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The Only Constant

Latest episodes

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Jan 9, 2025 • 58min

Episode #43 | Jeff Winter | Generative AI's Role in Smart Manufacturing

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom sits down with Jeff Winter, a globally recognized voice in Industry 4.0 and digital transformation. With over 18 years in industrial automation, Jeff is known for breaking down complex concepts, inspiring audiences from factory floors to boardrooms. Here’s what you’ll take away:Why Jeff calls AI the “Swiss army knife” of business—streamlining decision-making, tasks, and automation.How generative AI is shaping smarter manufacturing systems, from predictive maintenance to factory optimization.The right balance between modernization, optimization, and transformation to make Industry 4.0 work.This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the crossroads of technology and transformation.Do you want to know more about Jeff Winter?Jeff Winter is a distinguished expert in Industry 4.0 and digital transformation, with nearly two decades of experience in industrial automation. He has held senior roles at Grantek, Microsoft, and Hitachi Solutions, advising multi-billion-dollar firms on shaping their digital strategies. In September 2024, Jeff joined Critical Manufacturing as Vice President of Business Strategy, driving strategic growth, business development, and helping the company expand its influence in the global manufacturing landscape. Throughout his career, Jeff has been recognized for his ability to simplify complex technological concepts, making them accessible to a wide range of audiences. His active involvement in industry organizations, including serving on the International Board of Directors for MESA International and the International Society of Automation (ISA), underscores his commitment to advancing the manufacturing sector.Jeff's thought leadership is further demonstrated through his substantial online presence, with over 130,000 LinkedIn followers and more than 70 million post impressions, reflecting his dedication to industry engagement and education. His contributions have earned him multiple awards, including #1 Industry 4.0 influencer by Onalytica in 2023, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the field.
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Jan 2, 2025 • 1h 7min

Episode #42 | Tom Goodwin | Better technology requires better questions

Tom Goodwin, a renowned author and innovation leader, engages in a thought-provoking dialogue about harnessing technology for meaningful change. He delves into the paradoxes of AI adoption, emphasizing its potential to enhance rather than just comply with existing norms. Goodwin critiques businesses' struggles with disruption and advocates for ‘dynastic planning’ to combat irrelevance. He highlights the importance of questioning whether tech advancements serve our best interests and stresses the need for continuous dialogue in an increasingly digital world.
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Dec 26, 2024 • 1h 17min

Episode #41 | Mathias Kop Balsløw | The Reality of AI in Business Innovation

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom is joined by Mathias Kop Balsløw, an experienced technology strategist at Basico. Their discussion dives deep into the evolving relationship between AI technology and practical business applications:The reality behind AI's hype: distinguishing public perception from technological progress.Why understanding business problems remains the most significant bottleneck for adopting AI tools effectively.The evolution of AI as a tool for automation and productivity, rather than a "magic bullet" solution.Exploring the implications of context windows, agents, and the need for clearer business instructions to maximize AI's potential.Matthias's pragmatic take on the future of business automation: a gradual evolution where preparation for AI integration is key.Do you want to know more about Mathias Kop BalsløwMathias Kop Balsløw combines forward-looking innovation with a results-oriented approach to drive impactful transformation. As Director of IT, Digitalisation, and PMO at Basico, he leads strategic initiatives that optimize processes, modernize infrastructure, and unlock the potential of emerging technologies.His expertise spans artificial intelligence, automation, and business transformation, enabling him to deliver tailored solutions that align with both immediate needs and long-term organizational goals. Despite his young age, Mathias has established himself as a highly accomplished professional with a deep understanding of AI, ERP systems, and digitalization.His ability to distill complex technological advancements into practical, actionable strategies positions him as a key figure in bridging the gap between innovation and implementation. Mathias’s leadership continues to redefine how businesses approach technology, ensuring solutions are both cutting-edge and grounded in operational excellence.
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Dec 19, 2024 • 1h 17min

Episode #40 | Ted Shelton | Ethics, Friction, and the Intelligent Machine

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom sits down with Ted Shelton, COO at Inflection, to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and human values.What happens when machines don’t just do things but start reflecting who we are, how we think, and what we care about? It’s a conversation that pushes beyond the usual buzzwords, diving into the ethical, practical, and philosophical implications of AI becoming more integrated into our lives and work.Who decides what’s valuable when machines start taking action?Are we too eager to erase life’s “small frictions”—the very moments that make us human?What’s left of us if AI can mimic intelligence, but not the pain, desire, or drive that fuel it?Is the push for AI agents worth the massive effort, or are we overcomplicating the obvious?This isn’t about hype or hand-wringing—it’s a closer look at where AI meets humanity, and whether we’re ready for the stories it’s starting to tell about us.Do you want to know more about Ted Shelton?Having spent 15 years in management consulting, most recently as an Expert Partner for Bain and Company, as of June 2024, Ted Shelton has returned to the software industry. Today he serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Inflection AI, Inc., creators of Pi and one of the top model-building AI companies in the world.
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Dec 5, 2024 • 1h 42min

