Beside Ourselves

Fable launched, got pulled by presidential decree, and came back. Do SMEs actually need the latest, greatest model? Mostly, no. Giles and Theo make the case that models a generation old are more than capable for everyday business tasks — and considerably cheaper to run. What matters is everything around the model: context, prompting, data, and increasingly, cost. In this episode:- Why good inputs...

There's a seductive idea going round: AI has made it cheap and easy to build your own software, your own models, your own everything. Our third guest, Mark Johnston, has actually done the hard version, so when he tells SMEs to slow down, it's worth listening. Giles, Theo and Mark get into when a "room of fifteen lawyers" beats a stadium of generalists, whether your business actua...

Theo and Giles report back from major tech conferences—sharing what they heard, what was hype, and what actually matters. From the K-point of careers to the real cost of AI, here's how SMEs should think about digital transformation without the nonsense. Please send us your questions in the comments or via email to podcast@besidepartners.com.

AI has fundamentally disrupted the brand discovery journey by intercepting the consumer consideration process before a human ever sees you. To thrive,  brands need to go back to basics: clarity of purpose, specificity of positioning, and a digital footprint a machine can trust. For SMEs, this is a rare and genuine levelling of the field moment. In the latest episode of Beside Ourselves, we had the...

Giles and Theo sit down with Aris Vrakas, CEO of Rankbee, to unpack how AI has quietly rewritten the rules of search, why your SEO strategy may be leaving you invisible to an entirely new kind of buyer, and what you can realistically do about it right now. Whether you're a marketer, a business owner, or just someone wondering why your web traffic feels a bit off lately, this one will make you...

Giles and Theo stop talking about AI in theory and get specific: which models they actually use, which ones they've quietly abandoned, and the apps that have genuinely earned a place in their daily workflows. Plus, why Giles still starts every piece of writing with a fountain pen and paper — and why that's not as eccentric as it sounds. Honest, practical, and a little opinionated — as it s...

In recent weeks, we've seen a surge in anxiety surrounding AI, from explosive software vulnerabilities to public backlash against tech leaders. Can we shift the narrative? Instead of rushing headfirst into adoption, we need to slow down and engage in more meaningful conversations. It's time to address concerns, clarify misconceptions, and promote responsible deployment. Please email us you...

In this episode, we break down Anthropic’s survey of 81,000 users to explore global attitudes on AI: our hopes, fears and assessment of where things stand. While a third of the workforce sees massive productivity gains, 20% feel the tech falls short, highlighting a critical need for better user education and intuitive implementation. By comparing global attitudes, we discuss how to build a workpla...

In this episode, Giles and Theo dive into the shifting landscape of business AI. Moving past the "pilot phase," they discuss why large enterprises and SMEs alike are finding off-the-shelf AI solutions too generic. The conversation explores the trade-offs between bespoke development and platform-based tools, the rise of "vibe coding," and how SMEs can leverage their agility to o...

In this episode, Theo and Giles discuss the implications of AI for the workplace, particularly the potential for increased workloads and burnout. They share personal experiences with burnout, explore the dual nature of AI as both a potential tool for empowerment and a source of exhaustion, and emphasise the importance of leadership in managing AI integration. The conversation concludes with strate...

In this episode, Theo and Giles discuss the complexities of AI adoption and the critical role of regulation in ensuring user safety while fostering innovation. They explore the balance between safety and velocity, the fragmented landscape of AI regulation, and the importance of data transparency and consent. The conversation also delves into the challenges of liability in AI systems and the potent...

In this episode of Beside Ourselves, Giles and Theo discuss the rapid proliferation of AI features across various applications and the implications for user experience. They explore the confusion caused by the AI feature frenzy, the cognitive load imposed on users, and the importance of data security in AI integration. The conversation also delves into the comparison trap created by leading AI too...

In this episode, we discuss the potential for AI to create a 'killer app' for businesses. We explore various perspectives on what this app might look like, the importance of compliance and efficiency, and how AI could transform business models and the nature of work. The conversation emphasises the gradual adoption of AI and the need for businesses to recognise its potential benefits, whil...

In this episode of Beside Ourselves, we discuss the challenges business leaders face in translating AI strategies into actionable value. We focus on the importance of focusing on business problems rather than technology, the need for long-term strategic thinking, and the role of team empowerment and knowledge sharing in successful AI implementation. The conversation also highlights the importance...

In this episode, we discuss the intersection of AI adoption and sustainability, with a focus on the environmental impact of AI technologies. We explore the challenges and opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in balancing AI implementation with sustainability goals. The conversation highlights the importance of selecting the right AI providers, understanding energy consumption, and...

In this episode, we discuss the implications of AI adoption in business, focusing on job security, the importance of context across roles, and the evolving nature of career paths. We explore how AI can impact both junior and senior professionals, the role of mentorship, and the effective use of AI in work processes. The conversation emphasises the need for adaptability and the potential for AI to...

Theo, Giles and Rutger discuss the current landscape of AI adoption in business, addressing concerns about the sustainability of AI investments, the importance of careful vendor selection, and the cultural challenges organisations face in integrating AI technologies. We explore the gap between AI innovation and adoption, practical implementation steps, and the implications of AI for marketing and...