The Agentic Insider

What if we've already lost control? Dr. Mark Brady, Deputy Chief Data Officer of TRMC at KBR Inc., unveils the two AI singularities that could redefine humanity's future. The episode dives into the significance of safe AI, exploring the six laws of safe AI and various facets of AI safety, such as the importance of safety objective functions and the challenges posed by AI evolution and machine learning. The conversation also touches on the applications of AgTech AI in defense and government, and the current capabilities and limitations of autonomous AI agents. To close, Mark shares personal hobbies and offers career advice for aspiring data scientists and future chief data officers.

Takeaways:

• Understanding AI Singularities: Familiarize yourself with the concept of AI singularities. Recognize the symptoms and implications of these singularities on society and technology.
• Safety Objective Functions: Implement safety objective functions in AI systems to ensure they prioritize human safety over other objectives.
• Tracking Data Lineage: Recognize the challenges in data lineage and strive to improve transparency and understanding of how data flows through systems.
• AI Creating AI: Ensure that any AI creating other AI systems includes its own safety objective functions in its creations. This prevents the propagation of unsafe AI systems.
• Human and AI Coexistence: Consider the potential future coexistence of different intelligences, such as biological, machine, augmented biological, and biological augmented machine, and how they might interact and compete.
• Large Language Models: Keep abreast of the advancements in large language models and their applications. Understand their current limitations and potential for future development.

Quote of the Show:

• “If AI is smarter than we are, how are we gonna be able to compete with it? How are we going to be able to make sure something's not going awry? We need AI to help us.” - Mark Brady

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-brady-18274321b/ 
• Website: https://www.kbr.com/en 
• Book Link: https://a.co/d/gtODJjR 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://agenticinsider.show/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fCCuVl6tL5p2kEAwFCQNJ 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-agentic-insider/id1807346381 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fe0482d-d798-4420-a93a-fc6653bce437 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-agentic-insider-6057241 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iridiusAI 

“Data is the lifeblood of AI agents.” Is your data ready for the future of AI? Phillip and Alistair welcome William McKnight, President of McKnight Consulting Group and a leading global influencer in big data, data centers, cloud, and analytics, on the podcast today. William shares his insights on preparing enterprises for AI adoption, the importance of data accessibility, and the critical role of thoughtful data architecture. He also discusses the evolving role of data scientists, the AI-driven transformation in various industries, and the significance of strong leadership in managing AI implementations. The episode concludes with practical advice on maximizing ROI from AI investments and preparing for the future landscape of AI agents.

Takeaways:

• Develop a Strong Data Strategy: Ensure all your data is accessible, well-performing, and governed. Consider adopting a data mesh approach to balance centralization and decentralization.
• Commit to AI Agents: Begin experimenting with AI agents now rather than waiting. Pick initial use cases that are simple yet impactful and scalable for future projects.
• Emphasize Organizational Change Management: Successful AI implementation often requires significant organizational change and strong leadership. Be prepared to tackle change management as a critical component of AI projects.
• Focus on Data Maturity: Assess your organization's data maturity by evaluating data performance, understanding, and governance. Implement an information management action plan to improve analytical capabilities and enterprise data architecture.
• Embrace New Roles: Consider emerging roles like prompt engineer, AI ethics manager, AI explainer, and advanced data architects to support AI initiatives. Encourage upskilling and reskilling of current team members to fill these roles.
• Explore Diverse Use Cases: Investigate and apply AI in diverse areas such as drug discovery, predictive maintenance, fraud detection, personalized marketing, and healthcare.
• Prepare for Integration Challenges: Anticipate and address data integration challenges, especially in environments with multiple legacy systems.

