Keeping IT Talking

What does responsible AI in education look like – beyond the headlines? In this episode of Keeping IT Talking, hosts Liam Donnelly and Isabel Holden sit down with Daniel Emmerson, Executive Director of the Good Future Foundation and Academic Affairs Lead at Goodnotes, to explore how schools are navigating the rapid rise of AI.
With experience spanning education strategy, research and technology, Daniel shares what he’s seeing across the UK school system as leaders grapple with the opportunities and risks of AI in the classroom. From honest student feedback to growing conversations around accountability, the discussion explores how expectations are shifting on both sides of the desk.
Daniel also explains the practical realities of AI adoption in schools – from safeguarding and curriculum design to supporting teachers who are still figuring out what responsible use should look like in practice.
Listen now to hear Daniel’s insights on responsible AI in schools, the questions students are asking, and what education leaders should be thinking about next.
Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Keeping IT Talking wherever you get your podcasts for more conversations with the people shaping the future of tech.
Visit Jigsaw24.com for more resources, insights and updates.

What happens when the slides disappear, the power cuts out, and all you have left is your knowledge? In this episode of Keeping IT Talking, hosts Liam Donnelly and Isabel Holden sit down with Jonathan Beagles, National Training Manager at Pareto, to explore the balance between technology and human connection in modern learning.
From his early career in sales to leading large-scale training programmes, Jonathan shares the pivotal moments that shaped his philosophy on training – including a high-profile session derailed by a power outage that reinforced one simple truth: technology should enhance learning, not define it. He reflects on the rapid rise of e-learning, why knowledge alone doesn’t guarantee skill, and how AI is changing the way people prepare, practise and perform.
The conversation dives into the gap between theory and execution, the importance of practice under pressure, and the realities of designing hybrid learning that genuinely reflects how people work. Jonathan also explains why training should never be measured by how it feels on the day, but by what changes afterwards in behaviour, confidence and performance.
Listen now to hear Jonathan’s perspective on the future of learning, the human versus digital debate, and why, even in an AI-driven world, people still learn best from people.
And don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Keeping IT Talking wherever you get your podcasts for more conversations with the people shaping the future of technology.
 
Visit Jigsaw24.com for more resources, insights and updates.

What does digital transformation really mean in higher education, and why do so many initiatives struggle to deliver lasting impact? In this episode of Keeping IT Talking, hosts Liam Donnelly and Isabel Holden are joined by Rob Phillips, Interim Director of Enterprise Platforms and Transformation at the University of Cambridge, to explore why successful change is driven by people, not just technology.
Drawing on senior leadership roles at both the University of Cambridge and the University of Nottingham, Rob shares candid insights into large-scale transformation, from building trust and understanding across complex organisations to avoiding the trap of layering new systems over old ways of working. He explains why buy-in isn’t about enthusiasm, why training is really about confidence and psychological safety, and how listening only matters if it leads to visible change.
The conversation also explores the unique challenges facing higher education, the risks of standing still in an ever-changing digital landscape, and what leaders can learn from transformation programmes that genuinely delivered value. Rob reflects on the lessons that stay with you when change goes well – and when it doesn’t.
Listen now to hear why digital transformation lives or dies on the human side, what higher education leaders should be thinking about today, and how to build change that lasts.
And don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Keeping IT Talking wherever you get your podcasts for more conversations with the people shaping the future of technology.
Visit Jigsaw24.com for more insights, resources and updates.

What happens when some of the biggest tech announcements of the year meet the realities of day-to-day IT? In our first Tech Trends Roundup episode of Keeping IT Talking, hosts Liam Donnelly and Isobel Holden explore the biggest technology stories shaping the industry right now.
From the standout moments of CES 2025 to Apple’s latest announcements, the conversation covers how emerging tech is filtering into everyday life – and what it means for IT teams behind the scenes. The pair discuss everything from AI-powered consumer products and smart Lego, to why innovation doesn’t always need to be loud to be impactful.
They also unpack Apple’s evolving AI strategy, including their work with Google’s Gemini models, and what this means for privacy, performance and the future of Siri. Plus, they explore Apple’s new Creator Studio subscription and how lowering the barrier to creative tools could shape the next generation of users.
The episode dives into the importance of community in tech, with a look at MacAD.UK and why peer-led events continue to play such a vital role for Mac admins and IT professionals.
Finally, the conversation turns to one of the biggest challenges facing IT teams today: RAM shortages. With long lead times and rising costs on the horizon, Liam and Isobel share why preparation and forward planning are more important than ever.
Listen now for a thoughtful, practical look at the trends shaping tech today – and follow the podcast for more conversations exploring the people, platforms and ideas driving the industry forward.
Visit Jigsaw24.com for more resources, insights and updates.

What does it take to build a multi-million-pound technology business from a single weekend with a Mac, and keep it thriving through decades of change? In the latest episode of Keeping IT Talking, hosts Liam Donnelly and Isabel Holden sit down with Roger Whittle, Founder and Director of Jigsaw24, to explore his journey through entrepreneurship, Apple, and the ever-evolving world of technology.
From discovering the Mac in a French library to scaling Jigsaw24 into one of the UK’s leading Apple and IT solutions providers, Roger shares the moments that shaped his career, the importance of differentiation, and why curiosity has always been at the heart of his success. He also opens up about the realities of building a business, from relentless early-day graft to learning when to step back and let great people lead.
Listen now to hear Roger’s perspective on the future of AI, why it could be the most transformative technology humanity has ever seen, and what business leaders should be doing today to stay relevant in a world of rapid technological change. And don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Keeping IT Talking wherever you get your podcasts for more conversations with the people shaping the future of tech.
Visit Jigsaw24.com for more resources, insights and updates.