AI adoption is moving so quickly that, for many organisations, governance is struggling to keep pace. So how can leaders begin thinking more strategically about how, when, and even if they use AI?
In this episode of Tech Tomorrow, David Elliman speaks with responsible AI expert Zahra Shah about what it takes to adopt AI safely and responsibly, and to deliver real business value.
Zahra explains that rapid AI development is making it harder for businesses to keep up with evolving risks, regulations, and operational demands. At the same time, ‘shadow AI’ is on the rise, as employees use generative AI tools without oversight, increasing the risk of exposing sensitive company or customer data.
Zahra stresses that successful AI adoption starts with the basics: clear use cases, proper due diligence, and strong governance from the outset. She also recommends starting with a requirements analysis, establishing responsible AI principles such as transparency and explainability, and implementing safeguards against bias, hallucinations, and compliance risks before scaling.
Rather than launching sweeping transformation programmes, she encourages businesses to begin with smaller, lower-risk pilots that deliver measurable outcomes. Internal HR policy assistants, for example, can help teams test workflows in a safe environment while also teaching employees not to treat AI like ‘Google 2.0.’
Another major theme in this episode, and throughout Season 3, is avoiding vendor lock-in. Zahra recommends using abstraction layers so organisations can switch providers as the market evolves while retaining control over prompts, evaluations, and proprietary data. She argues that accountability should remain with business owners, supported by cross-functional governance groups spanning technical, legal, compliance, and operational teams.
Finally, the conversation explores the UK context and how it could build confidence in AI through trust marks, certification, and regional workforce development. Zahra points to Singapore as a strong example of practical, agile AI governance in action.
Episode Highlights
01:18 – The staggering speed of AI deployment.
04:07 – Small pilots are a good policy.
06:40 – Data hygiene and AI governance.
08:39 –
David’s Thoughts: The problem of vendor lock-in.
10:03 – Not every company needs a large language model.
11:27 – AI ethics and the fear of accountability.
14:27 – The global picture of AI regulation.
18:07 – David’s Thoughts: Regional employment inequality in the UK.
19:02 – The global erosion of trust in AI.
20:31 – Are leaders deploying AI faster than they can effectively govern it?
About Zühlke:
Zühlke is a global transformation partner, with engineering and innovation at its core. We help clients envision and build their businesses for the future – running smarter today while adapting for tomorrow’s markets, customers, and communities.
Our multidisciplinary teams specialise in technology strategy and business innovation, digital solutions and applications, and device and systems engineering. We thrive in complex, regulated sectors such as healthcare and finance, connecting strategy, implementation, and operations to help clients build more effective and resilient businesses.
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What is Tech Tomorrow?
Tech Tomorrow is your front-row seat to the conversations redefining the future. Each episode explores one big question about data, AI, or emerging tech, giving leaders clear, focused answers they can trust. If you're navigating complex innovation, from AI-augmented delivery to sustainability, this show helps you cut through the noise, connect cross-disciplinary trends, and lead with confidence in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Previously known as Data Today, this podcast has examined how out-of-the-box thinking around data can be used for good in our world. Now, Tech Tomorrow expands its scope, diving into topics like agentic systems, cybersecurity consulting, and AI in product development.
Host David Elliman is Chief of Software Engineering at Zühlke. With 40 years of experience in technology and innovation, David is a global leader and advisor. Specialising in building enterprise-scale solutions and adopting emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and cloud computing, David offers technical consulting worldwide.
About Zühlke
Zühlke is a global transformation partner, with engineering and innovation in our DNA. We're trusted to help clients envision and build their businesses for the future – to run smarter today while adapting for tomorrow’s markets, customers, and communities.
Our multidisciplinary teams specialise in tech strategy and business innovation, digital solutions and applications, and device and systems engineering. We excel in complex, regulated spaces including health and finance, connecting strategy, tech implementation, and operational services to help clients become more effective, resilient businesses.