In the final episode of Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet, Jon and Steve are joined by Paul Wealls, Principal Consultant Sports at Lenovo, Visiting Researcher at Newcastle University Business School, published author, and AI thought leader.

This conversation explores a different side of AI.

While much of the noise around AI focuses on automation and job replacement, Paul shares why the real opportunity lies in combining technology with human judgement, creativity, and experience.

From early adoption and global tech innovation to today’s AI landscape, Paul breaks down what’s real, what’s hype, and how businesses can start using AI in a practical, responsible way.

You’ll hear about:

• Where AI is genuinely adding value in business today

• Why human input still matters more than ever

• The opportunities and risks of rapid AI adoption

• How AI can improve productivity without losing the human touch

• The role of neurodiversity in innovation and problem solving

• Why the North East is well positioned for growth in AI and tech

A grounded and insightful conversation to close out the series, focused on what comes next and how to approach it with the right mindset.

If you’ve enjoyed the podcast, make sure to follow and share it with someone who’s thinking about the future of business, technology, and AI.