What does it take to build AI responsibly when the technology is evolving faster than the rulebook?

In this episode of The Databricks Diaries, Daniel Thornton sits down with Anna Gressel, Partner and Global Co-Head of AI at Freshfields, to explore the legal, governance and strategic challenges shaping the next generation of artificial intelligence.

From advising some of the world's leading AI developers and global enterprises to helping boards navigate AI risk, Anna offers a unique perspective from the intersection of technology, law and business strategy.

Together, they discuss:

• Why AI governance is no longer just a compliance exercise
• The shift from chatbots to autonomous AI agents—and why it changes everything
• How organisations can balance rapid AI experimentation with responsible governance
• The biggest mistakes companies make when implementing AI
• What leaders should be asking themselves to assess their AI readiness
• Why today's junior employees may soon become managers of teams of AI agents
• The emerging importance of AI incident response and cybersecurity
• How legal teams are becoming strategic partners in AI transformation
• Why "world models" could be the next major breakthrough in artificial intelligence

Whether you're a CIO, CTO, CDO, Head of Data, AI leader or technology executive, this conversation provides practical insights into preparing your organisation for an AI-driven future while staying ahead of regulatory, operational and competitive risks.

If you're thinking about AI adoption, agentic AI, governance, or the future of intelligent systems, this is an episode you won't want to miss.