AI Unscripted

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While skepticism often grabs attention, data may reveal a different narrative. A select group of companies is already harnessing AI to create tangible business value. We delve into new survey insights with Xavier Verhaeghe to explore why these companies are leading, how they organise their initiatives, and what it takes to transition from isolated trials to significant results. The key is clear: view AI as a transformative force, not just a tool. 

We outline the strategies successful leaders employ. It begins with a compelling "why" linked to enhancing customer experience and boosting revenue, rather than merely cutting costs. Next is targeted execution: choose a few high-impact processes, redesign them comprehensively, and safeguard resources with a dedicated transformation office.  

Looking forward, agentic AI is already in use for specific applications, moving from "human in the loop" to human oversight, with agents monitoring agents for quality. This shift challenges leaders to rethink governance, monitoring, and risk management. It also transforms talent. Generalists, armed with AI, can now provide value previously reserved for experts. Boards that move past headlines to genuine urgency invest in reskilling, redefine roles, and align AI with strategic goals.  

Looking to refine your plan—focus deeply on fewer initiatives, measure outcomes that matter to customers, and align business and AI leadership? This discussion offers a clear starting point and practical guidance. Subscribe, share with a colleague responsible for a key process, and leave a review with the one process you'd transform first. 

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AI alone won't revolutionise a business just because the tools are available. We explore how Microsoft transitioned from trial phases of AI to achieving tangible results—and why governance, training, and clear KPIs are crucial in moving from novelty to tangible outcomes. With insights from Marijke Schroos, General Manager, Microsoft Belgium and Luxembourg, and Michiel De Keyzer, a Director at PwC, we delve into daily adoption mechanics, from leader-driven prompt sharing to community building and weekly reports that push usage beyond 90%. 

Our discussion goes beyond buzzwords to reveal how teams truly capture value. We explore how to align AI with specific processes and challenges, establish baselines, and assess outcomes like cycle time, quality, and risk reduction. You'll discover how engineering advancements can be transformed into industry-specific solutions across finance, HR, legal, and procurement, and why AI is now a business-driven agenda with IT ensuring security, architecture, and data readiness. You can also take a glimpse into how local market feedback informs product development, while public sector constraints inspire practical innovations like fraud detection and service productivity. 

Trust and responsibility are at the core of every decision. This episode covers data classification, access controls, content policies, and review boards that mitigate bias and misuse—alongside training that empowers individuals to verify sources and question outputs. Education emerges as a key driver, with teachers and students using AI to enhance critical thinking rather than bypass it. Looking forward, agentic workflows will reshape work structures as teams learn to manage fleets of agents. With the addition of quantum computing, breakthroughs in fields like Pharma could accelerate significantly, displaying results rather than interfaces. 

If you're committed to AI adoption, this is your guide: establish boundaries, aim for impact, measure what counts, and combine human insight with machine efficiency.

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Season two of AI Unscripted begins with a deep dive into how artificial intelligence is transforming the business landscape and the early career experience. Host Patrick is joined by Oscar Monville, a junior cloud data and AI expert at PwC, who shares his unique perspective as part of the first generation to enter the workforce with AI as a daily reality.

Oscar’s Journey: From University to PwC
Oscar recounts his academic background in digital business at the University of Namur, where AI tools like ChatGPT became central to student life. While AI was not formally part of the curriculum, it was a frequent topic thanks to engaged professors and curious classmates. Oscar describes how students learned to use AI critically—balancing curiosity, experimentation, and the need to maintain academic integrity.

AI in the Workplace: Tools, Efficiency, and Learning
Transitioning to PwC, Oscar explains why he chose the company for its growth opportunities and willingness to invest in new talent. He details his daily use of AI for brainstorming, translation, and idea generation, relying on secure, bespoke PwC tools. Oscar discusses the challenge of balancing efficiency with personal development, as automation changes the nature of entry-level work and the traditional learning process.

Generational Differences and Human Skills
The discussion highlights generational contrasts in AI adoption. Oscar notes that digital natives adapt quickly, while more experienced professionals must adjust established habits. He stresses the ongoing importance of human skills—such as client interaction, argumentation, and pitching—that AI cannot replace, and the need to remain critical of AI-generated outputs.

Ethical and Environmental Considerations
Oscar addresses the ethical and environmental impact of AI, making conscious choices about when to use energy-intensive features like image generation. He emphasises the importance of necessity over convenience and the responsibility to use AI thoughtfully.

Looking Ahead: The Future of AI and Work
The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions on personal boundaries, overhyped and underrated AI technologies, and predictions for 2027. Oscar foresees AI becoming ubiquitous but stresses the need for upskilling and maintaining human connection and value in the workplace.

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Welcome to this episode of AI Unscripted, where the focus turns to the impact of artificial intelligence on the tax profession. Host Patrick is joined by Laurens, a director with a background in accounting and tax compliance, for a practical discussion on how AI is reshaping tax functions, from efficiency gains to strategic transformation. 

