Holly and Ewan Are Working On It Podcast

In this episode, Holly and Ewan deliberately shift tone to explore the risks, power dynamics, and uncomfortable questions surrounding AI, from superintelligence fears to geopolitics, cyber warfare, and who really controls the technology shaping our lives.Ewan opens with a stark provocation from the book If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies, which argues that the creation of superintelligent AI could represent an existential threat to humanity. Holly discusses the concentration of power in the hands of unelected tech leaders and questions how democratic oversight can exist when AI systems increasingly influence behaviour, economies, and national security. Together, they explore why sovereign AI, sovereign cloud, and even sovereign chips are becoming national priorities, from Australia to the Gulf to Europe.This is the 10th episode marking the end of Season 1. Thank you so much for listening and standby for Season 2!

In this episode, Holly and Ewan look back on 2025 as a defining year in technology, exploring what really changed (and what didn’t) in the most transformative period since generative AI emerged. They begin with the obvious headline: ChatGPT’s rise into the top five most-visited websites on Earth, a staggering shift for a product only three years old. Ewan reflects on the moment AI moved from novelty to normalised daily tool, from homes to boardrooms to government reports.Holly highlights how this year’s explosion of ChatGPT features (apps, search, shopping recommendations, and especially AI voice conversations) have reshaped expectations of what interacting with AI feels like. Ewan shares real-world stories of fixing household appliances using ChatGPT voice guidance, contrasting it with Google’s Gemini, which has undergone a dramatic improvement arc.The pair also discuss:Email-integrated AI (e.g., Gmail → ChatGPT via Pulse)The coming wave of agentic automation, and why agents still aren’t truly mainstreamHow Gemini 3 and Google’s AI reboot shocked the industryNvidia’s rise to the world’s most valuable companyWhy predictions of mass AI-driven unemployment haven’t materialised (yet!)The uncomfortable truth: companies use “AI realignment” as a convenient narrative during layoffsThey also examine the misses of 2025, including Siri and Alexa still being terrible, Apple’s underwhelming AI offerings, and the gap between promised AI agents and what actually exists today.Finally, Holly closes with a reminder that tech CEOs shape narratives as much as technology itself and that 2025 has been a year of learning to question the hype.

In this episode, Holly and Ewan explore one of the most hyped (yet deeply misunderstood) topics in AI today: AI agents. Holly opens with the big question: What actually is an AI agent? Ewan explains why definitions vary wildly, but broadly defines an AI agent as any system that can operate independently on your behalf to complete tasks. That could be a coaching assistant, a financial helper, or even a household or education agent.Ewan shares real-world stories, such as trying to buy a dishwasher using ChatGPT Agent Mode... Only to find that Amazon actively blocks agent-based access.When he switched to AO.com, the agent succeeded instantly - a perfect illustration of today’s fragmented ecosystem.He also discusses experimenting with agents to manage LinkedIn connection acceptance, with mixed results, highlighting how even simple point-solution tasks can quickly fall apart.The discussion then moves into the wider implications:Why agents are transformational in theory, but fragile and unreliable todayHow browser-based agents actually work using “computer use” screenshot loopsWhy traditional RPA (Robotic Process Automation) remains far safer and more predictableEarly signs of agent-powered cyberattacks, referencing the first reported case of agentic hackingThe Carnegie Mellon “Agent Company” benchmark, which evaluates how well different agents perform real office tasks. With current leaderboards showing DeepSeek’s Matrix agent at ~43%, Google Gemini around 41%, and Claude Sonnet 4 around 33%.The conclusion? The vision is exciting, but today’s agents are nowhere near enterprise-ready. Expect rapid evolution, more experiments, and many more failures as this technology matures.If you've got feedback, we'd love to hear it. We reply to every single message! Find us at ⁠Working On It Podcast⁠, or follow our ⁠LinkedIn Page⁠. Or talk to ⁠Holly⁠ or ⁠Ewan⁠ on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Holly and Ewan debate the arrival of the $499-a-month X1 Neo humanoid robot: A domestic helper that promises to tidy, load the dishwasher, and even put away groceries. Ewan’s enthusiasm meets Holly’s positive skepticism as they unpack the hype, the marketing fluff (“machine-washable knit suit,” anyone?), and the uneasy question of who’s really in control when a human operator can remotely pilot your household robot.From the reality of its four-hour battery life to the privacy risks of a wandering camera, they explore where robotics sits today ... and how far it still has to go. The discussion also veers into more practical territory: robot lawn-mowers like Husqvarna’s Automower, Heathrow’s autonomous cleaning robots, Abu Dhabi’s self-driving TXAI taxis, and why Holly’s waiting for version 5 before inviting a robot into her home.Key topics:The rise (and limits) of home roboticsWhat the $499/month X1 Neo really doesSafety, privacy, and control concernsEveryday robots that already work — vacuums, mowers, airport cleanersThe human cost and value of automationIf you've got feedback, we'd love to hear it. We reply to every single message! Find us at ⁠Working On It Podcast⁠, or follow our ⁠LinkedIn Page⁠. Or talk to ⁠Holly⁠ or ⁠Ewan⁠ on LinkedIn.

