Lee Bristow: Why Most Irish Businesses Are Still Paddling in the Shallow End

Lee Bristow: Why Most Irish Businesses Are Still Paddling in the Shallow End

Author: Maryrose Lyons September 14, 2025 Duration: 34:25


  • The Three Types of AI Adopters - Companies dilly-dallying in the shallow end, those taking strategic initiatives, and businesses going AI-first. Only 1% feel their AI has hit maturity.
  • Shadow AI Crisis - Up to 78% of employees are using AI tools regardless of company policy, creating massive GDPR and data exfiltration risks. Enterprise Ireland's AI ban exemplifies this problem.
  • The VW Trade Secret Leak - How an engineer's ChatGPT query accidentally revealed an unreleased drivetrain design, highlighting the real risks of ungoverned AI use.
  • Beyond Task Automation - Moving from basic automation to AI-first requires rethinking entire business processes - from CRM strategies to contact centre operations.
  • SME Advantage vs Resource Reality - Small businesses have agility but face cost barriers. Lee's framework for strategic COO-led AI initiatives with focused expert teams.
  • EU AI Act: Quality Control, Not Innovation Killer - Why the legislation is product regulation protecting fundamental rights, not a barrier to innovation. Companies complaining really just don't want to build quality products.


Lee Bristow is originally from Cape Town, now based in Ireland, working with Saros Consulting on cybersecurity, AI governance, and helping enterprises navigate AI implementation strategically.

CONNECT Find Lee on LinkedIn or through Saros Consulting for AI governance and cybersecurity expertise.

SUBSCRIBE Hit subscribe to ChattingGPT to continue learning from leaders navigating the messy reality of AI implementation.


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Maryrose Lyons brings her experience from the AI Institute to Chatting GPT, a podcast that digs into the practical realities of artificial intelligence. Instead of theoretical discussions, these are grounded conversations with the directors, founders, and strategists who are implementing AI solutions right now. You’ll hear from people who have moved their organizations beyond pilot projects into genuine transformation, sharing what worked, what didn’t, and why. The focus often lands on the built environment-exploring how AI is actively reshaping design processes, construction methodologies, and facility management from the studio to the job site. This series is built on the premise that the most valuable lessons come from those with hands-on experience. Each episode unpacks the human decisions behind the technology, offering tangible insights for professionals in technology, business, and education who are navigating their own courses. By listening to this podcast, you gain access to a rare dialogue about applied intelligence, where the conversation is always rooted in real-world execution and impact.
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