For Your AIs Only: Demystifying the Secret World of Agents | Lianne Potter & Jeff Watkins

Briefing Officer: [[REDACTED]]

Classification: Top Secret – For Your AIs Only

Mission Objective:

Now pay attention 007… In the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, autonomous agents are becoming pivotal operatives, executing complex tasks with minimal human intervention, but we need to find out more to use them effectively. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find out all about these agents.

In this highly classified session, we will show you why these agents are your secret weapon in the future of tech. We will explain what Agentic AI is, why it’s different from old-fashioned agents (no, not you Bond, agentic software), and the existing LLMs we’ve all been carefully watching. We will also brief you on the local lingo of Agents, MCP and A2A, the Agentic Web, and other highly classified material.

That is all… This message will self-destruct (after 30 days) if you move it into your recycle bin.

About Lianne Potter

When you follow the cables, behind every piece of tech is a person—consumer and creator—and we must never lose sight of this.

Lianne is an award-winning cyber anthropologist and security transformation leader currently pursuing an MSc in AI and Data Science. With a background in software development and hands-on experience leading major security transformations, she brings a unique, human-centred perspective to the design and governance of AI systems.

Her work focuses on AI safety, alignment, and resilience, exploring how emerging technologies can respect human rights, promote equity, and withstand adversarial risks. Drawing from her expertise in cybersecurity and anthropology, Lianne advocates for a cultural lens in AI development—one that prioritises ethics, inclusion, and real-world impact over technological determinism.

She has led high-profile security programmes across retail, healthcare, and finance, including building one of Europe’s most advanced Security Operations Centres during a major digital transformation. Lianne speaks internationally at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and society, contributing to academic and industry publications including The Times, IT Pro, and Security Magazine.

She also co-hosts the award-winning podcast Compromising Positions, where she interviews experts in anthropology, psychology, and behavioural science about the human dimensions of cybersecurity and AI.

About Jeff Watkins

A lifelong technologist, having started coding at the age of six, Jeff has been in the industry for over 25 years. He has a love for CyberSecurity and AI, especially the human elements of both subjects. Working for a consultancy, he's seen the world change to be product- and service-oriented, and bangs the drum for ensuring that everybody is involved in delivering secure and usable offerings. Outside of work, he is co-host of the Compromising Positions podcast, a unique view of cybersecurity from outsiders' perspectives.

Publications include: Wired, Forbes, Raconteur, IT Pro, Business Cloud, Information Age