The Only Constant

Lasse Rindom
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Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 24min

Episode #72 | Jason Stanley | On autonomy for machines, and the diffusion of surfaces

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom speaks with Jason Stanley from ServiceNow - AI expert, sociologist, and someone who actually reads the footnotes. Together, they unravel the real frontiers of AI in enterprise - not in the labs, but in the messy middle where governance, workflows, and risk collide.   Topics covered include: Why large-scale organisations need more than just great models - they need infrastructure How agents force a rethink of steerability, auditability, and control in AI systems The exploding attack surface of GenAI and why prompt injection should be on everyone's mind What “neuro-symbolic” means and why it matters Whether augmentation is just displacement in disguise - and what history tells us about it A discussion into the deep. Into workflows. Into sociology. Into the uncomfortable. Exploring, as usual.   Do you want to know more about Jason Stanley? Jason Stanley is Head of AI Research Deployment at ServiceNow, leading a team de-risking and finding product value in AI research. Previously he led the company's applied research team working on AI trust and governance.    In the past, he has led research and product teams in technology companies, was an invited expert on AI issues for OECD, served on the Partnership on AI's Expert Group on Human-AI Collaboration and worked on labor market policy for the Government of Canada.    He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from New York University and social science degrees from Oxford University and Williams College. 
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Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 10min

Episode #71 | Michael Carroll | On the nature of agency, and the value of discomfort

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom speaks with retired tech executive and deep thinker Michael Carroll about the coming shift from automation to true agency. They explore what it means when AI no longer just supports decisions, but begins to reason with us - and sometimes, for us.   Highlights include: What agency really means - and why some AI projects miss the point The illusion of better decisions through more dashboards Why discomfort is essential for growth - and what’s lost when AI does the hard things for us How causal AI could change enterprise architecture from gatekeeping to guidance Whether AI isolates us from peer groups - or makes us more deeply understood It’s a conversation that asks more than it answers - which is exactly the point.   Do you want to know more about Mike Carroll? Mike Carroll grew up on a farm in Ohio, where work began at breakfast and was measured in sunrises, where results were earned with sore muscles and finished with calloused hands. That foundation instilled the discipline of process, respect for time-tested practices, and the belief that lasting value is built, not borrowed. Those lessons carried him from the fields into engineering and later into leadership, shaping a career grounded in both tradition and innovation.   From the mills of Mead’s pulp and paper operations to executive leadership at Georgia-Pacific, he drove transformation at scale by embedding innovation into the core of operations. As Deputy Chairman and CEO at Shepard LTD in the UK, he navigated global markets. At McTech Group, he forged growth with Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Kroger. Today he serves as Chief Strategy and Operations Officer at Trek.AI, Research Fellow at LNS Research, and Board Advisor to the Industrial AI Nexus, working with the Chief Architects Network. Alongside these roles, he advises multiple AI startups, mentoring the next generation of leaders shaping the future of intelligence.   Across this journey, Carroll has been recognized as Visionary of the Year by Smart Industry and Innovator of the Year by the Association of Suppliers to the Paper Industry. A sought-after keynote speaker and columnist, he weaves real-world case studies with lyrical storytelling that challenge leaders with a simple question: “What must be true in one year, three years, a decade?” Whether advising boards, guiding innovation councils, or speaking to global audiences, he holds to one conviction,  the next industrial revolution will not be won by those who claim to have every answer, but by those willing to seek and bold enough to ask better questions.
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Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 3min

Episode #70 | Jakob Freund | On AI Agents in deterministic processes, and new dimensions of orchestration

In this episode, Lasse Rindom speaks with Jakob Freund, CEO of Camunda, on what it really means to build AI-driven automation that’s enterprise-ready - without losing grip on governance, process integrity, or human responsibility. Their lively, deep-cutting discussion covers: The realistic path to AI value - why it’s still about measurable automation, not magic Jakob’s framework of blending deterministic workflows with dynamic agentic AI The rise of “enterprise-grade agents” that own processes (not just perform tasks) How Camunda's orchestration layer became the missing link between structure and AI flexibility Governance, crumple zones, hallucinations, and who really ends up in jail when the agent fails Do you want to know more about Jacob Freund? Jakob is the co-founder and chief executive officer, and is responsible for setting a bold vision and strategy for Camunda. He is also the driving force behind Camunda’s global growth and cohesive company culture. Jakob co-authored the best-selling book, “Real-Life BPMN,” and is a sought-after speaker at technology and industry events. He holds an MSc in computer science from Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin.
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Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 14min

