In the latest episode of Back to the Future of AI, Alex welcomes Jack Ramsay, founder of MULTIPLAI and chairman of its advisory board. MULTIPLAI, a consultancy designed for the data-driven future, has recently partnered with [at] to bring fresh perspectives and explore innovative solutions.
Jack, who spent over 30 years as a managing director at Accenture with experience across sectors like banking, defence, and automotive, reflects on his career journey, from mathematics and programming to leading international IT and AI projects and ultimately founding MULTIPLAI.
The discussion covers rapid advancements in AI, especially generative AI, and the critical role of data-driven strategies for companies. Jack emphasises Europe's strong potential in data and industrial knowledge but underscores the need for more entrepreneurship and strategic leadership to compete with U.S. tech giants and rising powers like China and India. He also highlights Europe's dependence on American infrastructure, suggesting a need for a European IT equivalent of Airbus.
The episode further explores the challenges traditional businesses face in AI adoption. Jack stresses that AI and data must be executive-level priorities to drive change, pointing out that reluctance at the middle management level and limited understanding at the top often hinder progress. Both Jack and Alex call for bold, risk-taking approaches in AI to prevent European companies from falling behind on the global stage.
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In this episode of Back to the Future of AI, Alexander Thamm, founder and CEO of Alexander Thamm GmbH [at], talks to Dr Frederike Fritzsche, Chief Tech Transformation Officer at OTTO. Frederike, who holds a doctorate in Entrepreneurship & Entrepreneurial Finance, has been a Tech Ambassador since 2021 and is committed to promoting women in the tech industry. She also leads the "Women in Tech" workstream and contributes her experience as a multiple entrepreneur.
The two talk about the challenges and opportunities of AI and the importance of diversity in teams. Frederike emphasises how important different perspectives are for innovative solutions and stresses that responsible use of AI is crucial for a fairer world. Statistical hurdles and model quality are also discussed.
Another focus of the conversation is the role of women in IT and the importance of role models. Frederike emphasises the importance of role models and initiatives to get girls and women interested in technical careers and shares personal experiences of encouraging children in technology.
Finally, they look to the future of technology: AI will be so integrated into our everyday lives in the next few years that we will hardly be aware of it. At the same time, however, the two emphasise how important it is to use AI responsibly and to label it accordingly to ensure transparency. They are optimistic that Europe will find its own path in technology development and emphasise the importance of an open and positive mindset in order to successfully shape the transformation of the world of work.
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In this episode of Back to the Future of AI, Alexander Thamm, founder and CEO of Alexander Thamm GmbH [at], talks to Klaus Fuchs. Klaus completed his doctorate in information management at ETH Zurich in collaboration with the University of St. Gallen and was one of the first employees of the ETH AI Centre. He is also the founder of Rockstar Recruiting, a company specialising in personal and competent support in tech recruiting.
The two talk about the growing importance of Switzerland as a centre of innovation, particularly in the field of AI and start-ups.
A key topic is the development of AI in the software industry and how it is changing the work of developers. Klaus emphasises that it is becoming increasingly difficult for young talent and career starters, as AI is increasing productivity and many entry-level jobs could be lost. He therefore recommends lifelong learning, involvement in open source projects and specialisation in areas such as cyber security and blockchain.
Finally, Klaus gives valuable tips for junior staff and emphasises the importance of specialising in niches in order to be successful in a working world increasingly shaped by AI.
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In this new episode of Back to the Future of AI, Alexander Thamm, founder and CEO of Alexander Thamm GmbH [at], talks to Daniel Naeff, Head of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the ETH AI Centre. With a strong background in mechanical and industrial engineering from ETH Zurich and MIT, as well as extensive experience in building and investing in early-stage companies, Daniel brings deep expertise to the world of artificial intelligence.
Daniel is also a co-founder of Brainforest - an organisation dedicated to AI projects with a particular focus on climate protection and natural climate protection solutions. This often involves developing ideas that not only have a positive impact on the climate and biodiversity, but are also economically viable. Daniel emphasises that these projects are not just about pure impact, but also about developing business models that can attract investors.
The two also discuss the social impact of AI. Daniel expresses doubt that AI could trigger a revolution and instead speaks of an evolutionary development that is accelerating but could have a greater impact in the long term. He believes that other social problems, such as income inequality and polarisation, are more likely to lead to unrest than AI alone. He emphasises the importance of actively engaging with AI and experimenting rather than simply waiting and seeing.
Finally, Daniel encourages the audience to visit the ETH AI Centre in Zurich and play an active role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
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In this episode, we welcome Willi Weber, Head of Data Analytics at HDI Global. Willi brings extensive experience in data-driven business models from his previous work in the insurance and IT sector.
Together, they will discuss the use of data and AI to improve business processes, particularly in the insurance industry, for example in risk assessment following natural disasters and the optimisation of underwriting and claims management processes. One focus of the discussion is "augmentation" through AI, in which humans and machines work together to make more informed decisions. Weber emphasises how crucial the efficient integration of data into workflows is in order to optimise processes and remain competitive. In conclusion, he points out that data-driven approaches are just the beginning and that future technological developments offer further potential.
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