Law x Business

Inside Tech Minds | Is AI outpacing your governance? With leading AI expert Kay Firth-Butterfield

In this episode of Inside Tech Minds, Carly Gulliver speaks with Kay Firth-Butterfield, CEO of Good Tech Advisory and a leading voice in AI governance, about whether organisations are keeping pace with the rapid evolution of AI. Drawing on her experience at the World Economic Forum and advising global leaders, Kay explores why trust in AI is already under pressure and how gaps in governance, not the technology itself, are often to blame. The conversation brings to life the real risks playing out inside businesses today, from “shadow AI” and employee misuse to hallucinations, reputational damage and legal exposure. Through practical examples, Kay highlights why governance must go beyond the CTO or General Counsel, requiring a joined-up approach across the organisation with HR playing a critical role in training and embedding responsible AI use. The episode also sets out what good looks like: mapping AI usage, aligning to regulation, introducing cross-functional governance, and maintaining human oversight as AI agents scale. Essential listening for GCs, CTOs and senior leaders looking to balance speed with control and unlock AI’s value without compromising trust. Find out more about AI governance from Addleshaw Goddard’s expert team here [https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.addleshawgoddard.com%2Fen%2Fsectors%2Ftechnology-lawyers%2Fgenerative-ai%2F&data=05%7C02%7CMeghan.Browne%40addleshawgoddard.com%7C85def0a982a34a51f63f08debbe93a1b%7Ccce218d616124ac2b16c925474afd502%7C0%7C0%7C639154807526720495%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XXGhEiODDOS40uGEvVF81YocQHZcMDSZPFVQml05Z2M%3D&reserved=0].

Mergerspresso | Succession: The Board Game

Episode 30 of Mergerspresso, Addleshaw Goddard’s corporate finance podcast, explores how board composition and turnover are emerging as a key source of corporate volatility. Host Lucy Robson is joined by guest David Palmer to discuss the growing trend of earlier and more frequent director departures, particularly among CEOs and CFOs, and what this means for governance and corporate strategy. The discussion focuses on the shift towards treating boards as actively managed portfolios of skills and experience rather than static groups. Lucy and David examine how organisations are reassessing board capabilities in the context of evolving strategic priorities, including technological change and shareholder expectations. They highlight the need for forward-looking succession planning, stress-testing leadership structures and maintaining a strong pipeline of “ready now” and “ready soon” candidates to address potential gaps. The episode also considers the broader implications for resilience and long-term value creation. As the pace of change accelerates, proactive board management is becoming a strategic necessity rather than a compliance exercise. Businesses that adopt a portfolio mindset are better positioned to navigate disruption, align governance with future needs and maintain investor confidence in an increasingly dynamic market environment.

Mergerspresso | The return of returns: Share buybacks

Episode 29 of Mergerspresso, Addleshaw Goddard’s corporate finance podcast, explores the growing proliferation of share buyback programmes across the public markets and why returning capital to shareholders has become a major strategic priority for listed companies. Host Simon Wood is joined by guest Jeremy Cruse to discuss how buybacks have evolved from routine corporate housekeeping into a key feature of capital allocation strategy. They examine why boards are increasingly using buybacks to respond to shareholder expectations, support undervalued share prices and defend against opportunistic bidders and activist campaigns.   The episode also considers the balance between returning capital and investing for growth, particularly at a time when valuations and market sentiment are shifting. Simon and Jeremy discuss the importance of aligning buybacks with broader capital strategy, including dividends, leverage and long-term investment planning, and why disciplined execution remains critical to maintaining investor confidence.

Inside Tech Minds | AI-powered deals – what really makes tech transactions succeed?

Technology transactions are being reshaped by AI, but the real challenge for leaders is understanding what creates value and what can quietly derail a deal. In this episode of Inside Tech Minds, Carly Gulliver speaks with James Dawson, Corporate Finance Partner, and Damon Rosamond-Lanzetta, Head of Tech Sector at Addleshaw Goddard, about what makes technology transactions succeed in an AI-driven market. Drawing on real-world deal experience, the conversation explores the strategic, operational and commercial decisions that increasingly define successful outcomes. The episode focuses on the issues that matter most during modern technology transactions: why involving advisers early is critical, why integration risk is now a core deal issue rather than a day-two problem, and how overstating “AI-powered” capabilities can conceal significant commercial and operational risks. Topics also include the infrastructure underpinning AI growth from data centres and power through to legacy systems as well as how AI is reshaping governance expectations, value creation and buy-versus-build decisions. Essential listening for CEOs, CIOs, CTOs and deal teams navigating AI-driven transactions with a focus on execution, integration and long-term value rather than hype. Enjoyed the episode? Follow and subscribe to Inside Tech Minds on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and, if you have a moment, leave a review to help others discover the show. Learn more about Addleshaw Goddard’s work in technology and digital transformation: https://www.addleshawgoddard.com/en/sectors/technology-lawyers/ [https://www.addleshawgoddard.com/en/sectors/technology-lawyers/]

Mergerspresso | Is space the final business frontier?

Episode 28 of Mergerspresso, Addleshaw Goddard’s corporate finance podcast, explores the rapid rise of the space economy and asks whether the final frontier has become the next market. With growing momentum around a potential record-breaking SpaceX IPO and renewed global focus following Artemis II, space is firmly moving into the commercial spotlight. Host Lucy Robson is joined by guests Alex Hogarth and Brian Macreadie to discuss how space has evolved from a government-led endeavour into a fast-growing commercial ecosystem. They examine the rise of low Earth orbit as a hub for satellites, telecoms and data, and the role of private companies in transforming the economics of space through reusable rockets and scalable infrastructure. The episode also explores the increasing importance of public-private partnerships in supporting ambitious projects such as lunar development, and how space is now being viewed through a commercial lens, from supply chains to capital markets. Lucy, Alex and Brian consider what this shift means for investment, innovation and the broader global economy, as space transitions from exploration to a scalable market opportunity.