Skip to content
Artwork for AI Trust Talks

AI Trust Talks

Emma Johnson

Join Emma and her guests as they tackle the challenges and opportunities shaping the ethical AI landscape—and discover how we can build a future where technology serves both business goals and the greater good.

https://emmajohnson-ai.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ai_trust_talks/
https://www.tiktok.com/@ai_trust_talks

Play
  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 43 min
  • English
  • S3 · E5
    July 30 · 14 min

    Bigger. Bolder. Better: The Role of AI Governance

    Bigger. Bolder. Better. That was the mantra at SAP Connect UAE and it has stayed with me since, because it puts words to exactly how I'm building Responsible Innovation. A bigger impact means taking bolder moves. And bolder moves only hold if they come with better alignment to your values. Ambition without alignment is how organisations can stall in their Al journey. It was also running through my mind during a conversation I filmed at SAP Connect with Tudor Borlea from Colllibra, which I'm sharing today. One thing we kept coming back to: in Al safety, the right analogy does more than explain it helps people prioritise. When governance is understood as what makes bold moves possible, rather than what slows them down, it stops being a compliance conversation and becomes a business one. Thank you, Tudor and the Collibra team - a conversation worth reflecting on.

  • S3 · E4
    May 13 · 29 min

    AI Policy and Progress: Shaping Trusted innovation at a National Scale

    AI transformation is not just about technology. It is about trust. As part of the Road to SAP Connect Day 2026 series on AI Trust Talks, a conversation with Amin Al Zarouni explored what it truly takes to shape trusted innovation at a national scale. The discussion unpacked how nations, policymakers, and ecosystems are moving AI beyond the hype and into meaningful, collective progress. Topics covered included: • What has made the United Arab Emirates a global leader in AI, and what sets leading nations apart • The balance between regulation and innovation • Why strong ecosystems across government, enterprise, and academia are the real foundation of national AI progress • Talent, trust, and inclusion as the building blocks of AI’s societal impact on the road to 2030 Technology alone does not transform nations. Strategy does. Leadership does. Partnerships do. Ecosystems do. People do. What does connection mean in the age of AI?

  • S3 · E3
    May 6 · 58 min

    AI, People & Purpose: Driving Innovation with Empathy and Connection

    AI transformation isn’t just about systems… it’s about people. As part of the Road to SAP Connect Day 2026 series on AI Trust Talks, Emma Johnson sits down with Dr. Rahma Beaugrand, VP Customer Advisory & Solutions at SAP Middle East South and Sustainability Ambassador. In this episode, they explore what it truly means to build people-centred, purpose-driven AI, including: • Why empathy is critical in AI adoption • The intersection of sustainability and the intelligent enterprise • Leadership in times of rapid technological change • How organisations can strengthen trust and inclusion in AI transformation • What connection really means in the age of AI Technology alone doesn’t transform organisations… connection does. Leadership does. Purpose does. Partnerships do. People do. What does connection mean in the age of AI?

  • S3 · E2
    April 29 · 37 min

    From Insight to Intelligent Execution: Leading the Connected Enterprise with Sergio Maccotta

    AI is moving from PowerPoint slides… to execution.In the next episode of AI Trust Talks — part of the Road to SAP Connect Day 2026 — Emma sits down with Sergio Maccotta, Senior Vice President, SAP MEA South.They explore the shift from systems of record to systems of action. What does it mean when enterprises become truly intelligent? How do leaders ensure execution at scale remains trusted, aligned and resilient?In this episode, they discuss:The enterprise AI inflection pointIntelligent execution at scaleLeadership in the age of AI-driven systemsWhy cross-industry connection is now a strategic advantageAI is accelerating… But disciplined leadership and collaboration will determine its impact.As we move toward SAP Connect Day 2026, these are the conversations enterprise leaders must be having. What does connection mean to you in the age of AI? Have you registered yet?https://www.sap.com/mena/events.html

