25 - Technology Whisperers - An Interview with David McDonald

Episode Summary:

In this riveting episode of The Technology Whisperers, hosts Alistair Ross and Sean Muller are joined by David McDonald, a serial entrepreneur, futurist, and expert in Artificial Intelligence. Together, they dive deep into the current state and future potential of AI technologies, debunking myths, exploring opportunities, and addressing some of the most pressing concerns surrounding AI's impact on society and business.

Guest Bio: David McDonald: With decades of experience in the tech industry, David has been at the forefront of leading-edge technologies, especially in AI and blockchain. His career includes significant roles such as CEO of Centrality Japan and leading various ventures and startups to success. David is passionate about the transformative power of AI and its application across different sectors.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Role of a Futurist: David shares his insights into what it means to be a futurist in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, emphasising the importance of anticipating technology trends and their practical applications.

2. AI Transforming Businesses: Discussion on how AI is revolutionizing industries, with a focus on its application in enhancing efficiency, creating new opportunities, and the challenges of integrating AI into existing business models.

3. Ethical and Security Concerns: The episode delves into the ethical considerations and security implications of AI, including data privacy, the potential for bias in AI models, and the importance of open-source models for transparency.

4. Future of Work: David and the hosts explore the impact of AI on the job market, discussing the potential for AI to replace certain jobs while also creating new opportunities and industries that we can't yet imagine.

5. The Next Big Thing in AI: Predictions for the near future of AI technology, including the rise of generative AI, code abstraction, and the potential for AI to develop applications on demand for personalized user needs.

Episode Highlights:

• David's journey from a geospatial software engineer to an AI and blockchain innovator.
• The potential for AI to disrupt industries from within, challenging traditional business models.
• Discussion on the importance of ethical AI development and the role of regulation.
• Speculation on the arrival of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) and its implications.
• Addressing public fears and misconceptions about AI through education and transparency.

Listener Engagement: Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts on AI's impact on society and their own industries. Questions for David or suggestions for future topics can be submitted via social media or the podcast's website.

Connect with David McDonald:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-m-7526b712/

Closing Thoughts: AI is not just shaping the future; it's actively transforming the present. As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, staying informed and open to change will be crucial for individuals and businesses alike. Join us next time as we continue to demystify the world of technology, one episode at a time.

 

Contact Details for Alistair and Sean:

Alistair Ross

alistair@revolutioninfosec.com

Web: 

https://revolutioninfosec.com

Linkedin: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alistairjross  

https://www.linkedin.com/company/revolutioninfosec 

Sean G Muller

seangmuller@technologyleader.co.nz

Linkedin: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgmuller/

X 'Formerly Twitter': @seangmuller