The Only Constant

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom speaks with Stuart Winter-Tear, a sharp voice in the AI space known for balancing enthusiasm with critical insight. Their conversation tracks the evolution from generative AI hype to something more measured, thoughtful - and ultimately more valuable: Why real transformation won’t come from flashy demos, but from deep integration into workflows and systems The risks of treating GenAI as a strategy rather than a tool, and the importance of grounding AI in real business needs The growing tension between innovation speed and security, and how enterprises are re-learning old lessons too fast to apply them How “shadow AI” and sycophantic AI models are creating both hidden risks and unexpected human dependencies This episode isn’t about AI optimism or pessimism. It’s about realism. As Stuart puts it, we may all end up stewards of AI systems - whether we’re ready or not.  Do you want to know more about Stuart Winter-Tear? Stuart is an accomplished Product Leader with 20+ years driving innovation across AI, Cybersecurity, eCommerce, and SaaS. As a fractional CPO, advisor, and consultant, he partners with ambitious companies to scale smarter, innovate faster, and bring cutting-edge products to market. He has founded and grown ventures, led cross-functional teams in both startups and enterprises, and delivered patented AI solutions that transformed adoption, automation, and growth. Known for combining deep technical insight with strategic clarity, Stuart specialises in product innovation, go-to-market execution, and aligning AI capabilities with real-world business needs. As an Ambassador at the Centre for GenAIOps and a frequent speaker and writer, Stuart is at the forefront of AI evolution - committed to helping teams build ethical, impactful, and market-leading products.

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom speaks with David Pontoppidan, Head of Business AI for Nordics & Baltics at SAP - a mind as sharp as the systems he builds. The conversation dives into how SAP is embedding AI across its enterprise suite, not just as a bolt-on, but as part of a deeply integrated, multi-agent architecture. Together, they explore: Whether AI in ERP is truly transformation - or just lipstick on a pig How SAP's knowledge graph and semantic data layers redefine what agents can actually do The tension between standardization and customization in AI-powered enterprise processes Why slow decision-making isn’t always bad - and sometimes necessary The philosophical and political implications of AI, from entropy to biopolitics, norms, and truth How jazz, entropy, and citizen developers all make surprising cameos in the future of enterprise tech This one goes deep - from practical ERP use cases to Foucault, Habermas, and the nature of truth in AI governance. A must-listen for anyone trying to steer technology in a world where we need to define not only what we can do - but what we won’t do.  Do you want to know more about David Pontoppidan: David Pontoppidan is the Head of Business AI for SAP across the Nordics & Baltics, guiding some of the world’s leading organisations to turn AI investments into hard-currency value. Known for his sharp analogies and the occasional pop culture reference, David helps executives trade “Artificial Ignorance” for data-driven decisions that actually move the P&L.  A former army language officer turned management-consultant-turned-tech strategist and executive, David blends his background in behavioural economics and sociology with deep business insight as he completes an Executive MBA in Finance at Copenhagen Business School.

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom speaks with Robert Fuchs, a seasoned engineer in human-in-the-loop automation with decades of experience in the automotive industry.Together, they explore what automation looks like when safety is on the line - and what businesses can learn from it.The conversation spans both car design and enterprise systems:Why increasing automation often requires more human skill, not less How to build systems that people actually want to use The challenge of shared control - technically, psychologically, and legally The “moral crumple zone” where humans still absorb the blame when things go wrong What 20 years of autonomous driving efforts can teach us about deploying AI in business Robert’s reflections offer a grounded, cautionary perspective on autonomy - relevant far beyond the road.  Do you want to know more about Robert Fuchs? Dr. Robert Fuchs is the AD/ADAS Executive Professional and Head of the Systems Innovation R&D Department at JTEKT Corporation, Japan. Originally from Switzerland, he obtained his PhD at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne before moving to Japan in 2000 to begin working in the automotive industry.   Robert’s 25-year career includes work on powertrains and vehicle dynamics, with almost 50 published scientific papers and numerous patents, as well as coordinating industry-academia-government collaboration in Europe. Recognized as an intrapreneur, he established the development of automated driving technology at JTEKT focusing on haptics and physical human-robot interaction. He and his team are currently working on the product launch of Pairdriver, a unique technology that seamlessly connects the driver to the automated driving system.

