

Project Flux
Project Flux
Project Flux is a pioneering podcast that explores the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence across various industries, including construction, music, infrastructure, and life sciences, with a focus on revolutionising the project delivery profession. Each episode brings to light how AI is redefining efficiency, innovation, and strategic decision-making in project management. Through engaging conversations with industry leaders, technologists, and forward-thinkers, the podcast offers a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities AI introduces, the nuances of its integration, and its potential to reshape project delivery on a global scale. Project Flux is the go-to resource for professionals seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of AI in project delivery, offering insights, strategies, and inspiration to harness the power of AI for a more innovative and effective future.
Episodes
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Jan 16, 2025 • 32min
AI Power Shift: Can the UK Lead the Next Innovation Wave?
Send us a textSummaryIn this episode of Project Flux, the hosts discuss significant developments in AI, including the UK government's AI action plan, highlights from the CES show, and insights from the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs report. They explore the implications of these advancements for the economy, public services, and the future of work, emphasising the need for upskilling and the importance of data privacy.TakeawaysThe UK government has accepted 50 recommendations to enhance AI capabilities.AI growth zones are being established to foster innovation and job creation.The CES show showcased advancements in AI technology, including Nvidia's powerful new tools.AI can improve public sector efficiency and address common public grievances like road maintenance.Data ownership and privacy are critical concerns in the AI landscape.The Future of Jobs report highlights the need for upskilling in response to AI advancements.AI technology can have both positive and negative implications for society.The UK aims to position itself as a leader in AI development and innovation.Collaboration between public and private sectors is essential for successful AI implementation.The conversation emphasises the importance of understanding the evolving job landscape due to AI.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of AI News03:03 UK Government's AI Action Plan18:48 Highlights from CES Show 202327:38 World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report32:09 Unleash the Code Intro.wavSupport the showSubscribe to the Project Flux Newsletter! All our podcasts commentate on the weeks hottest news brought to you by the Project Flux Newsletter! Get a step ahead on the world of AI and tech, subscribe and get the weekly newsletter to your inbox every Monday! Sign Up to Newsletter Project Data Analytics Taskforce site

Jan 9, 2025 • 36min
AI Showdown: Will China or the US Dominate the Future of Artificial Intelligence?
Send us a textIn this episode of the Project Flux podcast, hosts James Garner and Yoshi Soornack and guest Dave Officer discuss the current landscape of AI, focusing on the competition between the US and China, the implications of safety and ethical considerations in AI development, and the recent controversy surrounding OpenAI's privacy promises. They explore the advancements in AI technology, the financial investments driving the industry, and the potential risks associated with AI models, particularly in the context of international competition and regulatory frameworks. In this conversation, they delve into the complexities of data management, user experience, and the implications of AI on identity and creativity. They discuss the challenges of distinguishing between human and AI interactions, the potential rise of micro companies utilising AI, and the importance of creativity in leveraging AI tools effectively. The conversation highlights the ethical considerations surrounding AI and the evolving landscape of technology in business.TakeawaysAI is projected to significantly contribute to global GDP by 2030.The US currently leads in AI investment compared to China.China's DeepSeek model shows competitive performance against Western models.Safety and ethical considerations are crucial in AI development.OpenAI's privacy promises may have been more of a PR strategy than a genuine commitment.The competition between the US and China in AI is intensifying.Public perception and trust in AI models are influenced by safety concerns.The financial commitment to AI development is critical for future advancements.Legal implications regarding data usage in AI are emerging as a significant issue. Data management policies often fall short in protecting user data.AI's ability to regenerate content raises concerns about authenticity.The distinction between human and AI interactions is becoming blurred.Micro companies may leverage AI to reduce operational costs.Creativity is essential for effectively using AI tools.The rise of digital twins poses identity challenges for individuals.Legislation around data scraping is still evolving.AI tools can democratise entrepreneurship by lowering barriers.Understanding AI's limitations is crucial for effective implementation.The future may see organisations run predominantly by AI agents.Chapters00:00 Welcome Back and New Beginnings11:12 Safety and Ethical Considerations in AI17:06 Data Management and User Experience Challenges24:23 The Rise of Micro Companies and AI Integration29:50 Navigating AI Tools and CreativityProudly sponsored by ConstructAIWelcome to our AI tool built for the construction industry.