Quote of the Show:

• “Data is the lifeblood of AI agents.” - William McKnight

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wmcknight/ 
• Website: https://mcknightcg.com/ 
• Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/William-McKnight/author/B002QLXASK?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://agenticinsider.show/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fCCuVl6tL5p2kEAwFCQNJ 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-agentic-insider/id1807346381 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fe0482d-d798-4420-a93a-fc6653bce437 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-agentic-insider-6057241 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iridiusAI 

Will AI lead to a manufacturing resurgence in North America? According to Vlad Romanov, Founder and Manufacturing Executive of Solis PLC, that is the hope he has. He discusses the loss of manufacturing advantages in recent years and the potential role of technology, including AI and robotics, in enhancing competitiveness. The conversation covers topics such as the impact of AI on operational technologies, workforce dynamics, supply chain communications, and Industry 4.0 initiatives. Vlad also shares his thoughts on the importance of training, change management, and the need for real-world AI application case studies. The episode concludes with Vlad giving career advice for aspiring professionals in the manufacturing sector and sharing a glimpse into his interests.

Takeaways:

• Explore AI Tools: Start experimenting with AI tools to improve different aspects of your business, such as sales, operations, marketing, and manufacturing efficiency. Consider running small, fast sprints and MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) to test out different solutions.
• Focus on Sales and Marketing: Improve your sales and marketing strategies to get more orders through the door. Utilize AI to better understand customer needs, enhance marketing efforts, and streamline sales processes.
• Invest in Education: Invest time in learning and understanding both the technical and business sides of manufacturing. Consider upskilling in AI, programming, and data analysis through available online resources and AI models.
• Leverage Data: Ensure you are collecting and utilizing data effectively. This includes data from various sources, such as machine operations, sales, customer feedback, and more. Apply AI to analyze this data for better decision-making.
• Address Obsolete Systems: Assess your current equipment and systems, especially if they are obsolete. Look for ways to modernize and integrate new technologies that can improve efficiency and data collection.
• Share and Learn: Encourage the sharing of case studies and successful implementations of AI in manufacturing. Learning from the experiences of others can help improve your own AI deployment strategies.

Quote of the Show:

• “ I think AI is gonna drastically change every single area, and if we're not up to speed on it, we're simply not gonna be able to win on that front.” - Vlad Romanov

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladromanov/ 
• Website: https://www.solisplc.com/ 
• Podcast: https://www.manufacturinghub.live/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://agenticinsider.show/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fCCuVl6tL5p2kEAwFCQNJ 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-agentic-insider/id1807346381 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fe0482d-d798-4420-a93a-fc6653bce437 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-agentic-insider-6057241 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iridiusAI 

How can we build future-proof AI? It’s nearly impossible, but that’s something Phillip and Alistair touch on in this episode with Dr. Vinesh Sukumar, VP Head of Gen AI/ML Product Management at Qualcomm. Vinesh discusses the challenges and innovations in the Edge AI space, the significance of personalization, and the transition from static AI models to autonomous agents. He shares insights into the elements necessary for creating a best-in-class Edge AI processor and reflects on his extensive career. The episode also covers the importance of security and governance in AI systems, successful and challenging AI projects, and future trends in AI technology.

Takeaways:

• Embrace Continuous Learning: The field of AI is evolving rapidly. Continuously update your knowledge by reading research papers, books, and watching educational talks.
• Understand the Importance of Personalization in AI: Focus on creating AI systems that offer personalized user experiences. AI should be able to adapt to individual needs and preferences while ensuring privacy and security.
• Leverage Edge Computing: Explore the benefits of edge computing for AI applications, especially in scenarios where latency, bandwidth, and power constraints are critical.
• Participate in Consortia and Standards: Engage with industry consortia like NIST to stay informed about best practices in AI safety, governance, and standards.
• Focus on Interoperability: Ensure that your AI systems can work seamlessly with other external tools, APIs, and multi-agent systems. Interoperability is crucial for robust AI deployment.
• Innovate Responsibly: Prioritize responsible AI development by continuously monitoring deployed systems and updating them as necessary to ensure ongoing safety and performance.

