AI Readiness with Amsterdam-based Rob van der Veer

AI Readiness with Amsterdam-based Rob van der Veer

Author: Caitlin Begg November 14, 2024 Duration: 27:37

In this episode, Amsterdam-based Senior Principal at Software Improvement Group (SIG) Rob van der Veer and I discuss AI readiness.

Rob is an experienced technologist, advisor, successful entrepreneur, and keynote speaker. He is the author of AI standards including ISO/IEC 5338 and the EU AI Act security standard.

We discuss the importance of buy-in, learning, a sociotechnical approach to AI adoption, guardrails, the GAIL method, and more.

Rob is the author of SIG's recent AI readiness guide, which you can download here for free. SIG's AI readiness guide equips organizations with practical steps to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities with AI.

Rob is also the author of Luna and the Magic AI Paintbrush, a children's book about AI available in English, Spanish, and Dutch.

Other resources:


There's a quiet but persistent feeling that something essential is getting lost in our digital shuffle. Progression to Analog is a space to examine that feeling, hosted by sociologist and Authentic Social founder Caitlin Begg. This isn't a nostalgic retreat, but a thoughtful exploration of how reintroducing analog elements-whether in communication, work, or leisure-can reshape our daily experience toward something more intentional and, ultimately, more human. Each conversation in this podcast moves beyond simple tool-swapping to ask deeper questions about presence, connection, and the architecture of our attention. You'll hear discussions that weave sociological insight with practical reflection, considering how the textures of a less-mediated life can influence our relationships, creativity, and sense of self. New episodes arrive every Monday, offering a regular pause to consider the pace and quality of the everyday. Tune in for a series that treats the analog not as an antiquated concept, but as a meaningful progression.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 39

Progression to Analog
Podcast Episodes
Why can't we have difficult conversations? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:32
"I think we have a listening problem" -Stephanie from NYC (name changed) I interview six people, explore expert opinions (and share my own) re: why it can be tough to have difficult conversations today.
D̶o̶o̶m̶scrolling is good for you? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:11
Can scrolling be good for you? Yes, if you take out the doom. I explore different perspectives on scrolling, based on Harvard Medical School research, and a perspective from a UVA Professor on 'hope scrolling'. NYC volun…
We live in a simulation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:02
From a ⁠Baudrillardian (versus ⁠Bostrum-esque)⁠ angle of simulation theory, I discuss why we live in a simulation, what that means in terms of everyday life, and how we can deal with it. "THE SIMULACRUM IS NEVER WHAT HID…
One Year of Progression to Analog [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:09
A year ago today, I launched the trailer for Progression to Analog. Twelve months later, I'm reflecting on what a year it was—speaking about Progression to Analog at conferences and universities across the United States…
Could you attend a concert without documenting it? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:52
I explore how phones have shifted the modern concert experience, as well as attending a concert in 2024 without documenting it. I also explore artists' and music lovers' opinions on the matter. Some of the references fro…
Coincé dans l’écran—STUCK IN THE SCREEN [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:28
Just as hostages affected by Stockholm Syndrome may rationalize their captor’s actions, we often rationalize inappropriate or manipulative behaviors related to screens. This is a phenomenon that I call “coincé dans l’écr…
Blocked [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:00
I explore blocking from a sociological perspective. References: ⁠⁠Block Party: How Blocking Someone Became a Dating Power Move⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Psychopolitics⁠⁠ by Byung-Chul Han ⁠⁠Simulacra and Simulation⁠⁠ by Jean Baudrillard Episo…
Hi from Budapest! MOME & Brain Bar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:24
In this mini episode, I speak about the contents of my ⁠masterclass at MOME⁠ (an art an design university in Budapest) and ⁠session at Brain Bar⁠ (Europe's largest festival on the future). Full-length season two episodes…
Season Two: Winter 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:55
In this season two trailer, I share milestones and insights from season one including: ​Several keynotes, seminars, and talks across the U.S. and Europe, centered around Progression to Analog and related ideas ​Upcoming…