Get answers. Up your skills.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showSubscribe to the Project Flux Newsletter! All our podcasts commentate on the weeks hottest news brought to you by the Project Flux Newsletter! Get a step ahead on the world of AI and tech, subscribe and get the weekly newsletter to your inbox every Monday! Sign Up to Newsletter Project Data Analytics Taskforce site

Jan 2, 2025 • 40min
Flux Forward - Project Flux Predicts the AI Innovations of 2025
Send us a textIn this episode of the Project Flux podcast, we discuss our predictions for AI in 2025. We explore the rise of large AI models, the shift towards smaller specialised models, and the emergence of agentic workflows. The conversation also covers advancements in memory and attention, the future of robotic AI, and the adoption of generative AI in organisations. Additionally, we delve into AI's impact on wealth management, healthcare innovations, spatial computing, the importance of data centres, and the competitive landscape between the US and China in AI development. The episode concludes with a discussion on AI safety levels and the role of AI in retail personalisation.Takeaways2025 is expected to be a significant year for AI advancements.Larger AI models will continue to evolve, but data scarcity poses challenges.Smaller, specialised AI models will provide better ROI for businesses.Agentic workflows will become more mainstream, allowing for more autonomous systems.Improvements in memory and attention will enhance AI's ability to understand users.Robotic AI will start to bridge the gap between humans and machines in various sectors.Generative AI adoption is still a work in progress, with companies learning to integrate it effectively.AI will hyper-personalize insights in wealth management, impacting financial decision-making.Healthcare will see innovations in treating diseases, aided by AI technologies.Spatial computing will experiment with AI, particularly in healthcare and surgery.Chapters00:00 New Year, New Predictions for AI03:10 The Rise of Large AI Models05:48 The Shift to Smaller, Efficient Models08:39 Agentic Workflows and Multimodal Architectures11:31 Enhancements in Memory and Attention14:26 The Emergence of Robotic AI17:23 Generative AI's Impact on Business Adoption18:53 AI Deployment and Wealth Management22:10 Healthcare Innovations and AI24:56 Spatial Computing in Medicine27:03 Data Centers and AI Infrastructure28:48 Mergers and Acquisitions in AI30:01 AI and Cryptocurrency Convergence31:41 US-China AI Supremacy Race34:43 AI Safety Levels and Ethical Considerations37:21 AI in Retail and Personalization39:18 Introduction and Sponsorship Highlights39:41 Engagement and Community BuildingSupport the showSubscribe to the Project Flux Newsletter! All our podcasts commentate on the weeks hottest news brought to you by the Project Flux Newsletter! Get a step ahead on the world of AI and tech, subscribe and get the weekly newsletter to your inbox every Monday! Sign Up to Newsletter Project Data Analytics Taskforce site

Dec 26, 2024 • 20min
Project Flux Boxing Day Special: Unveiling OpenAI's O3 Model
Send us a textIn this Christmas special episode of the Project Flux podcast, hosts James Garner and Yoshi Soornack discuss the recent unveiling of OpenAI's O3 model, which is touted as the most powerful language model to date. They delve into its performance benchmarks, the ongoing debate about its classification as AGI, and the implications for project management and emotional intelligence in AI. The conversation also touches on safety protocols and the future of AI technology, concluding with reflections on the rapid advancements in the field and their potential impact on society.TakeawaysOpenAI's O3 model is considered a significant advancement in AI.The model's performance on benchmarks raises AGI discussions.Safety protocols are crucial as AI capabilities grow.Emotional intelligence remains a challenge for AI models.The timeline for AGI may be closer than previously thought.AI's impact on project management is still uncertain.Public perception of AI advancements is complex and technical.The rapid release of AI models indicates an arms race in technology.Understanding human behavior is essential for AI development.Future predictions for AI are optimistic but require caution. Chapters00:00 Christmas Greetings and Excitement01:00 OpenAI's O3 Model Unveiled02:58 Performance Benchmarks and AGI Debate06:02 Safety Protocols and Model Alignment08:56 Generalization and Emotional Intelligence in AI11:54 Implications for Project Management and Future Predictions14:47 The Future of AI and Public PerceptionSupport the showSubscribe to the Project Flux Newsletter! All our podcasts commentate on the weeks hottest news brought to you by the Project Flux Newsletter! Get a step ahead on the world of AI and tech, subscribe and get the weekly newsletter to your inbox every Monday! Sign Up to Newsletter Project Data Analytics Taskforce site

Dec 19, 2024 • 52min
Project Flux Christmas Special - 2024 AI Roundup!
