In Episode 399 of The International Risk Podcast, Dominic and Craig examine the real economics of artificial intelligence: how CFOs should measure AI returns, when automation becomes job displacement, why agentic workflows are changing competitive advantage, and how AI is becoming a geopolitical and governance challenge.
They discuss:
- How CFOs can distinguish durable AI value from hype
- Why some companies are cutting headcount while others avoid new hiring
- The shift from AI experimentation to operational agentic workflows
- Competition and regulation across the United States, Europe and China
- How professionals can future-proof their careers
- Mass employment change, taxation and pressure on the middle class
- Who captures the profits when machines replace human work
- Shrinking business moats, talent risk and AI dependency
- Defence, data centres, energy, water and international risk
What concerns you most: job displacement, concentrated profits, weak governance or geopolitical competition? Share your view in the comments.
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The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical instability and organised crime to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.
Craig Unsworth is a Portfolio Chief Product Officer and senior adviser who works with private-equity firms and their portfolio companies. His work focuses on product strategy, transformation, growth and agentic AI.
Craig's website: https://www.craigunsworth.com/
Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe’s business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.
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Podcast Chapters
00:00 AI value, jobs and risk
00:22 How CFOs should measure AI returns
01:50 AI productivity, layoffs and fewer new hires
04:14 From experiments to agentic workflows
06:14 AI geopolitics: America, Europe and China
08:39 How to future-proof your career
11:07 The AI tools and workflows leaders overlook
14:57 The cost of waiting to adopt AI
18:47 Who captures the gains from automation?
23:14 Who should govern AI?
23:34 Shrinking business moats and hidden risks
26:27 Defence, resources and data-centre risk
29:08 The leadership skills businesses need now
29:46 Closing thoughts
#ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #Geopolitics #AI
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