Key topics include: 

• AI in the tax function: Laurens explains how AI is already integrated into daily tax work, supporting both efficiency and enhanced analysis, and handling large volumes of structured and unstructured data. 2:21 
• Tools and technology: The conversation covers the use of general AI solutions like Copilot and specialised tax tools such as Harvey, including the benefits of ring-fenced environments for data security and the development of territory-specific models for improved accuracy. 7:04 
• Balancing efficiency and quality: Patrick and Laurens discuss the dual role of AI in automating routine tasks and elevating the quality of tax analysis, with examples of measurable improvements in accuracy when using advanced AI models. 7:40 
• Adoption challenges and upskilling: The episode addresses the need for upskilling, the importance of critical thinking, and strategies for training both generalists and specialists within tax teams to ensure future readiness. 11:06 
• Strategic implementation: Insights are shared on how organisations - large and small - can develop a clear tax technology strategy, align it with business goals, and avoid the pitfalls of adopting AI purely out of fear of missing out. 16:49 
• SMEs vs. multinationals: The discussion highlights differences in AI adoption between large companies and SMEs, noting that agility and focus can offset budget constraints for smaller organisations. 18:23 
• AI as a sparring partner: Laurens shares how AI tools can help reduce uncertainty in complex tax scenarios by enabling scenario analysis and supporting nuanced decision-making. 21:21 
• Gamification and engagement: The episode introduces the "AI flag" gamification initiative, designed to encourage hands-on learning and adoption of AI tools within tax teams. 22:43 
• The future of tax professionals: Patrick and Laurens reflect on the evolving role of tax experts, the enduring need for human judgement, and why a career in tax remains relevant and exciting in the age of AI. 23:24 

Join us for an insightful look at how AI is transforming the tax landscape, the practical realities of adoption, and what it means for the future of tax professionals. 

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Welcome to episode 10 of our AI Unscripted series, where host Patrick explores the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education and the early stages of professional life. This episode offers a candid look at how students and young professionals are engaging with AI, both in their studies and as they embark on their careers. 

Key topics include: 

• AI in the classroom: Hugues and Cosme share their personal experiences with AI at university, discussing how students use AI tools for programming, research, and report writing, and reflecting on the challenges and opportunities this brings to higher education. 2:14 
• Bridging the gap: The conversation highlights the lag between academic curricula and the rapid pace of AI adoption, with insights into how universities are beginning to adapt and the importance of fostering critical thinking skills. 4:04 
• Workplace realities: The episode explores how AI is being used in consulting and business environments, the maturity of organisations in leveraging data, and the balance between efficiency gains and true innovation. 12:01 
• Ethical and practical considerations: The speakers discuss the risks of over-reliance on AI, the importance of maintaining personal skills, and the environmental impact of AI technologies. 18:06 
• Looking ahead: Hugues and Cosme share their perspectives on the future of AI, the rise of AI agents, and the evolving role of humans in supervising and collaborating with intelligent systems. 14:59 

Join us for an honest and practical discussion on how AI is shaping the next generation of learners and professionals, and what it means for the future of work and education. 

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Welcome to another insightful episode of our AI Unscripted series, where we explore the dynamic world of artificial intelligence (AI). In this episode, we delve into the critical topic of trust in AI, focusing on its legal and regulatory aspects, particularly within the European context. 

Key topics include: 

• Understanding the AI Act: Loïc provides an overview of the AI Act, a significant piece of European legislation aimed at securing the safety and trustworthiness of AI products. He explains how the Act categorises AI applications based on risk levels and the implications for businesses. 1:36 
• Risk classification and compliance: Wim discusses the practical aspects of complying with the AI Act, emphasising the importance of risk classification and proportionality. He highlights the need for transparency and the challenges of applying these requirements in real-world scenarios. 6:12 
• Impact on businesses: The conversation touches on how the AI Act affects various stakeholders, from large enterprises to SMEs. Loïc explains the roles and responsibilities of providers, deployers and other actors in the AI value chain, stressing the importance of accountability and security. 8:56 
• Global perspective: The episode also explores how other regions, particularly the US, are approaching AI regulation. The discussion includes the potential competitive advantages for European companies adhering to these standards and the broader implications for global AI governance. 19:55 
• Future of AI regulation: Looking ahead, the speakers discuss the evolving nature of AI technology and the need for flexible regulatory frameworks. They emphasise the importance of ongoing engagement with regulators and the potential for innovation within the bounds of the AI Act. 26:25 

Join us as we navigate the complexities of AI regulation and its impact on trust, innovation and the future of artificial intelligence. 

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Welcome to another captivating episode of our AI Unscripted series where we delve into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI) and, in this episode, its intersection with art, music and technology alongside the creative minds from Casco Phil. 

