As artificial intelligence continues to redefine industries, the question isn’t just what we can build, but what we should. In a world of accelerating automation and algorithmic decision-making, can leaders harness innovation without losing public trust?
In this episode of Tech Tomorrow, David Elliman speaks with Lord Clement-Jones, Liberal Democrat peer, former Chair of the House of Lords AI Select Committee, and co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on AI. Together, they explore how business leaders can align technological progress with human values and why doing so is not just ethical but essential for sustainable innovation.
They unpack what ‘responsible AI’ really means in practice: from explainability and human oversight to data quality, fairness, and transparent governance. Lord Clement-Jones argues that regulation, far from stifling innovation, can actually enable it by creating the trust, certainty, and accountability businesses need to adopt AI confidently.
The discussion also explores the roles of boards and executive committees, including why AI literacy is now a core competency, how to establish effective oversight mechanisms, and what it means to integrate ethics into AI design rather than retrofit it later. Drawing on his book Living with the Algorithm: Servant or Master?, Lord Clement-Jones reflects on how technology should serve humanity, not the other way around, and why progress must be measured by its benefits to people, not just profit.
Episode Highlights:
01:39 – Introducing Lord Clement-Jones.
03:45 – Why Lord Clement-Jones decided to write
Living with the Algorithm: Servant or Master.
06:03 – What is the biggest risk that boards face if they don’t take into account societal responsibility in relation to AI?
07:20 – David’s thoughts: Steps boards and executives can take to ensure they implement useful and trusted AI tools.
08:39 – Defining ethical frameworks in AI.
10:21 – What sort of skill sets do boards need to help them work effectively with AI?
11:31 – What can boards and executive committees do to ensure they are implementing AI tools ethically?
13:25 – The problem with black-box solutions.
15:56 – David’s thoughts: The impossibility of retrofitting responsibility into AI systems.
17:39 – Changing the culture around AI implementation.
20:06 – Why Lord Clement-Jones included the subtitle
Servant or Master in his book title.
23:14 – David’s thoughts: The three pillars of responsible AI.
25:26 – The current political landscape and how AI regulation fits into it.
27:16 – Can executives balance AI innovation with societal responsibility?
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.