In this episode of the Applied Imperative podcast, Dale Goulding interviews Brian Connolly, lead machine learning engineer at Beehive Industries, about how artificial intelligence is changing engineering, reshaping our finances, and influencing the future of work.
Stream the full episode here.
How will AI evolve over the next decade?
Brian’s interest in AI began as a personal fascination but soon became inseparable from his work. “When [ChatGPT] came out, I said, ‘Oh, I think this is going to be part of my job,’” he said. “AI is getting good enough that it can answer reasonably complex aerospace problems.”
Even with that progress, AI still has its limits. Brian’s current research focuses on understanding where AI tools succeed and where they fall short in technical problem-solving. “They’re very smart, but they fail in interesting ways,” he said. “They are like humans in ways, so that’s what I find really compelling.”
Dale compares AI’s unpredictable development to a child who suddenly learns to talk after months of silence. Rather than a steady climb, progress may arrive in bursts, with unexpected “ChatGPT moments” that rapidly expand what AI can do.
While companies rush to promote “magical AI products,” Brian believes the real opportunity lies in integrated approaches. He points to Siemens as an example of integrating AI into engineering tools and documentation, rather than presenting it as a standalone solution.
How AI could shape your life
AI’s influence extends beyond the workplace. Dale and Brian discuss how it could reshape both financial systems and individual careers.
In finance, AI-driven trading and social investing platforms are giving everyday users access to advanced research and strategies. Dale describes it as “an analyst in your pocket.” While this may seem like an amazing opportunity, there are some downfalls associated with this. Brian warns of potential risks if too many institutions rely on the same models. If a significant number of financial services companies rely on chatbots, “you might see knock-on effects because the LLMs think similarly,” so you could see some negative effects of all the chatbots thinking a certain investment is a good idea.
When it comes to careers, Brian offers a balanced view. “The hype is not as real as I had thought,” he said. AI will change how people work, but it will not replace the need for skilled professionals. His advice was simple: “Prepare for the future like you always have and stay current with your skills, stay aware of your surroundings, and build community.”
As AI tools become more embedded in both engineering and everyday life, Dale and Brian agree that the future can be both turbulent and transformative.
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