Dr Leslie Kanthan: Navigating the transition from builder to leader

Five years ago, AI education was provided by Hollywood. Fast forward to today and AI has smashed through the mainstream zeitgeist, and it’s estimated that over 77% of companies across the globe either use or are exploring the use of AI.

Working within a variety of industries, including banking, FinTech, and investments, TurinTech has solidified its place as the leader in AI-powered code optimisation. Along with three of his fellow co-founders, CEO Leslie Kanthan launched the business in 2018 with the vision of unlocking the full potential code and data with GenAI.

In this exclusive discussion, we talk to Leslie about TurinTech’s funding journey, acquiring talent, the negative view of AI, and much more.

Here's what we discussed:

• Could you give us an overview of your career to date? (00:11)
• Could you tell us about Turin Tech? (01:26)
• What made you take the plunge and actually start your own company? (02:55)
• You started a business with three close friends. Some people say that it’s better to not know your co-founders, some say friends and family are best. Where do you stand on this in hindsight? (05:34)
• Could you tell us about your funding journey to this point and do you have any tips for companies raising funding? (08:00)
• How did you find the transition from builder to leader? (10:13)
• There’s lots of talk of a talent shortage in tech. Have you struggled to build the right team to take your company to the next level? (12:13)
• Can you remember when you first started taking an interest in AI? (17:20)
• What does the future hold for AI and what changes need to be made to ensure that it doesn’t end up being a negative for humanity? (19:42)
• As someone who works in the industry, do you get frustrated with the negative headlines around AI? (24:17)
• Is there a technology outside of AI that interests you? (27:50)
• The Good News Postcard: If you could live on another planet, what would it be and why? (29:03)
• What makes a great business leader? (29:54)

Thanks to Holly from the Jill Dando News for bringing us The Good News Postcard this week. Get your dose of positive news by visiting The Good News Post, a website collated by hundreds of young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK. They've written real-life “news that’s good for you”, covering people, animals, stories to cheer people up, and tips to make lives better.

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