How do we turn AI ambition into a national advantage? With Sharon Hague and OIiver Seal

How do we turn AI ambition into a national advantage? With Sharon Hague and OIiver Seal

Author: Deloitte UK May 12, 2026 Duration: 42:03

The AI race is on. But what does it take to not just keep up, but to win? 

Even though we're using AI at work, at home and on-the-go, are we really ready to use it at scale as a country? 

Last year, the UK joined a growing list of countries setting out an ambitious vision for how AI could provide a better future. For those who succeed, the prize is significant. A future powered by AI could bring economic growth and increased productivity, improved public services, and new opportunities across society. 

But ambition alone isn't enough. To reap the rewards, we need the right foundations in place. 

Delivering digital skills and education to an entire nation. Redefining regulation and securing sufficient and sustained financial investment. Rebuilding our national infrastructure and providing access to cheap energy that can power dramatically increased AI usage. 

So, how do we turn an appealing vision of the future into reality? And what will it really take from individuals, businesses, governments and the public sector to bring a national AI strategy to life? 

That's what we're exploring with Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, and Oliver Seal, Partner and leader of the firm's Education Practice at Deloitte UK, as we ask: How do we turn AI ambition into a national advantage.

Tune in to find out

  • Why now is a critical juncture in the UK's AI journey
  • The foundations we need to ensure the UK is ready for an AI-driven future
  • How we make sure everyone has the access and skills they need to benefit from AI 
  • The role business can play in bringing a national AI strategy to life

 Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts

Find out more about Scope: scope.org.uk  

Guests:
Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK 
Oliver Seal, Partner at Deloitte UK

Hosts: 
Stephanie Dobbs
Oli Carpenter

Original music: Ali Barrett

Recording date and location: London, 30.04.26


In The Green Room: Questions That Matter Most In Business, conversations move beyond surface-level trends to examine the underlying forces reshaping the commercial landscape. Hosted by Deloitte UK, this award-winning podcast creates a space where complex, pressing questions are met with clarity and depth. Every discussion is built around a single, significant inquiry, bringing in leading voices from across various sectors to unpack it. What you'll hear is not just commentary, but substantive strategic analysis and expert insights designed for leaders and professionals who need to understand the 'why' and the 'how'. The dialogue consistently returns to critical, interconnected areas like digital transformation, the practical implications of AI and technology, evolving leadership models, and the realities of the future of work. It also delves into core business strategy, the pathways to genuine innovation, and the urgent demands of sustainability and climate action. This podcast functions as a dedicated forum for thought leadership, where each episode provides a focused lens on the topics that define success and responsibility in modern business. The aim is to equip listeners with perspectives that are both broad and deeply relevant, turning abstract concepts into actionable understanding. It’s a resource for anyone looking to engage with the substantive ideas that are currently challenging and changing organizations worldwide.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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