Send us a textSummaryIn this conversation, James Garner and Yoshi Soornack discuss the latest advancements in AI and quantum computing, focusing on Google's new Willow chip and Gemini 2.0. They explore the implications of these technologies for project management and the future of AI, including insights from OpenAI's co-founder Ilya Sutskever. The discussion also touches on the challenges of data scarcity and the unpredictability of advanced AI systems, concluding with a year-end roundup and reflections on the progress made in 2024.TakeawaysGoogle's Willow chip represents a significant advancement in quantum computing.Quantum computing can solve problems at speeds unimaginable with traditional computing.The release of Gemini 2.0 marks a pivotal moment for Google in the AI landscape.OpenAI is actively enhancing its features to remain competitive.Ilya Sutskever warns about the limitations of current AI training data.The unpredictability of AI systems poses ethical and practical challenges.AI's ability to generate its own data could lead to unforeseen consequences.The integration of AI and quantum computing could revolutionize project management.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Christmas Special09:58 Google's Gemini 2.0 and Project Mariner18:36 Ilya Sutskever's Address on AI's Future24:59 The Rise of Microsoft Co-Pilot25:56 Understanding Parametric Design in Construction26:46 The Impact of Parametrics on Project Management27:17 Understanding Digital Literacy and Technology Adoption28:08 Challenges in Training and Implementation of New Technologies29:14 Ethical Implications of AI Autonomy31:26 The Role of AI in Value Creation32:20 Automation and Scaling in Project Management32:42 Understanding the Manifesto's Key Outcomes34:38 Exploring Common Queries in Construction AI35:04 Integrating Payment and Project Data into AI35:29 The Impact of Self-Transformation36:22 The Evolution of Image Editing37:19 AI's Impact on Creative Processes37:42 The Investment Race in AI38:12 The Impact of Major Players in AI Development38:21 Understanding Project Data Analytics through Sat Nav39:09 The Importance of Accurate Progress Measurement39:30 Navigating Software Selection Challenges40:11 Streamlining Software Testing with Virtual Solutions40:45 From Sentinel to Cyborg: The Evolution of Tool Use42:22 Adapting to an AI Future43:16 The Evolution of Jobs in the AI Era43:20 The Evolving Role of Humans in AI Decision Making44:16 The AI Hype and Corporate Response44:44 Strategic AI Implementation in Business44:57 Understanding People Systems in Tech45:26 The Challenge of OKR Implementations45:45 The Human Element in Technology46:13 Understanding Stakeholder Challenges46:40 Harnessing AI for the Built Environment47:08 Improving Project Delivery with AI47:32 Taking Responsibility in Business Relationships48:01 The Role of Systems in Risk Management48:05 Government Incentives for Business Relocation49:00 Comparative AnalysiSupport the showSubscribe to the Project Flux Newsletter! All our podcasts commentate on the weeks hottest news brought to you by the Project Flux Newsletter! Get a step ahead on the world of AI and tech, subscribe and get the weekly newsletter to your inbox every Monday! Sign Up to Newsletter Project Data Analytics Taskforce site

Dec 12, 2024 • 57min
The Future of Project Management with AI | David Belshaw - Rolls Royce