  • S3 · E1
    April 22 · 57 min

    Connected Intelligence: Shaping the AI Ecosystem of 2026

    The Road to SAP Connect Day 2026 has started. ​In this episode of AI Trust Talks episode I sat with Marwan Zeineddine, Managing Director of SAP UAE and we explored what it truly means to build Connected Intelligence in 2026. ​AI is no longer experimental…It’s becoming embedded infrastructure — shaping how enterprises align strategy, operations and culture.​ But intelligence alone isn’t enough… Connection matters.​ We discussed: ​• AI as strategic infrastructure ​• Moving from pilots to real impact ​• Strengthening human connection in the age of intelligent systems ​• Why ecosystems — not silos — will define the next era of enterprise​ This episode sets the tone for our Road to SAP Connect Day 2026 series — a journey exploring how leaders can collaborate to build trusted, connected enterprises.​ Because the future of AI isn’t just about capability… It’s about connection.​​What does connection mean to you in the age of AI?​​ Have you registered yet?https://www.sap.com/mena/events.html​

  • S2 · E12
    April 8 · 49 min

    Code, Control & Consequence: Ray Eitel-Porter and Paul Dongha on Governing AI’s Impact

    AI Governance Isn’t a Constraint — It’s the Enabler of Trust In this episode of AI Trust Talks, Emma Johnson sits down with Ray Eitel-Porter and Paul Dongha, co-authors of Governing the Machine, to answer a critical question: How do we unlock AI’s potential without losing control? With decades of experience across AI, banking, and enterprise systems, Ray and Paul share a clear message: AI without governance doesn’t scale. It risks trust, adoption, and long-term value. As AI grows—from analytics to generative and agentic models—organizations face tension between innovation and risk. Governance isn’t a compliance checklist; it’s a system for building trust into AI from the start. Key topics explored: Responsible AI (principles) vs. AI governance (execution) Embedding governance across the full AI lifecycle Nine key AI risk categories Accountability with business owners, not just technical teams Cross-functional collaboration: legal, risk, HR, tech Insights from the episode: Governance accelerates, not slows, innovation AI risks (bias, explainability, sustainability) are real and must be managed Early-stage checkpoints and ethics councils prevent costly mistakes AI literacy across teams is essential AI is probabilistic, not “intelligent”—human oversight is crucial Trust comes from the people, processes, and standards behind AI, not the system itself Ray and Paul also highlight a growing blind spot: AI’s environmental impact. As adoption scales, energy use and carbon emissions will become central to responsible AI. Bottom line: Organizations that succeed with AI won’t just be the most innovative—they’ll be the most trusted. Governance isn’t optional; it’s the foundation of AI success. About the Authors Ray Eitel-Porter – Responsible AI leader, former Global Lead at Accenture Paul Dongha – Expert in embedding governance and ethical frameworks in large organizations About AI Trust Talks Hosted by Emma Johnson, the show explores leadership, governance, and human systems behind responsible AI. ✔️ Subscribe for more insights on AI leadership ✔️ Share with teams deploying AI ✔️ Comment: Is your AI strategy built on trust—or just speed?

  • S2 · E11
    April 1 · 52 min

    Futureproofing with Purpose: Nationalisation, Digital Disruption, and Human-Centred Transformation

