Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast, emphasizing education, collaboration, and innovation. He interviews Kieran Gilmurray, an expert in business technology with 30 years of experience. They discuss generative AI, highlighting its potential in industries like manufacturing. Kieran explains that generative AI, unlike traditional AI, allows for natural language queries and is more accessible and cost-effective. He stresses the importance of AI literacy, change management, and strategic business planning. Despite the hype, Kieran advises focusing on practical applications and ensuring AI is tied to business goals. He encourages continuous learning and collaboration to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Action Items

• [ ] Reach out to Kieran Gilmurray on his website KieranGilmurray.com or on LinkedIn to learn more about generative AI and its applications.
• [ ] Explore ways to incorporate generative AI into your manufacturing or business processes, focusing on automating mundane tasks and improving decision-making.
• [ ] Implement a comprehensive education and change management program to help your team understand the benefits and risks of generative AI and how to use it effectively.

Outline

Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast

• Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
• Scott thanks listeners for their support and highlights the importance of education, collaboration, and innovation in the industry.
• The podcast is described as the "Spotify for industry," aiming to amplify conversations and content related to industrial trends and innovations.
• Scott mentions the importance of trusted professionals and the need for companies to be resilient and successful through innovation.

Announcement of Upcoming Event and Generative AI Discussion

• Scott promotes an upcoming event by Iris, focusing on thermographic sustainability and factory tours.
• He encourages listeners to sign up for the event, which will be available on demand.
• Scott introduces the main topic of the episode: a conversation with Kieran Gil Murray about generative AI.
• Kieran is described as a professional with extensive experience in business technology, automation, AI, and data analytics.

Kieran Gil Murray's Background and Experience

• Kieran shares his background, mentioning his 30 years of experience in various roles and industries.
• He emphasizes the importance of automation, AI, and data analytics in business transformation.
• Kieran discusses his experience working with top organizations and the challenges of implementing technology in businesses.
• He highlights the need for a balanced approach to technology, including running businesses during good and bad times to understand leadership effectively.

Understanding Generative AI

• Kieran explains generative AI as a subset of artificial intelligence that mimics human skills and intellect.
• He contrasts generative AI with traditional AI, which required significant resources and time to build and maintain.
• Kieran describes how generative AI models like GPT-3 can provide answers to a wide variety of questions in human-like language.
• He emphasizes the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of generative AI, making it a democratized technology.

Challenges and Accuracy of Generative AI

• Scott asks about ensuring the accuracy of generative AI answers.
• Kieran explains the concept of hallucinations in generative AI, where the model provides plausible but incorrect answers.
• He shares examples of AI-generated content being used inappropriately, such as lawyers using AI-generated legal cases.
• Kieran advises validating AI-generated answers by checking multiple sources, asking for references, and using other tools for cross-verification.

Practical Applications of Generative AI in Industry

• Scott inquires about how manufacturers can leverage generative AI.
• Kieran discusses the potential of AI in manufacturing, including predictive maintenance, quality control, and production optimization.
• He emphasizes the importance of AI education and change management to convince and train employees.
• Kieran highlights the need for a balanced approach, combining AI with human expertise to achieve productive outcomes.

Overcoming Resistance to Change and AI Adoption

• Scott and Kieran discuss the challenges of overcoming resistance to change and AI adoption in organizations.
• Kieran emphasizes the importance of change management and AI literacy for employees.
• He shares examples of the decline in manufacturing jobs due to a lack of skills and the need for continuous education and training.
• Kieran advises building teams for the future and considering a business strategy that includes people, technology, and skills development.

Final Thoughts and Contact Information

• Scott and Kieran wrap up the conversation, emphasizing the importance of education, collaboration, and innovation.
• Kieran provides his contact information, encouraging listeners to reach out for further discussions and collaboration.
• Scott reiterates the importance of staying informed and active in the world of industry and AI.
• The episode concludes with a reminder to visit industrialtalk.com for more information and resources.