

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
Mentioned books

Aug 21, 2024 • 31min
Is the next level of AI already here?
Send us a textIn this episode, hosts Yoshi and James discuss:1️⃣ The next generation of AI and its advanced reasoning capabilities2️⃣ AI tacking whole complex projects not just tasks3️⃣ The importance of emotional intelligence, our weakness and strength as humansChapters00:00 Introduction: The Next Generation of AI05:25 Advanced Reasoning and Multi-Step Thinking07:12 The Shift to AI Leadership and the Role of Emotional Intelligence10:21 AI's Ability to Answer Questions Humans Struggle to Define13:30 The Gradual Progression to Level Two Reasoning16:58 The Paradigm Shift in Thinking and the Importance of Emotional Intelligence19:14 The Potential Pushback Against AI and the Role of Humans22:19 The Temporal Orientation of Humans and AI25:37 The Potential of AI to Overcome the Lack of Emotional Intelligence28:17 The Role of AI Personality Designers and Human-Centric DataKeywordsnext generation AI, advanced reasoning, complex tasks, multi-step reasoning, long-term strategising, emotional intelligence, AI independence, human decision-making, AI personality, human-centric dataTakeawaysThe next generation of AI is characterised by advanced reasoning capabilities, including the ability to tackle complex tasks over extended periods and engage in multi-step reasoning and long-term strategising.Emotional intelligence is a key strength of humans and plays a crucial role in decision-making.However, AI can potentially help overcome the lack of emotional intelligence in some individuals.The balance between human and AI decision-making is important, with AI providing data-driven insights and humans providing emotional intelligence and subjective judgment.AI personality designers and human-centric data can contribute to the development of AI systems that exhibit emotional intelligence and better understand human needs and preferences.The ethical considerations of AI becoming more independent and the potential impact on decision-making in areas such as warfare and human rights need to be carefully addressed.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

Aug 16, 2024 • 36min
Is AI and Generative Design the Missing Link in BIM?
Send us a textIn this week’s episode we interviewed Allister Lewis from ADDD, an automated data-driven design marketplace for construction technology. Together we covered:🚗 Allister’s journey from architect to BIM specialist to founder🍥 The impact of generative design in the built environment🧑💻 Choosing the right AI software in a dense market🔋 The power of interoperability and open-source solutionsGuest Speaker ProfileAllister Lewis is the founder of Automated Data Driven Design (www.addd.io) and a seasoned expert in Architecture, BIM management, and AEC Technology. With a mission to transform the construction industry, Allister leverages digital tools to optimise processes, enhance efficiency, and drive innovation. His extensive experience includes leading technology initiatives at KOPE AI and ACG Architects, as well as delivering nationally recognised BIM projects for Hampshire County Council. A passionate advocate for the digitisation of construction, Allister also lectures on BIM and technology at several universities and holds a Distinction in Building Information Modelling and Management from Middlesex University. Notably, he is an RICS Chartered BIM Manager and have contributed insights at major industry events like BIM Show Live.Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allister-lewis-72292221/ADDD Marketplace: https://addd.io/ KeywordsConstruction technology, AI, generative design, software selection, interoperability, open-source software, ADDDChapters00:00 Introduction and Background of Alistair Lewis and ADDD07:21 The Potential of AI and Generative Design in the Construction Industry13:26 Challenges in Selecting the Right Software for Construction Professionals18:40 The Importance of Interoperability and Open-Source Software in Construction25:09 Simplifying Software Selection with ADDD: A Platform for Construction Technology SolutionsTakeawaysADDD is an automated data-driven design marketplace for construction technologyAI has the potential to automate mundane tasks and improve productivity in the construction industryInteroperability and open-source software are important for enabling collaboration and innovationADDD aims to simplify the software selection process and provide a platform for users to find and test construction technology solutionsSupport 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

Aug 14, 2024 • 29min
Are AI powered robots ready to start working?
Send us a textIn this episode we discussed:3️⃣ Moving to a 3-day work week with AI🍓 Next gen AI and whats to come🦾 Humanoid robots tested in BMW’s production line💷 UKRI’s £32m investment into 98 AI startups🙋♂️ What it’s like being forced to use AIKeywordsAI, three-day workweek, Bill Gates, humanoid robots, OpenAI, Strawberry, UK government fundingChapters00:00 Introduction and Discussion of AI and Work-Life Balance07:32 Advancements in Humanoid Robots and Their Impact on Manual Labor19:32 Introducing Strawberry: OpenAI's Model with Human-Level Reasoning27:20 The Future of AI: Overcoming Challenges and Unlocking PotentialTakeawaysAI could enable a three-day workweek, allowing for improved work-life balance and more personal timeHumanoid robots powered by AI are advancing and have the potential to revolutionise manual laborOpenAI's new model, Strawberry, demonstrates human-level reasoning and problem-solving capabilitiesThe UK government is funding AI projects to boost productivity and create high-skilled jobsThe future of AI holds great potential, but infrastructure and supply chain challenges need to be addressedSupport 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

