How Humanoid Robots Could Change Work, Care & Everyday Life Forever | Stewart Miller.

Why Britain Is Wasting Its Greatest Source of Talent | Maggie Philbin OBE

Maggie Philbin OBE, CEO TeenTech and Technology Broadcaster joins Oli Barrett for a fascinating conversation about technology, education, opportunity and the future of work. Drawing on decades spent exploring innovation and her work as founder of TeenTech, Maggie explains why Britain's biggest untapped resource is the talent sitting in classrooms across the country. She shares why schools must focus less on memorisation and more on confidence, curiosity and communication, and why employers need to do more to recognise potential rather than polish. The discussion explores the impact of AI on education, the importance of ethics and access, how mentorship can transform lives, and why listening to young people may be the key to solving some of society's biggest challenges. Maggie also reflects on her years presenting Tomorrow's World, the technologies that changed society, and her hopes for a future that is fairer, more inclusive and full of opportunity. Maggie Philbin OBE is well known for her work in radio and television where for over 30 years she has reported on a wide range of science, medical and technology programmes from Tomorrow’s World to Bang Goes The Theory. In 2008 she co-founded TeenTech, an award-winning charity which works across the UK getting young people innovating, creating, building skills and preparing for a fast-changing future. TeenTech helps students, parents and teachers understand the real opportunities in contemporary industry. She received the WISE Award for Communication and Outreach for her work promoting diversity in 2013. In June 2016 she was voted most influential woman in UK IT by Computer Weekly and also named 2016 Digital Leader of the Year. She was awarded an OBE in Jan 2017 for her work to promote careers in STEM and the Creative Industries. In July 2017 she received the Tech4Good Special Award and in 2019 TeenTech was awarded the Best Employer and School Outreach. She is patron of the Council for Professors and Heads of Computing and has been awarded ten honorary degrees and fellowships for her work. About the TeenTech Charity TeenTech help young people understand opportunities in contemporary industry, no matter what their gender or social background. Their engaging, sharply focussed initiatives reach over 14,000 students aged 8-19 every year and are carefully planned to involve teachers and parents as they are the main influencers in career decisions. Over 300 companies and 40 UK universities work with TeenTech helping deliver their exciting programmes to students across the UK. About the Podcast The Future Forum podcast brings together leaders, thinkers and innovators to explore the ideas shaping tomorrow. For more information, head to www.futureforum.co Each episode explores the intersection of leadership, technology, creativity and systems thinking. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about the future of leadership, innovation and creativity. Chapters 00:00 Why young people aren't "work ready" — and why that's okay 00:40 Introduction: Maggie Philbin joins Tomorrow 01:38 Maggie's prediction for the next decade: ethics, access and AI 03:21 Which Tomorrow's World predictions got it right? 05:37 The technology that convinced Maggie the future had arrived 06:39 The unexpected origins of TeenTech 07:25 The school visit that changed everything 09:52 Why employers should focus on potential, not readiness 11:26 How TeenTech measures impact and changes lives 13:52 What young people really think about ethics and innovation 14:42 Beth's journey from TeenTech participant to engineering student 17:18 How businesses can engage meaningfully with young people 18:38 AI, technology and the future of education 19:20 The qualities schools struggle to teach: confidence and resilience 21:37 What Maggie would change about the education system 23:44 Will the classroom of the future be high-tech or human-first? 25:50 Why Maggie has enormous respect for teachers and students 26:12 Future Question: What behaviour will confuse people in 50 years? 27:01 What schools reward that matters less in real life 28:42 Lifelong learning in a rapidly changing world 30:05 Why employers should recruit for potential, not polish 30:38 The TeenTech story that transformed a student's life 35:26 Why no young person should think they're stupid 36:42 What Maggie was really like at school 38:51 Britain's biggest wasted source of talent 39:27 What "Leave Your Lane" means to Maggie 40:51 How TeenTech was built from unexpected experiences 42:59 Why Maggie remains optimistic about the future 44:23 Creating a fairer world through access and opportunity 45:28 Maggie's memo to the future: "Listen to everyone" 46:50 Final reflections and closing thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

