Graeme is a technologist and AI entrepreneur with over 25 years of board-level experience across cybersecurity, biometrics, cloud, and virtual reality. As CEO of Attercop and former CEO of Emteq Labs, he helps startups and investors navigate AI transformation and shape forward-looking technology strategies. His career spans enterprise software, M&A, and product innovation – always with a focus on turning complex tech into real-world impact.
Which talk/panel did you speak at?
From Co-Pilot to Autopilot: The Transformative Power of Agentic AI in the Modern Workforce
Can you share a bit about your background?
I’m the CEO and Founder of Attercop, an AI consultancy focused on helping businesses navigate technological change. With three decades of experience in the AI field, my work has evolved from hands-on development to strategic advisory, always with a focus on moving beyond the hype to implement AI solutions that deliver tangible, real-world value.
What inspired you to speak at EVOLVE [25]?
We’re at a critical inflection point in technology. The shift from AI as a simple assistant to an autonomous agent is the most significant change to the workforce in a generation, yet it’s surrounded by a great deal of noise and confusion. I was inspired to speak at EVOLVE to cut through that noise, demystify what’s really happening, and empower the audience with a clear understanding of both the opportunities and the practical steps they can take today.
What was the key message or idea you most wanted the audience to take away from your talk?
The core idea was that our relationship with technology is being upgraded. The critical question is no longer “Will AI take my job?” but rather, “Am I ready to direct an AI that can do my job?” I wanted the audience to leave understanding that the future of work belongs to those who learn to be effective “directors” of digital agents, and to feel empowered that the tools and methodologies to get started on this journey are more accessible than ever.
Were there any audience reactions or questions that really stood out to you?
I was struck by the depth of engagement from the audience. Two questions really stood out as they captured the core challenges perfectly. One was about the skills paradox, i.e., if agents are doing the hands-on work, how do we train our teams to gain the expertise needed to direct them? Another attendee asked about what I’d term the ‘Accountability Gap’: when an agent makes a mistake, who is responsible? It showed me that the community is already thinking beyond the technology itself and grappling with the crucial, real-world issues of governance, risk, and team development.
How does the topic you spoke about connect to your current work or passion projects?
My talk is a direct reflection of my work at Attercop. We are entirely focused on helping businesses navigate this shift from co-pilot to autopilot. Whether it’s developing an AI strategy, building custom agentic workflows using the frameworks I discussed, or helping investors de-risk their decisions with our AI Pre-Diligence Diagnostic, my day-to-day work is about making the concepts I presented on stage a practical reality for our clients.
What emerging trends or challenges in tech (or your field) are you most excited about right now?
Beyond the macro trend of agentic AI, I’m most excited by the democratisation of development. Tools like Claude Code and no-code platforms supercharged with LLMs are breaking down the traditional barriers to creating software. The power to build sophisticated automated systems is no longer limited to seasoned developers. The parallel challenge, which is equally exciting, is creating the robust governance and safety frameworks required to manage this new wave of autonomous technology responsibly.
What advice would you give to someone looking to make an impact in your area of expertise?
My advice is twofold. First, master the art of specification. In a world where you can build almost anything by describing it, the clarity and precision of your description becomes your most valuable skill. Learn to define goals, constraints, and processes with absolute clarity. Second, start small and experiment now. Use a no-code tool to automate one frustrating, multi-step task in your own workflow. The hands-on experience of building even a simple agent is the fastest way to understand the paradigm.
How do you see the future evolving in your industry over the next few years?
We’ll see a rapid move from deploying individual AI ‘features’ to building entire autonomous business functions. We’ll have ‘AI Marketing Managers’ or ‘AI Finance Analysts’ that are not single tools, but integrated teams of agents handling complex responsibilities. This will force a massive shift in organisational design, where success will be defined by a company’s ability to effectively orchestrate its human and AI talent.
What was your favourite part of the EVOLVE experience?
The energy and intellectual curiosity of the attendees. The conversations in the hallways after the talks were just as insightful as the presentations themselves. It’s a community that is genuinely engaged with shaping the future, not just reacting to it, which made for an incredibly stimulating environment.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, initiatives, or goals you’re excited to share?
At Attercop, we’re doubling down on making agentic AI accessible. We’re refining our Agentic Coding methodology into a practical workshop for businesses looking to get started. We’re also scaling our AI Pre-Diligence Diagnostic to help more investors and boards understand the AI risks and opportunities in their portfolios. The goal is always to move the conversation from ‘what if’ to ‘how to’.
What’s one book, podcast, or resource that’s inspired you recently?
I recently revisited “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman. While not strictly an AI book, his exploration of System 1 (fast, intuitive) and System 2 (slow, deliberate) thinking provides an incredible mental model for designing agentic systems. We’re essentially trying to build AI that can leverage the speed of System 1 while having the robust, logical checks of System 2. It’s a masterclass in decision-making, which is the core of what agents do.
How can people connect with you or follow your work after the event?
The best place to connect is on LinkedIn – I’m always happy to continue the conversation there. You can search for Graeme Cox, Attercop. You can find more about our work on our company website, attercop.com. We also share practical AI insights through our blog and newsletter, AI Threads, threads.attercop.com.
Anything else you would like to share with our community?
Just a final thought: this transition can feel daunting, but it’s also the single greatest opportunity to redesign work for the better. It’s a chance to automate the mundane and elevate the meaningful. I’d encourage everyone to approach it with curiosity and a willingness to experiment.