

Digitally Curious
with Actionable Futurist® Andrew Grill
Digitally Curious is a show all about the near-term future with actionable advice from a range of global experts Order the book that showcases these episodes at https://curious.click/orderYour host is leading Futurist and AI Expert Andrew Grill, a dynamic and visionary tech leader with over three decades of experience steering technology companies towards innovative success.Known for his captivating global keynotes, Andrew offers practical and actionable advice, making him a trusted advisor at the board level for companies such as Vodafone, Adobe, DHL, Nike, Nestle, Bupa, Wella, Mars, Sanofi, Dell Technologies, and the NHS.His new book “Digitally Curious”, from Wiley delves into how technology intertwines with society’s fabric and provides actionable advice for any audience across a broad range of topics.A former Global Managing Partner at IBM, five-time TEDx speaker, and someone who has performed more than 550 times on the world stage, he is no stranger to providing strategic advice to senior leaders across multiple industries.Andrew’s unique blend of an engineering background, digital advocacy, and thought leadership positions him as a pivotal figure in shaping the future of technology.Find out more about Andrew at actionablefuturist.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 28, 2024 • 37min
S6 Episode 8: Harnessing AI and Technology for Nonprofit Innovation with Jacek Siadkowski from Tech to the Rescue
In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of AI and technology in the nonprofit sector with Jacek Siadkowsk, co-founder and CEO of Tech to the Rescue.Our discussion explores how tech innovations are revolutionizing nonprofit operations, from enhancing efficiency and service delivery to driving social good through scalable solutions. Jacek's journey from running a digital agency to spearheading a global movement offers valuable insights into the mission and impact of Tech to the Rescue.The episode kicks off with an exploration of how AI and automation are making significant strides in the nonprofit sector. Jacek highlights the role of Tech to the Rescue in bridging the gap between tech companies and nonprofits by facilitating pro bono collaborations.These partnerships enable nonprofits to leverage advanced technologies to solve real-world problems, thereby amplifying their impact. The conversation underscores the critical role of AI in enhancing efficiency, fundraising, and service delivery for nonprofits, while also addressing the challenges of ensuring accurate and reliable AI applications.A fascinating case study discussed in the episode is Bikara Udara's voter empowerment platform in Indonesia. This innovative tool is changing the political landscape by helping citizens elect candidates prioritising quality of life. The broader implications of such technology extend to various social issues like health, climate, and education.Jacek also highlights exciting partnerships with tech giants like Google.org and AWS, which are propelling the AI for Changemakers program to support nonprofits globally. Jacek's ambitious plans for Tech to the Rescue include facilitating tech services worth $1 billion by 2030 and popularizing the culture of tech for good.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in harnessing technology to drive social good. From the transformative role of AI and automation in nonprofits to the ethical considerations of responsible AI development, the discussion offers valuable insights and inspiration. More on JacekJacek on LinkedInTTTR WebsiteResources mentionedVerner VogelsThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious

Jul 21, 2024 • 36min
S6 Episode 7: Integrating AI into Small Business and Tech Leadership with Carla Rodríguez from Intel
How can insights from managing a winery help shape the future of AI technology at Intel? Carla Rodríguez bridges both worlds. When I asked Robert Hallock at Intel who I should invite next onto the podcast – his response was instant - Carla Rodríguez, who runs Intel’s client software ecosystem.“Razor sharp … just so smart, so capable” was his description, so I just had to invite her onto the show. Carla is no ordinary big tech company exec. She served in the Peace Corps in Romania and worked her way through the ranks of Intel, joining in the finance area to become VP of one of the most important and innovative parts of the company.In between these roles, she has also found time to help run a winery business with her husband, which gives her a unique perspective on the issues facing companies of all sizes.Her role at Intel is to work closely with the developer ecosystem. With the recent launch of their AI PC program, which utilises the Intel vPro platform powered by Intel Core Pro processors, we’re seeing AI rise to become mainstream and a must-have tool in the workplace, driving innovation and productivity.In our discussion, Carla explains how running a boutique winery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley with her Husband gives her a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of running a small business, insights that she brings back to her role at Intel.You’ll also learn about:AI: Moving from Niche to MainstreamAI has now reached a tipping point where it is becoming mainstream and Intel is at the forefront of this revolution with their AI PC platform, integrating CPU, GPU, and the new Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to handle complex AI tasks efficiently. Empowering Developers with AIPCIntel's AIPC Developer Program is a crucial initiative aimed at supporting developers in harnessing the power of the NPU. By providing hands-on labs and development kits, Intel is enabling developers to experiment and create groundbreaking applications. The Immediate Impact on BusinessesFor small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the benefits of adopting AIPC are immediate. Carla emphasised that the time to invest in AIPC is now, as it offers enhanced productivity, security, and innovative capabilities. Future of Work: Embracing AIThe future of work will be significantly shaped by AI, with tools that enhance productivity and free up time for more strategic tasks. As Carla pointed out, AI is like having an always-on intern, ready to assist with various tasks, making us more efficient and effective in our roles.This podcast is sponsored by Intel.More on CarlaCarla on LinkedInIntel AI PCBeacon Hill WineryThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious

