting yet challenging landscape of AI, we discuss potential pitfalls along the way. Umesh candidly shares insights into vital areas like regulation, data security, and total cost of ownership.We dive into how regulation is necessary, including guardrails for AI ensuring ethical use of public data, and protecting against biases and inappropriate use. Umesh also provided three actionable steps to ready your business for the AI revolution.More on UmeshUmesh on LinkedInUmesh on XResources MentionedJolt Effect, The: How High Performers Overcome Customer IndecisionUniphore websiteThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
9/7/23 • 45:04
Can machines really think like humans? What is the future of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) when machines more closely resemble human behaviour than ever before? In this episode, Peter unveils his journey into the realm of AGI and his vision of machines possessing the ability to think, learn, and reason like humans. We look at the intricacies of general AI and how it sets itself apart from narrow AI.The episode also looks at how companies are tackling the immense challenges associated with crafting machines with general intelligence - from understanding the significance of concept formation in artificial general intelligence to discussing the role of quantum computing and resources in AI development.Peter also provided his views on the potential of machines developing empathy and the role of AI in ethical and moral debates, and answers the questions I've always wanted to ask - can AI feel empathy and love? Finally, we take a peek into the future as Peter shares how Aigo.ai is harnessing the power of conversational AI to revolutionize personalised experiences. More on PeterPeter on LinkedInPeter on MediumAigo websitePeter Voss is the world's foremost authority in Artificial General Intelligence. He coined the term 'AGI' in 2001 and published a book on Artificial General Intelligence in 2002. He is a Serial AI entrepreneur, technology innovator who has for the past 20 years been dedicated to advancing Artificial General Intelligence. Peter Voss' careers include being an entrepreneur, engineer and scientist. His experience includes founding and growing a technology company from zero to a 400-person IPO. For the past 20 years, his focus has been on developing AGI (artificial general intelligence). In 2008 Peter founded Smart Action Company, which offers the only call automation solution powered by an AGI engine. He is now CEO & Chief Scientist at Aigo.ai Inc., which is developing and selling increasingly advanced AGI systems for large enterprise customers. Peter also has a keen interest in the inter-relationship between philosophy, psychology, ethics, futurism, and computer science.Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
8/26/23 • 19:03
In the race to dominate Al we have seen our data privacy, democracy, and even our human rights impacted. To understand what brands and consumers need to do to fight back, I spoke with Anton Christodoulou, Group Chief Technology Officer at leading experiential design company, Imagination and co-founder of the new Trust 3.0 initiative.The Trust 3.0 initiative is a Data Privacy Advocacy Group convening the brightest minds in privacy, AI, and technology to champion responsible innovation for a safer society.I’m proud to say that I’m also a part of this timely initiative.Anton is responsible for overseeing Imagination's global technology strategy, project and service delivery execution; to deliver immersive, engaging and measurable experiences to clients including Mastercard, Ford, Major League Baseball, Jaguar Land Rover and Shell. I started our discussion by asking Anton more about Trust 3.0 and why it has been set up.This episode looks at its implications on data privacy for consumers and businesses and offers a deep dive into the necessity of transparency, security, and fair exchange of value in handling customer data. We also discuss how businesses can leverage this to promote trust and security.More on AntonAnton on LinkedInImagination websiteTrust 3.0 websiteThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
8/19/23 • 24:51
Consumers are beginning to understand that their personal data has real value, but it is still held in the hands of big technology companies. The promise of consumers managing and owning their own data will become a reality thanks to decentralised or self-sovereign identity (SSI).To delve into this topic, I'm delighted to welcome onto the podcast Marie Wallace, Digital Identity Lead at Accenture.Marie and I both had the chance to work together at IBM and I've always enjoyed our discussions about analytics and data, and this conversation explains SSI in a very accessible way.Self-Sovereign Identity, or decentralized identity, is a model where individuals have full control over their personal data.During the episode, Marie debunked the common myth that implementing this model necessitates a blockchain, and we looked at the concept of "streaming trust".We also looked at Marie's instrumental role in projects like IBM's Digital Health Pass and New York's Excelsior Pass during the pandemic.A fascinating part of the discussion revolved around the concept of verifiable data, and the potential of AI in offering personalised career advice, primed with our own personal data.We also examined how companies might interact with customers to provide incentives for releasing individual data and how LinkedIn is starting to verify profiles to allow individuals to have more control over the data they own.This episode also looked at the integral role of trust networks, the need for secure digital wallets, and the exciting prospects of verifiable data.We also covered topics such asThe concept of "streaming trust" & how SSI worksSovereign identity & worker onboardingTrusting the trust providerThe need for secure, trusted digital walletsUsing SSI to validate my LinkedIn profileExploring the Concept of Verifiable DataEmpowering consumers with their own dataThe role of AI with SSI & personal dataSSI drivers: risk, cost, fraud reductionWhere do I store my SSI data?The Philosophy of Self-Sovereign IdentityExamples where SSI is working alreadySelf-Sovereign Identity and AI ExplorationsEmbedding trust with the supply chainAI uses in SSIEmpowering Individuals with Self-Sovereign IdentityWho needs to drive SSI adoption?The biggest challenge in SSIWhat are the steps to take to control my own data?Being more data literate and caring about your identity and online safetyThree actionable steps to manage your own identityMore on MarieMarie on LinkedInMarie on TwitterMarie's blogMarie's TED talkResources mentioned1PasswordThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
8/13/23 • 38:10
What if you could unlock the full potential of Generative AI and its impact on your life and company? Get ready for a fascinating fireside chat recorded live in front of an audience at the offices of leading international law firm RPC during London Tech Week.The Actionable Futurist Andrew Grill was interviewed on stage by Helen Armstrong, a Partner in RPC’s IP and technology disputes team.The discussion examined the risks, issues, and ethics surrounding this powerful technology and the roles played by giants like OpenAI, Google, and Facebook in this rapidly evolving space. This episode also covers the current applications and trends of generative AI in the retail and consumer sectors and how it's already making a mark on our daily lives. As we navigate the complex world of AI regulation, Andrew shared his insights on explainability, transparency, trust within AI systems, and the implications of the UK Government's white paper on AI. The episode also touched on the challenges of IP rights, GDPR, ongoing AI model training, and the importance of auditing systems to prevent bias.Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation as we uncover the incredible potential of generative AI, its ability to unleash creativity, and the crucial need for ethical use of this game-changing technology.We covered a lot of ground in this episode, including:Generative AI and Its ImpactChat GPT’s definition of a futuristWhat is Generative AI?Why AI is so popular nowThe risks of using Generative AIWhy ChatGPT so confidently provides incorrect answersHow ChatGPT actually worksChatGPT data sourcesIs ChatGPT that useful?The “magnet of mediocrity”Where is Generative AI being used?The “enthusiastic always-on intern”The need for critical thinkersThe responsible use of AIChallenges and Considerations for Generative AIThe AI black box problemThe challenges for regulation around AICan we trust AI?Regulation areas for AIGovernment response to AI regulationAre you involving your risk department around AI?Recruitment considerations for AI teamsThe future of Generative AIEnterprise AI ImplementationEnterpriseGPT challengesWill AI provide us with more free time to be creative?Actionable items for tomorrowYour two tribes and the opportunity for a hackathonWhy AI comes at a costIs your data “AI ready”?Will AI replace human creativity?Adobe’s AI productsAccenture’s use of AI generated imagery in a reportGenerative AI will drive more creativityAudience questions includedWho is responsible for ensuring AI training data is validWill AI disrupt or strengthen the economy?The environmental impacts of Generative AIThe difference between human emotional intelligThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious
6/15/23 • 44:17