Quote of the Show:

• “It’s a learning experience everyday.” - Vinesh Sukumar

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vineshsukumar/ 
• Website: https://www.qualcomm.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://agenticinsider.show/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fCCuVl6tL5p2kEAwFCQNJ 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-agentic-insider/id1807346381 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fe0482d-d798-4420-a93a-fc6653bce437 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-agentic-insider-6057241 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iridiusAI 

In celebration of Iridius winning their first award, Phillip and Alistair welcome the CEO, Mike Kropp, onto the podcast. The discussion reveals Iridius's recent achievement of winning their first award at the ISG AI Impact Summit in Boston, covering the experience and significance of this recognition. Mike shares insights from the event, including pivotal discussions on AI implementation, the role of human oversight, and the hurdles companies face in production deployment due to security concerns. Additionally, Mike delves into a local event in Kirkland that focused on AI's regional impact, touching on issues like job growth and housing affordability in the Pacific Northwest. The episode wraps up with Mike's personal interests and career advice rooted in passion and discovery.

Takeaways:

• Strategic Insight from Industry Leaders: Learn from strategic insights provided by industry leaders like ISG and consulting firms like IBM, which are setting benchmarks in AI implementation. Track the progress of other companies and their AI strategies to inform your own approach.
• Human-Centric AI Implementation: Recognize the importance of keeping humans in the loop during AI implementation to maintain control and oversight.
• Cultural and Behavioral Aspects of AI: Explore how to align AI agents with company culture and values to ensure seamless integration and positive interaction with human employees. Consider the potential for AI to influence and shape corporate culture, and plan accordingly.
• Real-World AI Applications: Follow up on developments in how AI is impacting specific sectors, such as real estate and job growth, particularly in tech hubs like the Pacific Northwest.
• Community and Regional Impact: Participate in local forums and discussions to understand how AI will affect your region and industry. Be aware of the socioeconomic impacts, such as housing affordability and job market changes, that technological advancements may bring.

Quote of the Show:

• “ It's super exciting to see how customers reacted to what we're building. They clearly saw that implementing safe, responsible AI in their organizations and being able to do it fast with confidence is clearly something they're super interested in. ” - Mike Kropp

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-k-kropp/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-swan/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alistaln/ 
• Website: https://iridius.ai/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://agenticinsider.show/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fCCuVl6tL5p2kEAwFCQNJ 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-agentic-insider/id1807346381 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fe0482d-d798-4420-a93a-fc6653bce437 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-agentic-insider-6057241 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iridiusAI 

If you aren’t investing in AI, you’re going to get left behind. Today, Phillip and Alistair welcome Ray Ellis, Head of AI Security at Philip Morris International (PMI). Ray, an AI enthusiast with a background in information security, discusses his journey from the Royal Tank Regiment to leading AI security initiatives at PMI. He shares insights on AI-driven security strategies, the importance of gamifying training, and the challenges of integrating AI securely. Ray highlights PMI's approach to AI adoption, including decentralized assessments, third-party risk management, and future-proofing against emerging technologies like quantum computing. The episode also delves into the successes and obstacles faced in AI security, offering valuable advice for those looking to enter the field.

Takeaways:

• Educational Gamification: Explore innovative training methods, such as gamification, to enhance engagement and learning. Consider creating interactive, game-based training modules for your team to learn about AI security risks and compliance.
• Understand AI Risks: Develop a comprehensive understanding of AI-related risks, such as prompt injection and data hallucination. Identify these risks early and design controls to mitigate them effectively.
• Maturity Models: Use maturity models to assess and improve the security readiness of AI solutions within your organization. Track your progress and update your strategy as your organization matures.
• Strategic Risk Management: Implement a risk management framework to evaluate AI initiatives based on their impact on productivity and information security value.
• Security by Design: When developing AI solutions, integrate security measures from the outset rather than as an afterthought. Ensure that all stages from ideation to deployment consider security implications.
• Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits of AI systems and their security frameworks to identify and rectify any potential vulnerabilities. This could include both internal audits and third-party assessments to ensure a comprehensive review.

