AI Myths vs Reality - What Non Technical Business Leaders Must Know - feat. Jakub Szarmach

Whether you're a tech leader, legal counsel, or a non-technical decision-maker, this episode will help you cut through the confusion and debunk the biggest myths surrounding AI compliance and automation.

In this special edition of AI ON US x CTO News Thursday, we sit down with Jakub Szarmach, a leading expert in AI regulation and intellectual property law based in Gdańsk, Poland. Jakub operates at the critical intersection of law, policy, and AI innovation. As a trusted advisor to companies and policymakers across Europe, he plays a central role in helping organizations navigate the EU AI Act, with a strong focus on risk management, third-party AI tools, and ethical deployment. Whether you're a tech leader, legal counsel, or a non-technical decision-maker, this episode will help you cut through the confusion and debunk the biggest myths surrounding AI compliance and automation.

✨ Understanding AI Isn’t Just for Engineers: What Every Business Leader Needs to Know

In Episode 6 of AI ON US x CTO News Thursday, we unpack the growing divide between technical realities and legal responsibilities in AI deployment. Featuring Jakub Szarmach, a privacy lawyer and European IP specialist based in Poland, this episode is a must-listen for decision-makers navigating AI without a technical background. While the episode tackles AI myths on the surface, this companion breakdown dives deeper into why non-technical leaders must take the lead in AI accountability—even when relying on external tools.

🧠 What Makes This Episode Stand Out?

Jakub brings a rare blend of legal precision and strategic clarity. His sharp breakdowns of the EU AI Act’s Articles 4 and beyond paint a picture of what’s coming—and why it matters now. From vendor lock-in to legal liability, he calls out the false sense of security many companies operate under when they rely on off-the-shelf AI.

One standout insight:

“You can’t outsource your responsibility. Even if the AI tool isn’t yours—you’re accountable for how it affects people.”

Meet Jakub at the Morning Key Strategic Keynotes:

International Summit on Responsible AI

15 October 2025 at 08:00 – 16 October 2025 at 21:00|Biarritz

📌 Deep Dives Covered (Beyond the Myths)

This episode outlines four strategic shifts that business leaders should start acting on today:

AI ≠ Automation. AI learns, adapts, and evolves—unlike traditional software. This means your governance must evolve too.
Risk Doesn’t End with the Vendor. Under the EU AI Act, deployers of AI are just as responsible as providers. No excuses.
Literacy is Mandatory. Article 4 of the EU AI Act now requires companies to ensure staff understand the AI they operate. Compliance is no longer just for the legal team.
Flexibility Is the New Edge. Lock-in with vendors can be deadly—choose solutions that allow portability and compliance audits.

🔎 Our Favorite Quote from Jakub:

“The safest approach is to choose vendors that align with AI governance best practices, offer transparency in their models, and are proactive in meeting regulatory standards.”

🛠️ Best Practices You Can Apply This Week

Map your current AI tools—even external ones—and run a compliance risk check.
Review vendor contracts: do they mention bias mitigation, transparency, or exit clauses?
Train your leadership team with basic AI literacy modules. Governance starts at the top.