Episode #39 | Søren Friis Alexandersen | Building AI into modern ERPs and business suites

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom speaks with Søren Friis Alexandersen, Principal Product Owner for Business Central at Microsoft. Their discussion discusses the evolving relationship between AI and enterprise software, uncovering both the practical demands and the philosophical questions posed by the AI shift. Key topics include:The mandate to integrate AI into product backlogs and the pressure it createsStriking a balance between human oversight and AI-driven automationThe philosophical challenges of building trust in systems with "machines that have opinions"Why modern ERP systems must be flexible yet deterministic to meet diverse customer needsHow the pursuit of productivity enables humanity to tackle greater complexitiesDo you want to know more about Søren Friis Alexandersen?Søren Friis Alexandersen is a renowned thought leader in the ERP space, known for his deep expertise and collaborative approach. He's 28 years into his career, and currently a Principal Product Manager at Microsoft in the Dynamics 365 Business Central engineering team, working on Microsoft's core business solution for SMBs, where his mandate is to rethink Finance through the lens of AI. With a distinguished standing in the community, Søren Friis Alexandersen is celebrated not only for his technical acumen but also for his unwavering commitment to openness and continuous learning, always bringing in the human factor into technology. Søren Friis Alexandersen is a strategist at heart, and his leadership is characterized by his ability to bridge the gap between complex technological concepts and practical, human-centered applications. As a lifelong learner, Søren Friis Alexandersen continuously seeks new knowledge and perspectives, fostering a culture of growth and adaptability within his professional circles. He shares the broadly held view that technology can and should improve human lives through increased productivity, though he thinks a lot about what we will do with the productivity gain long term, and how we ensure AI in particular is fair, transparent, and accessible to all.
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Nov 28, 2024 • 1h 18min

Episode #38 | Christian Bech Nørhave | AI's Role in Business and Society

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom sits down with Christian Bech Nørhave from the Danish Chamber of Commerce (Dansk Erhverv), engaging in a deep discussion that spans the challenges and opportunities of generative AI in enterprises:Why most Danish companies are still unprepared for generative AI, despite its "iPhone moment" in 2022.The pitfalls of treating AI as a "magic button" rather than a transformative tool.How Danish enterprises leverage structured data systems but often miss the mark on AI-enabled innovation.The balance between automation and maintaining human connection, especially in customer support and workplace dynamics.The societal implications of AI, from educational reforms to regulatory complexities within the EU.Do you want to know more about Christian Bech Nørhave?Christian Bech Nørhave is a prominent figure in the Danish business and technology sector, currently serving as Chief Consultant for AI at The Danish Chamber of Commerce, where he focuses on advising 19.000 companies on AI, and the Danish Government. With nearly two decades of experience in digitalization consulting, he has established himself as an expert in the field, particularly in artificial intelligence. Often referred to as an AI Evangelist and Futurist, Christian Bech Nørhave has dedicated the last 3.5 years exclusively to AI, providing valuable insights to businesses of all sizes. In addition to his consulting work, Christian Bech Nørhave is a sought-after speaker at industry events like the Digital Tech Summit and serves on advisory boards for various companies. His extensive background in digital transformation, combined with his passion for future technologies, positions him as a leading voice in Denmark’s digital landscape.
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Nov 14, 2024 • 1h 22min

Episode #37 | Kasper Junge | Generative AI and financial operations

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom engages in a deep conversation with Kasper Junge, the lead AI engineer at Visma Dinero, an accounting software company, exploring how generative AI is reshaping financial operations. Highlights of their discussion include:The unexpected connection between language and accounting, tracing back to ancient Mesopotamia, where writing initially served administrative purposes.How generative AI can enhance the storytelling aspect of financial transactions by adding context to sparse information.The challenges and opportunities of using AI for automation, particularly in categorizing bank transactions and verifying accounting accuracy.A reflection on the limitations of AI as a 'language interface' and the future potential of language-driven systems in financial tech.Do you want to know more about Kasper Junge?Kasper Junge is the Lead AI Engineer at Dinero, where he leads Dinero's work with AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP), including generative language models. He is the co-founder and chairman of the Danish Data Science Community and is an enthusiastic advocate for AI technology, engaging both engineers and general audiences. He is known for his contributions to the AI community in Denmark, including co-hosting the "Verbos Podcast," for which he received the Data and AI Influencer DAIR Award in 2023.
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Nov 7, 2024 • 1h 21min