In this episode, Lasse Rindom speaks with Jochen Wirtz, Vice Dean of MBA Programmes and Professor of Marketing at NUS Business School, National University of Singapore. A globally recognized authority on services marketing and management, Jochen Wirtz has authored over 20 books, including the recently released Agentic Artificial Intelligence: Harnessing AI Agents to Reinvent Business, Work, and Life.Their conversation delves into: The service revolution of AI and how artificial intelligence is transforming service delivery, comparable to the Industrial Revolution Transforming education and healthcare by exploring why sectors like education and healthcare are poised for significant change through AI, while certain personal services remain less susceptible Abundance and automation and discussing how the proliferation of AI and automation influences our work priorities and the aspects of life we value most Challenges of a frictionless world by contemplating whether the primary challenge ahead is the risk of dehumanization or adapting to a world where services are seamlessly integrated Designing AI for human behavior and examining how the design of AI systems influences human behavior and the reciprocal training between humans and machines They also navigate complex paradoxes such as productivity versus meaning, choice versus anxiety, and the balance between consumption and being consumed by technology. If you're curious about whether we're heading toward a future of enlightened leisure or facing the pitfalls of algorithmic dependence, this episode offers both optimism and critical insights.   Do you want to know more about Jochen Wirtz? Jochen Wirtz is Vice Dean MBA Programs and Professor of Marketing at the NUS Business School, National University of Singapore.  He has published over 200 academic articles, including 6 features in Harvard Business Review, and over 20 books. His books include Agentic Artificial Intelligence: Harnessing AI Agents to Reinvent Business, Work and Life (2025), Intelligent Automation: Learn How to Harness Artificial Intelligence to Boost Business & Make Our World More Human (2021), Services Marketing: People, Technology, Strategy (9th edition, 2022), and Essentials of Services Marketing (4rd edition, 2023).  With translations and adaptations for over 26 countries and regions, and combined sales of almost 1 million copies, they have become globally leading services marketing textbooks.   In recognition of his excellence in research and teaching, Professor Wirtz has received over 50 awards, including the Christopher Lovelock Career Contributions to the Services Discipline Award in 2019 (the highest recognition of the American Marketing Association service community), the Academy of Marketing Science 2012 Outstanding Marketing Teacher Award (the highest recognition of teaching excellence of AMS globally), and the prestigious, top university-level Outstanding Educator Award at NUS. Download his recent work from JochenWirtz.com and follow his work on ResearchGate (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jochen_Wirtz) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jochenwirtz).

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom talks with Eduardo Ordax, AI Lead at AWS, about the messy realities behind AI hype. They cover why great data still beats great models, why fine-tuning often isn't worth it, and why most "agents" today are just glorified workflows.You'll also hear: What companies get wrong about internal data The risks of “vibe coding” in a world of AI-generated software Why composable architectures might not survive the agentic future A sharp, honest conversation for anyone navigating real-world AI adoption.  Do you want to know more about Eduardo Ordax?  Eduardo Ordax is the Principal Go to Market Generative AI Lead at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he helps global customers harness the full potential of artificial intelligence. With over 15 years of experience in sales, business development, and AI/ML, he has become a trusted voice in the AI community, known for his pragmatic approach to technology implementation and his viral posts about the importance of data foundations in AI success. A passionate public speaker and startup advisor, Eduardo brings a unique perspective as an "AI Outsider" who balances technical expertise with business acumen. He is dedicated to helping organizations navigate the challenges of AI adoption while maintaining a focus on what truly matters - building strong data foundations before rushing into AI applications.

In this episode, Lasse Rindom speaks with Claus Raasted - author, experience designer, and perhaps the only person who's ever been both a legendary live roleplayer and a McKinsey coach. Their conversation explores what it really means to “get shit done” and how companies can embrace experimentation without losing their structure. Along the way, they cover: Why action, experimentation, and curiosity are the foundation for making things happen How innovation always creates tension between the dreamers and the doers - and why that’s not a bad thing How to work with legacy instead of just trying to blow it all up The art of roleplaying - not just for fun, but as a way to step into other people’s realities Six enlightening “biases” for getting things done in organizations Do you want to know more about Claus Raasted? Claus Raasted helps organizations both big and small become better at GETTING S**T DONE, and serves as Director of the College of Extraordinary Experiences. He travels the globe as a keynote speaker, and has been both a Coach and Senior Advisor at the consulting giant McKinsey. Raasted is the author of 46 books, the latest of which is fittingly titled “Claus Raasted’s Little Book of Getting Shit Done”. He also has a past in reality TV, but these days, who hasn't?

In this episode, Lasse Rindom speaks with Marc Lawn about the intersection of AI, strategy, and the evolving nature of work. Their discussion navigates the balance between hype and reality, touching on:Where AI optimists are actually right and where their enthusiasm turns into hubris How AI challenges traditional work structures and forces a rethink of hierarchies and control Why businesses need to embrace discomfort to foster real innovation The hidden risks of blindly automating processes without questioning their value The role of curiosity and trust in navigating technological transformation This conversation goes beyond surface-level AI discussions, questioning how we structure work, measure success, and create value in an AI-driven world. Do you want to know more about Marc Lawn? Marc is a visionary executive leader with over 30 years of experience in driving transformational change across industries, including, chemicals, consumer goods, media, hospitality, renewable energy & cleantech. Known for his strategic insight and operational expertise, Marc has successfully led high-stakes projects that balance ambitious growth with sustainable business practices. His career spans senior roles within Fortune 500 companies and advisory positions, where he has helped organisations navigate complex challenges, with specific expertise in energy transition initiatives, by leveraging his deep understanding of market dynamics, customer needs, and competitive landscapes.

