Cloud Realities – the podcast series

In ‘Access All Areas’ shows we go behind the scenes with the crew and their friends as they dive into complex challenges that organisations face—sometimes getting a little messy along the way. 

We’re launching a special AI mini-series exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries. Each episode dives into key themes like scaling AI, societal impact, leadership, sustainability, and the challenges ahead. Join us for fresh insights and bold conversations on the future of intelligent systems. 

This week, Dave, Esmee, and Rob kick off the AI mini-series with Craig Suckling, CAIO at Capgemini and co-host of this special edition. The episode is inspired by “Riding the AI Whirlwind,” Gartner’s 2025 strategic predictions report, which urges organizations to act boldly on AI’s potential while managing risks like rising costs and privacy concerns 

TLDR:

• 00:40 – Introduction of Craig Suckling and launch of the AI mini-series
• 02:38 – Summary of three key insights and strategic recommendations from Gartner’s “Riding the AI Whirlwind” report
• 23:03 – Strategic planning assumptions: what they mean for business and tech leaders
• 41:40 – Sam Altman’s top three concerns about the future of AI
• 49:35 – What key topics remain unaddressed?
• 51:00 – What to expect from the AI mini-series featuring industry leaders

Co-Hosts:

• Craig Suckling

The evolving role of technology in modern defense environments, highlighting innovations in communications, automation, and open-source frameworks. Drawing from personal experience, the conversation emphasizes how real-world conflicts are reshaping how tech is deployed, adopted, and understood across military operations.

This week, Dave, Esmee, and Rob speak with Ben Sparke, Enterprise Azure Cloud & AI Specialist for UK Defence at Microsoft, about  how his military background informs a human-centered approach to technology in the evolving defence sector—highlighting the shift from mission-driven to tech-driven innovation.  

TLDR:

• 00:37 – Introduction of Ben Sparke and face-to-face podcasting
• 02:40 – Rob gets confused about Digital Twins representing you in court
• 08:15 – Tech’s evolving role in defence, with Ben 
• 34:41 – Why improvisation and human adaptability matter 
• 43:30 – Ben’s hundred-mile bike race over the weekend

Guest:

• Ben Sparke

Before Siri had sass and Alexa started judging your music taste, the original virtual assistant was quietly revolutionizing the ’90s—powered by many patents and a whole lot of foresight. Now, as AI goes from buzzword to boss, we ask, will it transform your job, your home… or just steal your knowledge? 

This week, Dave, Esmee and Rob speak with Kevin Surace, Futurist, Inventor & “Father” of the Virtual Assistant, about exploring the evolution of AI, what the future might hold, and how disruptive innovation can shake up your organization in ways you might not expect.  

TLDR:

•  00:40 – Introduction of Kevin Surace
•  05:12 – Rob gets confused by Google Maps reviews and selfies
•  08:15 – Deep dive into the evolution of AI with Kevin
•  52:00 – How intelligent agents can help manage digital noise and support mental well-being
•  1:07:30 – Wrapping up the book the Joy Success Cycle and heading to a concert 

Guest:

• Kevin Surace

We’re back! In this Season 5 premiere, the team reunites after their summer break to kick off an exciting new chapter. Join us as we catch up, share bold predictions for the year ahead, and explore big questions, like whether 2026 will be the year of the autonomous organization. Expect candid reflections, lively discussion, and a sneak peek at what’s coming up this season. 

We are very keen this season to establish a feedback loop with listeners, so will be doing shows exploring listener questions and challenges – something we are really looking forward to.  Please get in touch with us, via LinkedIn, Substack or cloudrealities@capgemini.com, if you have questions or challenges for us, we’d love to hear from you!

TLDR:

•  00:20 – We’re back!
• 00:35 – Catching up on what we did during the summer break
•  10:48 – Planning ahead until Christmas: Microsoft Ignite, AWS re:Invent, an AI mini-series and cool guests
•  20:27 – Tech talk: iPhone 17, deep democracy training, and the human impact of innovation
•  32:10 – Will autonomous organizations powered by agents emerge within 12–18 months?
•  40:45 – Reflections inspired by Jaws, climbing adventures, and Bruce Springsteen 

Dave, Esmee, and Rob are strapping in for another season of bold, brain-bending conversations—and they’re bringing the flux capacitor with them from Back to the Future.

Season 5 beams in global leaders and innovators who challenge how we think about technology, business, and humanity. From AI disruption to digital sovereignty, from leadership to culture—this season’s guests are ready to shake things up.

Our first full episode drops on September 25, but before we hit 88 miles per hour, here’s a quick trailer to set the timeline straight, or at least bend it a little.