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!
An AI leadership perspective that starts with the end in mind
Why you should listen: Cut through the noise with a leadership strategy for AI
Wield these tools with leadership pragmatism
We explore: When there’s an AI for everything, where do leaders start?
Embrace small, measurable AI projects for a leadership win
Amplify team development with AI support
KPIs are your friend! Lean into measuring impact
Take action
Identify where AI can help with your organisation’s grand vision and challenges
Have criteria for your AI tolls - ethics, security, user experience
Tip of the week
Circling back to ‘space farming’ I’m reminded of a quote from one of my world builders in The Olympus Project: ‘We can't underestimate how good for morale it will be to have living, growing things in off world communities to remind us of the miracle of life, its fragility and how lucky we are.’ Something to bear in mind!
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About Ajay Malik
Ajay Malik is a visionary leader and technologist. With a remarkable track record in leading the delivery and execution of cutting-edge technology products, Ajay has earned recognition for his passion for user-centric solutions and his ability to build top-tier teams.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Ajay has accumulated an impressive portfolio of over 90 patents, solidifying his reputation as a true innovator. He is also the author of two influential books: "RTLS for Dummies" and "Artificial Intelligence for Wireless Networking".
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)
Ajay Malik's Journey into Computer Science and AI (00:04:11)
Principles for Integrating AI into Business (00:05:58)
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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About your host, Canberra leadership expert Zoë Routh:
Zoë Routh is a leadership futurist, podcaster, and multiple award-winning author. She works with leaders and teams to navigate future horizons.
She has worked with individuals and teams internationally and in Australia since 1987. From wild Canadian rivers to the Australian Outback, and the Boardroom jungles, Zoë is an adventurist! She facilitates strategy and culture sessions with audacious teams.
Zoë's fourth leadership book, People Stuff - Beyond Personality Problems: An advanced handbook for leadership, won the Book of the Year at the Australian Business Book Awards in 2020. Her fifth book is a near future science fiction dystopian novel, The Olympus Project.
Zoë is the producer of the Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast, dedicated to asking “What if…?” and sharing Big Ideas on the Future of Leadership.
Zoë is an outdoor adventurist and enjoys telemark skiing, has run six marathons, is a one-time belly-dancer, has survived cancer, and loves hiking in the high country. She is married to a gorgeous Aussie and is a self-confessed dark chocolate addict.