

The Agentic Insider
Iridius.ai Inc
Welcome to The Agentic Insider. Join host, Phillip Swan, each week to explore cutting-edge ideas and trends in AI and Data as well as hear from other industry thought leaders in the AI space. This podcast is brought to you by Iridius.AI —committed to Safe and Responsible AI innovation.
Episodes
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Sep 12, 2025 • 32min
Special Episode: Phillip Swan on The Friendly Futurist with Dave Monk
We are thrilled to present a special co-promotion episode, bringing you a dynamic discussion from the Friendly Futurist: Towards Society 5.0 podcast featuring one of Iridius’s Co-Founders, Phillip Swan. Phillip joins Dave Monk to discuss agentic AI, the Iridius mission to provide safe and responsible AI solutions, and the challenges of AI hallucinations. He differentiates between generative AI and agentic AI, emphasises the importance of trust in AI adoption, and shares insights on the future of AI and robotics. Takeaways:Prioritize Safe and Responsible AI: Ensure AI solutions are designed with safety, responsibility, and compliance in mind. This includes adhering to regulations like GDPR and local laws.Focus on Customer Value: Center your product or service around delivering real value to customers. Understand their problems deeply and iterate solutions based on their needs. Use Paid, Reliable AI Tools: For serious work, invest in paid versions of AI tools for better reliability, features, and support.Master Prompt Engineering: Learn how to craft effective prompts for AI tools. Use AI itself to help you write better prompts and continually refine your approach. Data Quality is Critical: Good AI depends on good data. Ensure your data is accurate, relevant, and comprehensive. Prepare for Change: The pace of change in AI and technology is unprecedented. Be ready to adapt quickly and embrace new opportunities.Build for Trust: Whether for consumers, businesses, or governments, trust is foundational. Build systems and processes that reinforce trust at every level.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Agentic AI and Iridius01:21 - Iridius' Mission and Market Reception04:28 - Understanding AI Hallucinations and Mitigation Strategies08:19 - Generative AI vs. Agentic AI11:10 - The AI Hype Cycle and Future Trends15:01 - The Role of Trust in AI Solutions17:48 - Passion and Career in Technology21:53 - Delivering Value to Customers23:26 - The Future of AI and Robotics26:05 - Agentic AI: Entitlements and Safety28:31 - Operational Efficiency and the Future of Work31:21 - Learning and Engaging with AILinks:The Friendly Futurist: https://pod.co/the-friendly-futurist-1LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-monk-mphil-cpm/ Make sure to check out our Substack: https://theagenticinsider.substack.com/ Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://agenticinsider.show/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fCCuVl6tL5p2kEAwFCQNJ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-agentic-insider/id1807346381 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fe0482d-d798-4420-a93a-fc6653bce437 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-agentic-insider-6057241 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iridiusAI

Sep 11, 2025 • 44min
AI4Purpose: Using AI for a Positive Social Impact - Dhaval Patel - The Agentic Insider - Episode #23
How can AI be a factor in creating positive social impact?Dhaval Patel, Co-Founder and Chief AI Officer at AI4Purpose Inc., joins the show to talk about the transformative potential of AI in healthcare and life sciences. With over 20 years of experience in data science and AI, Dhaval shares his personal journey and discusses the current state of AI adoption, its challenges, and the opportunities it presents in various industries. He highlights the importance of responsible AI innovation and the role of autonomous agents in enhancing human decision-making. The discussion also dives into his involvement with the European Conference on Artificial Intelligence and the mission of AI4Purpose in fostering innovation and social impact. Takeaways:Embrace AI as a Trusted Partner: View AI and data technologies as tools to augment human decision-making, not as threats. Seek ways to integrate them responsibly into your work and life.Accelerate Innovation in Your Field: Break down silos and leverage AI to speed up processes in any industry. Look for opportunities where technology can make a meaningful impact. Foster Responsible AI Adoption: Prioritize ethical, safe, and socially beneficial uses of AI. Advocate for strong governance, transparency, and human oversight in AI projects. Invest in Learning and Mentorship: If you’re early in your career, seek mentors and networks to guide your path in data science and AI. If you’re experienced, consider mentoring others to help the next generation of leaders. Prepare for AI Readiness: Ensure your organization has a clear AI roadmap, invests in clean and well-governed data, and involves employees in the transformation process. Promote Human-AI Collaboration: Encourage systems and workflows where AI augments human creativity, productivity, and decision-making, rather than replacing people. Adopt a Growth Mindset: Be open to learning about new AI tools and approaches. Participate in hackathons, workshops, and conferences to stay current and connected.Quote of the Show:“I want them to inherit a future where technology amplifies their capital, their potential. I don't want the technology to cripple their thinking and the potential that they have.” - Dhaval PatelChapters:00:00 - Introduction to The Agentic Insider00:33 - Guest Introduction: Dhaval Patel01:17 - The Future of AI and Data02:14 - AI in Healthcare and Life Sciences02:53 - Personal Story and Motivation06:08 - AI for Purpose: Mission and Vision07:08 - Career Journey and Mentorship10:08 - Pivotal Moments in Career14:45 - AI in Finance vs. Healthcare18:26 - Evolution of Agentic AI21:59 - AI Curiosity in Non-Healthcare Sectors22:38 - Healthcare's AI Adoption Journey23:24 - Involvement in European AI Conference25:48 - Global Perspectives on AI28:10 - AI Readiness and Challenges35:51 - Autonomous AI Agents in Various Industries38:13 - Excitement and Concerns About Agentic AI41:21 - Rapid Fire Questions and ConclusionLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhaval-patel-data-scientist/ Website: https://ai4purpose.com/ Website: https://www.sas.com/en_us/home.html# Make sure to check out our Substack: https://theagenticinsider.substack.com/ Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://agenticinsider.show/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fCCuVl6tL5p2kEAwFCQNJ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-agentic-insider/id1807346381 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fe0482d-d798-4420-a93a-fc6653bce437 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-agentic-insider-6057241 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iridiusAI