Episode #69 | Danilo McGarry | On hype and panic in AI, and the architecture of tomorrow’s enterprise

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom is joined by Danilo McGarry, global AI leader, board advisor, and host of one of the fastest-growing AI podcasts. Together, they explore the real-world implications of AI transformation - far beyond the hype and fear-driven headlines. Key discussion points include: Common misconceptions that derail enterprise AI initiatives Why AI isn’t “plug and play” - and how purpose, process, and orchestration determine success Danilo’s three-phase outlook for the future of work, automation, and post-scarcity economics How generative AI and robotics will shift business models, employment, and even national economies What boards and executives must do to govern AI responsibly and drive long-term transformation From rethinking workforce structures to building workflow-driven organizations, this episode offers a grounded and forward-looking perspective on the next decade of AI in business and society. Do you want to know more about Danilo McGarry? Danilo McGarry is a leading AI & Digital Transformation expert, advisor, and keynote speaker. His work focuses on transforming organizations through practical AI applications and strategic digital initiatives. With a proven track record at Fortune 500 companies, Danilo has helped businesses increase valuations by up to 5x. He specializes in transforming companies with tech, especially through the use of Ai and Digital Transformation methodologies. Danilo has trained over 90,000 consultants, C-suite executives, and board members in the world's largest 10,000 companies across 90+ countries. His insights reach millions of professionals annually through his speaking engagements, socials and publications. His work is studied by over 100 universities around the world and is approved by the PMI institute. Today he runs his own Ai company & advises Fortune 500, FTSE 250 companies and governments around the world. What makes Danilo truly unique is his rare ability to excel at both the technical and business aspects of AI. While many experts specialize in either technology implementation or business strategy, Danilo bridges this gap. Danilo is one of the few leaders on earth to have successfully designed, built, and scaled AI & Digital Transformation programs for global organizations while simultaneously driving over $2 billion in tangible business value through new products, services, and operational efficiencies - a combination of skills rarely found in a single professional.
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Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 3min

Episode #68 | Eric Siegel | On the ease of AI, and the difficulty of standing out

In this episode of The Only Constant, host Lasse Rindom speaks with Eric Siegel - author of The AI Playbook and a straight-talking voice in a noisy AI market. Siegel cuts through overpromises, resists crystal-ball fantasies, and reminds listeners that most of AI’s real business value still comes from predictive models, not the latest generative toys. They discuss: Why predictive AI remains an untapped differentiator while generative AI is fast becoming a commodity The “accuracy fallacy” and the danger of chasing perfect certainty How narrowing scope and adding predictive layers over generative systems can make them viable in high-stakes use cases Why AGI is, in Siegel’s view, at least 1,000 years away - and why that’s a useful mindset for today’s business leaders Do you want to know more about Eric Siegel? Eric Siegel, Ph.D., is a former Columbia University professor who helps companies deploy machine learning. He is the cofounder and CEO of Gooder AI, the founder of the long-running Machine Learning Week conference series, the instructor of the acclaimed online course “Machine Learning Leadership and Practice – End-to-End Mastery,” executive editor of The Machine Learning Times, and a frequent keynote speaker. He wrote the bestselling Predictive Analytics: The Power to Predict Who Will Click, Buy, Lie, or Die, which has been used in courses at hundreds of universities, as well as The AI Playbook: Mastering the Rare Art of Machine Learning Deployment. Eric’s interdisciplinary work bridges the stubborn technology/business gap. At Columbia, he won the Distinguished Faculty award when teaching the graduate computer science courses in ML and AI. Later, he served as a business school professor at UVA Darden. A Forbes contributor, Eric publishes op-eds on analytics and social justice.   Eric has appeared on Bloomberg TV and Radio, BNN (Canada), Israel National Radio, National Geographic Breakthrough, NPR Marketplace, Radio National (Australia), and TheStreet. A Forbes contributor, Eric and his books have been featured in BBC, Big Think, Businessweek, CBS MoneyWatch, Contagious Magazine, The European Business Review, Fast Company, The Financial Times, Fortune, GQ, Harvard Business Review, The Huffington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Luckbox Magazine, MIT Sloan Management Review, The New York Review of Books, The New York Times, Newsweek, Quartz, Salon, The San Francisco Chronicle, Scientific American, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Trailblazers with Walter Isaacson, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and WSJ MarketWatch.
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Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 4min