The Future of Healthcare, AI & Creativity | Live From Greater Together LA

What happens when entrepreneurs, diplomats, technologists, creatives and innovators from completely different industries come together in one city? In this special on-the-road episode, Oli Barrett travels to Los Angeles for Greater Together LA, the UK’s largest ever trade delegation to the United States. Across a remarkable few days, Oli speaks with Paul Rennie (UK Consul General, Los Angeles), Dr Katie King, (Co-founder and CEO, BioOrbit), Alexander Trewby (Co-founder, Apian) Lottie Birdsall-Strong, (Chief Impact Officer, Shakespeare's Globe), Jeremy Burton, (General Manager - Observability Business Unit, Snowflake), Persephone Godwin, (Business Development Manager, London and Partners) and Matt Scheckner, (Founder and Chair, Future Forum). This episode is a masterclass in “engineered serendipity” and a glimpse into the future being built right now. About the Podcast The Future Forum podcast brings together leaders, thinkers and innovators to explore the ideas shaping tomorrow. For more information, head to www.futureforum.co Each episode explores the intersection of leadership, technology, creativity and systems thinking. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about the future of leadership, innovation and creativity. Chapters Chapters (By Guest Speaker) 00:00 — Introduction: Welcome to Tomorrow: The Future Forum Podcast 00:45 — Paul Rennie (UK Consul General, Los Angeles) joins the podcast 02:05 — “Combinativity” & engineered serendipity 04:30 — The future of storytelling, AI & human connection 06:40 — Global trade, logistics & the future of collaboration 09:23 — Dr Katie King (Co-Founder & CEO, BioOrbit) joins the podcast 10:15 — Manufacturing cancer drugs in space 12:17 — Scaling pharmaceutical production in microgravity 14:07 — “We’re a pharma company that uses space” 15:32 — The investors & partners needed to scale 16:47 — From physics teacher to NASA intern to founder 18:04 — Memo to the future: “Don’t give up” 18:45 — Alexander Trewby (Co-founder, Apian) joins the podcast 20:00 — Drones transforming healthcare logistics 22:15 — Flying blood samples across London hospitals 24:40 — The future of autonomous healthcare delivery 27:10 — Why Britain could lead physical AI infrastructure 29:30 — “Leave your lane” & building diverse teams 31:00 — Long-term thinking & investing in the future 31:47 — Lottie Birdsall-Strong, (Chief Impact Officer, Shakespeare's Globe) joins the podcast 32:10 — Why culture & social value matter more than ever 33:00 — The future of impact, governance & creativity 33:44 — Jeremy Burton (Snowflake) joins the podcast 34:13 — AI, data & the future of healthcare 35:56 — Why AI adoption starts with “baby steps” 36:30 — Human intelligence vs artificial intelligence 37:19 — Persephone Godwin (London & Partners) joins the podcast 38:13 — What people misunderstand about Los Angeles 39:30 — The reality behind the creative industries 40:42 — AI’s impact on creativity & media 41:56 — Advice for UK founders entering the US market 42:57 — Matt Scheckner (Founder & Chair, Future Forum) joins the podcast 43:34 — Why UK-US collaboration matters now 44:40 — The vision behind Future Forum 46:30 — Advice for entrepreneurs building globally 47:26 — Final reflections from Los Angeles & Greater Together LA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

What AI Means for Your Career, Business & Children | Husayn Kassai

What happens when one of Europe’s leading AI founders looks 20 years into the future? In this episode of Tomorrow: The Future Forum Podcast, Oli Barrett sits down with entrepreneur Husayn Kassai to explore the future of AI, startups, work, education and human potential. Husayn shares the story behind building Onfido from an Oxford University idea into one of the UK’s standout AI success stories, after being rejected by more than 100 investors. He explains why today’s founders need different skills, why AI will massively reshape the workforce, and why human judgment, relationships and culture will matter. Husayn Kassai is founder and CEO of ollo, building internal AI capability for mid-market companies. Before ollo, he co-founded and led Onfido as CEO – growing it from zero to $100m ARR in 7 years before its 2024 acquisition, the largest UK AI exit. He is based at London's AI Hub. Husayn holds a BA in Economics and Management from Keble College, Oxford, and served as President of Oxford Entrepreneurs. About the Podcast The Future Forum podcast brings together leaders, thinkers and innovators to explore the ideas shaping tomorrow. For more information, head to www.futureforum.co Each episode explores the intersection of leadership, technology, creativity and systems thinking. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about the future of leadership, innovation and creativity. Chapters 00:00 – Introducing Husayn Kassai & The Future of AI 01:22 – What The World Looks Like in 16 Years 02:32 – Building Startups Around Technological Shifts 04:54 – Starting an eBay Business at 12 Years Old 07:54 – Building Onfido & Spotting the Identity Problem 09:54 – The Two “Miracles” Investors Didn’t Believe 12:48 – Why Timing Matters in Startups 13:05 – What’s Easier & Harder for Founders Today 15:24 – AI Teams: Why 14 People Can Do the Work of 50 18:16 – The Skills AI Still Can’t Replace 19:42 – What Husayn Looks For When Hiring 22:04 – Why Young Workers Will Drive AI Adoption 23:59 – The Rise of “Shadow AI” Inside Companies 24:49 – Do Great Founders Need Trauma? 27:54 – What Investors Get Wrong About Startups 29:42 – The Biggest Leadership Lesson Husayn Learned 29:53 – The Founder Skill AI Will Never Replace 31:15 – AI’s Biggest Opportunities: Healthcare & Education 32:51 – The Growing Risk of AI Inequality 35:48 – What Governments Should Do Differently 37:28 – Should Schools Embrace AI? 39:39 – Growing Up Between Iran & The UK 41:54 – Would Husayn Hire Himself Today? 42:07 – Why Learning AI Is Like Learning Excel in the 90s 43:09 – Why Physical AI Communities Matter 44:05 – Why The UK Is Still a Great Place to Build 45:11 – Why Ollo Will Be His Last Startup 45:50 – Using AI to Help Developing Countries Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

How Humanoid Robots Could Change Work, Care & Everyday Life Forever | Stewart Miller.