Sep 4, 2025 • 47min
The Future of AI: Education, Ethics, and Collaboration - Tess Posner - The Agentic Insider - Ep #22
How can we make AI tools and education more widely available for all?Tess Posner, the Co-Founder and interim CEO of AI4All joins the show today to dive into AI education. Tess is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and an advocate for making the benefits of AI widely accessible and ethically applied. Tess discusses the origins and mission of AI4All, emphasizing the importance of AI literacy, inclusion, and ethical considerations in technology. She shares insights on current educational practices, the excitement and challenges surrounding AI applications in healthcare, and the significant role young people play in shaping the future of AI. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions exploring Tess’s personal inspirations and activities, highlighting her passion for music and mountain biking.Takeaways:Advocate for Inclusive AI: Support efforts to make AI education and opportunities accessible to all, especially underrepresented groups, to ensure the benefits of AI are widely shared.Promote AI Literacy: Strive to understand not just how to use AI tools, but also how they work, their limitations, and their potential impact. Critical thinking and discernment are essential skills in the age of AI.Be Mindful of AI Bias: Recognize that AI systems can reflect and amplify societal biases. Always question the data and criteria used in AI-driven decisions, especially in sensitive areas like hiring and healthcare.Embrace Human-AI Collaboration: Use AI as a tool to augment and amplify human abilities. Focus on how AI can support unique human contributions and creativity.Prepare for the Future of Work: Develop skills in managing and overseeing AI systems, as well as adaptability, problem-solving, and executive function skills. The workforce is evolving, and being able to work alongside AI is increasingly important.Support Transformative Education: Encourage educational systems to focus on building critical thinking, adaptability, and project-based learning to prepare students for an AI-integrated world.Engage in Responsible AI Development: When building or using AI solutions, always consider the ethical implications and conduct impact assessments to understand who might be affected, especially marginalized groups.Quote of the Show:“I think the future is ours to shape, and we have to be thoughtful about who is most impacted and how we can support them through this transition.” - Tess PosnerChapters:00:00 - Introduction to Agentic Insider00:33 - Meet Tess Posner: AI Advocate and Educator02:10 - Founding AI for All: The Origin Story04:43 - AI Ethics: Evolution and Current Challenges13:08 - The Future of AI in the Workplace18:18 - AI and Creativity: Opportunities and Concerns22:05 - Addressing AI Bias: Real-World Implications25:55 - Exploring the Role of AI: Help or Hindrance?26:22 - Understanding Agentic AI and Its Challenges32:03 - AI Literacy: Essential Skills for the Future34:52 - Transforming Education for an AI-Integrated World44:11 - Rapid Fire Questions with Tess Posner46:16 - Conclusion and Contact InformationLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessposner/ Website: https://ai-4-all.org/ Make sure to check out our Substack: https://theagenticinsider.substack.com/ Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://agenticinsider.show/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fCCuVl6tL5p2kEAwFCQNJ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-agentic-insider/id1807346381 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fe0482d-d798-4420-a93a-fc6653bce437 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-agentic-insider-6057241 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iridiusAI