    AI Transformation Starts with People — Not Technology In this episode of AI Trust Talks, host Emma Johnson sits down with Dua Al Toobi to explore one of the most overlooked truths in digital transformation: AI transformation is not a technology challenge. It’s a workforce challenge. Dua Al Toobi is a strategist, advisor, and author of Future Proof Your Workforce, with experience across banking, government, and digital transformation. As Founder of Future Proof Advisory and Global Director of Digital Partnerships at Women in AI, she focuses on helping organisations bridge the digital skills gap and build future-ready teams. Her core message is clear: If you don’t transform your workforce, your AI strategy will fail. Many organisations still approach AI in fragmented ways — separating technology, people, and strategy into different conversations. Dua challenges this approach, arguing that true transformation starts by aligning all three. This conversation explores: • Why workforce transformation must sit at the center of AI strategy • The gap between digital ambition and people readiness • Why HR must be involved at the design stage — not just execution • Moving from hiring talent to reskilling existing teams • The role of leadership in enabling change and psychological safety Dua also introduces strategic empathy — understanding how decisions impact people on the ground — and why most digital transformations fail at the “last mile” where employees meet customers. A key insight from the episode: Organisations already have more of the skills they need than they think. The challenge is identifying, unlocking, and evolving those capabilities — not starting from scratch. The conversation also covers: • Human-machine collaboration and the role of human judgment • The future of frontline roles and preserving dignity in automation • Why nationalisation and digital transformation should be one conversation • How inclusive workforce design leads to better AI outcomes • The importance of experimentation and continuous learning Dua shares a powerful perspective on trust in the age of AI: Trust yourself. Because while AI can enhance decisions, human judgment, context, and experience remain essential. Ultimately, the organisations that succeed in AI won’t be the ones with the most advanced tools. They’ll be the ones who invest in their people, align their strategy, and build systems that bring humans and machines together effectively. Because in the age of AI, transformation doesn’t start with technology. It starts with people. — About Dua Al Toobi Dua Al Toobi is a workforce transformation advisor and founder of Future Proof Advisory. She works with organisations to build future-ready capabilities and bridge the digital skills gap, while also advocating for inclusion in AI through her role at Women in AI. — About AI Trust Talks Hosted by Emma Johnson, AI Trust Talks explores leadership, governance, and the human systems behind responsible artificial intelligence. — If this episode resonates with you: ✔️ Subscribe for more conversations on AI leadership ✔️ Share this episode with leaders navigating change ✔️ Comment below: Is your organisation truly ready for AI?

  • S2 · E10
    March 25 · 43 min

    The Scale of Trust: Dr. Chris Cooper on AI Investment, Data Integrity, and Strategic Growth

    What happens when organisations invest in AI without understanding the problem they’re trying to solve? In this episode of AI Trust Talks, host Emma Johnson sits down with Dr. Chris to explore one of the most overlooked challenges in artificial intelligence: Are we building AI for value — or just out of fear of missing out? As AI investment accelerates globally, many organisations are rushing to adopt it without clear strategy, strong data foundations, or defined business outcomes. But according to Dr. Chris, this approach is setting companies up for failure. Because AI success doesn’t start with models. It starts with data, infrastructure, and people. Dr. Chris brings decades of experience across telecommunications, healthcare, energy, and enterprise AI — including scaling one of the first AI companies in the Middle East to unicorn status. From early work in data systems to leading large-scale AI transformation, he offers a grounded, real-world perspective on what actually drives value in AI. In this conversation, he challenges the hype-driven narrative around AI and highlights a critical truth: AI is not magic — it’s simply a tool for extracting insights from data. And when that data is flawed, incomplete, or misunderstood, the outcomes will be too. One of the biggest risks organisations face today is investing in AI without addressing foundational issues like data quality, governance, and clear accountability. Many companies focus on building solutions before asking the most important question: What problem are we actually trying to solve? This episode dives deep into the execution gap between AI ambition and real-world impact — and why education, leadership, and organisational alignment are essential to closing it. This episode explores: • Why AI hype and FOMO are driving poor investment decisions • The importance of starting with business problems — not technology • Why “junk in, junk out” is still the biggest risk in AI • The role of data quality, infrastructure, and people in successful AI adoption • Why governance, compliance, and accountability cannot be an afterthought • How organisations can identify high-value AI use cases • The growing importance of AI literacy across all levels of a business As Dr. Chris explains, trust in AI doesn’t come from complexity or cutting-edge models. It comes from understanding your data, defining your goals, and building the right systems around it. Because ultimately, successful AI isn’t about chasing innovation. It’s about solving real problems — in the right way. __ About Dr. Chris CooperDr. Chris is a data and AI leader with deep expertise across telecommunications, healthcare, energy, and enterprise technology. With a PhD background and decades of experience in data systems, analytics, and digital transformation, he has led large-scale AI initiatives and played a key role in scaling AI ventures to unicorn status in the Middle East. His work focuses on bridging the gap between advanced AI capabilities and practical business value. —About AI Trust TalksHosted by Emma Johnson, AI Trust Talks explores leadership, governance, and the human systems behind responsible artificial intelligence. Through conversations with global experts, the podcast examines how organisations can deploy AI safely while maintaining innovation and trust.—If this episode resonates with you:✔️ Subscribe for more conversations on AI governance and leadership✔️ Share this episode with leaders building AI systems✔️ Comment below: What’s the biggest blind spot you see in AI risk management today?

