I sat down with Scott Shepard, an award-winning urban planner, entrepreneur, and thought leader at the intersection of AI, urbanism, mobility, and decarbonisation. We explored the evolving role of urban planning in mobility, the rise of SUMP (Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan) and the impact of micrologistics on city infrastructure. Scott shared insights on venture capital trends shaping mobility innovation and the stark contrasts between European and US investment landscapes. We delved into AI's growing influence, from large language models to autonomous mobility, and debated Europe's positioning in the new geopolitical climate. With reflections on smart city development, and the lessons Europe can draw from history and current global developments, this conversation provides fresh perspectives for future of cities-first thinking.

I sat down with Nader Dagher, Director of Product Solutions and Integration at Seez, to explore the intersection of AI-driven bot solutions and the automotive industry. We delved into Nader’s journey from graphic design to leading innovative tech solutions, discussing how bots are transforming dealership-customer interactions worldwide. From improving efficiency and tackling misinformation to navigating regional adoption challenges, Nader shared fascinating insights into the benefits and complexities of implementing AI in such a dynamic sector. We also touched on his work with global markets, the role of tech partnerships, and what the future holds for automotive retail bot technology.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Clara de Ros, Senior Associate at Plug and Play Tech Center, about the transformative innovations shaping the automotive industry. Clara shared her journey as a venture capitalist specialising in Mobility, Energy, Robotics, and AI, and why these areas are crucial for the sector’s future. We explored the key trends in the automotive startup ecosystem, how Plug and Play evaluates investment opportunities, and the exciting potential of generative AI in applications like design, predictive analytics, and autonomous systems. Clara highlighted common challenges automotive startups face, the untapped opportunities for innovation, and offered invaluable advice for entrepreneurs navigating this competitive space. Finally, we discussed her vision for the next decade of automotive investment, the evolving role of VCs, and strategic recommendations for leaders at OEMs investing in generative AI. A must-listen for anyone passionate about the intersection of technology and mobility!

I had the pleasure of speaking with Henrique Monteiro Wadsworth, Director of Sustainability & Energy Efficiency and Co-Champion of Open Innovation and AI at Bridgestone Mobility Solutions. Henrique shared fascinating insights into Bridgestone's innovative organisational structure, where sustainability is championed as a dedicated value stream, and how the company leverages strategic acquisitions and partnerships to drive impactful solutions. We delved into current AI use cases, from driver monitoring systems to the broader cultural shifts required for collaboration in a traditionally tier-1 environment. Henrique also reflected on the talent implications of a rapidly evolving industry and shared his vision for the future of generative AI in mobility solutions. It was a deeply inspiring conversation about the intersection of strategy, technology, and sustainability in shaping the future of mobility.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Jesper Fredriksson, AI Engineer Lead at Volvo Cars, about his work at the forefront of generative AI in the automotive industry. Jesper shared insights into how generative AI is transforming workflows and customer experiences, from dynamic pricing to advanced customer support. We explored the broader implications of retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems and autonomous AI agents, tackling challenges like data privacy and ethical considerations. Jesper also shed light on the development cycles for AI products and his vision for a connected, autonomous mobility ecosystem powered by AI. Tune in for Jesper's invaluable advice for organisations adopting AI and a fascinating look at the future of innovation in this space.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Marcel Cauli, a visionary entrepreneur and investor with over two decades of experience at the helm of Extendas BV, the leading provider of back-office systems for petrol stations in the Netherlands. Marcel shared his expert insights into how artificial intelligence is transforming the mobility and fuelling industries. We explored the priorities for fuelling stations in adopting new energy solutions, sustainability initiatives, and the evolution towards multi-energy hubs. Marcel’s innovative mindset and forward-thinking approach to the future of mobility made this a truly engaging and thought-provoking discussion.

I was pleased to speak with Anja Hendel, Managing Director at Diconium, former Director of Innovation and Digital Transformation Finance at Porsche AG, and a passionate advocate for digital and organisational transformation. We discussed why hardware manufacturers often struggle with software development, delving into the inherent differences between the two disciplines.

Anja offered a fascinating perspective on the unique characteristics of AI, tracing its historic development and exploring its transformative use cases, including autonomous driving, predictive analytics in mobility, and the emergence of new business models.

We also reflected on how collaborations with external partners are changing, highlighting the competition within digital ecosystems, the critical capabilities needed to succeed, and the ongoing talent gaps in software and hardware development.

To conclude, Anja shared her recommendations for senior executives navigating these challenges, providing actionable insights into staying ahead in an increasingly digital world.

I sat down with Koenraad Verduyn, a seasoned expert in smart mobility and intelligent transport systems, to explore the transformative impact of AI on urban transportation. From the evolution and challenges of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) to the burgeoning role of generative AI in traffic modelling and simulations, Koenraad shared his insights on the intersection of technology and mobility. We delved into the potential of synthetic data, the role of autonomous vehicle initiatives in Belgium, and the future of smart cities driven by innovative solutions. Koenraad’s depth of knowledge and pragmatic perspective made for a fascinating discussion on what lies ahead for mobility in an increasingly connected world.

I spoke with Franck Louis-Victor, a leader in the automotive and tech industries, about his work at the forefront of in-vehicle customer experience innovation. With extensive experience in key OEM roles, including his leadership at Ford Next and Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, Franck shared his insights into how (Gen)AI is reshaping interactions between drivers and their vehicles. We explored how connected services, autonomous driving, and AI-driven features are changing the automotive landscape, and discussed recommendations for OEMs to stay competitive as new entrants challenge traditional models. It was a deep dive into the future of customer touchpoints and the role of AI in creating personalised, seamless experiences in the automotive sector.

I had the privilege of speaking with Jonas Wagner, Partner and Managing Director at Berylls by AlixPartners, and Niklas von Weihe, CTO and Co-Founder of FULLY AI. We delved into the potential of Generative AI in the automotive industry, exploring Jonas’s market-level perspective on current strategic approaches, value drivers, and organisational learnings. Niklas provided a deep dive into fully AI-driven solutions, sharing use cases, lessons from product development, and applications in platforms like Meta. Together, we charted short-, medium-, and long-term outlooks for Generative AI, offering recommendations for Product Managers and Chief Data & AI Officers striving to harness its power.