Rob May | AI & Cybersecurity Keynote Speaker | Thought Provoked

Overcoming Doubt in AI Projects

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 09:34:03 -0700

The world of technology is constantly changing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands out as a source of innovation, offering to transform the way we work, think, and interact. However, the journey to adopting AI is often faced with scepticism and opposition from stakeholders. The concerns vary from ethical issues and worries about job losses to difficulties in implementation and questions about the technology's effectiveness. To address these concerns, a multi-faceted approach is needed, focused on education, collaboration, and strategic implementation.

Understanding and Addressing Stakeholder Concerns
To address scepticism, it is important to listen to and comprehend the issues that stakeholders have. These issues are usually based on insufficient information about what AI can do, anxiety about the unfamiliar, or incorrect beliefs about how the technology affects work and society. By having honest conversations, offering learning opportunities, and clarifying AI through workshops, a better foundation can be established for a more knowledgeable discussion about the technology's advantages and drawbacks.

Showcasing the Benefits Through Evidence and Case Studies
Concrete examples are very persuasive. Showing case studies, data, and success stories from related industries can show the real advantages of AI. Emphasising how AI has increased efficiency, sparked innovation, and tackled complex problems in actual situations can help people imagine the possible effect on their own activities. Pilot projects are a terrific way to prove these benefits in practice, providing a safe setting to try them out.

Fostering a Collaborative Approach
Collaboration is...Read More

NVIDIA's Chat with RTX

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 06:27:40 -0800

Chat with RTX: Revolutionizing AI Interactions and Hardware Decisions

NVIDIA's introduction of Chat with RTX heralds a new era in generative AI, bringing advanced AI capabilities to the desktop. This initiative combines the power of NVIDIA's RTX GPUs with dedicated software and models to create a platform for developing and interacting with custom large language models (LLMs).

What is Chat with RTX?

Chat with RTX is a cutting-edge platform designed by NVIDIA to leverage the processing power of RTX GPUs, enabling users to build and interact with personalized AI chatbots. This platform is part of NVIDIA's broader effort to democratize generative AI, making it accessible to millions of users worldwide. By utilizing Tensor Core GPUs and specialized tools, Chat with RTX offers a seamless experience for creating custom LLMs that can perform a wide range of tasks, from language translation to content creation.

Capabilities and Features

The platform stands out for its ability to provide real-time interactions with AI, powered by the computational efficiency of RTX GPUs. Users can expect high-quality AI responses, thanks to the integration of advanced neural network models and the processing prowess of RTX hardware. Moreover, Chat with RTX simplifies the process of training and deploying AI models, making it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise.

Impact on Hardware Purchasing Decisions

The advent of Chat with RTX signifies a shift in how consumers and professionals might approach hardware purchases. With the increasing demand for AI and machine learning applications, the choice of GPU becomes crucial. NVIDIA's RTX series, known for its superior graphics and AI processing capabilities, becomes an even more attractive option for those looking to explore or expand their use of generative AI. The integration of Chat with RTX with these GPUs...Read More

Microsoft Copilot: Companion, Not Replacement

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 04:26:04 -0800

If you've heard me speak on AI recently you will have heard me say that it's crucial to address the trepidations surrounding AI tools like Microsoft Copilot. I understand that the introduction of AI technology can sometimes be met with apprehension, particularly regarding its impact on job security and work dynamics. However, I'd like to offer a perspective that views Copilot not as a threat, but as a valuable ally in our professional journey.

First and foremost, it's vital to remember that Copilot is designed to augment, not replace, human expertise. In essence, it serves as a digital assistant that enhances our efficiency and creativity. By automating routine tasks, Copilot allows us to focus on the more intricate and nuanced aspects of our work. For example, in coding, while Copilot can suggest code snippets, it's the developer's skill in understanding, integrating, and improving these suggestions that truly drives innovation and progress.

Moreover, Copilot's utility extends beyond mere task completion. It's a learning tool that offers new perspectives and approaches, encouraging us to think outside our habitual frameworks. This feature is particularly beneficial for professional growth, as it exposes us to a broader range of solutions and ideas that we might not have considered independently.

However, we need our people to approach Copilot with the...Read More

Planning how to use AI in your organisation

Sat, 23 Dec 2023 02:25:02 -0800

Many people buy my book because of seeing one of my Harnessing AI talks or participating in one of my Leadership Team masterclasses, in those I often refer to the nine planning steps of AI implementation.

This is a robust and comprehensive approach to integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into a business environment. It encompasses critical steps that ensure a thoughtful and effective adoption of AI technology. The nine steps are as follows:

1. Identify Business Goals and Needs Assessment: Begin by clearly defining your business goals and conducting a thorough needs assessment to understand how AI can address specific challenges or opportunities within your organisation. This ensures that the AI solution aligns with specific business objectives, making the investment more targeted and effective.

2. Research AI Types for Specific Needs: Investigate various types of AI...Read More

Navigating the Cyber Tsunami

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 05:20:58 -0800

Attention:

In today's digital era, cybersecurity isn't just an IT issue—it's the backbone of your business continuity. Imagine waking up to find your business data held hostage by ransomware, or your customer information splashed across the dark web. Scary? Absolutely. But it's the new reality. Cyber threats are evolving at a breakneck pace, making the Titanic look like a mere blip in comparison. As business owners, the question isn't if you'll face a cyber attack, but when.