Aug 28, 2025 • 48min
How to Drive Real Business Value with AI - Todd James - The Agentic Insider - Episode #21
AI comes from a business-first strategy, not technology-first.Today’s episode features Todd James, a seasoned expert with 30 years of experience in information security, technology, data, and business consulting. Todd shares his visions for the future of AI, emphasizing the democratization of AI capabilities and the reduction of friction in organizational transitions. With a rich history in both the US Coast Guard and leading companies like Kroger and Fidelity Investments, Todd discusses the complex roles of data, talent, and culture in driving successful AI implementations. He highlights real-world use cases, including advanced routing algorithms at Kroger, and underscores the importance of top leadership buy-in for AI transformation. The conversation also delves into the ethical obligations of AI, the rapid advancement of AI-driven digital customer experiences, and the role of AI in hyper-personalization. Todd's insights offer a nuanced view of AI's impact on various industries and the critical factors for successful adoption. Takeaways:Embrace AI as a Collaborative Partner: Use AI as one of several partners in your decision-making process, but continue to value human collaboration and diverse perspectives.Start Now, Don’t Wait: The velocity of AI adoption is increasing. Companies that move beyond pilots and embed AI and a data-driven culture throughout the organization see outsized returns.Secure Leadership Buy-In: True transformation with AI requires commitment and understanding from the top leadership. Without C-suite support, efforts will remain isolated and incremental.Integrate Business and Tech Teams: Reduce the distance between technical and business teams. Involve those impacted by AI solutions early and often to ensure adoption and better outcomes.Focus on Value for the Workforce: When implementing AI, ensure there is clear value for the people affected. Engage them in the process, help them transition to higher-value work, and maintain their dignity and purpose.Prioritize Ethical and Fair Use: Always consider the broader impact of AI solutions on individuals. Treat all users fairly, ensure a virtuous value exchange, and maintain dignity in every interaction.Be Intentional About Culture Change: The shift to an AI-driven organization is as much about culture as technology. Set the conditions for organic, ground-level innovation by fostering business intimacy and cross-functional understanding.Quote of the Show:“Between business people who now understand technology better and technology and data scientists who now understand the business better, that's when your best ideas start coming up.” - Todd JamesChapters:00:00 - Introduction to The Agentic Insider00:33 - Meet Todd James: A Veteran in Information Security01:21 - The Future of AI: Democratization and Challenges03:25 - Historical Lens on AI and Business Transformation06:05 - AI as a Collaborative Partner09:08 - The Continuum of AI Adoption in Companies11:53 - Leadership's Role in AI Integration16:42 - AI Success Stories: Kroger and Fidelity22:04 - Bringing the Workforce Along in AI Transformation26:18 - Navigating Business Challenges26:30 - Integrating Workforce Insights26:58 - Evolving Financial Advisory Roles27:44 - Business Intimacy and Organic Discussions28:49 - Retail Margins and Industry Constraints31:52 - Regulatory Frameworks and Innovation35:57 - AI Safety and Ethical Considerations40:19 - Rapid Fire Closing Questions40:42 - Future of AI Trends and Mobility Solutions47:00 - Final Thoughts and Contact InformationLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tsjames/ Website: https://www.aurorainsightsllc.com/ Make sure to check out our Substack: https://theagenticinsider.substack.com/ Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://agenticinsider.show/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fCCuVl6tL5p2kEAwFCQNJ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-agentic-insider/id1807346381 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fe0482d-d798-4420-a93a-fc6653bce437 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-agentic-insider-6057241 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iridiusAI

