The Case For Frugal AI in a World of Giant Models

Operationalising AI: turning strategy into business value

In this episode, Professor Jaideep Prabhu is joined by David Fearne, Vice President of AI at NTT DATA, to explore how leaders can embed AI into the heart of business strategy. Drawing on his experience advising organisations across sectors, David explains why AI should be viewed not simply as a technology, but as an intelligent workforce capability that enables growth, curiosity and innovation. The conversation explores the challenges of moving AI from pilot projects into production, the importance of governance and trust, and why leaders should focus on information rather than data alone. David also shares his vision for a "curiosity-first" workforce, where AI removes routine work and empowers people to ask better questions, make better decisions and create greater value. This is a compelling discussion for leaders looking to build AI-enabled organisations that are resilient, responsible and ready for the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Making AI work: How organisations turn strategy into results

In this episode, Professor Jaideep Prabhu speaks with Mark Bloomfield, founder of Turbulence and AI adviser to global organisations, about how leaders can adopt AI with purpose. They explore why the greatest opportunity lies not simply in improving efficiency, but in reimagining how organisations innovate, solve problems and build competitive advantage. Drawing on examples from businesses around the world, Mark explains why successful AI adoption starts with identifying organisational "friction points", creating space for experimentation, and empowering people, rather than replacing them. The conversation also examines responsible AI, organisational change, simulation, trust and the principles of frugal AI: achieving more with less through thoughtful, human-centred innovation. A practical and thought-provoking discussion for leaders seeking to harness AI strategically. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

AI in sustainability

In this episode, Jaideep Prabhu speaks with Munish Datta, Director of Sustainability at Specsavers, about how AI is transforming the way organisations measure emissions, manage supply chains, and build resilience to climate risks. Drawing on real-world examples from Specsavers and beyond, Munish explores how AI can improve carbon accounting, enhance supply chain traceability, support climate adaptation, and accelerate progress towards a more circular and regenerative economy. He also discusses the importance of human oversight, ethical governance, and developing the skills needed to use AI responsibly. From sustainability reporting and supply chain transparency to the future of regenerative business, this conversation offers valuable insights for leaders seeking to harness AI to create environmental, social, and business value. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Frugal AI in the energy sphere

In this episode, Jaideep Prabhu speaks with Philippe Rambach, Chief AI Officer at Schneider Electric, about the role of AI in creating a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. Drawing on Schneider Electric's experience deploying AI at scale, Philippe explains the concept of "frugal AI", using the simplest, most efficient technology to solve real-world problems. Together, they explore how AI can optimise energy demand, support smarter buildings and grids, reduce carbon emissions, and help organisations balance innovation with sustainability. From AI-powered energy management to the future of electrification, this conversation offers valuable insights for business leaders, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intersection of AI, energy and climate action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Rethinking banking with AI: building an AI fluent culture

In this episode, Jaideep Prabhu speaks with Oscar Barlow, Head of AI Advocacy at Starling Bank, about how one of the UK’s leading digital banks is embedding AI across its organisation and customer experience. Oscar shares how Starling’s agile, technology-first culture has enabled rapid AI adoption, from AI champions and internal enablement programmes to customer-facing tools like spending intelligence and AI-powered scam detection. The conversation explores regulation, trust, AI fluency, agentic AI, and what the future of banking could look like as humans and AI increasingly work side by side. A fascinating discussion on innovation, culture, and the next era of financial services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]