Aug 9, 2024 • 40min
Spotlight Series / Ep.17 / Ali Mafi from Timist - Delivering Projects in the Shortest Time.
Send us a textThis week, we sat down with Ali Mafi, founder of Timist, to discuss:⏳ The importance of measuring and managing project time🧐 How lean thinking informs project delivery and its challenges✅ The importance of task prioritisation. 🤖 Whether humans would outperform robots using this approachGuest Speaker ProfileAli Mafi, founder of Timist, discusses the importance of measuring and managing project time. He shares his journey in construction management and lean thinking, highlighting the need for real-time data and prioritisation of tasks. Ali explains how Timeist can deliver projects ahead of schedule and the impact it can have on project efficiency and cost. He emphasises the need for daily monitoring of project progress and the identification of bottlenecks. Ali also discusses the challenges of implementing Timeist and the benefits of using AI and robotics in project management.Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-mafi-345821/Company: https://timist.co.uk/ - Timist™ is a project delivery system designed to ensure projects are completed in the shortest time.TakeawaysMeasuring and managing project time is crucial for project success.Real-time data and prioritisation of tasks are essential for efficient project management.Timist can deliver projects ahead of schedule and improve project efficiency and cost.Daily monitoring of project progress and identification of bottlenecks are key to successful project management.Implementing Timist can be challenging, but the benefits are significant.AI and robotics have the potential to enhance project management and improve project outcomes.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background07:02 The Concept of Time in Project Management13:19 Using SatNav as an Analogy for Project Data Analytics19:24 Overcoming Traditional Methodologies and Mindsets25:18 Avoiding Traditional Benchmark and Project Estimates29:06 The Role of AI and Robotics in Project ManagementSupport 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

Aug 7, 2024 • 28min
Weekly Pulse Series / Ep.7 / Will a global AI divide create a dangerous two-tiered system?
Send us a textIn this episode of Project Flux Weekly Pulse, we discussed:🇪🇺 The worlds first comprehensive AI law in the EU Act: Will it stifle innovation?🏛️ The UK AI Plan and governmental approach to AI adoption: Undoing past progress?💰 Universal basic income in the age of AI: Will we ever have to work again?🗣️ The rollout of OpenAI's voice feature: Have you already got it?👷 Current levels of digital tool adoption in the construction industry: higher adoption?Key topicsEU Act, AI adoption, UK government, universal basic income, OpenAI, digital tool adoption, construction industry, accessibility, positive use casesTakeawaysThe EU Act, which has been enforced since August 1st, has practical impacts on the use of AI tools and may create a two-tier system in terms of innovation and freedom of use.The UK government's approach to AI adoption is still unclear, with mixed messages and changes in funding for AI infrastructure projects.The rollout of OpenAI's voice feature shows promise and has the potential to become an integral part of project teams, providing information and reports hands-free.The construction industry still has a long way to go in terms of digital tool adoption, with a significant number of companies still using basic tools like the Microsoft Power Suite.Education and awareness are crucial in driving AI adoption and moving away from traditional tools like Excel.Accessibility and positive use cases of AI, such as assisting individuals with disabilities or enabling productivity with limited physical capabilities, should be highlighted.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Holiday Mode00:29 The Impact of the EU Act08:03 The UK Government's Approach to AI Adoption18:36 The Rollout of OpenAI's Voice Feature24:34 Digital Tool Adoption in the Construction Industry27:35 The Importance of Education and Awareness in AI AdoptionSupport 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