Send us a textIn this episode of the Project Flux podcast, we speak with David Belshaw from Rolls Royce about the integration of AI and data analytics in project management. We discuss David's journey from mechanical engineering to project management, the importance of collaboration through the Project Data Analytics Coalition, and the transformative potential of AI in enhancing project planning and execution. The conversation highlights the need for industry professionals to embrace these technologies to improve outcomes and drive innovation.TakeawaysAI is revolutionising project management by enhancing decision-making processes.Collaboration among industry players is essential for solving common challenges.Data analytics can significantly improve project planning and forecasting accuracy.The Project Data Analytics Coalition aims to share solutions and best practices across companies.AI tools can help project managers focus on value-added tasks rather than administrative duties.Continuous learning and adaptation are crucial in the rapidly evolving field of project management.Engaging with AI technologies can lead to innovative solutions and improved project outcomes.The future of project management will heavily rely on data-driven insights and AI capabilities.Building a culture of sharing knowledge and experiences can accelerate industry progress.Embracing AI is not just about technology; it's about enhancing human capabilities in project management.Chapters00:00 The Weekly Pulse - AI stories of the week24:00 Interview with David Belshaw starts24:44 The Importance of Data in Project Management29:29 The Project Data Analytics Coalition34:53 Tangible Outputs and Innovations from the Coalition40:24 Learning Through Apprenticeships and Practical Experience46:54 Rolls-Royce's Role in Shaping Project Management Standards51:56 The Growing Momentum in Data Analytics and AI Adoption56:55 Engagement and Community BuildingSupport the showSubscribe to the Project Flux Newsletter! All our podcasts commentate on the weeks hottest news brought to you by the Project Flux Newsletter! Get a step ahead on the world of AI and tech, subscribe and get the weekly newsletter to your inbox every Monday! Sign Up to Newsletter Project Data Analytics Taskforce site

Dec 5, 2024 • 40min
The Future of Manufacturing: Humanoid Robots
Send us a textIn this episode of Project Flux, we uncover AI deployments in robotics, scientific research and AI personalities: 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴BMW’s humanoid robot is in use now. Figure 02, collaborates with humans to enhance safety and efficiency, showcasing robotics as a tool to augment, not replace, human capabilities. Like hallmarks of human history, will we soon see AI-powered robots using other AI-powered tools?𝗔𝗜 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲Large language models are driving breakthroughs in neuroscience by generating hypotheses, designing experiments, analysing data and accelerating scientific discovery. Will this improve or hamper our research ingenuity?𝗔𝗜 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀People are starting to question whether we over or under anthropomorphise AI. This question becomes evermore important as head to a world where AI’s develop personality similar to humans. But to what extent can we imbue personality into AI today?𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗚𝗜The time it takes to get to AGI depends on how you define it. The goalposts move almost every day yet tech titans do think it’ll happen faster than most people expect. What’s your prediction?Timestamps00:00 Introduction to AI Advances10:24 AI Personalities: The Case of Anthropic's Claude19:57 The Challenge of Data Quality in AI27:13 The Future of AI: Predictions and Perspectives39:28 Unleash the Code Intro.wavMore detail can be found in this weeks newsletter https://projectflux.beehiiv.com/p/ai-breakthroughs-the-robot-revolution-the-future-of-work-unveiledSupport the showSubscribe to the Project Flux Newsletter! All our podcasts commentate on the weeks hottest news brought to you by the Project Flux Newsletter! Get a step ahead on the world of AI and tech, subscribe and get the weekly newsletter to your inbox every Monday! Sign Up to Newsletter Project Data Analytics Taskforce site

