Technology is never just about technology. It's a mirror that reflects our values, our biases, and our vision for the future. So how do we build better technology? We start by building better, more inclusive human cultures.
In our latest DevLab podcast episode, we explored this idea with two leaders from the BBC: Petra, Principal Responsible AI Manager, and Philip, Head of Performance and Co-Chair of the BBC Embrace Network. Their paths into tech are anything but typical. Petra’s journey took her through computer science, publishing, and even running a romance bookstore in Australia, while Philip began with plans to become a chemistry teacher. Together, their experiences highlight a crucial truth: in a world obsessed with specialisation, the most valuable skills may be the most human ones.
Building ethical AI isn’t a one-off project. As Petra explained, it’s about shifting culture:
"Building a culture of responsible AI is not easy. It takes years. The first step is helping people really understand what AI is, what it isn’t, and what the implications are for their work and their lives."
At the BBC, this means embedding principles like accountability, fairness, and transparency into every AI project. Training, open conversations, and constant iteration are key. "We can’t predict every use case," Petra added, "but we can hold on to guiding principles that help people make the right decisions in uncertain situations."
In a tech landscape that often rewards specialisation, both Philip and Petra champion the role of the generalist. They argue that a broad range of experiences builds the very skills needed to navigate today’s rapidly changing world.
"If you’re a generalist, you have to be curious," Philip explains. "You’re connecting with different people and navigating ambiguity."
This mindset fosters empathy and the ability to view a problem from multiple angles — essential traits in a multifaceted organisation like the BBC.
Petra agrees, noting that her work in responsible AI exists in a "wicked learning environment" where the rules are constantly in flux. It’s a space where a diverse toolkit of experiences is invaluable.
"That’s exactly where generalists thrive," she says.
Diversity and inclusion are constant buzzwords in tech, but Philip challenged the way we often frame them. Instead of treating diversity itself as the ultimate goal, he argued that what really binds people together is finding common ground.
"We often hear ‘diversity is our strength.’ I don’t think that’s quite right. Commonality is our strength. The things we share are what hold us together as an organisation. Diversity is our resilience, our creativity, our beauty."
It’s a subtle but powerful shift. In practice, it means that diverse teams work best not simply because people look different or come from different backgrounds, but because those differences are anchored by shared values, respect and purpose. Diversity becomes the fuel for creativity, while commonality provides the stability to make it work.
Petra built on this point with a reminder that inclusion isn’t about avoiding disagreement or forcing consensus. Real inclusion, she said, is the ability to stay open when people see things differently.
"Real inclusion means you can share perspectives, even when they clash, without feeling you have to hide or self-censor. That’s where empathy and understanding grow."
At the BBC, culture change isn’t left to chance. Philip described a structured approach to "communities of belonging, interest, practice and action", each playing a role in how people connect, experiment and build together.
"We want to move from categorisation into connection. It’s not just about silos of identity; it’s about finding common ground and then using diversity to make us more resilient and creative."
Both Petra and Philip ended with a reminder that AI and technology are never separate from society:
"So many of the challenges we call 'AI problems' are really human problems. Fairness, bias, accountability, these are questions about who we are and what we value," Petra said.
Philip summed it up neatly:
"Technology is an enabler, a reflector, and an amplifier of human values. If society is full of bias, technology will amplify it. That’s why culture and inclusion matter as much as code."
Responsible AI starts with culture, not just tech.
Generalists are thriving in an era of ambiguity and fast change.
Commonality builds strength; diversity builds resilience.
Tech reflects us. Building an inclusive, ethical culture is the best way to build better AI.
👉 Curious to dive deeper? Listen to the full conversation with Petra and Philip in the latest episode of The DevLab Podcast.