Maury Shenk On AI With A Worldview

<p>In this inaugural episode, guest <strong>Maury Shenk, CEO and Co-Founder of Ordinary Wisdom </strong>will be joined by regular hosts <strong>Professor Michael Mainelli</strong> and <strong>Adam Leon Smith</strong> to talk about how he is seeking to develop, through <em>Ordinary Wisdom</em>, innovative ways of shaping AI behaviour. Drawing from his background as a technology lawyer, entrepreneur, investor, and AI enthusiast, Shenk shares his journey into the field and his risk-oriented perspective on AI&#39;s potential harms, from autonomous weapons and social disruption to geopolitical tensions, while remaining optimistic about its transformative power as a general-purpose technology akin to electricity or the printing press.</p><p>The discussion examines whether AI can be imbued with something akin to a &quot;conscience&quot; or selected worldview, moving beyond top-down commands from tech giants toward approaches informed by human values, social consensus, and rigorous testing. The episode sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how standards and ethics can guide AI toward beneficial outcomes in a rapidly changing world.</p><p><strong>Hosts:</strong></p><p><strong>Professor Michael Mainelli: </strong>Director at Z/Yen Group, the City of London’s leading think-tank on finance and technology. Former Lord Mayor of London (2023–2024), Sheriff of the City of London (2019–2021), and President of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.</p><p><strong>Adam Leon Smith: </strong>Expert in AI regulation and technical standards. Chair of the AIQI Consortium. Deputy Chair of the UK national AI standards committee. Project leader for AI Act-related standards in CEN/CENELEC JTC 21.</p>