Episode 125

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Published on:

16th Mar 2025

Relationships WithAI: AI & the Future of Business: A Candid Conversation with Nzube Ufodike

AI is reshaping industries, but what about relationships, the ones that drive business, investment, and governance?

In this episode of Relationships WithAI, host Iyabo Oba is joined by entrepreneur, angel investor, and investment director Nzube Ufodike to explore the power of relationships in leadership, investment, and AI adoption. With over £50M in capital raised, Nzube has helped startups and growth-stage businesses secure funding and develop strategies that turn ideas into thriving companies. He advises founders, accelerator portfolios, and business owners on how to build the right connections, whether for investment, scaling, or navigating the AI revolution.

As a board member, advisor, and community leader, Nzube understands the role of trust, networks, and governance in business success. He shares insights on:

  • How AI is changing professional relationships, from startup funding to boardroom decision-making
  • Why governance and leadership must evolve to reflect AI’s growing influence
  • What investors look for beyond just AI hype and how founders can build trust with them
  • The role of diverse, inclusive ecosystems in shaping sustainable businesses
  • How relationships, human and machine, are redefining success in business and investment

Beyond his work in investment and governance, Nzube is passionate about community-building and representation. He serves as a board trustee for The Africa Centre, Founding Chair of EMBRACE at the British Computer Society, and Chair of the Young Executives Group at the Institute of Directors.

If you’re a founder, investor, policymaker, or leader navigating the intersection of AI, relationships, and governance, this conversation is a must-listen.

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About the Podcast

WithAI FM™
Hear the Future
In a world where artificial intelligence is reshaping the frontiers of every industry, understanding AI is no longer optional; it’s imperative. “WithAI FM” presents a curated series of podcasts that serve as a compass through the dynamic realm of AI’s applications, from creative arts to architectural design.

Each show, such as 'Creatives with AI, 'Women with AI', or 'Marketing with AI', is a specialised conduit into the nuances of AI within different professional landscapes. These are not just discussions; they are narratives of the future, unfolding one episode at a time.

Each show thrives on the expertise of its host – a seasoned industry professional who brings their insights to the microphone to enlighten, challenge, and drive the AI-centric discourse. These voices are at the forefront, navigating through the complexities of AI, simplifying the jargon, and uncovering the potential within each vertical.

About your hosts

David Brown

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A technology entrepreneur with over 25 years' experience in corporate enterprise, working with public sector organisations and startups in the technology, digital media, data analytics, and adtech industries. I am deeply passionate about transforming innovative technology into commercial opportunities, ensuring my customers succeed using innovative, data-driven decision-making tools.

I'm a keen believer that the best way to become successful is to help others be successful. Success is not a zero-sum game; I believe what goes around comes around.

I enjoy seeing success — whether it’s yours or mine — so send me a message if there's anything I can do to help you.

Lena Robinson

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Lena Robinson, the visionary founder behind The FTSQ Gallery and F.T.S.Q Consulting, hosts the Creatives WithAI podcast.

With over 35 years of experience in the creative industry, Lena is a trailblazer who has always been at the forefront of blending art, technology, and purpose. As an artist and photographer, Lena's passion for pushing creative boundaries is evident in everything she does.

Lena established The FTSQ Gallery as a space where fine art meets innovation, including championing artists who dare to explore the intersection of creativity and AI. Lena's belief in the transformative power of art and technology is not just intriguing, but also a driving force behind her work. She revitalises brands, clarifies business visions, and fosters community building with a strong emphasis on ethical practices and non-conformist thinking.

Join Lena on Creatives WithAI as she dives into thought-provoking conversations that explore the cutting edge of creativity, technology, and bold ideas shaping the future.

Joanna (Jo) Shilton

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As the host of 'Women With AI', Jo provides a platform for women to share their stories, insights, and expertise while also engaging listeners in conversations about the impact of AI on gender equality and representation.

With a genuine curiosity for the possibilities of AI, Jo invites listeners to join her on a journey of exploration and discovery as, together, they navigate the complex landscape of artificial intelligence and celebrate the contributions of women in shaping its future.

Iyabo Oba

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Iyabo is the host of Relationships WithAI, a podcast that explores how artificial intelligence is transforming human connections, from work and romance to family and society.

With over 15 years of experience in business development across the non-profit, corporate, and public sectors, Iyabo has led strategic partnerships, content creation, and digital campaigns that drive real impact. Passionate about fostering authentic relationships, she has worked closely with diverse communities to create meaningful engagement and conversation.

Fascinated by the intersection of technology and human interaction, Iyabo is on a mission to uncover how AI is shaping the way we connect. Through Relationships WithAI, she creates a space for thought leaders and disruptors to share their insights, experiences, and predictions about the future of AI and its impact on relationships, society, and beyond.

If you’re curious about AI’s role in our lives, this podcast is for you. Join Iyabo as she sits down with some of the brightest minds in the field to explore the evolving relationship between AI and humanity.