Episode #36 | Thore Dankert | AI beyond the innovation theater

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom engages with Thore Dankert from Novo Holdings to dissect the intricate dance between AI and enterprise innovation. They discuss:How companies can navigate the vast potential of AI to define clear, strategic objectives instead of falling into the trap of "innovation theater."The need for a transformative shift in organizational structures to foster true innovation, and how current legacy frameworks might be stifling progress.Thore challenges the conventional trajectory of AI adoption in enterprises by advocating for a major "external pressure" to catalyze genuine change and disruption.Thore Dankert brings a fresh perspective on using AI not just as a tool, but as a strategic ally to redefine business objectives and operational success.   Do you want to know more about Thore Dankert?Thore Dankert is a prominent leader in digital transformation and data analytics, currently serving as the Head of Digital at Novo Holdings A/S since April 2024. In this role, he is responsible for spearheading the company's digital initiatives, enhancing its technological capabilities, and fostering a culture of innovation within the organization. Prior to joining Novo Holdings, Dankert held the position of Senior Director of Data & Analytics at ATP, where he led efforts to harness advanced analytics and new technologies to improve customer experiences and operational efficiencies. Thore Dankert holds both a BSc and MSc from Aarhus University, along with a MSc in Business Development from Copenhagen Business School. He is recognized for his insights into leveraging data for strategic decision-making and has contributed to numerous conferences, sharing his expertise on the intersection of data science, philosophy and business strategy. Through his work, Dankert continues to play a vital role in advancing digital initiatives that drive growth and transformation in large organizations.
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Oct 31, 2024 • 1h 19min

Episode #35 | Ben Torben-Nielsen | AI Strategy or not? A discussion on mandates and hype pressure

In this episode, Lasse Rindom speaks with Ben Torben-Nielsen, an AI expert with over 20 years in the field. Their insightful conversation covers a range of topics about AI strategies and real-world business applications:The debate over AI strategy—whether companies truly need one and the potential pitfalls of treating AI as a boardroom imperativeThe role and limitations of historical data, and when it supports growth versus when it’s "colored trash," emphasizing that not all data holds intrinsic valueIndustry-specific benefits of AI, such as enhancing speed and reducing costs, and how AI’s impact varies by business needs rather than hype cyclesThe complexity of explainability and AI bias, with Ben Torben-Nielsen challenging the necessity of explainable AI by drawing parallels to a doctor's trust in MRI results without knowing the underlying physicsDo you want to know more about Ben Torben-Nielsen?With a career spanning over two decades in the AI industry, Ben Torben-Nielsen has dedicated his life to translating cutting-edge research into practical business solutions. His journey began in academia, where he led a small research group and earned a PhD in Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience. This foundation, coupled with an Executive MBA, has enabled him to drive innovation at the intersection of technology and business.Throughout his career, as a contributor or as a leader, Ben Torben-Nielsen has developed AI-powered products, secured multiple patents, and authored over 40 peer-reviewed papers to the scientific community. A highlight of his professional journey includes shaping the AI strategy for one of Europe's largest companies. His mission revolves around the ethical application of AI and data, aiming to create solutions that not only optimize performance and decision-making but also generate meaningful employment opportunities. As a passionate advocate for AI's potential, Ben Torben-Nielsen continually strives to foster both business success and human-centric outcomes in this rapidly evolving field.
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Oct 17, 2024 • 1h 21min

Episode #34 | Peter Gostev | AI innovation and implementation

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom welcomes Peter Gostev, an influential figure in the AI community, known for his candid and insightful take on the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Their conversation explores the challenges and opportunities businesses face in navigating the AI hype while staying grounded in practical applications. Peter Gostev shares his strategies for cutting through the noise in AI news and how companies can effectively integrate AI advancements without getting overwhelmed by the rapid pace of innovation.Key highlights from their conversation include:How Peter Gostev builds and refines a "model of the world" to anticipate which AI developments will truly impact businesses and which are just noiseThe democratization of AI tools, and how this widespread availability drives both innovation and unnecessary hypeThe importance of finding adaptable use cases where AI can evolve, offering more value as models improve over time.Do you want to know more about Peter Gostev?Peter Gostev is an accomplished AI leader with a deep expertise in generative AI, currently serving as the Head of AI at Moonpig. In this role, he spearheads the integration of cutting-edge AI technologies, driving innovation and enhancing customer experiences. Before joining Moonpig, Peter Gostev was the AI Strategy Lead at NatWest Group, where he focused on leveraging generative AI to transform the financial services landscape.With a solid foundation in strategy and analytics, Peter Gostev has built a reputation as a forward-thinking influencer in the AI community. His career spans pivotal roles in financial services, including positions at Accenture, where he concentrated on digital strategy and growth for clients in the financial sector.Peter Gostev is also widely recognized for his contributions to the practical implementation of AI solutions and his rigorous benchmarking efforts, helping organizations understand the competitive landscape of AI models. His work is not only transforming businesses but also setting benchmarks in the AI industry, making him a thought leader and influencer in the ever-evolving field of artificial intelligence.

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