Bernard Marr's Future of Business & Technology Podcast

In this enlightening discussion, Richard Susskind, a renowned AI expert and legal futurist, dives into AI's dual nature as both a revolutionary opportunity and a looming threat to humanity. He explores the need to rethink our institutions rather than just adding tech to old systems. Susskind examines the socio-economic and existential risks posed by AI, advocating for proactive strategies to prepare for its evolution. He also delves into the transformative impact of AI on society and regulation, highlighting the urgent need for nuanced discussions on our shared future.

In a riveting conversation, Marc Benioff, the visionary founder and CEO of Salesforce, discusses how AI agents are redefining the workplace. He shares insights on digital labor revolutionizing tasks from customer service to strategic planning. The dialogue dives into the future where robots greet hotel guests and highlights the essential skills workers will need in this AI-driven landscape. Benioff also touches on AI's potential to transform education and the importance of human skills in tandem with technology for a harmonious workforce.

Discover how AI is evolving from simple automation to autonomous systems that can reason, plan, and execute tasks on your behalf!🚀 I'm joined by XD Huang, CTO of Zoom, to explore how Zoom is pioneering agentic AI to transform meetings into milestones 🎯, the power of specialized small language models 🧠, how AI Companion acts as your personal chief of staff 💼, and what the future of workplace collaboration will look like when we all have AI agents working for us 24/7 ⏰.

In this discussion, Andy MacMillan, CEO of Alteryx, sheds light on the crucial emerging role of the AI Analyst in the business landscape. He emphasizes how these specialists bridge the gap between AI innovations and business needs, navigating complex data structures for optimal outcomes. The conversation also covers how AI tools can enhance productivity, the critical role of business analysts in integrating AI agents, and the challenges organizations face in embedding AI into their workflows. Get ready for a deep dive into the future of enterprise analytics!

Aneesh Raman, LinkedIn's Chief Economic Opportunity Officer, discusses how AI is reshaping the labor market and the shift from a knowledge economy to an innovation economy. He emphasizes that by 2030, 70% of job skills will transform, highlighting the importance of soft skills, particularly the 'five Cs.' Raman outlines the evolving role of HR in becoming strategic business drivers and the necessity for a skills-first approach to foster a more transparent and human-centered workplace in the age of AI.

Leanne Allen, Partner and Head of AI at KPMG UK, dives deep into the pivotal role of trust in AI development. She highlights three waves of transformation that must incorporate ethical implementation and human-centric design. Topics include how AI literacy can improve workplace integration, the value of ethics boards, and global challenges in standardizing AI access. Leanne emphasizes that cultivating trust is essential for maximizing AI's potential and ensuring responsible innovation that benefits everyone.

Brett Roscoe, Senior VP at Informatica and a leader in data strategies, dives into the dynamic world of AI adoption in 2025. He reveals how organizations are successfully harnessing generative AI to boost efficiency and enhance customer experiences. Roscoe discusses the various stages of AI adoption, highlighting both triumphs and technical challenges. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of fostering a culture of innovation and flexibility to keep pace with rapidly evolving AI technologies, while managing data more effectively for a competitive edge.

🔥 Europe's AI Revolution: Opportunity or Divide? Join me  as I explore how AI adoption is exploding across Europe, with five businesses adopting AI every minute, and discover why startups are racing ahead while larger enterprises risk falling behind!🚀 I'm joined by Tanuja Randery, Vice President and Managing Director of AWS EMEA, to discuss Europe's emerging two-tier AI economy, the critical skills gap hampering innovation, and the regulatory puzzles businesses must navigate to unlock AI's transformative potential. 📊 💡

Jim Wilson, Global Managing Director at Accenture and co-author of "Human + Machine," discusses the transformative potential of AI in reshaping the workplace. He highlights how human-machine collaboration can drive innovation and productivity. Wilson underscores the importance of updating job roles to incorporate fusion skills for the future workforce. He introduces the MELD framework for responsible AI implementation and the critical need for trust and transparency in AI development, especially in sectors like manufacturing and healthcare.

Join Bill McDermott, CEO of ServiceNow and visionary behind its AI initiatives, as he discusses how AI is reshaping business leadership and driving hyper-innovation. He shares insights on the importance of an AI agent control tower and how human-AI collaboration is evolving. Bill emphasizes the need for companies to update their frameworks to embrace these innovations while balancing urgent investments with responsible implementation. His personal take on fostering an entrepreneurial spirit in leadership and ensuring employee engagement adds depth to this compelling discussion.