Episode #67 | Frank Casale | On empathy from machines, and the discomfort of real change

In this episode, Lasse Rindom speaks with Frank Casale - entrepreneur, advisor, and long-time voice in automation and enterprise change. Frank calls himself a “conflicted futurist,” and it shows - in the best way possible. Together, they discuss: Why most companies say “agentic” but act quarter-to-quarter How AI isn’t just smart- it’s becoming empathic, and what that unlocks The real revolution: not tech, but how work gets done Why the next big wave isn’t just automation, but it’s services powered by digital labor Frank is sharp, provocative, and uncomfortably honest. If your roadmap still starts with tools, this might rattle your framing Do you want to know more Frank Casale? Frank Casale is a veteran in enterprise growth, go-to-market strategy, and emerging tech, best known as the founder of the Institute for Robotic Process Automation & AI, The Outsourcing Institute, and most recently Tranquilla AI - an empathic-AI startup delivering comfort, concierge, and coaching services. With over two decades of experience selling into complex, regulated, and global markets, Frank has helped early-stage and scaling companies break through noise, build trust-based sales pipelines, and close strategic deals with enterprise giants like GM, Citibank, PwC, and IBM. He’s a recognized voice in the automation and AI ecosystem, known for his straight talk, strategic clarity, and ability to spot momentum before it peaks. As an operator, advisor, and super-connector, Frank opens doors most teams can’t. His global network - spanning over 150,000 professionals and 30,000+ direct LinkedIn connections - includes buyers, investors, alliance partners, and influencers across the U.S., EMEA, and APAC. Whether he’s shaping go-to-market strategies, launching empathic-AI platforms, or speaking on the future of digital labor, Frank’s focus remains consistent: helping tech companies grow faster by building relationships that convert - and by staying two steps ahead of where the market is going.
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Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 9min

Episode #66 | Hans Petter Dalen | On the importance of governance, and the art of making AI useful

In this episode, Lasse Rindom is joined by Hans Petter Dalen - “HP” to most - who heads up AI Governance for IBM across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. With more than two decades inside IBM and a rare mix of realism, wit, and deep enterprise insight, HP brings clarity to a conversation often lost in hype words and messages. Together, they unpack: How IBM actually saved $3.5 billion with AI - and why it's more than just a nice number or marketing message Why AI governance isn’t bureaucracy, but the key to doing real things at scale The hidden cost of shadow AI, and why your apps may already be leaking value and risk And why relevance, not general capability, is the true frontier for enterprise AI HP doesn’t sugarcoat it: most companies are still in the sandbox. But the tools are here, the use cases are maturing, and the mandate is clear- get serious, or get left behind. Do you want to know more about Hans Petter Dalen?  Hans-Petter (”HP”) Dalen, is IBM’s Business Executive for AI in EMEA. He has 25 years of experience in IBM, and has for the past many years discussed AI Use Cases and how to operationalize them across many industries.   HP is Norwegian, and has lived in Denmark for the last 20 years with his family. He is an engaging speaker, panelist and podcaster. He has addressed the OECD, parliament committees, standardization bodies and ministries.   LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/hans-petter-dalen-691b345
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Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 24min