Nov 28, 2024 • 1h 10min
Defining the Value of an Architect in the Age of AI - Martha Tsigkari - Fosters and Partners
Send us a textAI in Architecture and Advancements in AI MemoryIn this two-part episode, James Garner and Yoshi Soornack delve into the transformative potential of AI in architecture, breakthroughs in AI memory, and the ethical considerations shaping its future.Part 1: Advancements in AIJames and Yoshi discuss rapid progress in AI, particularly memory and attention capabilities. They highlight AI's applications in healthcare, enhancing diagnosis accuracy and exploring digital replicas of human personalities. This segment underscores the power of AI while stressing the importance of responsible implementation across industries.Part 2: AI in Architecture with Martha TsigkariMartha Tsigkari, Senior Partner at Foster and Partners, shares her journey in architecture and her exploration of AI's role in design. She emphasises the creative augmentation AI offers while addressing challenges such as data management, synthetic data quality, and inclusivity. Concerns about bias and homogenisation are explored alongside the influence of large software companies in shaping the future of architecture.Key TakeawaysArchitecture and DesignAI integration in architecture is slow but significant.Resistance to change is common in the industry.Creativity must be augmented, not replaced, by AI.Challenges include data management and ensuring high-quality synthetic data.Ethical considerations like bias and inclusivity are critical.The slow adaptation to technology may prevent homogenisation in design.Ethical and Societal ImplicationsProactive measures are necessary to address misinformation risks and data ownership concerns.Big software companies could impact architecture's future.Rapid Advancements and ApplicationsAI is evolving rapidly, particularly in memory and attention capabilities.Future AI developments include personalised digital agents.Collaboration between human intuition and technology is key.Healthcare ApplicationsAI enhances doctor-patient interactions and improves outcomes through better diagnoses.Emerging TechnologiesDigital replicas of human personalities are becoming a reality.Guest Speaker: Martha TsigkariMartha leads Foster and Partners' Applied R+D group, focusing on cutting-edge research in geometry, machine learning, and design-to-production processes. She has contributed to hundreds of projects since 2006 and is also an Associate Professor at UCL.Chapters00:00 The weekly Pulse31:14 The Intersection of Architecture and Technology34:00 AI's Role in Architectural Design36:53 Transforming Design Processes with AI39:41 The Future of AI in Architecture42:29 Creativity and AI: A New Paradigm45:22 Data Challenges in Architecture48:04 Synthetic Data and Its Implications50:03 Biases in Design and Architecture51:35 Innovative Solutions for Inclusivity52:39 Ethical Considerations in AI55:43 AI as a Tool for Augmentation58:32 Concerns of Homogenization in Design01:02:40 The Role of Big Support the showSubscribe to the Project Flux Newsletter! All our podcasts commentate on the weeks hottest news brought to you by the Project Flux Newsletter! Get a step ahead on the world of AI and tech, subscribe and get the weekly newsletter to your inbox every Monday! Sign Up to Newsletter Project Data Analytics Taskforce site

Nov 21, 2024 • 40min
The Future of AI Safety Levels & The Agents are Coming!