  • S2 · E9
    March 18 · 40 min

    Reasoning, Risk and Reality: Making AI Safe in Practice | with Gary Ang

    In this episode of AI Trust Talks, host Emma Johnson sits down with Gary Ang to cut through the hype around AI safety and explore what actually makes AI systems trustworthy in the real world. Gary Ang brings a rare combination of expertise in financial regulation, model risk management, and artificial intelligence. Formerly with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), he spent years working on credit, market, and liquidity models before moving into AI risk management. His work includes leading a major review of banks’ AI model risk practices and contributing to AI risk management guidance for the financial sector. With a background that spans risk supervision, deep learning research, and AI governance, Gary offers a grounded perspective on how organisations should approach AI safety in practice. And his core message is simple: AI safety is not something you add at the end.It must be embedded from the beginning through testing, evaluation, governance, and accountability.In a world where generative AI and agentic systems are evolving rapidly, Gary argues that many organisations are still misunderstanding what makes AI safe. Too often, companies treat AI safety as a checklist or a compliance exercise — when in reality it’s an ongoing system of processes, monitoring, and organisational discipline. This conversation explores: • Why AI safety cannot be “bolted on” after development • The difference between benchmarks and real-world model validation • Why evaluation and testing are the foundation of trustworthy AI • The growing complexity introduced by generative and agentic AI systems • How AI inventories and model tracking can become a competitive advantage Gary also highlights one of the biggest blind spots organisations face today: not knowing where their AI actually exists within the organisation. Without proper identification, documentation, and governance of AI systems, managing risk becomes nearly impossible. Another key insight from the conversation is that AI risk controls should not exist in isolation. Controls such as evaluation, monitoring, explainability, and human oversight are interconnected systems, and understanding how they work together is essential for building trustworthy AI. Ultimately, the organisations that succeed with AI will not be those moving the fastest without structure.They will be the ones who build clear governance, disciplined validation frameworks, and strong accountability from the start.Because in the age of AI, trust is built not through hype — but through rigorous foundations. — About Gary Ang Gary Ang is a risk and AI governance specialist with deep expertise in model risk management and financial regulation. Formerly with the Monetary Authority of Singapore, his work spans credit and market risk modelling, AI governance frameworks, and enterprise risk management. His research background in deep learning and time-series networks gives him a unique perspective at the intersection of AI innovation and regulatory oversight. — About AI Trust Talks Hosted by Emma Johnson, AI Trust Talks explores leadership, governance, and the human systems behind responsible artificial intelligence. Through conversations with global experts, the podcast examines how organisations can deploy AI safely while maintaining innovation and trust. — If this episode resonates with you: ✔️ Subscribe for more conversations on AI governance and leadership ✔️ Share this episode with leaders building AI systems ✔️ Comment below: What’s the biggest blind spot you see in AI risk management today?