Quote of the Show:

• “The only thing stopping you is you.” - Ray Ellis

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-ellis-/ 
• Website: https://www.pmi.com/ 
• AI Cyber Hunter 1: A New Risk: https://ray51773.github.io/AI-Hunter_1/ (This introduces the New Risk of AI, and you need to speak to the SOC and CTI to understand the risks)
• AI Hunter 2: Agents Strike Back: https://ray51773.github.io/AI-Hunter_2/ (This is focused on Agents and the new types of risk that they bring)
• AI Hunter 3: Return of the Governance: https://ray51773.github.io/AI-Hunter_3/ (This is focused about AI governance and what the types of checks will be carried out and why)

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://agenticinsider.show/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fCCuVl6tL5p2kEAwFCQNJ 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-agentic-insider/id1807346381 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fe0482d-d798-4420-a93a-fc6653bce437 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-agentic-insider-6057241 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iridiusAI 

There is more to AI security than just technology! Taiye Lambo, a cybersecurity expert and the Founder and Chief AI Officer at Holistic Information Security Practitioner Institute, joins the podcast today to dive into AI security. Taiye discusses his background, including his role as the first CISO of Atlanta and his work with the Federal Reserve Bank. He delves into the future he aims to solve for: creating a world where technology, particularly AI, is a force for good. Taiye emphasizes the importance of identifying and mitigating AI risks while ensuring global cooperation for safe and responsible AI innovation. He also touches on the impact generative AI is having on the security industry and the need for a balanced approach that integrates human oversight. The episode concludes with Taiye's insights on the importance of responsible AI practices and the role of trust and accountability in AI systems.

Takeaways:

• Focus on People and Processes: While technology is important, addressing weaknesses in people and processes can mitigate a significant portion of security threats. Invest in training and process improvements.
• Adopt a Trustworthy AI Model: Establish trust by implementing responsible AI practices, such as accountability, transparency, security, and privacy.
• Prepare for AI’s Impact on Jobs: Anticipate how generative AI might reduce the need for certain manual tasks. Consider how AI can be used to enhance job functions rather than merely replace them, and prepare to upskill employees accordingly.
• Prioritize Data Governance: Effective data governance is crucial. Implement robust data classification programs to prevent the mishandling of sensitive information.
• Accountability in AI Deployment: Ensure that there is clear accountability at the highest organizational levels for AI systems, especially those with the potential to cause significant harm if they fail.
• Positive Thinking and Innovation: View technological advancements as opportunities to solve real problems. Approach projects with a mindset of finding those win-win scenarios where AI can be a force for positive change.
• Learn from History: Avoid repetition of past mistakes by learning from historical problems and solutions. Use this knowledge to inform current practices and future innovations.

Quote of the Show:

• “AI's having a major impact, but I feel like we shouldn't be afraid of it. We should embrace it.” - Taiye Lambo

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taiyelambo/ 
• Website: https://taiyelambo.com/ 
• Website: https://www.hispi.org/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://agenticinsider.show/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fCCuVl6tL5p2kEAwFCQNJ 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-agentic-insider/id1807346381 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fe0482d-d798-4420-a93a-fc6653bce437 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-agentic-insider-6057241 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iridiusAI 

What happens when AI agents start filling the boxes on an organization's org chart? This week's episode tackles this question and many more, with guest Ron Schwartz, a change management guru and Founder of Brass Tacks, joining Phillip and Alistair. The discussion explores the changing dynamics of trust, culture, and control in a world where humans and autonomous agents are increasingly intertwined. From the nature of trust to the future of operations, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the agentic revolution.

Takeaways:

• Focus on Culture: Consider how to embed corporate culture into AI and agent behavior to ensure alignment with organizational values and goals.
• Improve AI Ethics: Organizations should think about appointing Chief AI Ethics Officers to oversee and guide ethical AI deployment and management.
• Prepare for Change: HR departments should prepare for the upcoming changes by educating employees, perpetuating supportive narratives about AI, and focusing on training and development.
• Embrace Transparent AI: Transparency and explainability in AI decision-making are crucial for building trust. Ensure that AI systems can clearly explain their decisions.
• Understand Multi-Agent Systems: Keep an eye on the developments in autonomous multi-agent systems and their implications on organizational and social structures.
• Communicate AI Benefits and Risks: Effective communication about the benefits and potential risks of AI can help reduce fear and resistance, encouraging smoother adoption.