Jun 16, 2024 • 45min
S6 Episode 6: Exploring the Intersection of Emerging Technologies and Critical Thinking with Arvind Ravishunkar from Wipro
How can emerging technologies and critical thinking shape the future of business? Join us on Digitally Curious as we sit down with Arvind Ravishunkar, General Manager of Think Tank and Tech Strategy at Wipro.Arvind offers an inside look at the groundbreaking projects at Wipro's innovation lab, Lab45, and discusses how the lab is pioneering new business models and sustainable practices. Discover how their Think Tank's new podcast, Unpacked, aims to make complex technical topics accessible, and why understanding technology at a fundamental level is crucial for modern business leaders.Imagine a workplace where debate and critical thinking are not only encouraged but essential. Arvind explains the transformative power of monthly debates within their think tank, designed to challenge team members to see all sides of an issue, backed by data and evidence.These debates sharpen minds and foster adaptability, preparing the team to navigate an unpredictable business landscape. He shares how knowledge-sharing sessions and a culture open to change are vital for fostering innovation and staying ahead.The future of AI is here, and it's reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace. Arvind delves into the implications of AI integration, from Apple's latest partnerships to the broader trends in AI adoption. He underscores the importance of data quality and strategy in successful AI projects and shares his journey towards cultivating digital curiosity in his team.Explore the far-reaching impacts of AI on job markets, the evolving role of educational institutions, and the necessity for responsible AI practices. Tune in for an episode rich with insights into the evolving landscape of technology and business leadership.More on ArvidArvind on LinkedInLab45 Think TankUnpacked podcastThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious

May 12, 2024 • 56min
S6 Episode 5: The next frontier for AI – introducing the AI PC – powered by Intel
This episode is sponsored by Intel.There are some exciting new developments in AI, and we're at the beginning of a truly transformative era, thanks largely to innovations led by companies such as Intel.Intel's recent advancements in AI technology, particularly Intel vPro PCs powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, are setting a new benchmark for what professional devices can do. With a strategic shift towards local AI processing, Intel is mitigating the traditional reliance on cloud services, which cuts costs and significantly boosts data privacy and processing speeds.I spoke with Robert Hallock, Intel's Vice President and General Manager, Client AI & Technical Marketing, to learn more about what Intel is doing with AI.Robert believes the integration of AI capabilities directly into PCs will drive the most significant change in personal computing in 20 years.A significant development enabling this shift is Intel's new Core Ultra processor. It is designed to optimise AI software performance by efficiently splitting tasks between the CPU, GPU, and a new component – the Neural Processing Unit or NPU. This will allow AI PCs to provide enhanced experiences with marketing & content creation, productivity assistance, and privacy controls, all powered by on-device AI.Intel and Microsoft have co-defined the definition of AI PC. It is a PC with a dedicated copilot key, and it brings new AI experiences in productivity, creativity, and security through a combination of the CPU, GPU, and the new NPU from Intel.In this episode, Robert and I looked at the business case for the AI PC.The ability to perform traditionally processor-intensive AI tasks locally will benefit knowledge workers who aren't always connected and need to prioritise data security. A key benefit of an AI PC powered by the Intel Core Ultra processor will be the improved capacity for AI powered threat detection offered by Intel Threat Detection Technology within the Intel vPro platform.It's now becoming clear that organisations must adopt AI capabilities to remain competitive, as classic corporate software rapidly adopts AI and disadvantages non-adopters.Whether you're a business leader looking to harness the power of AI for competitive advantage or an IT Professional keen to understand the vision for AI integration in personal computing, this episode is for you.You can find out more about Intel's vision for AI PCs Built for Business at Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious

