In this inaugural episode, guest Maury Shenk, CEO and Co-Founder of Ordinary Wisdom will be joined by regular hosts Professor Michael Mainelli and Adam Leon Smith to talk about how he is seeking to develop, through Ordinary Wisdom, innovative ways of shaping AI behaviour. Drawing from his background as a technology lawyer, entrepreneur, investor, and AI enthusiast, Shenk shares his journey into the field and his risk-oriented perspective on AI's potential harms, from autonomous weapons and social disruption to geopolitical tensions, while remaining optimistic about its transformative power as a general-purpose technology akin to electricity or the printing press.

The discussion examines whether AI can be imbued with something akin to a "conscience" or selected worldview, moving beyond top-down commands from tech giants toward approaches informed by human values, social consensus, and rigorous testing. The episode sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how standards and ethics can guide AI toward beneficial outcomes in a rapidly changing world.

Hosts:

Professor Michael Mainelli: Director at Z/Yen Group, the City of London’s leading think-tank on finance and technology. Former Lord Mayor of London (2023–2024), Sheriff of the City of London (2019–2021), and President of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Adam Leon Smith: Expert in AI regulation and technical standards. Chair of the AIQI Consortium. Deputy Chair of the UK national AI standards committee. Project leader for AI Act-related standards in CEN/CENELEC JTC 21.