Show Notes
In today’s episode, we’re joined by five leading voices shaping the future of artificial intelligence: Dan Palmer, co-founder of Relevance AI; Michelle Gilmore, CEO and co-founder of Juno; Xharmagne Carandang, founding software engineer at Lorikeet; and Georgie Healy, head of Google’s AI accelerator and host of *In the Blink of AI*. Recorded live at the second-ever AI Roundtable Dinner, this conversation dives deep into the most urgent, surreal, and high-stakes issues in AI today. From billion-dollar bets and VC hype cycles, to AI’s impact on jobs, education, and global competition, the guests share candid insights from their own journeys building in one of the most intense moments in tech history. Listen in for a rare behind-the-scenes look at how these founders are navigating ethical dilemmas, rapid product development, market expansion, and staying grounded amid the noise.
Check out their socials: Daniel Palmer’s: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-palmer/ Michelle Gilmore’s: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellejoygilmore/ Xharmagne Carandang’s: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xharmagne/ Georgie Healy’s: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georginahealy/
We dive into: - The reality of the current AI VC bubble and capital efficiency in hyper-competitive markets - Why founder expertise, adaptability, and team quality are critical moats in AI - How AI could become as ubiquitous as electricity—and what that means for pricing, value, and innovation - The skills and mindsets that will thrive (and those that might disappear) in an AI-first world - The global race for AI talent and why Sydney, SF, and emerging markets each play a role - Displacement vs. amplification: the societal impacts of automation and possible safety nets - The hype vs. product debate—how to cut through noise and build enduring companies - Storytelling, trust, and the future of marketing in a world where agents make buying decisions - The advice these founders would give their future selves about building in AI over the next decade
00:00 Introduction 02:37 Round Table Dinner: AI Founders and Leaders 03:19 The Future of AI and Market Dynamics 04:53 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Startups 07:19 The Role of Talent and Capital in AI 09:54 Global Perspectives on AI Development 13:50 Notion Ad 14:36 The Impact of AI on Industries and Society 28:11 Geographical Dispersion and Talent Density 37:35 Challenging Company Culture Norms 38:14 Building Relationships in San Francisco 39:38 Talent Density and Research in Australia 41:24 AI's Impact on Skills and Employment 43:07 The Future of Education and Creativity 8:43 Job Displacement and Economic Shifts 01:03:57 Ethical Concerns and AI Governance 01:14:19 The Importance of Attention in Business 01:14:46 Investor Expectations and Startup Metrics 01:15:42 Challenges of Building a Sustainable Business 01:16:32 Focus on Customers and Incremental Growth 01:17:23 The Role of Hype and Distribution 01:21:05 The New Generation of Founders 01:26:56 The Future of AI and Human Value 01:37:49 Reflections and Advice for the Future 01:44:01 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up
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