Yes, you're using AI, but are you using it ethically and in a way that builds trust? In this episode, you get a masterclass on ethical technology from James French, the founder of Ludulluu, a pioneering AI governance platform. James shares his fascinating journey from leading high-stakes finance deals in West Africa, to transforming a U.S. museum's board through stakeholder-led governance, to now building the trust layer missing in today's AI revolution. He breaks down what AI governance really means, why it's essential for any business using AI, and how trust will become the most valuable currency in the future of tech. Whether you're an AI builder, user, or investor, this episode gives you a whole new lens on risk, compliance, innovation—and how to do all three without compromise.

<p>At SXSW 2025, one of the most urgent conversations in tech took center stage: is truly ethical AI possible—and if so, what will it take to build it?</p> <p>In a dynamic panel titled Building Ethical AI, Ludulluu founder James French joined leading voices in AI governance, ethics, and systems design to examine how emerging technologies can be shaped by values rather than steered solely by profit or power. The conversation moved beyond abstract ideals to confront concrete questions: How do we embed empathy into machine systems? Who gets a seat at the table when AI rules are being written? And how do we meaningfully govern technologies capable of reshaping the future of humanity?</p> <p>Rather than relying on broad principles or top-down codes of conduct, French emphasized the need for governance frameworks grounded in structured consensus among stakeholders—including developers, domain experts, and end-user representatives. The goal: to replace the illusion of a tradeoff between safety and innovation with a collaborative path forward—one that ensures advanced AI systems serve the public interest, even in the face of exponential capability growth.</p> <p>Watch some highlights from this pivotal discussion above—and explore how Ludulluu is helping lead the charge toward ethical, accountable AI.</p>

James French joins Professor R. Edward Freeman of the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, father of Stakeholder Theory, to discuss his journey from banking to AI governance and the future of stakeholder engagement.

James French, Founder of the Montpelier Descendants Committee and former chair of The Montpelier Foundation, is embarking on a new venture. In a conversation with Courteney Stuart, French revealed plans to expand the structural parity governance model—the concept he is renowned for pioneering—into AI systems. This expansion marks a significant step in French's efforts to promote equitable decision-making structures across various sectors.

Want to learn more about how the structural parity model could reshape governance in different fields? Stay tuned for updates on French's groundbreaking work with Brownland Leadership Solutions.

<p>James French took the stage at the 2024 Gonzaga Law Human Rights Conference in Florence, Italy on May 23 – 25. The annual event was hosted by Jacob Rooksby, Dean of the Gonzaga University School of Law and Jason Houston, Dean of Gonzaga in Florence.</p> <p>French was well received in Florence, where he echoed the theme of his recent presentation at the 2024 SXSW Conference in Austin, TX. French explored the nature and role of power dynamics, highlighting the groundbreaking implementation of Structural Parity at a Founder site—an initiative he led and a first for a U.S. museum. He explained that the power and impact of an institution are directly proportional to the representation of its stakeholders. In other words, power is not a finite resource; it is a product of stakeholder input.</p> <p>The conference focused on cultural heritage in the context of conflict. Despite domestic and international legal instruments, frameworks, and treaties—such as the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict—the resolution of violations often remains elusive. Structural Parity offers the legitimacy needed for effective repatriation, restitution, and repair.</p>

James French joined a panel at Tom Tom Festival 2024 to discuss the future of AI and ethics, emphasizing the importance of Structural Parity in responsible AI governance.

James French spoke at SXSW 2024 about Structural Parity, a governance model rooted in Madisonian representative democracy and its relevance for AI and institutional ethics.