Episode #65 | Surojit Chatterjee | Building Real AI Employees

In this episode, Lasse Rindom speaks with Surojit Chatterjee, CEO of Ema AI - a platform for building agentic AI employees that automate complex enterprise workflows across systems and departments. The conversation cuts through the hype and dives into real operational challenges of scaling generative AI in the enterprise: Why “agent-washing” is the new “AI-washing” - and what truly separates intelligent agents from chatbots and RPA The balance between letting agents act autonomously and keeping them purposefully inhibited to ensure trust and control How cross-silo AI deployment and change management are becoming more critical than model accuracy A must-listen if you think your enterprise is AI agent–ready. Are you sure it is? Do you want to know more about Surojit Chatterjee? Surojit is the founder and CEO of Ema, the company pioneering agentic AI to transform enterprise work. Previously, he guided Coinbase through a successful 2021 IPO as its Chief Product Officer and scaled Google Mobile Ads and Google Shopping into multi-billion dollar businesses as the VP and Head of Product.  Surojit holds 40 US patents and has an MBA from MIT, MS in Computer Science from SUNY at Buffalo, and B. Tech from IIT Kharagpur.
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Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 15min

Episode #64 | Nicolai Storm Lund | Agile minds, Firm foundations

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom sits down with Nicolai Storm Lund, Vice President of Digital Technology & Information Security at Velux, to talk about what it really means to lead digital change in the machine room - beyond buzzwords and boardroom slides.  They discuss: Why AI is just another tool - until it’s paired with real problems and real accountability How IT needs to be both flexible and firm: agile enough to build fast, structured enough to scale responsibly The discipline of saying no - and why it’s often the most important part of driving change What it takes to move from proof-of-concept to production - when business expectations are moving faster than systems can keep up It’s a conversation about staying clear-headed when things speed up - and keeping purpose at the center when everyone else is chasing trends. Do you want to know more about Nicolai Storm Lund? Nicolai Storm Lund is Vice President of Digital Technology & Information Security at VELUX, where he leads global IT infrastructure, cloud operations, digital workplace, and information security initiatives. Based in Denmark, he oversees datacenter operations, network management, cloud adoption, identity and authentication, as well as global IT support for over 12,000 users across the company’s worldwide locations. Throughout the past 25 years, Nicolai have held international management roles in the space of Information Technology, with the international facility services giant ISS A/S, as well as GN Store Nord known for Jabra and GN ReSound. With a career spanning leadership role at major international companies, Nicolai brings deep expertise in IT operations, security architecture, and digital transformation. Nicolai is recognized for his strategic vision, technical acumen, and commitment to fostering high-performing teams that drive innovation and operational excellence in complex, global environments. He puts an honor in representing what he calls “Mid-Wife leadership”. He is a father of three, hobby farmer, passionate strength sports fan, and a fan of pretty much everything with a motor.
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Jun 12, 2025 • 57min

Episode #63 | Tom Reuner | Putting outcome at the core of AI

In this episode, Lasse Rindom is joined by one of his favourite analysts - Tom Reuner. Principal Analyst at PAC, Tom is known for calling out hype, challenging lazy narratives, and bringing a historian’s lens to enterprise tech. They discuss: Why orchestration beats buzzwords in the race to value How agentic AI won’t fix anything if your architecture’s still a mess The repeated failure to turn tech promise into operational change Why ambiguity is the true enemy of enterprise AI And what providers conveniently leave out when talking transformation Tom combines deep market insight with just the right amount of cynicism - plus decades of experience working with automation, cloud, AI, and enterprise service delivery.If you’re tired of decks with no outcomes and pilots with no path to production, this one’s worth your time.  Do you want to know more about Tom Reuner Tom Reuner is a Principal Analyst at PAC based in London, UK.Tom is passionate about helping clients solve business problems and understand technology adoption. He has gained a strong reputation for blending developing innovation frameworks with pragmatic advice while connecting communities. Leveraging his long entrenchment in the automation community and having worked with some of the brightest minds in AI for a startup, Tom guides PAC’s thought leadership on automation and AI. Tom’s extensive knowledge of the market will allow him to contribute to PAC’s research in Europe and in the US on a broad range of hot topics including cloud transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, and software platforms (like ServiceNow and Salesforce).His deep understanding of market dynamics comes from having held senior high-profile positions at multiple analyst firms, where his responsibilities included research, consulting, and business development. Tom is based in London and will be directly involved in PAC’s UK coverage as well as our Software and IT Services (SITSI®) Research Program and international consulting projects. Tom has a Ph.D. in history from the University of Göttingen in Germany.

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