OpenAI Says AGI Could Arrive by the End of 2026. But Are We Ready for It?

01/09/26 07:00 Filed in: Technology | Business

Sam Altman says OpenAI expects to have an internal system that it considers artificial general intelligence by the end of this year.

At the same time OpenAI is talking about reaching AGI, it's also dealing with serious questions around AI safety after an unreleased model escaped a controlled environment and accessed the internet.

So, are we moving faster on AI capability than we are on AI control?

In this episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast, I take a look at the latest developments around OpenAI, including its reported Astra models, AI agents working together on complex problems, AI conducting research and the possibility of AI helping to build the next generation of AI.

The big shift is from AI that responds to AI that acts. If an AI system can write code, conduct research, run experiments, operate software and potentially improve the systems that come after it, what level of autonomy should we be prepared to give it?

For technology leaders, this isn't just an AI story. It's a story about governance, risk, productivity, innovation and the future of work.

The question I'm asking in this episode is simple: If AGI really is coming, will we be ready for it?

Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | All major podcast platforms

AI for Good – A Force Multiplier for Humanity

12/07/26 12:00 Filed in: Technology | Business

Are we focusing too much on the potential downsides of AI? While concerns about job displacement and cybersecurity are valid, there's a powerful, positive side to artificial intelligence that deserves our attention, which is AI for Good.

In this episode of Inspiring Tech Leaders, I discuss how AI is becoming one of humanity's most powerful tools for solving global problems. From revolutionising healthcare and protecting our planet to transforming education and enhancing disaster response, AI is amplifying human capabilities across every sector.

Discover inspiring real-world examples:
💡 AI assisting doctors in early disease diagnosis and accelerating drug discovery
💡 AI monitoring deforestation, predicting natural disasters, and optimising renewable energy.
💡 Precision agriculture using AI to boost food production with fewer resources.
💡 Personalised learning platforms adapting to individual student needs.
💡 AI rapidly analysing data to prioritise rescue operations and predict crises.
💡 AI opening new opportunities for individuals with disabilities through speech recognition, real-time captioning, and computer vision.
We also tackle the critical challenges, these being; bias privacy, accessibility, energy consumption, and governance. The episode emphasises that the future of AI isn't predetermined, it's shaped by the choices we make today. It's a collective responsibility for engineers, business leaders, policymakers, educators, researchers, and informed citizens to ensure AI benefits everyone.

Tune in to understand how responsible innovation and ethical leadership are paramount in building trusted AI systems. Learn how your organisation can leverage AI to create a positive impact beyond just efficiency.

Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | All major podcast platforms

The Demand vs Capacity - The Problem Every Tech Leader Faces

26/04/26 12:00 Filed in: Technology | Business

In this episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders Podcast, I explore how modern technology leaders should navigate the relentless demand, constant change, and the pressure to innovate without compromising resilience.

Today’s organisations are being pulled in multiple directions. Every function wants more, be that AI, automation, better data, or faster delivery. But while demand keeps growing, capacity doesn’t. And when everything becomes a priority, organisations risk fragmentation, technical debt, and slower outcomes.

So how do the best tech leaders stay in control?

In this episode, you’ll discover:
💡Why demand is infinite but capacity is not and how to prioritise effectively
💡How to align technology, risk, compliance, finance, and operations for better decisions
💡The shift from project-based delivery to product and value-stream thinking
💡How to balance innovation with operational stability and governance
💡Why creating separate innovation and core environments is critical
💡The truth about AI adoption and why data quality matters more than tools
💡How to turn constant change into a competitive advantage

Key takeaway:

Balancing demand, change, and innovation isn’t a one-off decision, it’s an ongoing discipline. The organisations that succeed are those that combine clear priorities, strong alignment, and intentional design to move fast and stay resilient.

Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | All major podcast platforms

Georgina Owens - A UK Top CIO on Leadership, Transformation, and the Future of Tech

08/09/25 06:00 Filed in: Technology | Business

Ever wondered what it takes to become one of the most influential voices in the UK Tech Industry?

This on the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast, I sit down with the incredible Georgina Owens, a leader who has been at the forefront of major technology transformations at companies like Vodafone and William Hill. We had a fascinating discussion about her journey, the challenges facing the industry, and her vision for the future of tech leadership.

In this episode, we cover:

💡 The importance of culture and diversity in building high-performing tech teams.
💡 How to balance the demand for innovation with the need for stability.
💡 The evolving role of technology leaders in an era of increasing scrutiny around privacy and ethics.
💡 Georgina's advice for aspiring tech leaders who want to make an impact.

This is a must-listen for any technology professional looking for actionable guidance and inspiration.

Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | All major podcast platforms

Why the Future of Urban Mobility Hangs on AI

25/08/25 06:00 Filed in: Technology | Business

What happens when AI, sustainability, and logistics collide?

The result: smarter cities, greener fleets, and millions of optimised deliveries worldwide.

In this episode, I talk with Richard Savoie, patent-holding engineer, entrepreneur, and CEO of Adiona, the AI-powered delivery route optimisation platform trusted by Coca-Cola, Amazon, and Marley Spoon.

In this episode we explore:
💡 Key lessons on leadership and innovation from a seasoned tech entrepreneur.
💡 The inspiration behind focusing on AI and urban mobility, and how technology can drive sustainable transport solutions.
💡 How AI is reshaping urban mobility and solving fleet efficiency challenges
💡 Breaking the myth that sustainability vs. cost savings are at odds
💡 The future of mobility if AI adoption keeps accelerating

If you care about leadership, innovation, and the future of sustainable transport, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.

Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | All major podcast platforms

Why the Future of Urban Mobility Hangs on AI

25/08/25 06:00 Filed in: Technology | Business

How to Naviagte the First 100 Days in a Technology Leadership Role

09/11/24 17:06 Filed in: Technology | Business

Dave Roberts provides advice on the first 100 days in a Tech role

Are you stepping into a new technology executive role? Wondering how to make an impact in those crucial first 100 days? In this episode of the Inspiring Tech Leaders podcast, I break down the essentials every tech leader needs to know for a successful start:

💡 Build a Foundation of Trust: Understand your team, listen to stakeholders, and create strong, strategic alliances across the organisation.
💡 Identify Quick Wins with Long-Term Goals: Make small, meaningful changes to build momentum, while setting the stage for lasting impact.
💡 Create a Strategic 100-Day Roadmap: Discover how to align tech initiatives with business goals and build a pathway for growth, efficiency, and innovation.

💡 Tackle Challenges with Resilience: From budget constraints to change resistance, learn how to navigate obstacles with empathy and clear communication.
This is your playbook to navigate a high-impact first 100 days as a tech leader. Tune in, take notes, and start leading with purpose and vision!