Aug 2, 2024 • 35min
Spotlight Series / Ep.16 / Martin Paver from Projecting Success - The Importance of Data-Driven Project Delivery
Send us a textMartin Paver, CEO and founder of Projecting Success, discusses the importance of data-driven project delivery and the challenges in implementing it. He emphasises the need for collaboration and a collective effort to transform project delivery. Martin shares his career journey and the motivation behind founding Projecting Success. He highlights the limitations of traditional lessons learned data and the need for advanced data analytics. Martin also discusses the role of government and the private sector in driving the adoption of data-driven project delivery. He introduces the Project Data Analytics Coalition and its mission to create an open-source ecosystem for project professionals.TakeawaysData-driven project delivery requires collaboration and a collective effort.Traditional lessons learned data is limited and needs to be enhanced with advanced data analytics.Government and the private sector play a crucial role in driving the adoption of data-driven project delivery.The Project Data Analytics Coalition aims to create an open-source ecosystem for project professionals.Sound Bites"We can't do this alone, can we? It's a really, really big, ambitious, big, hairy goal that we're aiming for. It can't be done by one person or one company. It's got to be done by all of us pulling together.""People think it's a passing fad. It doesn't affect me. It affects the data team. I'm seeing a split in the industry as well. And especially within government, I'm seeing them becoming inward focused.""We live in this attitude of scarcity, that there's not enough to go around, therefore I've got to keep hold of my little pile. And I think that's the main thing hurting the adoption of some of these data-driven initiatives."Chapters00:00 Introduction of Martin Paver and Projecting Success07:13 The Need for Collaboration in Data-Driven Project Delivery13:08 Challenges in Implementing Data-Driven Project Delivery23:47 Falling Short of the Mission and the Role of the Coalition34:54 The Future of Data-Driven Project DeliveryLinksMartin Paver Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinpaver/Projecting Success - https://projectingsuccess.co.uk/Project Data Analytics Coalition - https://www.pdataskforce.com/about-1Support 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

Jul 31, 2024 • 27min
Weekly Pulse Series / Ep.6 / OpenAI's Search GPT: Enhancing the User Search Experience
Send us a textIn this episode, James Garner and Martin Paver discuss the latest developments in AI in projects and productivity. They cover topics such as OpenAI's Search GPT, the challenges of AI investment, the skepticism surrounding AI companies, and the need for leadership and experimentation in adopting AI in the construction industry. They emphasise the importance of staying informed and continuously learning in order to keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancements.TakeawaysOpenAI's search GPT offers an AI-powered search engine that integrates traditional search with a chat interface, providing source citations and enriched with images and videos.The AI industry is experiencing a significant amount of investment, with companies like Microsoft, Meta, and Elon Musk's ventures leading the way.The skepticism surrounding AI companies stems from the lack of a clear roadmap for generating ROI and the high expenditures without immediate returns.The construction industry needs to embrace AI and invest in it to stay competitive, but leadership and experimentation are crucial for successful adoption.Continuous learning and staying informed about AI developments are essential for professionals in the project delivery space.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Discussion of OpenAI's Search GPT09:37 The Challenges of AI Investment and Skepticism14:27 Meta's Approach: Commoditising the Compliment18:01 The Future of AI and Project Delivery22:45 The Need for Leadership in Adopting AI in the Construction Industry25:34 Continuous Learning and Staying Informed in the Project Delivery SpaceSupport 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

Jul 24, 2024 • 33min
Weekly Pulse /Ep.5/ Balancing Innovation and Regulation in AI
Send us a textSummaryIn this episode of the Weekly Pulse, James and Yoshi discuss the UK government's approach to AI regulation, the latest developments from OpenAI, and the potential impact of AI on industries like construction and data analysis. They highlight the importance of striking a balance between innovation and regulation, as well as the need for standards and frameworks in AI development. They also explore the challenges of automating processes and the potential consequences of adopting AI solutions without fully understanding their implications. The conversation touches on the growing trend of more affordable and efficient AI models, as well as the potential for AI to autonomously conduct research and provide insights.TakeawaysStriking a balance between innovation and regulation is crucial in the development of AI.Standards and frameworks are necessary to ensure the safe and ethical deployment of AI.Automating processes with AI can have consequences, and careful consideration should be given to the impact on jobs and workflows.The development of more affordable and efficient AI models is making AI more accessible to consumers.AI models like GPT-5 and Strawberry are pushing the boundaries of AI capabilities, including autonomous research and reasoning.Sound Bites"Striking a balance between innovation, but also developing safely and ethically is a balance which can be quite difficult to attain.""There's companies going in and taking on these tech solutions without fully thinking through the consequences of their actions.""More adoption of computer vision-based technologies within AI development."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Holiday Recap06:11 UK Government's Approach to AI Regulation17:10 AI in Construction: BuildDots and Automation23:25 OpenAI's Latest Developments: GPT-5 and Strawberry29:37 Microsoft's Spreadsheet Language Model34:18 Closing RemarksSupport 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

