The two minds behind this production are Danni McCarter, a former PwC consultant and expert on earth-based artificial intelligence, and Paul Dettmann, an AI expert since it was 1999.
What is Smart Talk?
Smart Talk began as a newsletter on LinkedIn about AI that Paul started during the Christmas holidays in December 2024. Later on he invited his colleague Danni to contribute a second viewpoint to one of his articles. At the same time he introduced a new shtick each week. After starting with the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy the two writers moved to the X Files. Now they simply appear as each other. I mean, as themselves.
We found that having a second guide to the complex world of AI engaged a different audience and we had such a blast doing it that we decided to move to Substack. Coming here to Substack allows us to add audio tracks to our articles, as well as podcast and video episodes. The whole platform is more modern and supports a genuine sense of community without ads or any salesy-type interference from LinkedIn. It’s just you and us.
Why the name?
The name was Danni’s idea. [All our best ideas are mine. Danni.] Our articles will explain or debunk complex topics, sometimes in technology but not always, breaking them down and simplifying them for the busy business professional. As well as being a cool title for our articles, the name will allow us to move towards podcast episodes, interviews and more interactive content in the summer.
About Dettmann
Paul Dettmann started working with neural networks in the middle 1990s and has continued his interest in AI and other emerging technologies in his day job. He is a management and business consultant specialising in technology. Expert in data analytics and BI, ML/AI, SaaS, Cloud. Worked for many global blue chip companies, Fortune 500 and FTSE-100. Deep experience in life sciences, financial services, manufacturing, government and public sector, automotive.
Since Smart Talk launched, Paul has become a sought-after copywriter and journalist but is trying hard to keep his feet on the ground. Luckily Danni turned out to be quite good at that. [Not difficult. You’re nothing special mate. Danni.]
About Danni
Danni McCarter collaborated with People Directors and Workforce Solutions Specialists to design effective talent acquisition strategies. Managing a team of over twenty senior professionals, overseeing the experienced hires lifecycle to ensure exceptional, inclusive hiring practices. Her role involved driving innovative and cost-effective talent sourcing, optimising vendor relationships, and leveraging data to inform business decisions. Alongside this Danni also chaired the People Solutions AI working group, rolling out AI and leading AI adoption across the function, up-skilling teams and implementing AI-driven efficiencies across recruitment processes.
