Show Notes
Welcome to Cut Through the Noise, your go-to podcast for mastering the art of communication in your business!
I’m your host, Aisling O’Rourke, the communications coach. With nearly twenty years in the Irish media landscape, I use my experience to advocate for communication as the cornerstone of business success.
Artificial intelligence is transforming how we work, but what does that really mean for communications and marketing professionals?
In this extended episode of Cut Through The Noise, I had the pleasure to be joined by Tom Hewitson, AI expert and founder of General Purpose, the UK’s longest-established AI training school. Together, they unpack the hype, fear, and opportunity surrounding AI and explore how business leaders can use it ethically, safely, and effectively without losing the human touch that makes great communication work.
From the fear of AI replacing marketing jobs, to the rise of generic “AI slop”, to concerns about sustainability, regulation, and mental health, this conversation cuts through moral panic and focuses on what actually matters.
We talk about: Why AI will never replace the human role in communications and marketing How AI can help marketers become faster, more responsive, and more strategic, not more generic Why AI struggles with emotion, creativity, and originality, and why that’s good news for communicators How to avoid obvious “AI-generated” content and train tools to better match your voice Practical tips for getting more value from ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini and similar tools
In this week’s bonus content, available exclusively on YouTube, Tom discusses the regulation around the various AI platforms, and if more rigorous regulation is needed to monitor their use and enhance their success. Make sure to check out our YouTube so you don’t miss out: YouTube
If you would like to get involved in the podcast or work with The Communications Coach email us: [email protected]
Editing is by Amanda Fitzgerald
Aisling’s Socials: Website Email Instagram LinkedIn
Connect with Tom: LinkedIn X Website
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from Cut Through the Noise with Aisling O' Rourke
After the largest public sector strike in Ireland since 2009, with 300,000 workers on picket lines, Aisling reflects on how much leaders' words matter when people are anxious. Between the cost of living, global conflict, rising rents and bills, and the climate and nature crisis, many teams and clients carry a low hum of dread into every meeting and email.
This week, Aisling talks to Kate Doyle, founder of EcoKinly, a Wexford-based brand breaking new ground in women’s health and hygiene products.
Aisling O'Rourke is joined by Professor John Nolan, whose 25 years of research into the eye, the brain and nutrition are the subject of the new documentary A Vision for Vision. They talk about why the science matters for people of all ages, and about the gap between scientific discovery and public understanding. For anyone nervous about putting themselves in front of a camera, he shares his tips on storytelling and sticking to what you know.
In this week’s episode, Aisling is joined by global sustainability expert Sandhya Sabapathy to talk about how the conversation around sustainable business has shifted from a "nice to have" side project to a genuine business case backed by regulation, profitability, and consumer trust. They cover why the "fail fast, break things" era is giving way to more considered, foundational growth, why authenticity beats greenwashing, and what role women in leadership can play in building a more climate-resilient future.
A crisis doesn't always start with a product failure, a cyberattack or an accident. Sometimes it starts with one sentence.