  • S2 · E8
    March 12 · 55 min

    AI's "Make Your Break" Moment — Myth or Milestone? | with Glen McCracken

    In this episode of AI Trust Talks, host Emma Johnson sits down with Glen McCracken to unpack a critical question facing organisations adopting artificial intelligence:How do you actually build trust in AI?As AI continues to reshape industries, many organisations assume that trust comes from building more sophisticated models. But according to Glen McCracken, that assumption misses the real issue entirely.Trust in AI is not built through complexity.It is built through clarity.Glen McCracken is a data and transformation leader with extensive experience across fintech, health tech, and digital innovation. Originally from New Zealand and now working internationally, Glen has spent years designing and implementing AI systems across sectors — from email spam detection to large-scale digital platforms in sport and healthcare. With a background in statistics and enterprise transformation, he brings a practical, real-world perspective to how AI actually works inside organisations.In this conversation, Glen challenges the common narrative that AI systems “go rogue.” Instead, he highlights a simple but powerful truth:AI reflects the behaviour, incentives, and decisions of the people who build and deploy it.Rather than treating AI as an independent actor, organisations must recognise that technology is ultimately shaped by human systems, culture, and governance.One of the biggest barriers companies face is what Glen calls the execution gap. Many organisations approach AI as a purely technical project — focusing on building models — when in reality, successful AI implementation requires organisational transformation.Integrating AI often means redesigning workflows, redefining responsibilities, and shifting company culture to support data-driven decision making.Because without that foundation, even the most powerful AI system will struggle to deliver value.This episode explores:Why AI does not “go rogue” — people and systems doThe human and organisational factors behind AI successWhy many companies fail by treating AI as a purely technical problemThe importance of governance, accountability, and risk managementHow clarity in decision-making builds real trust in AIAs Glen explains, trust does not come from understanding every technical detail of an AI model. Instead, it comes from transparency around how decisions are made, who is responsible, and how risks are managed.Just as passengers trust an aircraft without needing to understand aerodynamics, organisations can trust AI when the surrounding systems — governance, processes, and accountability — are clear.Because ultimately, trustworthy AI is not just about intelligent models.It is about the systems, people, and decisions that surround them.—About Glen McCrackenGlen McCracken is a data strategist and AI practitioner with deep expertise in statistics, digital transformation, and enterprise technology deployment. His work spans fintech, health tech, sports technology, and large-scale digital systems, where he focuses on bridging the gap between advanced analytics and practical business outcomes.—About AI Trust TalksHosted by Emma Johnson, AI Trust Talks explores leadership, governance, and the human side of artificial intelligence. Through conversations with global experts, the podcast examines how organisations can build responsible, trustworthy AI in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.—If this episode resonates with you:✔️ Subscribe for more conversations on AI, leadership, and trust✔️ Share this episode with leaders building AI-driven organisations✔️ Comment below: What does trust in AI mean in your organisation?

  • S2 · E7
    March 5 · 51 min

    Reimagining Innovation: Patrick Strauss on Intelligent Environments and Industry 4.0

    What Is Your “Purple Wing” in AI? In this episode of AI Trust Talks, host Emma Johnson is joined by global transformation executive Patrick Strauss for a powerful conversation on one of the most misunderstood topics in artificial intelligence: Trust cannot be added later. It must be designed from day one. Patrick Strauss is an international business leader with over three decades of experience driving large-scale digital and AI transformation across global enterprises. Having led innovation and strategic change within complex organisations, he brings a rare blend of operational depth, governance expertise, and commercial foresight to the AI conversation. And his message is clear: In a world obsessed with “move fast and break things,” the real differentiator is responsible speed. Right now, AI feels like mushrooms popping up everywhere. New tools. New startups. New promises of overnight millions. But the real question leaders should be asking is: What is your Purple Wing? Patrick introduces the concept of the Purple Wing — the defining differentiator that makes an organisation stand out in a saturated AI market. If a founder or executive cannot articulate their Purple Wing in one clear, succinct answer, that’s the red flag. This episode explores: Why AI trust must be embedded at the design stage The commercial advantage of governance, ethics, and safety Why slowing down strategically can future-proof a business The danger of becoming a “me too” AI company How leaders can build AI credibility that lasts Because in hindsight, the companies that look the smartest will not be the fastest. They will be the ones who built trust properly. — About Patrick Strauss Patrick Strauss is a seasoned global executive and transformation strategist with deep expertise in digital innovation, governance frameworks, and enterprise AI implementation. His leadership experience spans multinational organisations where trust, risk management, and responsible technology deployment were mission-critical. — About AI Trust Talks Hosted by Emma Johnson, AI Trust Talks explores leadership, governance, AI safety, and global innovation with the thinkers and decision-makers shaping the future of responsible artificial intelligence. — If this episode resonates: ✔️ Subscribe for more conversations on AI leadership and trust ✔️ Share this with a founder or executive building in AI ✔️ Comment below: What is your Purple Wing?

