My guest today has an incredible track record in technology and innovation, is a 2 x author and entrepreneur who bridges the gap between hardware and software. Ajay Malik is the driving force behind Secomind, a forward-thinking company dedicated to incorporating AI seamlessly into products, workflows, and customer support processes. 

In our far reaching conversation we attempt to answer the question of, where do leaders start with AI? We’re exploring general principles and good practices, how to identify where AI can have an impact in business and what that might look like. We’re not talking about job elimination, but instead exciting things like efficiency, exploration and experimentation! 

Shownotes

See more at: http://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leadership-principles-ajay-malik

 

Key Moments 

Planet Human: Exciting developments in the realm of ‘space farming’ happening in Melbourne right now! 

Planet Zoë: Bali, Olympus Bound - pre-orders available now - and hitting the Australian Alps trail. 

Getting Started with AI in Business (00:02:24)

Addressing the question of how to start integrating AI into business practices.

Ajay Malik's Journey into Computer Science and AI (00:04:11)

Ajay Malik shares his journey into computer science and AI.

Principles for Integrating AI into Business (00:05:58)

Discussion about the principles to consider when integrating AI into business practices.

Avoiding a Cost-Cutting Approach to AI (00:07:01)

Exploring the misconception of starting AI integration with a focus on job elimination.

Selecting AI Solutions for Business (00:10:48)

Guidelines for curating and finding the right AI solutions for specific business needs.

Platform Approach for AI Integration (00:11:36)

Emphasising the importance of a platform approach for AI integration and data security.

Centralised AI Platform (00:16:40)

Discussion about the need for a centralised AI platform to manage multiple tools and applications.

Future of Centralised AI Solutions (00:19:01)

Exploring the potential for centralised AI solutions and the development of such platforms.

Security Concerns with Centralised AI (00:20:15)

Addressing the security concerns associated with centralised AI platforms and the need for encryption.

Barriers to AI Adoption (00:22:54)

Challenges leaders face in adopting AI, including fear of job elimination, scepticism, and uncertainty about where to start.

Starting with Small AI Projects (00:27:18)

Advises starting with small AI projects, using the "t-shirt sizing" approach, and ensuring measurable benefits.

Examples of AI Implementation (00:29:52)

Real-life examples of AI implementation in customer support, operations, and product improvement.

Leadership Tip: Enabling Team Success (00:36:41)

The importance of enabling team success and serving as a reverse boss to support and empower team members.

Future Technology: Brain-Computer Interface (00:35:13)

Desire for a brain-computer interface for communication and control, leveraging brainwaves for interaction.

Leadership Book Recommendation (00:39:05)

Recommendation of "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek as a favourite leadership book.

The future of AI and its accessibility (00:40:55)

Discussion on the impact of AI on society, concerns about the accessibility of AI technology to all individuals.

Technology and its impact on society (00:42:49)

Exploration of the impact of technology on society, considerations for ensuring technology benefits all individuals.

The potential of AI to improve productivity and efficiency (00:44:25)

Discussion on how AI can enhance productivity, efficiency, and reduce costs, with a focus on reaching individuals at all socio-economic levels.

Considerations when implementing AI (00:47:25)

Exploration of criteria for evaluating AI solutions, including centralised platforms, privacy, security, explainability, and ethical principles.