Send us a textIn this weeks episode, Hosts James and Yoshi dive into the latest in AI, exploring safety-first approaches, the rise of AI agents, the evolving AI skills gap, and the potential for monopolies in the construction industry.Key TopicsAnthropic are safety firstAnthropic aims to raise the floor in AI development with healthy competition to drive innovationHowever, AI’s potential misuse and autonomy necessitates robust governance frameworks.Anthropic’s AI safety levels (ASL’s) are crucial for responsible AI deployment.And they have deployed a Responsible Scaling Plan with if-and-then safety protocolsHowever, the EU's AI regulations may not align with these industry practices.Agents are the future, but are they the present?The future of AI agents promises greater automation and efficiency.Organisations are increasingly adopting AI agents for various functions.Automation reduces lag time in communication and project execution.AI agents can autonomously analyse and reallocate resources in projects.Performance and reliability of agentic systems are critical concerns.The AI skill gap is evolvingThere is a significant skills gap in understanding AI technologies.Effective implementation of AI requires phased approaches and upskilling.And the complexity of AI systems is rapidly increasing.Is an AI monopoly forming in construction?Autodesk's tight relationship with the US government raises concerns about market monopolisation.This can make it harder for smaller startups to growThis also means innovation lies with the monopolising organisationTrust in AI systems is influenced by the human element behind them.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Project Flux Podcast14:31 Autodesk's Market Position and Implications21:04 The Future of AI Agents26:58 Resource Allocation and Project Management34:46 Implementing AI Agents EffectivelySupport the showSubscribe to the Project Flux Newsletter! All our podcasts commentate on the weeks hottest news brought to you by the Project Flux Newsletter! Get a step ahead on the world of AI and tech, subscribe and get the weekly newsletter to your inbox every Monday! Sign Up to Newsletter Project Data Analytics Taskforce site

Nov 14, 2024 • 59min
Is the UK’s competitive position in the global AI landscape now under threat? - Dev Amratia CEO of NPlan
Send us a textIn this episode of Project Flux, we delve into three standout advancements: Anthropic's Claude, Perplexity’s real-time election tracker, and OpenAI’s recent acquisition of chat.com. These updates illustrate AI’s expanding influence, with Claude streamlining complex tasks across industries, Perplexity setting new standards for live, AI-powered updates, and OpenAI enhancing brand visibility and accessibility through strategic acquisition.We then engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Dev Amratia, the founder of nPlan, who shares his journey from project management in the oil and gas sector to AI leadership in construction. Together, we discuss the UK's role in the global AI ecosystem, the significance of investor relations, and how AI is reshaping project management. Dev highlights the challenges around data sharing in construction, emphasising cultural resistance to AI adoption, and underscores the importance of embracing digital transformation to stay competitive in an increasingly AI-driven industry.TakeawaysAnthropic’s automated computer use AI can revolutionise rolesThe future of automation is rapidly evolving.Perplexity's election tracker offers real-time updates like no other AI powered toolOpenAI's new acquisition enhances its brand visibility and user accessibilityData partnerships are essential for output accuracy.AI is transforming content creation and editing.Dev's journey from project management to AI in construction with nPlanThe changing role of consultants in project deliveryCultural resistance to AI adoption in the industry.Concerns about the UK's competitive position in AI.The need for capital investment in technology.The significance of investor relations in startups.The impact of consolidation in the construction tech market.The role of ethics and assurance in AI development.The debate over data sharing versus data retention.Guest SpeakerDev is a chartered engineer and the Co-Founder and CEO of nPlan, a machine learning company that analyses how past construction projects have performed to predict outcomes for future ones, introducing a transformative approach to managing risk and uncertainty.With a background in delivering construction projects for the energy sector across three continents over nine years, Dev later joined the UK government to lead the national review on AI, published as part of the Industrial Strategy in 2017.Timestamps00:00 Introduction 22:47 The Role of AI in Project Management25:21 UK's Position in the Global AI Landscape28:03 Investor Relations and Attracting the Right Partners30:33 The Future of Project Delivery33:17 Data Sharing vs. Data Retention in Construction36:05 Consolidation in the Construction Tech Market38:48 Cultural Resistance to AI Adoption41:12 The Inevitable Rise of AI in Project Management57:48 Introduction and Sponsorship Highlights58:11 Engagement and Community BuildingNplan WebsiteSupport the showSubscribe to the Project Flux Newsletter! All our podcasts commentate on the weeks hottest news brought to you by the Project Flux Newsletter! Get a step ahead on the world of AI and tech, subscribe and get the weekly newsletter to your inbox every Monday! Sign Up to Newsletter Project Data Analytics Taskforce site