The art of AI and the future of work: a conversation with Rupert Breheny
For the first episode of Tech and Thrive, we sat down with Rupert Breheny - AI thought leader, founder of Cobalt AI, and former Google veteran with over 16 years of experience at the forefront of technology. His career spans everything from advising brands like Alexander McQueen and Zaha Hadid Architects to being recognized as one of the top 100 AI artists.
But beyond the titles, Rupert is a thinker, a maker, and an advocate for technology that enhances human creativity.
We explored his journey from marine biology to AI, the ways AI is reshaping work, and why curiosity is the key to thriving in an evolving world.
Curiosity as a career strategy
Rupert’s career didn’t follow a straight line. He started as a marine biologist, drawn to the beauty of science and discovery. Growing up in a home filled with art, exploration, and ideas, he developed a deep appreciation for both creativity and logic.
The shift to technology came not from a grand plan but from curiosity and necessity. He found himself managing networks for a nonprofit, then building websites, then experimenting with code. The ability to bring ideas to life through technology became an obsession.
"I started writing my thesis on an Apple Mac. It was early days, but you could already see things changing. It felt like magic - the ability to type something into a computer and transform it into something real."
That mindset shaped his entire career. Instead of rigidly following a path, he explored, adapted, and followed the work that sparked his interest.
AI as a creative partner
One of the biggest misconceptions Rupert encounters is the fear that AI will replace human creativity. Having been named one of the top AI artists, he sees it differently:
"Good art will always stand out. AI isn't here to take over - it's here to unlock new ways of creating."
His own projects blend AI with human creativity, like his collaboration with Vogue, where he imagined what fashion photography could look like if freed from physical constraints. Instead of recreating past styles, he experimented with dresses made of fire, coral, and flowing silk - concepts impossible in the real world but achievable through AI.
This isn’t just about art. In the workplace, AI is becoming a powerful collaborator, handling repetitive tasks so people can focus on what they do best - strategy, innovation, and problem-solving.
AI at work: work smarter, not harder
Businesses are rushing to integrate AI, but many are underestimating how quickly employees are already using it. Rupert put it bluntly:
"If your company doesn’t have an AI strategy yet, you’re already behind - because your employees are figuring it out on their own."
Workers are using AI to streamline workflows, speed up decision-making, and automate time-consuming tasks. The real opportunity lies in understanding how AI fits into human work, rather than resisting it.
For Rupert, the shift to AI-powered work comes down to a few key ideas:
Automate what drains your energy – The tedious, repetitive tasks that slow you down? Those are the first to go.
Make room for creative problem-solving – AI isn’t great at intuition or complex decision-making. People are. Freeing up time for strategic thinking adds far more value than micromanaging spreadsheets.
Experiment without fear – The best way to understand AI is to use it. Play around, explore new workflows, and adapt as you go.
A playful approach to AI
Rupert believes that curiosity and experimentation are the real drivers of innovation.
"The world belongs to makers. Playful exploration leads to breakthroughs. Some of the biggest shifts in technology happened because people were willing to tinker, fail, and try again."
AI is evolving at a rapid pace, but those who embrace it as a creative tool will be the ones shaping its future.
This mindset isn’t limited to artists or engineers. Whether in business, design, or research, the ability to approach AI with curiosity rather than fear will define who thrives in the coming years.
Final thoughts: AI as a tool for human potential
Rupert’s message is clear - technology should amplify human creativity, not diminish it. The businesses and individuals who understand how to collaborate with AI will move faster, think bigger, and build the next generation of ideas.
Listen to the full conversation on Tech and Thrive to hear more about Rupert’s insights, his approach to AI, and his advice for navigating this era of rapid technological change.
