The Hidden Mechanics of AI: Understanding LLMs and Their Business Impact

WWT AI researchers Brian Vaughan and Jason Lu unpack the latest advancements in large language models (LLMs) and reasoning artificial intelligence. From DeepSeek’s efficiency breakthroughs to the shift from simple pattern prediction toward true reasoning, they explore how these innovations are reshaping enterprise AI. The conversation also dives into the rise of agentic AI and what it means for businesses looking to stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.

Learn more about this week's guests:

Jason Lu is a Chief Data Scientist, consultant and advisor at World Wide Technology, specializing in data and AI. In this role, he leverages his expertise in mathematics and natural sciences to develop innovative solutions for complex business challenges. Based in San Diego, California, Jason has contributed significantly to the field through various publications and events. He has a Ph.D. in theoretical physics from Stanford University.

Jason's top pick: Machine Learning Models for Route Consolidation

Brian Vaughn is co-lead and co-founder of the Business and Analytics Advisors Team at WWT, with 20 years of experience in management consulting, analytics, and solution development. He currently focuses on AI and machine learning solutions in the mining industry. He holds a PhD in Physics from Stanford University and a BA in Physics from Oberlin College.

Brian's top pick: MLOps Platforming Workshop

The AI Proving Ground Podcast leverages the deep AI technical and business expertise from within World Wide Technology's one-of-a-kind AI Proving Ground, which provides unrivaled access to the world's leading AI technologies. This unique lab environment accelerates your ability to learn about, test, train and implement AI solutions.

Learn more about WWT's AI Proving Ground.

The AI Proving Ground is a composable lab environment that features the latest high-performance infrastructure and reference architectures from the world's leading AI companies, such as NVIDIA, Cisco, Dell, F5, AMD, Intel and others.

Developed within our Advanced Technology Center (ATC), this one-of-a-kind lab environment empowers IT teams to evaluate and test AI infrastructure, software and solutions for efficacy, scalability and flexibility — all under one roof. The AI Proving Ground provides visibility into data flows across the entire development pipeline, enabling more informed decision-making while safeguarding production environments.