Impact of AI: Explored
EP15

Navigating the AI Landscape: Skills for Tomorrow

James O'Regan & Gerjon Kunst Release date: 29 May 2025
With Dan Boyles, head of AI at First AI Group
Listen on Buzzsprout Read the blog post

Show notes

Welcome to the Impact of AI: Explored podcast. In this episode
James and Gerjon have a special guest: Leon McQuade - Chief-AI-Officer | 🎤Speaker | 🎙Podcaster
(https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonmcquade/)

In this episode, Leon McQuade discusses the evolving landscape of skills needed for the future, particularly in the context of AI and technology. He emphasizes the importance of creativity, analytical thinking, and human skills in an increasingly automated world.

More information can be found here: https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_Report_2025.pdf

The conversation also touches on mental health, the role of technology in business transformation, and the necessity of a solid data strategy for successful AI implementation. Leon shares personal experiences and insights on how technology can be an enabler, while also highlighting the need for human connection and empathy in the workplace. In this conversation,

we discus the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, data management, and the implications of AI and machine learning in business. He emphasizes the importance of understanding large language models, the role of AI in augmenting human intelligence, and the challenges posed by digital poverty.

The discussion also touches on the future of autonomous systems in aviation and the critical role of humans in decision-making processes. McQuade advocates for a more transparent digital environment and highlights the need for education around AI and machine learning models.

Chapters
00:30 Introduction to AI and Skills for 2030
04:27 Top Skills for the Future: Creativity and Analytical Thinking
06:23 The Role of Technology in Business Transformation
09:26 Human Skills in the Age of AI
12:25 Mental Health and Technology: A Personal Journey
16:34 The Importance of Data Strategy in AI Implementation
18:36 Navigating Change: The Human Element in AI Adoption
21:19 The Future of Work: Embracing AI and Human Collaboration
29:04 Understanding Cybersecurity and Data Management
30:01 Demystifying Large Language Models
31:51 The Role of AI in Augmenting Human Intelligence
33:15 AI in Aviation: The Future of Autonomous Systems
37:03 Digital Poverty and Access to Technology
41:05 The Human Role in Decision Making and AI
46:55 Machine Learning Models: Simplifying Complexity