  • S2 · E6
    February 26 · 26 min

    The Trust Dividend: Investing in AI, Emerging Economies, and the Architecture of Opportunity

    What is the most overlooked opportunity in AI today? Is it the technology? Or is it something far more strategic? In this episode of AI Trust Talks, host Emma Johnson sits down with Hoda A. Alkhzaimi, Professor at New York University Abu Dhabi and one of the key architects behind the United Arab Emirates transformation into a global AI force. Dr Hoda has played a central role in shaping how the UAE diversifies beyond oil, positioning research, cybersecurity, and AI as pillars of long term national resilience. In this conversation, they explore: How the UAE is building sovereign AI capability Why cybersecurity and AI must evolve together What it really takes to move from AI ambition to AI execution How the UAE’s model is influencing global thinking What other countries can learn from this approach The UAE did not simply adopt AI. It is designing an ecosystem around it. Policy, academia, industry, cyber resilience, and talent working in coordination. And perhaps the biggest opportunity in AI today is not just better models. It is long term positioning. It is resilience. It is impact. What do you think is the most overlooked opportunity in AI today?

  • S2 · E5
    February 19 · 56 min

    Human After All: AI, Empathy, and the Ethics of Emotional Intelligence

    In this thought-provoking episode of AI Trust Talks, host Emma Johnson explores one of the most urgent questions of the AI era: Are we still human after all? Emma is joined by three powerhouse voices at the intersection of technology, governance, and human connection: Mimi Nicklin – Empathy advocate, bestselling author, and CEO of Empathy Everywhere Prof. Melodena Stephens – AI ethics strategist, professor at MBRSG, and global advisor on AI governance Dr Farzana Irshad Munshi – Biochemist turned tech entrepreneur, focused on emotional intelligence and digital innovation Together, they unpack: • What it truly means to be human in an AI-driven world • The myth that AI can “feel” empathy • Emotional AI in healthcare, education and business • Bias, profiling, and cultural flattening in large language models • Governance gaps and the global challenge of regulating AI • Loneliness, leadership, and the future of emotional intelligence • Why “AI is the side character — humans are the main character” From classrooms to hospitals, startups to global policy, this conversation challenges both the hype and the fear surrounding artificial intelligence. Is AI amplifying who we are — or reshaping humanity itself? And if empathy becomes measurable, does it risk becoming just another performance metric? This episode doesn’t offer easy answers — but it offers something more important: honest dialogue.

