Our CEO John Turner took his first broadcast interview last week, talking Artificial Intelligence and how we should be preparing.
John Turner, CEO of Visit Somerset, has achieved a significant milestone by earning a prestigious qualification in Leadership in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School this July. This accomplishment makes him the first in the Southwest of England to obtain this equivalent to a Master’s degree in AI.
Reflecting on the significance of AI in modern leadership, Saïd Business School previously stated, “AI is no longer a technology problem but a leadership opportunity. The world is witnessing a revolution in technology, and for businesses to stay ahead of the curve, leaders must evolve their approach to maintain a competitive advantage in the digital age.”
John has been deeply engaged in the study of AI and Machine Learning for seven years, recognizing their transformative potential across various industries, including tourism. He views AI not just as another technological advancement, but as an intelligence that could surpass human capabilities—especially with the rise of Large Language Models. This perspective fueled his drive to further explore this groundbreaking field.
"AI has the power to transform our lives in ways that seem like science fiction today," said John. "With the rise of Generative AI, we're on the brink of an unprecedented convergence of technology and philosophy. This isn't a matter of decades; it's happening within years, and we must be prepared."
John is committed to leveraging his leadership role in the Southwest to help businesses adapt to AI advancements, ensuring that AI adoption and its cultural integration are prioritized. He believes that AI could boost productivity by as much as 40%, and while it won't eliminate jobs, companies that fail to embrace AI may struggle to survive.
In one of his recent research projects at Oxford, John found that many businesses in the Southwest are unprepared for the next 'Industrial Revolution' driven by AI and Machine Learning. This raises concerns about the vulnerability of various industries, including the visitor economy, which is increasingly influenced by AI-driven solutions and open-source Generative AI systems.
Building on his achievements at Oxford, John is currently studying AI ethics at The Alan Turing Institute. He emphasized, “Future AI leadership must prioritize ethical algorithmic design and data governance.” John is also contemplating pursuing a PhD to further contribute to the field.
Reflecting on his journey, John said, “I’m proud of the decision I made 18 months ago to embark on this course. There’s a tremendous opportunity to guide businesses through this new era, and I’m ready for the challenge. My goal is to make a lasting impact through a consultancy that complements my role at Visit Somerset.”
As a member of the prestigious AI Alumni group at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, John will join an annual gathering of thought leaders to discuss the ongoing impacts and opportunities that AI and Machine Learning present for humanity and business as we advance through the 21st century.
One thing is clear: the world will look very different in just five years.