Why the next wave of AI will reward precision and purpose—and how to maintain control as the tools grow more capable.

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On this episode of The AI Download, Shira Lazar speaks with Shelly Palmer—futurist, author, and CEO of The Palmer Group—about the realities and opportunities in today’s AI landscape. With OpenAI’s GPT-5 now available to millions and AI agents emerging as a transformative force, Palmer provides a clear, disciplined perspective on how to approach these tools strategically.

Palmer emphasizes starting with a defined objective—whether in business, creative work, or research—before selecting and applying AI solutions. He examines the operational and security considerations of deploying agents, the structural changes from search engines to “answer engines,” and the importance of governance in preventing unintended access or misuse.

This episode examines:
🔹 What sets GPT-5 apart in performance, reasoning, and safety measures
🔹 How to choose the right model for specific writing, coding, or reasoning needs
🔹 Governance frameworks and permissions to protect sensitive data
🔹 The economic and strategic impact of shifting from search to direct answers
🔹 Effective approaches for individuals and teams to experiment with AI safely
🔹 Persistent misconceptions about AI capabilities and limitations in 2025
🔹 Why defined goals and measurable outcomes matter more than technical novelty

Whether you’re leading an enterprise, scaling a startup, or exploring AI’s potential in your own work, this conversation delivers a pragmatic framework for using these technologies with intent, accuracy, and control.

🎙 Guest: Shelly Palmer
📚 Author, Speaker & CEO of The Palmer Group

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🌐 Learn more: https://www.shellypalmer.com

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Credits

This episode of The AI Download was hosted, created, and executive produced by Shira Lazar. Executive Producer Michele Musso. Creative Director Nadia Giosia with Mint Labs. Music by PALA, Catalina Coastline (licensed under Boss Soundstripe Productions by BMI). Produced by Musso Media. © 2025 Musso Media. © 2025 Shira Lazar. All rights reserved.