What happens when artificial intelligence gets a body? In this episode of Tomorrow: The Future Forum Podcast, Victoria Usher and Oli Barrett sit down with Stewart Miller, Former CEO, National Robotarium, to explore the future of humanoid robotics, AI-powered machines, healthcare automation, and what society must do to prepare for a world where humans and robots live side by side. From robot carers in hospitals and homes to AI-enabled humanoids working in factories, this conversation dives into the next major technological wave beyond large language models and ChatGPT. Stewart Miller, Former CEO, National Robotarium Stewart Miller is an experienced business leader with a background in the aerospace sector. He took up the position of Chief Executive Officer at the National Robotarium in 2021 having previously been Chief Technology Officer of the UK Government’s innovation agency, Innovate UK, in addition to previously working in senior roles at major firms including Leonardo and BAE Systems. Stewart is a member of the Scottish Government Industry Leadership Group for Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing, an advisory board member of the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub, and a non-executive director of the Satellite Application Catapult. About the Podcast The Future Forum podcast brings together leaders, thinkers and innovators to explore the ideas shaping tomorrow. For more information, head to www.futureforum.co Each episode explores the intersection of leadership, technology, creativity and systems thinking. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about the future of leadership, innovation and creativity. Chapters 00:00 – The future: robots everywhere in daily life 00:35 – Introduction to the National Robotarium 01:21 – Humanoid robots explained 01:53 – What will life look like in 10 years? 04:23 – The breakthrough: AI meets robotics 05:32 – Why humanoid robots feel “freaky” 06:12 – Robots in the home and domestic life 07:20 – How AI teaches robots to learn 08:54 – Real-world robotics already happening today 09:17 – Robots in BMW factories and logistics 10:40 – Dexterity: the key to useful robots 11:46 – Stewart Miller on the National Robotarium’s mission 14:06 – Why society isn’t prepared for robotics 16:03 – Should we ban or embrace new technologies? 17:40 – The psychology of human-like robots 19:46 – Should robots look human? 21:42 – Ethics, regulation and international governance 23:05 – Exoskeletons and assistive robotics 24:20 – The robotics startups changing healthcare 26:24 – The future office and healthcare automation 27:10 – Robot carers and ageing populations 31:31 – Will robots replace jobs? 35:11 – Who should lead the public conversation on robotics? 36:22 – Stewart Miller’s message to the future 37:31 – Where to follow the National Robotarium 38:45 – Post-show reactions and key takeaways 40:20 – Robotics in defence and warfare 41:05 – Final thoughts and outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Why India Is the World’s Most Underrated Tech Superpower | Priya Guha MBE

In this episode of Tomorrow – The Future Forum Podcast, host Oli Barrett sits down with Priya Guha MBE, ex-UK Consul General to San Francisco, to explore the future of global innovation, diplomacy, and economic power. Why are we still overlooking India, despite its rapid rise as a digital and economic powerhouse? From mobile payments leapfrogging the West to the realities of building global tech ecosystems, Priya shares insights from her unique career spanning diplomacy, venture capital, and innovation. Priya Guha MBE Priya Guha MBE, ex-UK Consul General to San Francisco, is deeply embedded in the UK and global tech ecosystem through her roles in government, investment, startups and corporates. Amongst other roles, she is a NED at UKRI, the Herald Investment Trust, Reach plc and the Digital Catapult. She is also a Member of the Investment Governance Board of Future Planet Capital and an Advisor to Gallos Technologies. Priya is a long-standing advocate for inclusion, believing it is key for long-term economic growth and for addressing the world’s biggest challenges. About the Podcast The Future Forum podcast brings together leaders, thinkers and innovators to explore the ideas shaping tomorrow. For more information, head to www.futureforum.co Each episode explores the intersection of leadership, technology, creativity and systems thinking. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about the future of leadership, innovation and creativity. Chapters (Timecode) 00:00 Why India Is Being Overlooked 00:20 Introduction to Priya Guha 01:38 Optimism About the Future 02:54 Why India Deserves More Attention 04:40 India’s QR Code Payment Revolution 06:09 What Makes Silicon Valley Work 08:39 Lessons the UK Should Learn 09:39 What India Does Better Than the West 10:57 Role of Government in Innovation 12:10 Bridging Different Worlds & Sectors 13:03 Power of Human Connection 14:15 Future of Diplomacy Explained 16:43 Beyond Government-to-Government Relations 18:34 Why Inclusive Growth Won’t Happen Naturally 21:29 When Governments Overreach (AI Example) 22:36 Funding Gap for Women & Inclusion 23:33 “Mini-Embassies” to Big Tech Companies 25:23 #1 Skill for Future Diplomats 26:21 How Innovation Ecosystems Are Built 27:34 What Global Founders Do Differently 30:53 The Skill of Difficult Conversations 32:30 Skills Humans Must Master for the Future 35:09 UK–India Future Opportunities 38:00 What’s Next for Priya Guha 43:05 A Message to the Future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]