In this episode of We’re Working On It, Holly and Ewan get personal about their real-world use of AI: Not the hype, but how these tools actually fit into their daily routines.Ewan breaks down his $300-a-month AI stack, from ChatGPT Plus and ChatGPT Pro with ChatGPT Pulse to Anthropic’s Claude and his WhatsApp-accessible assistant Martin. He explains how each shapes his productivity, workflow, and even how he trains others to use agents effectively.Holly shares her own take, revealing how she uses Google Gemini to summarise emails, ChatGPT for writing support and contract reviews, and why she still prefers to read over watch. Together, they discuss which tools have faded (farewell, Pi AI), which have stuck (hello, Canva), and how AI has quietly become the new operating system for both work and home life.They also explore the economics of paying for AI subscriptions, how they use transcription tools like Otter.ai, and why AI accessibility — from boardrooms to gardeners — matters.Key topics:Real productivity gains from AI assistantsComparing ChatGPT Pulse, Claude Code, Martin, Gemini, and Canva’s Magic StudioHow AI tools are replacing older “point solutions”The ethics and economics of AI subscription cultureUsing AI for accessibility and empowermentIf you've got feedback, we'd love to hear it! We reply to every single message! Find us at ⁠Working On It Podcast⁠, or follow our ⁠LinkedIn Page⁠. Or talk to ⁠Holly⁠ or ⁠Ewan⁠ on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Holly and Ewan explore whether artificial intelligence can ever truly be creative. They discuss how large language models tend to produce the most probable (and often bland) responses, why human creativity is driven by risk, emotion, and purpose, and how AI’s so-called “hallucinations” might be the closest it gets to genuine imagination. Along the way they touch on philosophy, art, and how children are learning to express creativity in a digital world, asking whether technology is helping or hindering our creative instincts.If you've got feedback, we'd love to hear it. We reply to every single message! Find us at ⁠Working On It Podcast⁠, or follow our ⁠LinkedIn Page⁠. Or talk to ⁠Holly⁠ or ⁠Ewan⁠ on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Holly and Ewan explore the concept of 'work slop', a term they use to describe the inadequate work produced by AI. They talk about how AI affects writing, why maintaining personal style matters, and how AI-generated content erodes trust in communication. The conversation also covers the responsible use of AI tools, the value of idea generation, and what the future holds for communication in an AI-driven world.TakeawaysWork slop refers to the inadequate work produced by AI.AI's writing style often lacks personal touch and authenticity.Maintaining personal style in writing is crucial in the age of AI.Trust and reputation are eroded by AI-generated content.Using AI tools can enhance productivity but requires careful management.AI can assist in idea generation but should not replace personal creativity.Editing AI output is essential to ensure authenticity.The use of AI in communication raises ethical questions.AI can help structure emails and improve clarity for readers.Engaging with AI should be done thoughtfully to maintain integrity.If you've got feedback, we'd love to hear it. We reply to every single message! Find us at ⁠Working On It Podcast⁠, or follow our ⁠LinkedIn Page⁠. Or talk to ⁠Holly⁠ or ⁠Ewan⁠ on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Holly and Ewan dive into the realities of getting through Q4 - that busy, make-or-break time of year for many organisations. They share practical insights on planning ahead, staying disciplined, and keeping teams open to change. Along the way, they discuss how good decisions, self-awareness, and solid governance can turn year-end pressure into real progress.TakeawaysQ4 is a critical time for organizations to assess their progress.Planning for the next year should begin in Q4.Discipline is essential for successful project management.Self-awareness among leaders can drive transformation success.Effective decision-making is crucial to avoid delays in projects.Creating space for planning can prevent the busyness trap.Governance can be harnessed to facilitate change.Teams need a mix of disciplined individuals and creative thinkers.Regular communication and updates are vital for project success.Sprints should be managed to ensure consistent progress.If you've got feedback, we'd love to hear it. We reply to every single message! Find us at ⁠Working On It Podcast⁠, or follow our ⁠LinkedIn Page⁠. Or talk to ⁠Holly⁠ or ⁠Ewan⁠ on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Holly and Ewan discuss the challenges of obtaining a season ticket in the UK, highlighting the outdated processes that require physical photos in a digital age. They contrast this experience with the seamless digital services available in the UAE, particularly in public transport and government services. The conversation touches on the future of digital identification and the bureaucratic hurdles faced by small businesses in accessing banking services. The episode concludes with a call for listener feedback and a preview of future topics.Takeaways: Ewan's experience with physical passport photos highlights outdated processes.The frustration of needing a physical photo for a digital service.UK's public transport system still relies on cumbersome bureaucracy.UAE offers a seamless digital experience for residents.Digital identification can streamline services and improve efficiency.The contrast between UK and UAE customer experiences is stark.SMEs face challenges in banking due to perceived high risk.The importance of integrating services for better user experience.If you've got feedback, we'd love to hear it. We reply to every single email! Find us at ⁠Working On It Podcast⁠, or follow our ⁠LinkedIn Page⁠. Or talk to ⁠Holly⁠ or ⁠Ewan⁠ on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Holly and Ewan explore the concepts of MVPs, prototypes, and pilots, discussing their importance in product development and the challenges faced in implementing them, particularly in the context of AI and financial services. They emphasize the need for accountability, structured processes, and the value of learning from failures to drive innovation and improve outcomes.TakeawaysMVPs, prototypes, and pilots serve as essential tools for testing ideas.Many organizations remain in a perpetual pilot mode, which incurs costs.AI POCs are prevalent but often lack clear outcomes and accountability.Successful pilots require structured processes and defined outcomes.Failure should be embraced as a learning opportunity.Siloed structures in organizations hinder collaboration and innovation.Innovation must be accompanied by structure to be effective.Feedback from stakeholders is crucial for continuous improvement.Organizations should focus on solving problems rather than just implementing technology.Effective communication between business and technology teams is vital.If you've got feedback, we'd love to hear it. We reply to every single email! Find us at Working On It Podcast, or follow our LinkedIn Page. Or talk to Holly or Ewan on LinkedIn.