  • S2 · E4
    February 11 · 44 min

    AI on Trial: Trust, Ethics, and Regulation in the Legal Arena

    In this episode of AI Trust Talks, host Emma Johnson is joined by Minesh Tanna, Partner in the Disputes & Investigations team at Simmons & Simmons and the firm’s Global AI Lead. An industry-recognised authority on AI law, Minesh leads the firm’s Tier 1 Artificial Intelligence practice and has been ranked in the Legal 500 UK AI Hall of Fame for 2024 and 2025. Minesh specialises in contentious commercial and regulatory matters in the technology sector, representing clients in investigations, litigation and arbitration, while also advising on regulatory readiness. He chairs both the Society for Computers & Law AI Group and the City of London Law Society AI Committee, and is a published author and regular speaker on AI law. A Solicitor-Advocate and accredited mediator, he has acted on complex disputes involving AI, software, telecoms, cloud services and outsourcing. He holds a first class Law degree from the University of Oxford and has worked internationally, including in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Paris. Together, Emma and Minesh explore one of the most urgent questions facing organisations today: how do we regulate, govern and truly trust AI in high-stakes environments like law, finance and the judiciary? Key themes in this episode include: • The layered reality of AI regulation beyond the EU AI Act• Why general purpose AI creates complex compliance challenges• The gap between regulatory expectations and operational reality• Moving from AI literacy to AI fluency• Responsible AI vs legal compliance and where ethics begins• AI in the courtroom, hallucinations and liability• Whether AI can reduce human bias in legal decision making• How regulated industries must adapt to rapid AI adoptionMinesh also shares his perspective on trust thresholds for AI in judicial contexts, professional codes of conduct, and why expecting perfection from AI may not be the right benchmark for building trust.This episode is essential listening for board members, legal professionals, compliance leaders, policymakers and anyone navigating the evolving AI regulatory landscape.Follow AI Trust Talks on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ai_trust_talksFollow, subscribe and share to keep the conversation going.Because building trust in AI is no longer optional.

  • S2 · E3
    February 5 · 53 min

    Raising Children in the Age of AI: Rights, Risks, and Responsibilities

    Parents and guardians, this one is for you. Children are already being shaped by AI.Long before they can consent.Long before they can understand the risks. Yet most AI systems were never designed with children in mind. In the latest AI Trust Talks podcast episode, host Emma Johnson speaks with Grace Thompson, AI policy strategist, UNESCO advisor, and Maryam Ehsani, child protection and safeguarding expert to ask the hard questions: Who is responsible when AI systems harm children? Why are children still a blind spot in AI governance? What does rights-based, child-centred AI actually look like in practice? This isn’t about the future. It’s already happening. The conversation invites parents, guardians, and policymakers alike to reflect: What is the biggest risk AI poses to children today—and who should be responsible for addressing it?

  • S2 · E2
    January 28 · 57 min

    Unseen Algorithms, Unseen Risks: Shadow AI and the CISO’s Dilemma

    “Shadow AI = Shadow IT on steroids.” If organisations are procuring or building AI, they should ask this early: Is the cyber security team at the table, or only invited in later to manage the fallout? Cyber security in AI isn’t optional. It’s a non-negotiable for anyone serious about developing, deploying, and scaling AI responsibly. In the latest episode of AI Trust Talks, Emma Johnson sits down with Glen Thomas to go deep into: • Shadow AI and why it’s accelerating faster than governance • Cyber security as a foundation of AI trust • Where organisations are exposing themselves without realising it • The skills uplift and organisational changes needed as AI reshapes the threat landscape They also explore a bigger question: Should CISOs be renamed Chief Trust Officers? CISOs are increasingly accountable for data protection, cyber resilience, and securing AI systems — far beyond “security” alone. For those working in cyber security — whether as CISOs, part of a red team, or IAM specialists — this episode is one to listen to. It covers cyber risk alongside the capability shifts and operating model changes organisations need to make to keep pace with AI.

  • S2 · E1
    January 22 · 53 min

    Three Lawyers Walk into an AI Debate with Lori Baker, Layla El Wafi, Dino Wilkinson

    What happens when three leading legal minds come together to discuss AI, privacy, and regulation? In this episode, Emma Johnson sits down with Lori Heffelfinger Baker, a data privacy and regulatory strategist; Layla El-Wafi, an ethics-driven compliance advisor and member of the DIFC Reg 10 Advisory Committee; and Dino Wilkinson, a Baker McKenzie partner and expert in TMT and data law in the Middle East. Together, they explore the most pressing questions in AI today: What is the most misunderstood legal risk in AI? How can we balance privacy-by-design with AI’s hunger for data? Can global AI regulation keep up with rapid innovation? What makes the UAE’s approach to AI regulation unique? And what is the one belief about AI and trust that each guest holds, even if it’s unpopular? We want to hear from you: Should AI be regulated by intent or impact? Which legal loophole in AI worries you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

  • January 15 · 2 min

    Season Two of AI Trust Talks is here!

