Why AI is like a highly motivated intern

Why AI is like a highly motivated intern

From The Digital Lighthouse by Softwire

March 24, 2026 · 25 min · Season 1 · Episode 16

About this episode

Zoe Cunningham and Steve Burrows discuss how organizations can effectively implement AI by focusing on problems rather than technology.

Host Zoe Cunningham speaks with Steve Burrows, a global product delivery and technology leader with more than 20 years of experience delivering digital platforms and transformation programmes across industries. Zoe and Steve explore how organisations can actually capture value from AI in complex environments. While excitement around generative AI is high, many initiatives struggle because they begin with the technology rather than the problem. Drawing on his experience across consulting, product development, and delivery, Steve explains why the most successful AI implementations start by understanding users and mapping workflows. Instead of replacing people, AI works best when it removes repetitive work and allows humans to focus on judgment, creativity, and decision-making. He also shares a practical way to think about AI: treat it like a highly motivated intern. Useful for many tasks, but still requiring oversight, guardrails, and human judgment. Why successful AI adoption starts with the problem, not the technology Why many AI initiatives fail due to unrealistic expectations How to identify the right workflows for AI automation Why AI works best when it removes repetitive work…

People in this episode

Host: Zoe Cunningham

Guest: Steve Burrows

Topics covered

  • AI
  • technology
  • digital transformation
  • automation

Keywords

  • generative AI
  • successful AI adoption
  • workflows
  • human judgment
  • agile delivery

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