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Letters from the Archives of Rutherford Hall, Critical Communications Strategist
WhatsApp to Stephen: Hi, I want to clarify a few things before I return to Saudi Arabia. There may be a new deal in the works. I think they heard that Thames Water has a football team. Anyway, on a separate issue, you should tell CEO Abrdn to stop using words like futurist to describe himself or his strategy for the company.
Whatsapp to Stephen: I know he wants to show the company is forward thinking, but it wasn't forward thinking enough to stave off net outflows of its cash and lower profits. However, David Brent seems to be telling employees that he's not so much a boss as a quiet entertainer. And since they renamed the business Abrdn, shouldn't it be Ftrst anyway? Or does the future still have vowels after all? May God protect us from leaders who want to be visionaries.
WhatsApp to Stephen: Look, I'm sure he's a great guy but the point is that once you establish yourself as a corporate visionary, you can start talking about the future. Mind you, once you establish yourself as a visionary, you won't need to.
WhatsApp to Steven: He says he's a disciplined guy, so put him back on dim mode until things get better. The investment needs to appear stable. Caring is overrated when it comes to life savings. Do you let Elon manage your portfolio? Speaking of investing in the future, we have to do more to join the next government. Everyone grabs any excuse to work for a Labor Party member or aide. I have another meeting with Wes Streeting and Peter Kyle about AI in the health service tomorrow. I feel like I'm making progress.
WhatsApp message to Susan: Susan, you did a great job putting the AI Health Summit and reporting together. This has already helped open the door to senior Labor figures. But we still need to get inside. What more can we do to achieve this important strategic goal? You can also walk me through Radiomics again. And perhaps neural networks, synthetic biology, and large language models.
WhatsApp to Susan: I'm asking for your help here, don't send me a “let me Google that” link.
WhatsApp to WesPete: Really good to talk last week Wes. I'm obsessed with implementing AI in the early years. We have now formed a monthly working group of interested clients and experts to examine early opportunities. Some of them obviously have interests but are also leaders in the field. I'll be happy to share our output if it's helpful.
WhatsApp to WesPete: Of course, we will be happy to have you at any time. You both have a standing invitation to each meeting, and I will send you the dates. Just let me know when you want to come.
WhatsApp to Susan: Well, look, there's a possibility that Labour's shadow health or science ministers will be attending these meetings, so we can't just ask the usual people. We need experience. Also, these two know their stuff, so can you get me some books to read, so I can look like I'm working on them? Oh and it reminded me, APIs?
WhatsApp to WesPete: Thanks for coming. I'm glad you liked the title of the new report, “The Next Wave.” I prefer to consider it a homage rather than a direct quotation from the Book of Solomon! It's great though. I completely agree about maintaining a near-term focus. Where can we go in five years with radiomics, robotic process automation, CRISPR gene editing, and technology in primary care? This is the last mile of healthcare. Some big regulatory issues too of course.
WhatsApp to WesPete: Ha, no, I wouldn't call myself a futurist. Just a communications man with his eye on the horizon. Maybe realistic in the near term. This is going to change everything, and people like me need to stay on top of it. But my focus is on what is possible now. By the way, if you'll excuse a moment of political advice, don't let any of your people call you a “futurist” – that's only for those who strive to speak at parties.
WhatsApp to Susan: Great job. I won't forget this when we get to rewards season. And keep those primers coming.
WhatsApp to WesPete: Yes, I would love to join your informal advisory group. I don't claim to be an expert but if you can get someone realistic in the near term, I'm happy to help.
WhatsApp to Stephen: We are here.
WhatsApp to Stephen: No, let's not leak it yet. The inside is more important right now. This one is for the future. Or maybe the near future.
Letters Recovered by Robert Shrimsley