    Emma Johnson kicks off the new season by exploring the complex topic of trust in AI and why it matters across all areas of life, from healthcare and education to business, policy, and daily decisions. She is joined by a diverse lineup of guests, leaders, innovators, and experts, who bring real-world perspectives on AI’s impact and how it can be used responsibly. This season dives deeper into ethics, governance, and responsible AI, showing how trust is revealed through transparency, accountability, and human oversight.

  • S1 · E11
    Sep 4, 2025 · 43 min

    Building Trust in Data & AI Leadership

    In this powerful episode of AI Trust Talks, host Emma Johnson sits down with Ami Cosgrove, a trailblazing leader in data transformation and former Chief Data Officer at PwC Middle East. With nearly two decades of experience shaping data governance, digital trust and AI strategy, Ami shares her unconventional journey into the world of data leadership from digital transformation consultant to one of the regions most influential voices in responsible AI.Ami opens up about how her career was not a straight path but a series of open doors taken with energy, curiosity and purpose. She reflects on the evolving role of the Chief Data Officer from defensive compliance to strategic enabler and why trust, governance and ethics must be at the heart of every data and AI initiative.You will hear candid insights on:•⁠ ⁠What a real day looks like for a CDO•⁠ ⁠The silent risks that keep leaders awake at night hint it is not just cyberattacks•⁠ ⁠How to build a data governance framework that empowers not restricts•⁠ ⁠Why AI must be culturally aware especially in the fast moving Middle East landscape•⁠ ⁠The critical importance of diversity, inclusion and human centered leadership in tech•⁠ ⁠And how kindness, curiosity and lifelong learning are her true superpowersWhether you are an aspiring data leader, a seasoned executive or simply curious about the human side of AI, this conversation is a masterclass in leading with integrity, empathy and impact.Subscribe to AI Trust Talks for more honest conversations about ethics, innovation and the future of technology.If you haven’t already, explore our previous episodes to hear from other leading voices on data ethics, AI governance, digital trust, and inclusive tech leadership.Learn more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠emmajohnson-ai.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on: Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/ai_trust_talks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Tiktok ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tiktok.com/@ai_trust_talks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don’t forget to subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ai_trust_talks⁠⁠

  • S1 · E10
    Aug 28, 2025 · 39 min

    AI Ethics & Trust: Real-World Challenges and Solutions

    Welcome to AI Trust Talks! Join host Emma Johnson and guest Gaia Camillieri, a seasoned leader in digital product innovation, as they dive deep into the complexities of AI ethics, trust, and responsible AI in today’s fast-changing tech landscape. Discover the real-world challenges organizations face when adopting AI, why it’s crucial to begin with the “why”, and how to strike the right balance between innovation and risk management. Gaia shares a powerful FinTech AI success story, while also unpacking the importance of transparency, fairness, accountability, and safety in AI-driven decision-making. In this episode, we’ll explore: • The common challenges in AI integration • How to balance innovation with risk management• A real-world FinTech AI implementation case study • Frameworks for responsible AI adoption• The role of regulation in AI development • Future trends shaping AI in business strategy• Fostering AI literacy across organizations • The importance of red teaming in AI • Leadership and career advice in the age of AI Share your perspective in the comments below!
 Learn more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠emmajohnson-ai.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on: Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/ai_trust_talks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Tiktok ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tiktok.com/@ai_trust_talks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don’t forget to subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ai_trust_talks⁠⁠

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes