Today’s guest is Brad Mallard, Chief Technology Officer at Version 1. In a world driven by rapid technological change, AI is not just about the technology itself; it’s about people, transformation and real-world application. In today’s podcast, Brad shares how Version 1 is harnessing artificial intelligence to redefine business processes and educational experiences.

Brad underscores that AI’s core is not technology but rather people and change management. At Version 1, success in implementing AI hinges on starting with the problem, prioritising people, and focusing on real business impact. This customer-centric approach has led to over 60% of their AI use cases being put into production, a significant achievement compared to many organisations.

By integrating AI, they’ve managed to optimise resources, reducing energy consumption and thus also impacting carbon footprints positively. Educating their clients on when and how to use these technologies is crucial to maximising both business value and sustainability.

Host Mark Kelly highlights that merely integrating AI might not inherently enhance outcomes; bad processes remain inefficient regardless of technology. To address this, Version 1 employs a comprehensive transformation framework. It involves co-creation, AI-oriented delivery and an emphasis on foundational AI structures such as governance and security.

Measurement and valuation are integral to this process. The aim is to instill a governance framework that ensures business leaders understand the real and potential impacts of AI deployment, creating a trajectory towards tangible improvement rather than inflated expectations.

Brad describes the transition witnessed as AI extends beyond traditional sectors such as software development, into HR, finance and educational institutions. The focus at Version 1 extends to democratising AI use. They encourage adopting out-of-the-box solutions while offering customisation to realize full potential.

An inspiring case comes from their work with the International Schools Partnership. Custom AI tools now assist teachers globally in lesson planning, significantly reducing their additional workload and enabling more personalised learning experiences. These implementations emphasise the profound transformative potential AI has within education sectors, driving efficiency and improving outcomes.

To further facilitate AI adoption, Version 1 has launched co-creation studios. These spaces are designed to encourage collaboration, enabling clients to explore, create and evaluate AI-driven solutions in real-time. Brad explains how clients, through these experiences, can leave with a prototype of a solution, significantly accelerating the journey from concept to implementation.

These studios embody the philosophy of doing ‘with’ clients instead of ‘to’ them, emphasising partnership and collaborative problem-solving. By integrating business leaders from various domains early on, these engagements are positioned to deliver significant strategic advantages.

Looking ahead, the growth in AI adoption aligns with strategic expansions across Ireland and the UK. Investing in infrastructure and upskilling initiatives aligns with Version 1’s vision to continue leading in AI transformation. With efforts grounded in measurable ROI and societal impact, they are well-positioned to drive meaningful change.

The episode wraps up with reminders that AI literacy is not just an organisational goal but a societal necessity. Version 1 provides various programs aimed at boosting AI literacy, empowering individuals and organisations with the skills and understanding necessary to thrive in an AI-enhanced world.

Version 1 and their work exemplify the next frontier in AI: a future where technology acts as a catalyst for empowerment, sustainable growth and inclusive innovation. The journey is only beginning, but with leaders like Brad Mallard at the helm, the potential to build smarter, more efficient and more human-centred solutions is boundless.