Aug 21, 2025 • 38min
Unpacking Our Four Provisional Patents - The Agentic Insider - Episode #20
What does the future of AI regulation look like?Today, we delve into revolutionary concepts surrounding AI and data with Peter Larsen (Chief Technical Officer) and Spencer Bentley (AI Technical Fellow). The discussion highlights the importance of training AI agents to operate safely within enterprises, emphasizing entitlements and permissions to prevent risks. The episode also covers the significance of four recently filed provisional patents, which include developing a scalable multi-agent system, ensuring agentic entitlements, and understanding compliance through a semantic compliance compiler. The conversation wraps up with an exploration of how these innovations will empower enterprises to rapidly iterate, innovate, and remain compliant, promising a safer and more efficient future in AI. Takeaways:Public and Employee Safety is Paramount: In regulated industries, prioritize solutions that protect both public and employee safety, reducing reputational and operational risks.Human Intent Matters: Even with the best technology, success depends on good ideas and intent. Technology is an enabler, not a substitute for thoughtful leadership and creativity.Democratize Innovation: Build platforms and tools that empower more people in your organization to experiment and innovate safely, reducing barriers to trying new ideas.Enable Rapid, Safe Iteration: Adopt systems and processes that allow for fast innovation and iteration, but always within a framework that ensures safety, compliance, and reliability.Move Beyond Rapid Prototyping for Production: While “vibe coding” (quick prototyping) is useful for experimentation, ensure that production systems are built with enterprise-grade safety, compliance, and structure.Harmonize and Navigate Regulations: Stay informed about global and local AI regulations. Use tools and frameworks that help harmonize compliance across jurisdictions and overlay company-specific standards.Leverage Modular, Scalable Architectures: Design multi-agent systems using modular building blocks (like containers) that can scale from small to internet-scale deployments, while maintaining safety and oversight.Quote of the Show:“ If all of that compliance and all of that safety is being handled for you, then really it's up to you to develop and build, and you're only limited by your own creativity at that point.” - Alistair Lowe-NorrisChapters:00:00 - Introduction: Training AI Agents00:26 - Welcome to Agentic Insider00:59 - Discussing Provisional Patents03:48 - The Importance of IP Protection05:46 - Exploring the Multi-Agent System Fabric10:09 - Agentic Entitlements and Security17:53 - Semantic Compliance and Document Handling25:52 - The Iridius Solution Factory32:35 - Future of AI and Final Thoughts37:30 - Conclusion and Wrap-UpLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-swan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alistaln/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-bentley-ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterskjottlarsen/ Website: https://iridius.ai/ Make sure to check out our Substack: https://theagenticinsider.substack.com/ Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://agenticinsider.show/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fCCuVl6tL5p2kEAwFCQNJ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-agentic-insider/id1807346381 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fe0482d-d798-4420-a93a-fc6653bce437 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-agentic-insider-6057241 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iridiusAI

13 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 45min
Builder vs. Consumer: Robert Scoble's Vision for an AI-Powered Society - The Agentic Insider - Episode #19
Robert Scoble, a famed tech evangelist and futurist, shares his insights on the future of AI and its impact on society. He discusses his long journey through tech, including launching Siri and his vision of an AI-driven world. Key topics include the rise of brain-computer interfaces, the ethical dilemmas of AI, and how companies like Coca-Cola are adapting to new technologies. Scoble emphasizes the importance of being a builder in this changing landscape, urging listeners to embrace AI tools and develop critical skills for collaboration with tech.

7 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 46min
Uli Homann, Microsoft CVP, on Navigating the AI Tsunami - The Agentic Insider - Episode #18
Uli Homann, Microsoft's Corporate Vice President and Distinguished Architect, brings over 35 years of tech experience to the discussion. He explores the transformative power of AI and its responsible usage in business. Uli stresses the need for a clear AI charter, prioritizing business needs over platform development, and creating avenues for raising AI-related concerns. He also touches on the exciting potential of quantum computing in achieving sustainable solutions, and how AI can revolutionize manufacturing in Industry 5.0 through enhanced automation.