Feb 25, 2024 • 46min
S6 Episode 4: The opportunity for Enterprise AI with Darshan Chandarana and Julia Howes from PWC
This podcast episode features an interview with Darshan Chandarana and Julia Howes from PwC about opportunities in enterprise AI. They discussed AI adoption across industries, with financial services and retail leading the way, and Darshan emphasised the importance of responsible AI and understanding societal impacts.Julia discussed the challenges of AI adoption like determining value and data privacy issues. Julia gave examples where Microsoft's Copilot AI is helping non-native English speakers and explains how the future of work with AI could involve remote working and creativity hubs. Emerging technologies like augmented reality are also discussed, and our guests encourage experimenting with AI, embracing change, and coordinating cross-functional teams to unlock value from enterprise AI.We also discussed:Industries benefiting the most from Gen AIResponsible AI in practiceGetting started with AIWhy GenAI needs an intelligent approach to adoptionPWCs own tool - ChatPWCWhat are customers asking about Generative AI?What are AI Co-Pilots?AI Strategy and Execution ChallengesThe need for an AI Council to help co-ordinate activitiesWhat do clients need to look out for with AI projects?Common challenges faced in integrating AISafe, short experimentsAI Applications and Data QualityThe quick wins for AI projectsThe need for quality AI-ready dataWithout good data, there is no good AIIndustry-specific LLM'sAI Industry Trends and ApplicationsThe most unique problems solved by AIPodcast tip - using AI for language translationPreparing the workforce for Gen AIAddressing employee issues around AI deploymentsFuture Work Trends and Emerging TechThe need for critical thinking in the age of AIThe future of work under AIEmerging technologies to watchHow to stay informed on new technologies3 actionable tips to prepare for Enterprise AIMore on DarshanDarshan on LinkedInMore on JuliaJulia on LinkedInResources mentioned in this episodeThe PWC Essential 8 TechnologiesPWC website"I am Flame" book on AmazonThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious

Feb 13, 2024 • 20min
S6 Episode 3: Living in the moment - the opportunity for 5G Standalone with Nicki Lyons from Vodafone UK
In this episode, we look at a report I wrote in partnership with Vodafone UK to examine how 5G Standalone (5G SA) could transform UK over the next 5-7 years.To talk more about the findings, I spoke with Nicki Lyons, Vodafone UK's Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer.Some of the predictions in the report include:We’ll see the end of Video Assisted Referee (VAR) and poor off-side decision-making thanks to smart ball tech, pitch sensors and player wearables enabled by 5G Standalone (5G SA) – meaning more time is devoted to the beautiful game and less time on disputes.Connected clothing will mean trainers will ‘talk’ to each other and collate style and sustainability-inspired looks from other feet on the street, powering your very own AI-powered style guide – enabling fashionistas to discover styles and express themselves in new ways.Working with Vodafone, in a new report, leading futurist Andrew Grill predicts how 5G SA could transform the things the UK loves most in the next five-to-seven years – from retail and sports to gaming and entertainment.The report supports the growing need for 5G SA infrastructure in the UK, as the proposed Vodafone and Three merger paves the way for UK 5G SA leadership with a pledge to invest £11 billion and reach over 99% of the UK population with 5G SA by 2034.More on Nicki LyonsNicki became Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability in October 2021. She’s responsible for external communications, government and regulatory affairs, and sustainable business. Before this, she worked in senior roles at Walgreen Boots Alliance, Unilever, PepsiCo, in UK government and in international development.Nicki on LinkedInResources mentioned in the showAnn Patchett Tom Lake bookVodafone UK WebsiteVodafone and Three websiteMore on the reportVodafone press release about the reportDownload the reportThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious

Feb 1, 2024 • 34min
S6 Episode 2: Celebrating Facebook's 20th Anniversary: Facebook @ 20 with Jason Mander from GWI
In this episode, we’re casting our minds back to 2004, when NASA landed the Spirit rover on Mars; the last episode of Friends aired; George W Bush was re-elected US president, and the number one hits were LMC’s Take Me To The Clouds Above in the UK and Hey Ya! By Outkast in the US.Over at Harvard University, computer science student Mark Zuckerberg is coding in his dorm room. Lately, he’s been nurturing a reputation as a minor enfant terrible on campus after creating the shortlived site FaceMash, which allowed students to rate each other’s hotness.Today, Wednesday, 4th February, he’s about to push “publish” on TheFacebook, which would later become simply Facebook.So what does Facebook look like at 20, and what can we learn from this social networking phenomenon?To help me answer this and more, I’m joined by Jason Mander, Chief Research Officer at leading global consumer research platform GWI, to dive into their vast research platform and take a deep dive on Facebook at 20.Here are the key statistics Jason mentioned on the podcast, extracted from the GWI platform.75% of people in the UK use Facebook monthly, 66% use it weekly, and 50% use it dailyBoomer Facebook usage has increased 20% over the last decade, with around 66% of boomers currently using itGen Z and student Facebook usage has decreased compared to 10-20 years ago, though around 66% of Gen Z still use itHalf of 13-14 year olds are on Facebook, despite declining usage among younger generationsTikTok, Instagram and Snapchat are the most popular platforms among childrenMeta owns Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger – the top 4 platforms in the UK15% of UK residents purchase secondhand items online weeklyAround 50% of Brits use eBay for selling items, 25% use Facebook Marketplace, and smaller percentages use sites like GumtreeThree quarters of Millennials and Gen X in the UK use Facebook, with stable usage over the last 10 yearsInstagram ranks as the 4th most used social media platform in the UK, used by around 60% of peopleFacebook Messenger ranks 3rd for pure messaging platforms in the UKiMessage overtakes Messenger among younger Gen Z96% of Gen Z in the UK use at least one Meta platform like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsAppBoomers’ Facebook usage is up 20% in the last decadeMore on JasonJason on LinkedInJason on TwitterYou can listen to the episode with GWI Tom Smith here.Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious

Jan 13, 2024 • 21min
S6 Episode 1: The new Y2K? Quantum computing and the threat of Q-Day in 2030 with Chris Johnson from Nokia
Twenty-four years ago, the world prepared for the risk of a global meltdown due to the "Y2K bug" - the potential for computer errors related to the formatting and storage of calendar data for dates in and after the year 2000. The issue at the time was many programs represented four-digit years with only the final two digits, making the year 2000 indistinguishable from 1900. Because many computer systems could not correctly distinguish dates, this had the potential to bring down worldwide infrastructures for computer-reliant industries.Thanks to the awareness of this as early as 1985, many systems could be modified in time, and the impact of the Y2K issue was minimal.However, a new threat is looming with the advent of Quantum computing. These mega-powerful computers will potentially be able to decrypt current-day encryption by 2030, with some cybersecurity experts suggesting it could even be as soon as next year.What does this mean for businesses and consumers? Any currently encrypted data could be stored until such a time that quantum computers can decrypt it, exposing our most important secrets and personal information to bad actors and hackers.Are you prepared for the quantum threat? In this first episode for season six, we discuss the risks and opportunities of quantum computing with Chris Johnson, Senior VP and Global Head of Enterprise at Nokia.Chris explains how quantum computing will exponentially increase data volumes and processing power, potentially allowing encrypted data from today to be decrypted in the future. He stresses the importance of preparing networks and systems now to be "quantum safe."We also explore the positive uses of quantum, such as accelerating research and optimizing complex systems, and Chris shares examples of how quantum could speed up vaccine development and financial analysis.Tune in to learn what Nokia is doing in the quantum space, how edge and cloud computing will work with quantum and three actionable steps you can take today to future-proof against quantum threats. It's a fascinating look at an emerging technology with worldwide implications.About ChrisChris is Senior Vice President and Global Head of Enterprise at Nokia. A veteran sales and business leader, Chris focuses on delivering critical network solutions for the world's most essential industries. He is a passionate champion of industrial digitalization for enterprises and government organizations, with a deep understanding of how innovative and intuitive digital technologies can bring resilience, productivity, efficiency and sustainability to any operation. Drawing on his experience defining business strategies, developing teams, executing initiatives and driving profitable growth, Chris helps Nokia Enterprise customers harness the exponential potential of networks to unlock new business models and build capacity for long-term success.Connect with Chris on LinkedinConnect with Chris on TwitterThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious

