From Big Data to World Models - AI's Legal Frontier

What does it take to build AI responsibly when the technology is evolving faster than the rulebook?In this episode of The Databricks Diaries, Daniel Thornton sits down with Anna Gressel, Partner and Global Co-Head of AI at Freshfields, to explore the legal, governance and strategic challenges shaping the next generation of artificial intelligence.From advising some of the world's leading AI developers and global enterprises to helping boards navigate AI risk, Anna offers a unique perspective from the intersection of technology, law and business strategy.Together, they discuss:Why AI governance is no longer just a compliance exerciseThe shift from chatbots to autonomous AI agents—and why it changes everythingHow organisations can balance rapid AI experimentation with responsible governanceThe biggest mistakes companies make when implementing AIWhat leaders should be asking themselves to assess their AI readinessWhy today's junior employees may soon become managers of teams of AI agentsThe emerging importance of AI incident response and cybersecurityHow legal teams are becoming strategic partners in AI transformationWhy "world models" could be the next major breakthrough in artificial intelligenceWhether you're a CIO, CTO, CDO, Head of Data, AI leader or technology executive, this conversation provides practical insights into preparing your organisation for an AI-driven future while staying ahead of regulatory, operational and competitive risks.If you're thinking about AI adoption, agentic AI, governance, or the future of intelligent systems, this is an episode you won't want to miss.