Jul 31, 2025 • 43min
Building AI You Can Trust - Doug Shannon - The Agentic Insider - Episode #17
“You need human-in-the-loop activities cause AI is still not that good yet.” Joining the podcast today is Doug Shannon, a two-time Top 25 thought leader and member of Forbes Technology Council to discuss the future he envisions with AI, emphasizing responsible data sharing and the educational approach in AI innovation. He explores the concepts of establishing AI centers of enablement, integrating diverse teams, and the importance of human oversight in AI-driven environments. Doug shares his insights into balancing automation with human oversight, the significance of transparency and clarity in deploying AI, and the critical role of ontology and taxonomy in understanding and leveraging data. The discussion also covers the Magi system, a framework Doug proposes for ensuring compliance and trust in AI systems, and the ethical considerations enterprises must address when integrating AI solutions. The episode culminates in rapid-fire questions about AI collaboration and Doug's vision for his legacy in intelligent automation.Takeaways:Embrace Collaboration: Actively collaborate within your organization and with external partners to better understand and utilize AI. As AI technology evolves, collaborative efforts can accelerate learning and implementation.Foster a Culture of Knowledge Sharing: Encourage a culture where information and best practices are freely shared among team members. This can drive greater innovation and improvements in AI-related projects.Balance Human and AI Roles: Develop strategies to balance automation with human oversight, particularly in high-risk and highly regulated industries. Feeding AI with quality data and maintaining human context in the decision loop can ensure better outcomes.Focus on Ethical Considerations: Ensure AI deployments comply with regulatory standards and ethical guidelines. Intellectual property and data management are important areas to monitor closely for compliance and protection.Utilize AI Thought Leadership: Engage with thought leaders and industry experts to gain insights and stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in AI and automation.Plan for Autonomous Systems: Begin developing strategies for integrating multi-agent systems and autonomous enterprise models. Prioritize initiatives that create centers of enablement within the organization for greater effectiveness.Quote of the Show:“The hope is that we learn and we dive in to use AI because if you don't use it, you don't really have a voice. And if you haven't used it, you don't really know what you're up against.” - Doug ShannonLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-shannon/ Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/brewing-insights-7124563088439197696/ Podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLivd8WaRu-XnT0kiQTmTAXQ2e5gloVLvp&feature=shared Make sure to check out our Substack: https://theagenticinsider.substack.com/ Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://agenticinsider.show/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fCCuVl6tL5p2kEAwFCQNJ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-agentic-insider/id1807346381 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fe0482d-d798-4420-a93a-fc6653bce437 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-agentic-insider-6057241 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iridiusAI

Jul 24, 2025 • 32min
Agent Factories vs Solution Factories - The Agentic Insider - Episode #16
Spencer Bentley, an AI Technical Fellow at Iridius and OpenAI's Head of Developer Forum, joins Peter Larsen, Chief Technology Officer at Iridius. They explore the crucial difference between AI solution factories and agent factories. Key topics include reducing coding requirements, enhancing operational efficiencies, and ensuring compliance in AI deployment. They stress the importance of risk management and organizational culture in adopting AI technologies effectively, while advocating for specialized AI agents tailored for specific tasks to maximize enterprise performance.

Jul 17, 2025 • 42min
Strategy to Scale: From AI Pilot to Production - Cat Valverde - The Agentic Insider - Episode #15
Why do so many companies struggle with moving beyond AI pilot programs into production? Cat Valverde, Founder of Enterprise AI Solutions, joins The Agentic Insider to provide real, actionable advice on how to ethically and equitably implement AI in your business. Cat shares her unique background and motivation for focusing on ethical AI, driven by her father's telemarketing practices. The discussion covers the complexities of AI implementation in enterprises, the importance of strategy to scale, and the challenges of gaining trust in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. She emphasizes the need for ethical and equitable AI use, suggesting that enterprises should consider upskilling employees and focusing on long-term goals rather than short-term metrics. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions and insights into Cat's personal interests and upcoming projects. Takeaways:Prepare for AI Integration by Building Trust: Building trust is a key factor for adopting AI. Ensure transparent communication and demonstrate reliability to gain buy-in from all stakeholders.Upskill Existing Employees: Rather than resorting to layoffs, invest in upskilling your current workforce to handle new AI technologies. This approach can provide long-term benefits and stability.Evaluate AI Use Cases Carefully: Don't jump on AI trends just because others are doing it. Critically assess whether a particular AI solution addresses a real problem in your business.Measure Time to Value: Focus on leading indicators rather than lagging ones. Track how quickly a new AI implementation can deliver tangible value to your business.Pilot Programs and Feedback: When running AI pilots, frequently review and assess their progress. Abandon unsuccessful pilots early to minimize wasted resources.Collaboration and Discernment in AI: Encourage collaboration between human intelligence and AI. Ensure that staff members are trained to critically evaluate AI outputs rather than taking them at face value.Adopt a Long-Term Perspective: For AI implementation, set and review long-term goals rather than focusing exclusively on quarterly targets.Quote of the Show:“Scaling is important, profits are important, that's what business is. But finding a way that it can also be ethically and equitably implemented is the name of the game for everything that we do.” - Cat ValverdeLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catvalverde/ Website: https://www.eais.io/ RVSP for our next webinar: enterpriseai.events Subscribe to the daily briefing: enterpriseaisolutions.io Ways to Tune In:Transistor: https://agenticinsider.show/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fCCuVl6tL5p2kEAwFCQNJ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-agentic-insider/id1807346381 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fe0482d-d798-4420-a93a-fc6653bce437 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-agentic-insider-6057241 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iridiusAI