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom sits down with Russ D'Sa, co-founder of LiveKit, to discuss the future of AI, its impact on human interaction, and the fine line between utopia and dystopia. Their conversation covers:Why Russ believes the "end state" of AI is easier to see than most think - but still comes with four possible futures. The evolving relationship between humans and technology, from the early days of the internet to AI-powered interfaces. How LiveKit is building the infrastructure to make AI more human-like in its interactions. The real-world applications of multimodal AI - voice, vision, and robotics—and where they could lead us. The tension between technological progress and regulation: Are we building rails for AI, or is it already running off the tracks? This episode dives deep into the philosophical and practical implications of AI, challenging the utopian dreams and dystopian fears shaping the industry today.  Do yo want to know more about Russ d'Sa? Russ d'Sa is a prominent figure in the tech industry, currently serving as the CEO and co-founder of LiveKit, a company that builds infrastructure for real-time audio and video applications, including those used by AI platforms like ChatGPT and Character.ai. With a background as an early engineer at Twitter and 23andMe, d'Sa has extensive experience in the tech sector. He's a serial entrepreneur, having previously founded the mobile search platform Evie Labs, which was later acquired by Medium. His entrepreneurial journey also includes being a YC S07 founder. At LiveKit, d'Sa is focused on simplifying AI development by providing open-source and cloud-based infrastructure for real-time audio and video applications. The company has gained significant attention for its collaboration with OpenAI, powering advanced voice features in the ChatGPT app. D'Sa's vision extends beyond current applications, as he sees LiveKit as building the "nervous system" for future AI innovation. He's particularly interested in the potential of multimodal AI applications and how they will shape human-computer interactions in the future. Throughout his career, d'Sa has adapted his motivations and approach to entrepreneurship, focusing on having a meaningful impact and working on ideas he's passionate about.

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom speaks with Dr. Christina Strauss, co-founder and CEO of Strauss MindTech. As a specialist in digital transformation with a background in psychology, business, and digital communication, Christina explores how human attitudes - not technology - determine AI success.Their conversation uncovers: Why AI adoption isn’t just about tools but about people’s willingness to change The paradox of perfect processes that make companies blind to disruption How AI is shifting human behavior - and why knowledge alone is no longer power Europe’s AI regulation dilemma: protection vs. innovation The biggest mistake leaders make when trying to “throw AI” at employees Christina challenges the binary thinking that dominates AI discussions and argues that sustainable transformation requires more than just technical solutions—it demands human adaptation.If you’ve ever wondered why AI initiatives fail despite all the hype, this episode is for you. Do you want to know more about Dr. Christina Strauss? Dr. Christina Strauss is co-founder and CEO of Strauss MindTech, a human-centric AI advisory and upskilling firm that helps organizations navigate complex digital transformations. With degrees in Business Administration, Psychology, and a Doctorate in Digital Communication, she tackles the human attitudes and behaviors that so often undermine progress. By focusing on how people think, learn, and adapt, Dr. Strauss ensures that change remains meaningful and sustainable - placing human needs center stage.

In this milestone 50th episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom speaks with Kate O’Neill, a leading strategist and author of What Matters Next?, about the intersection of AI, digital transformation, and decision-making in the face of uncertainty. Their conversation covers:Why the biggest challenge with AI isn’t the technology itself, but the decisions leaders must make about it The tension between innovation and digital transformation - are companies actually preparing for the future, or just playing catch-up? How businesses can avoid the fate of Blockbuster and Kodak by closing the gap between probable and preferred futures The hidden dangers of waiting for a ‘market standard’ in AI adoption - why inaction might be the real risk The deeper implications of AI’s impact on language, meaning, and even how we construct reality Kate O’Neill’s background spans from early days at Netflix to advising global organizations, making her the perfect guest for this milestone discussion.  Do you want to know more about Kate O’Neill? Kate O’Neill is a digital innovator, chief executive, business writer, and globally recognized speaker widely known as the “Tech Humanist.” She is the founder and CEO of KO Insights, a strategic advisory firm that enhances human experiences at scale through data-driven and AI-led interactions. Kate O’Neill has worked with prestigious clients like Google, IBM, Microsoft, and the United Nations, and she was one of the first 100 employees at Netflix. Her groundbreaking insights have been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and WIRED, and she has shared her expertise on NPR and the BBC.  Kate O’Neill has been honored with numerous awards, including “Technology Entrepreneur of the Year” and a spot on Thinkers50’s list of the World’s Management Thinkers to Watch. With six influential books under her belt, including Tech Humanist and A Future So Bright, as well as her latest, What Matters Next.