Send us Fan Mail Podcast Summary Paul reflects on his extraordinary journey researching AI agents nearly 30 years ago — long before the world was paying attention — while Jaci shares practical insights into how organisations are struggling to balance innovation with control. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future problem. It is already shaping how businesses operate, how decisions are made, how cyber attacks evolve, and even how humans think, trust and behave online. From AI-powered cyber threats and vulnerable AI agents to surveillance concerns, hallucinations, insider risk, and the growing dependency humans are developing on chatbots, this episode explores why some of the very people building AI are also the ones warning us to slow down and think carefully. The conversation dives into: Why AI is advancing faster than many organisations can govern itHow AI is already transforming cybersecurity and software developmentThe hidden risks of AI agents operating inside businessesWhy “human in the loop” matters more than everThe future impact on jobs, education and younger generationsWhether AI is subtly reshaping human behaviour and decision-makingWhy governance, accountability and ethics can no longer be treated as optionalJaci is a finance transformation and AI governance leader at NatWest Group, where he serves as the Lead for NatWest AI Digital Enabler Platform. In this role, he focuses on enabling responsible adoption of emerging technology at scale, with an emphasis on strong risk management, clear accountability, and practical governance that supports innovation while protecting colleagues, customers, and the organisation. Paul is the Head of Responsible AI and AI Strategy at one the UKs largest bank, leading a dedicated team of AI practitioners, and pioneering Responsible AI in financial services. Paul also leads the bank’s AI Strategy to ensure AI provides not only a highly personalised customer experience but is also deployed ethically to augment colleagues’ day-to-day work. Paul is also co-author of ‘Governing the Machine: How to Navigate the Risks of AI and Unlock its True Potential’ (Bloomsbury Business, 2025), a practical guide to responsible AI which has since been named in the Amazon top 10 bestsellers in two categories and in the FT top 5 Business Books of the Month. Paul's influential work has been published throughout leading articles, including The AI Journal, The Green Business Journal, Business Reporter, Natwest, Evident AI Responsible AI Report, Irish Tech News and CIO Business World Magazine. Paul’s influence extends beyond corporate boardrooms and into the global arena, where he actively participates in international forums, policy discussions and projects aimed at setting global standards for responsible. Paul has a PhD in Agentic AI and was previously a university researcher and lecturer in Computer science and AI. Jaci began his career at PwC working in Assurance and Business Recovery Services, before moving into FP&A at NatWest. He later transitioned into data and technology, bringing together financial rigour with hands-on experience of building and governing digital capabilities in a regulated environment. Alongside his industry role, Jaci chairs the ICAS AI Working Group and is a member of the ICAS Ethics board. His work connects professional ethics, assurance-minded thinking, and real-world experience of deploying AI. Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers
