In the latest episode of Business Pulse AI, I had the privilege of hosting Mark Finlayson, an associate professor at Florida International University and a renowned expert in artificial intelligence and narrative science. This conversation was one of the most thought-provoking yet, as we explored not just the technical capabilities of AI but its deeper cultural, ethical, and societal implications.
Before diving into the key themes, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mark for sharing his time and expertise with us. His insights are invaluable for anyone navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Let me include some extracts of the video below – short, compelling clips.
AI: Beyond the Hype
Mark reminded us that today’s AI boom is far from unprecedented—it’s actually the third major wave of interest in artificial intelligence. From its origins in the 1960s to expert systems in the 1980s, each boom has been marked by excitement, overpromising, and eventual reality checks.
“AI can augment employees in very useful ways… but there’s a lot of hype around AI right now.” – Mark Finlayson
What sets this current boom apart is the emergence of tools like ChatGPT, which have surprised even seasoned researchers with their capabilities. But as Mark cautioned, it’s critical to separate genuine innovation from hype—and avoid falling victim to scams or overinflated promises.
The Importance of Cultural Context
One of the most fascinating parts of our discussion was Mark’s emphasis on cultural context in language processing. AI systems often struggle with nuances tied to cultural knowledge, which can lead to misinterpretations or ineffective communication.
“The color of a suit or dress can have vastly different meanings depending on cultural context… understanding that is critical.” – Mark Finlayson
This insight highlights why businesses must consider cultural factors when deploying AI solutions—especially those involving natural language processing or customer-facing applications.
AI as an Empowering Tool
Contrary to fears about AI replacing jobs, Mark believes that AI will empower employees by automating repetitive tasks and enabling them to focus on higher-value work. Creativity and critical thinking will become increasingly important skills in an AI-driven world.
“AI can augment human capabilities rather than replace them.” – Mark Finlayson
This aligns closely with my philosophy at MD Consulting: AI should be a tool for enhancement, not replacement. Our consulting approach focuses on helping businesses adopt AI strategically, ensuring it complements human roles rather than undermining them.
Ethics and Regulation: The Next Frontier
Mark also stressed the urgent need for ethical frameworks and regulations to guide responsible AI deployment. As businesses race to adopt AI solutions, they must prioritize transparency, fairness, and accountability.
“Regulation and guidance are needed to ensure responsible AI deployment.” – Mark Finlayson
At MD Consulting, we incorporate ethical considerations into every AI strategy we develop—because innovation without responsibility isn’t sustainable.
How MD Consulting Can Help
This conversation with Mark reinforced key principles that drive our work at MD Consulting:
- Focus on aligning AI solutions with business needs—not just chasing trends.
- Prioritize cultural context and ethical considerations in implementation.
- Equip teams with the skills they need to thrive alongside AI tools.
My book and training programs provide a structured roadmap for strategic AI adoption, empowering businesses to navigate challenges while unlocking opportunities.
Your Next Step
Mark’s insights serve as a powerful reminder that adopting AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about understanding its broader impact on culture, ethics, and society. You will be able to watch the full interview (clicking on the link below) where we dive deeper into these themes and explore actionable strategies for leveraging AI effectively.
https://riverside.fm/shared/exported-clip/2b284cb33a4d44db5d9c
AIStrategy #AIEthics #CulturalContext #DigitalTransformation #BusinessPulseAI #MDConsulting #Innovation #AIandGTM
Engaging with You
As part of this journey, I also want to engage with you, my readers, by sharing portions of the book. Your feedback, comments, and suggestions will be invaluable in shaping the final product. I believe in the power of co-creation and would love to incorporate any specific concepts or ideas you have. Of course, I will give full credit to any contributions that make it into the book.
Join the Conversation
If you have any suggestions, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. If you would like to discuss specific concepts, reach out thru personal messaging. I’m always happy to have a conversation and explore new ideas. Together, we can create something truly special. For collaboration or project discussions, you can schedule a conversation in my calendar below. You can also connect with me via email at mdconsulting@davidmerzel.com. I look ahead to further discussions!
Md Consulting 
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