Interest:

Here's a thought that might keep you up at night: Last year, a staggering 68% of businesses globally reported some form of cyber incident. That's not just large corporations; small and medium-sized businesses are increasingly in the crosshairs. Why? Because many still view cybersecurity as a luxury, not a necessity. This mindset is akin to leaving your front door unlocked in a high-crime neighborhood, hoping for the best.

Desire:

But there's a silver lining. What if I told you that being prepared for these cyber challenges could actually give your business a competitive edge? This is where cyber resilience comes in. Cyber resilience isn't just about deflecting attacks; it's about building an unbreakable digital fortress that allows your business to operate uninterrupted, even when under siege. It's about turning potential disasters into mere hiccups.

In the contemporary business landscape, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly recognising the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Far from being the exclusive domain of tech giants, AI technologies offer SMEs a powerful toolkit to enhance efficiency, drive innovation, and remain competitive. This blog post delves into the practical aspects of harnessing AI in an SME environment.

Understanding AI's Potential in SMEs

AI encompasses a broad range of technologies, from machine learning algorithms that analyse data for patterns, to natural language processing systems that understand and respond to human language. For SMEs, AI can be a game-changer in several areas:

Customer Relationship Management: AI-driven tools can analyse customer data to provide personalised experiences, predict customer needs, and improve service quality.
Operational Efficiency: Automation of routine tasks with AI can save time and reduce errors, allowing staff to focus on more strategic activities.
Market Insights: AI algorithms can sift through vast amounts of data to identify trends, helping SMEs make informed decisions about new markets or...Read More

Embracing Generative AI

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 23:50:17 -0800

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, one term you might have heard buzzing around is 'generative AI'. Simply put, this is a form of artificial intelligence that creates new content, whether that's text, images, or even software code, after learning from existing data. It's gaining traction for a good reason, and here's why your business should pay attention.

Increased Efficiency and Productivity:

One of the most significant advantages of generative AI is its ability to streamline operations. Imagine delegating routine tasks like drafting standard emails or generating reports to AI. This isn't just about replacing human effort; it's about augmenting it, allowing your team to focus on more complex and creative challenges. The result? Increased efficiency and productivity across the board.

Enhancing Creativity and Innovation:

Generative AI isn't just a workhorse; it's a muse. It can suggest ideas and combinations that might not immediately occur to human minds, acting as a catalyst for creativity. Think of an AI tool brainstorming alongside your marketing team, offering unique perspectives for your next big campaign.

So you've decided you want to give a TEDx Talk - huge congratulations.

"Making that decision can really be a life changing decision and I highly commend it to you. The TED format is a unique speaking experience and I share your excitement."

Rob May, ramsac MD, former TEDxWoking speaker and subsequent TEDx organiser.

In November 2017, I gave my first TEDx talk which I called Your Human Firewall – The Answer to the Cyber Security Problem. The response around the world has been incredible, and I am often asked to offer guidance to others who are taking the stage to give their own talk.

The following thoughts and 15 pointers are my advice to you before, during and after your event.

Giving a TED Talk is like no other presentation, and its principles, construct and power is a fantastic tool when delivered properly. My own talk is by no means perfect and, given my time again, there are improvements I would make. However, that learning has come from living the experience, and if by reading this I help to improve your...Read More

The risks of ChatGPT, and the Rise of AI.

Wed, 17 May 2023 02:39:58 -0700

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a game-changing technology that has captured the attention of the public and policymakers alike. With AI-powered Large Language Models (LLM’s) such as ChatGPT now available to everyday users, there is no doubt that AI has the potential to revolutionise the way we work, learn, and communicate online. However, like any technology, there are risks associated with the use of AI that users should be aware of in order to stay safe online.

Before diving headfirst into the world of AI, it is essential to evaluate the security and privacy risks involved. Here are a few key factors to consider when utilising AI-powered
language models or other AI services within the workplace, at home, or indeed for your children and their school work.

Do you already have aproblem?
Many business leaders are unaware of the use of some of these services within their own business, staff have begun to use the growing number of free to access services without either consent or a proper understanding of the risks. Leaders should broach this subject rather than adopting a head in the sand approach and agree both a sensible approach and usage policies.

Don’t overshare!
AI models learn, at least in part, from the information users input into the system. Consequently, it is advisable not to entrust an AI model with any information you wish to keep private. Whether it's your company's proprietary code or sensitive details about your family, exercising caution is paramount. Treat AI models as powerful tools but please be mindful of the data you share with them.

Prompting isn’t creating!
It’s important to understand that when using AI models, prompting is not the same as creating. While AI can certainly help with tasks like homework or research, it is important to keep in mind that copy and pasting results from an AI model is not the same as doing the work yourself!...Read More

Where can you find out about cyber security threats?

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 02:38:42 -0800

As the digital world continues to grow and evolve, so does the threat of cyber attacks. The number of cyber security incidents has risen dramatically over the past few years, putting businesses and individuals at risk of losing sensitive information and financial losses. To protect yourself from these cyber security threats, it is essential to stay informed about the latest trends and developments. In this article I share some options on where you can find information about the latest cyber security threats.

1. Government websites

The first place to check for information about cyber security threats is government websites. Most countries have government agencies that are responsible for protecting the nation's critical infrastructure and information systems. These agencies often publish reports and alerts about the latest cyber security threats and provide guidance on how to stay safe online. Examples of these agencies include the the U.K. National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

2. Cyber security companies

Cyber security companies have a wealth of information about the latest cyber threats and how to protect against...Read More