Jul 19, 2024 • 39min
Spotlight Series / Unlocking Creativity: AI's Role in Idea Generation with Dave Officer
Send us a textSummaryDave Officer and James Garner discuss the use of AI in the creative process, specifically in the field of design and illustration. Dave shares his experience of incorporating AI tools, such as Adobe's Photoshop with Gen.ai functionality, into his work. He highlights the time-saving benefits of AI, such as automating tedious tasks like separating images from their backgrounds. However, Dave also emphasises the importance of maintaining the joy and uniqueness of the creative process, and not relying too heavily on AI. They discuss the concerns of professionals in various industries about AI potentially replacing their skills and expertise. Dave mentions his curiosity in experimenting with AI for generating initial ideas but acknowledges the need to preserve the special and personal touch in his work. The conversation explores the impact of AI on creativity and the creative process. The hosts discuss their experiences with using AI tools for idea generation and the potential dangers of relying too heavily on AI. They also touch on the ethical concerns surrounding the use of AI in the creative industry and the potential loss of human creativity. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of retaining the joy and human element in the creative process.TakeawaysAI tools, such as Adobe's Photoshop with Gen.ai functionality, can save time by automating tedious tasks in the creative process.Maintaining the joy and uniqueness of the creative process is important, and professionals should be cautious about relying too heavily on AI.There are concerns among professionals in various industries about AI potentially replacing their skills and expertise.Experimenting with AI for generating initial ideas can be intriguing, but it's important to preserve the personal touch in creative work. Relying too heavily on AI for idea generation can lead to a decline in creativity and cognitive abilities.AI has the potential to make certain skills in creative industries redundant, shifting the focus to creative thinking and problem-solving.The use of AI in the creative industry raises ethical concerns, particularly regarding the use of data without consent and compensation.Retaining the joy and human element in the creative process is crucial, regardless of the advancements in AI technology.LinksDave Officer Linked In Doodle Juice website Dave Officer TikTokSupport 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

Jul 17, 2024 • 28min
Weekly Pulse Series / Ep.4 / The Race to AGI and Potential Challenges
Send us a textSummaryIn this episode of the Project Flux Weekly Pulse, James Garner and Dave Officer discuss the big stories in projects and productivity from the past week. They start by talking about OpenAI's Roadmap to AGI, which outlines the stages of artificial general intelligence development. They discuss the implications of AI reaching higher levels of intelligence and the potential job losses it may cause. They also explore the market consolidation taking place among big tech companies and how it may accelerate the adoption of AI. They touch on the challenges of public perception and the possibility of the AI bubble bursting. In this conversation, Dave and James discuss the recent developments in the AI industry, including the acquisition of companies by tech giants like Meta (formerly Facebook) and the potential risks associated with the race to AGI. They also touch on the lack of responsible governance and the need for ethical use of AI. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the positive and negative impacts of technology and the importance of staying informed.TakeawaysOpenAI's Roadmap to AGI outlines the stages of AI development, with the goal of achieving artificial general intelligence.As AI progresses to higher levels of intelligence, there may be significant job losses in various industries.Market consolidation among big tech companies, such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, may accelerate the adoption of AI.Public perception and resistance may slow down the pace of AI adoption.There is a possibility of the AI bubble bursting, similar to past tech trends like NFTs and the metaverse. Tech giants like Meta are acquiring companies to build powerful ecosystems in the AI industry.The race to AGI is driven by the potential for significant financial gains, but there may be pushback and challenges along the way.The lack of responsible governance in the AI industry is concerning, especially as tech companies become more powerful.It is important to find ethical ways to use AI and for governments and institutions to establish guardrails.Awareness and staying informed about AI developments are crucial for making informed decisions and ensuring the best outcomes.Sound Bites"We're talking about Skynet territory here.""This roadmap is impressive, but I guarantee you it'll be vastly different.""We're fully embracing it to help us achieve more, be more efficient, enjoy more time.""They bought Instagram, they bought WhatsApp - They bought it and then they've created this ecosystem.""There is this AI arms race going on... because there's so much money in it and because they're starting to buy out all the competitors one by one.""It may take a bit longer than they plan and there may be some pushback against it, but... it's like when the iPhone first came out and people were like, why would I want a phone without any keyboard on it?"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