Oct 30, 2023 • 27min
S5 Episode 26: The Transformative Impact of Edge Computing with Mark Swinson from Red Hat
Curious about edge computing? Want to understand why it's the next big thing in the world of IT? My conversation with Mark Swinson, an enterprise IT Automation Sales Specialist at Red Hat, might just be the discussion you're looking for.Mark takes us on a deep dive into the world of edge computing, discussing its benefits, applications, and the crucial role of open-source projects. We navigate the diverse applications of edge computing, exploring its transformative impact in sectors like retail, autonomous driving, and more. Mark also enlightens us on the significant role of AI and Kubernetes in shaping the edge computing landscape. Our conversation also touches upon the unique challenges in edge computing and why data security is paramount in this field. More on MarkMark on LinkedInResources MentionedRed Hat Connect London 7 November 2023The Age of AI - Henry Kissinger, Eric Schmidt, Daniel HuttenlocherThanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious

Oct 17, 2023 • 44min
S5 Episode 25: The Future of Multicloud Technology: A Deep Dive with Steve Young of Dell Technologies
On this episode of the Actionable Futurist Podcast, I had an in-depth conversation with Steve Young, UK SVP & Managing Director for Dell Technologies, on why it is now critical that CEOs, CIOs, CFOs and CISOs play a role in driving a well-planned multicloud strategy for their businesses.In recent years, cloud technology has proliferated. However, many are realising that not all workloads and applications are suited to a single public cloud environment. Or, in fact, a public cloud environment at all.. As such, going 'multi-cloud' has been implemented unintentionally rather than strategically.The need for a multi-cloud approach is now more urgent as companies are deploying more complicated applications and services, so this Podcast is timely and important for business leaders in any organisation to hear.The discussion made me realise that multi-cloud strategy is not just about the tech world – and as Steve highlights, it has significant implications for various industries, including financial services and FMCGIn the podcast, we discussed how a financial services organisation has efficiently utilised multi-cloud for cost and efficiency using ground-to-cloud and cloud-to-ground approaches.We also explored Dell Technologies' vision and differentiation in the multi-cloud space and how they focus on enabling customers to consume public cloud-style services irrespective of where their data and applications sit.Dell Technologies is helping to bridge the gap in the market for multi-cloud skilled talent. Artificial Intelligence also impacts the multi-cloud environment, and we talked about how AI will function in a multi-cloud world.It’s fair to say that multi-cloud environments offer numerous benefits, from increased flexibility and agility to improved cyber resilience; however, the journey towards effective multi-cloud adoption is filled with challenges.We examined in detail how each member of the C-suite can benefit from a multi-cloud approach.More and more, CEOs understand the importance of technology in driving business innovation and growth. Embracing a multi-cloud strategy allows CEOs to get their organisations on the front foot of digital transformation.Steve explained how organisations can successfully navigate the multi-cloud maze through strategic planning, business understanding, and the right technological support.We also spoke about the Dell Technologies Forum on November 28th in London that I'm attending, the premier conference for technology enthusiasts and business leaders looking to drive innovation and growth. You can sign up for a free pass at futurist.click/dell-forumResources mentioned in this episodeSteve on LinkedInSign up for the Dell Technologies ForumThis was a sponsored podcast in partnership with Dell Technologies.Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/orderYour Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew GrillFor more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com Andrew's Social ChannelsAndrew on LinkedIn@AndrewGrill on Twitter @Andrew.Grill on InstagramKeynote speeches hereOrder Digitally Curious