Quote of the Show:

• “ Each agent will be slightly different, but we can still use that system to be able to enhance and encourage the culture that we're looking for.” - Ron Schwartz

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-schwartz-79755685/ 
• Website: https://brasstacks.net.au/ 
• Email: [email protected] 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://agenticinsider.show/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fCCuVl6tL5p2kEAwFCQNJ 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-agentic-insider/id1807346381 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fe0482d-d798-4420-a93a-fc6653bce437 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-agentic-insider-6057241 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iridiusAI 

This week, Phillip and Alistair are joined by Katharine Reagan, Chief Revenue Officer at Iridius. The three reflect on the company’s first focus group that took place last week, which featured feedback from industry leaders, including Uli Homan of Microsoft. They discuss the significance of building AI solutions that are compliant and secure from the outset and the perks of their early access program. The episode emphasizes the importance of customer collaboration in product development.

Takeaways:

• Engage in Focus Groups: Participate in or organize focus groups with customers to gain real-time feedback on your products. This helps understand customer needs and priorities.
• Emphasize Compliance: Ensure that your AI solutions comply with global, state, and local regulations from the outset. This includes integrating auditability, traceability, and continuous compliance checks into the development process.
• Customer Collaboration: Involve customers in the development process to prioritize features based on their feedback. This ensures that the final product meets the actual needs and pain points of the users.
• Iterative Development: Utilize iterative development processes to quickly prototype, test, and refine solutions. This approach reduces the time to market and allows for faster adjustments based on user feedback.
• Utilize Human Insights: Despite advancements in AI, keep humans involved in the loop for oversight, governance, and continual improvement of AI solutions.

Quote of the Show:

• “ This is complex when you're trying to solve responsible, safe AI and meet guidelines that are global all the way down to the state and county level and I think they were impressed by the fact that our solution builds all of that in from the core.” - Katharine Reagan

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-swan/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alistaln/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharine-reagan/ 
• Website: https://iridius.ai/ 
• Reach out to Katharine: [email protected] 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://agenticinsider.show/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fCCuVl6tL5p2kEAwFCQNJ 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-agentic-insider/id1807346381 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fe0482d-d798-4420-a93a-fc6653bce437 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-agentic-insider-6057241 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iridiusAI 

What does the future hold for AI integration and leadership? Today, Brian Evergreen, author of “Autonomous Transformation” and CEO of The Future Solving Company, joins the show with Phillip and Alistair. The trio explores Brian's journey in AI from Accenture to Microsoft, his groundbreaking strategies for AI implementation, and the essence of having a human-centered approach in technological innovation. Brian shares insights into the importance of vision-driven strategy over use-case-driven approaches and emphasizes the role of storytelling and empathy in change management. This episode is a must-listen for understanding the future of AI in driving business transformation and creating new value.

Takeaways:

• Articulate Clear, Strategic Visions: Develop and communicate a bold, clear vision that goes beyond incremental improvements to envision transformative changes for the future.
• Emphasize Systems Thinking: Adopt a systems-thinking approach to identify how different parts of the organization interact and contribute to overall success.
• Shift from Data-Driven to Data-Informed Decisions: Use data to inform decisions rather than letting data solely drive them. Integrate human judgment and context into decision-making processes.
• Adopt the Reason-Driven Framework: Apply the reason-driven framework to strategy development by starting with the end goal and asking what would have to be true to achieve it.
• Focus on Value Creation: Identify new opportunities for value creation that AI can unlock rather than merely optimizing existing processes. Aim for exponential value rather than incremental improvements.
• Develop and Emphasize Storytelling Skills: Use storytelling to explain the strategy, why it's important, and what it means for individual teams and employees.
• Use AI to Augment, Not Replace: Focus on how AI can augment human capabilities rather than replace human roles.

Quote of the Show:

• “In the future, the human must be first and the system must be second.” - Brian Evergreen

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianevergreen/ 
• Website: https://brianevergreen.com/ 
• Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Autonomous-Transformation-Creating-Artificial-Intelligence/dp/1119985293 

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://agenticinsider.show/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fCCuVl6tL5p2kEAwFCQNJ 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-agentic-insider/id1807346381 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fe0482d-d798-4420-a93a-fc6653bce437 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-agentic-insider-6057241 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iridiusAI