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On this episode, Matt, Lisa and serial entrepreneur Rufus Evison delve deep into the challenges and potential dangers of current Generative AI, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs).

Rufus argues that LLMs inherently lack three crucial tenets: they are not correctable (corrigible), transparent, or reliable. He asserts that LLMs are “none of the three” and have become “good enough to be dangerous”.

A core issue, according to Rufus, is that LLMs have no concept of truth. They operate probabilistically, predicting the “most likely word to be put next,” which often doesn’t align with factual accuracy. He vividly describes LLMs as capable of “lying plausibly” and even fabricating references when challenged.

Rufus contrasts this with knowledge representation-based systems, such as the original Amazon Alexa (developed by True Knowledge, where Rufus was company secretary). These systems build a “structured knowledge version of the universe” based on facts and logical deductions from axioms, similar to mathematics. He highlights their incredible efficiency, being “six orders of magnitude more efficient” than LLMs.

Looking to the future, Rufus proposes a hybrid approach where LLMs’ plausible “gut feel” outputs are then rigorously checked by a fact-checking mechanism based on knowledge representation, akin to human logical reasoning or “peer review”. This structure, he suggests, could mimic how humans often think: acting on instinct, then applying post-rationalization to verify.

Beyond the technical, Rufus raises profound philosophical concerns. He echoes Stephen Hawking’s warning about AI’s potential for a “convergent goal” leading to the removal of people. He also expresses worry that an AI-driven utopia, where money and work become unnecessary, could strip humanity of its intrinsic drivers: mastery, autonomy, and purpose. This would leave individuals without a reason to strive or engage, potentially leading to self-induced societal decline.

Despite these grave concerns, Rufus remains actively committed to his purpose: “trying to fix AI” to ensure a safer future for his children. He backs this ambition with an extraordinary track record: between 1996 and 2016, he was involved with 30 UK companies, achieving a remarkable 95% survival rate, starkly against the industry’s typical 95% failure rate for startups. His past ventures include contributing to Amazon Alexa, Global Diagnostics (now part of the NHS), and Cambridge Trishaws (the UK’s original bicycle taxis).

On this week’s show, Chris, Lisa and Michelle dive deep into Agentic AI, exploring how it differs from traditional automation and current AI tools. Chris explains that while regular agents follow basic rules (like a thermostat) and AI agents respond to commands (like Alexa), Agentic AI systems work autonomously toward outcomes – they’re proactive, learn from mistakes, and can collaborate with other AI agents. The discussion illustrates how these systems can take on complex, ongoing tasks that would be tedious for humans.

The conversation also tackles the significant challenges and risks of Agentic AI implementation. Key concerns include maintaining human accountability when autonomous systems make decisions, the degradation of AI quality due to increased demand and training on AI-generated content, and real-world legal issues like the Workday class action lawsuit involving age discrimination in AI screening.

On this week’s show Julia and Matt interview Matt Cockbill, an executive search consultant specializing in hiring tech leaders for over 20 years,

A fundamental challenge for organisations is finding experienced leaders to navigate the new wave of AI and generative technologies. While the possibilities are vast, Matt emphasises the crucial need for leaders to focus on the value case – defining what will actually be useful and deliver tangible business outcomes.

Finding leaders with proven experience specifically in generative AI is challenging due to its relative novelty, sometimes requiring organisations to be bold and partner with academia or research institutions. Leaders claiming extensive generative AI experience warrant careful scrutiny.

The discussion highlighted the evolution of tech leadership, with CIOs and CTOs increasingly focused on shaping strategy and enabling value for the business, a trend accelerated by events like Covid-19.

The rapid arrival and hype of AI necessitate leaders who can assess organisational appetite and marshal resources towards valuable activities.

Ultimately, succeeding with AI means balancing a compelling vision with a clear understanding of where the return on investment lies. This requires tech leaders to leverage essential skills like storytelling to build confidence and clearly articulate how technology, including AI, can deliver on strategic objectives.

On this week’s show Matt and Michelle are joined by Professor Nancy Doyle to talk about her new book, and what we can all learn about better leadership.

You can find Nancy’s book here https://uk.jkp.com/products/learning-from-neurodivergent-leaders

On this week’s show Lisa and Matt talk with community builder and poet Janice Whyne about her work, the need to understand culture to work with communities, and the power of peer mentorship amongst many other things.

You can find out more about Janice on her website here: https://janicewhyne.com/, and more about Luminary Bakery here: https://luminarybakery.com/

(The stunt bread in the photo is Matt’s own)

On this week’s show Chris and Michelle are joined by data specialist Tia Cheang to talk about increasing diversity in the field.

On this week’s show Lisa talks to Matt and Nick about their ongoing literary project, Random the Book.

You can follow the progress of their writing (or not) at randomthebook.com

On this week’s show, Matt and Lisa are joined by Tom Whitwell, the designer of modular synthesisers and synthesiser modules.

You can find out more about Tom’s work at https://www.musicthing.co.uk/

Tom mentioned this article from Andrew Chen about Vibe Coding: https://andrewchen.substack.com/p/predictionsthoughts-on-vibe-coding

And here is Lisarbie:

On this week’s show Matt and Julia are joined by writer and poet Rishi Dastidar. Find out more about Rishi and his work at rishidastidar.com

On this week’s show Chris and Nick meet with Ali Farahani to talk about how he coaches technology leaders, and the need to move away from anger…