Key topics include: 

• Casco Phil's unique approach: Discover the innovative spirit of Casco Phil, a socially engaged cultural organisation known for its adventurous and experimental approach to performing arts. Benjamin and Arne share insights into their creative journey and the organisation's distinctive blend of classical and modern music. 0:38 
• AI and music: Explore the intriguing relationship between AI and music. Benjamin and Arne discuss how AI’s becoming increasingly relevant in the music industry, both as an artistic tool and a commercial asset. They highlight the importance of distinguishing AI's impact on music as an art form versus its influence on the industry at large. 3:34 
• Windmill Symphony project: Learn about the Windmill Symphony project, a collaboration between Casco Phil, the Port of Antwerp and the University of Antwerp. This innovative project transforms data from wind turbines into a symphonic masterpiece, showcasing the creative potential of data-driven music composition. 6:27 
• AI's role in music composition: Gain insights into the creative process behind AI-generated music. Benjamin and Arne explain how AI can assist composers by providing efficient solutions for tasks like harmonising melodies and checking for errors, while still preserving the human element of creativity and intuition. 20:55 
• Ethical considerations and ownership: Delve into the complex ethical questions surrounding AI and music. The discussion touches on the challenges of defining ownership and authenticity in AI-generated art, comparing it to traditional intellectual processes in music composition. 24:45 

Join us to explore how AI is reshaping the world of music and art, driving innovation and creative collaboration that pushes the boundaries of traditional artistic expression. 

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Welcome to another engaging episode of our AI Unscripted series, where we explore the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and engineering with the team from KU Leuven University's Solar Team. 

Key topics include: 

• Evolution of AI in engineering: Explore the integration of AI in building a solar-powered car with Thibaut and Kevin from the Innoptus Solar Team. They walk us through the transformative journey of converting solar energy into automotive power. [0:39] 
• AI Innovations in automotive sustainability: Discover how AI’s revolutionising automotive sustainability through anomaly testing and big data analysis. Delve into the complexities of adapting AI for real-world applications in racing and vehicle performance. [5:43] 
• Embracing an AI education revolution: Our discussion extends to the educational trends shaping the next generation of engineers. With a new master's programme in AI, students are prepared to tackle the fast-evolving tech landscape. [22:06] 
• AI’s multifaceted role: Gain insights into the application of AI beyond black-box solutions. The team highlights the significance of explainable AI in understanding AI-driven decision-making processes. [20:43] 
• Rising to the solar challenge: Learn about the Solar Team’s accomplishments as they gear up for the world’s Solar Challenge in Australia, the pivotal role of AI and the team’s strategic approach to racing. [0:51] 

Join us to witness how AI’s shaping the world of engineering and sustainability, driving innovation and academic collaboration that paves the way for greener, smarter technologies. 

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In this episode of our AI Unscripted series, we welcome Professor Hannes Datta from a leading university to discuss the institution's initiatives with artificial intelligence (AI) in education and the ethical considerations surrounding it. 

Key topics include: 

• AI in education initiatives 
  Professor Datta shares his experience leading the AI in Education Work Group, highlighting the development of an AI lab and a popular blog dedicated to informing students and faculty about best practices in using AI tools. [0:50] 
• Innovative AI tools in educational settings 
  Discover the real-world applications of AI within classrooms, such as chatbots trained on course material to assist students with queries related to their courses. [2:09] 
• Adaptable approach towards AI 
  With a positive mindset, Professor Datta likens the AI landscape to a Lego box, encouraging students and educators to adapt and innovate as new AI tools emerge. [20:07] 
• Ethical and environmental impacts 
  The discussion extends to the ethical dimensions of AI use in education, emphasising the importance of awareness and responsible use, while also considering the environmental impacts of AI technology. [14:09] 
• Collaborative efforts in AI advancement 
  Universities in close proximity are joining forces to enhance their AI capabilities through organisations like SURF, striving for better infrastructure and use of AI models. [12:10] 

Join us for an insightful conversation on pioneering efforts in the integration of AI within education, where ethical, innovative and practical elements merge to shape the future of learning. 

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In this episode of our AI Unscripted series, Paul Van Den Bosch, author of "Lead Like a Coach", and Liesbet Vanderstappen, our HR director, explore AI's transformative role in data and coaching. 

Key topics include: 

• AI and Sports Data: Paul explains how AI processes immense volumes of sports data, such as athletes' resting heart rates, sleep hours, and training metrics, to deliver recovery scores and performance insights. [1:09] 
• Human Touch in Coaching: Despite the importance of data, Paul underscores the irreplaceable value of personal interaction. He shares a story of an athlete whose performance declined due to personal loss, illustrating the need for empathy and understanding beyond raw data. [4:41] 
• Critical Mindset with AI Tools: Liesbet highlights the necessity of maintaining a critical mindset when using AI tools, ensuring that data is interpreted correctly and informs decisions effectively. [7:45] 
• AI's Role in Incremental Improvements: The discussion delves into how AI fosters both small incremental improvements and significant breakthroughs in performance, especially in cycling. [9:40] 
• Data Privacy and Competitive Advantage: The conversation also touches on the competitive edge teams gain by collecting and analysing data, while keeping it confidential to maintain their advantage. [11:23] 

Join us for an insightful discussion on how AI is revolutionising sports, enhancing both athlete performance and coaching strategies. 

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