AI is moving fast. New tools appear every week… but only a few actually make a real difference. In this session (recorded Tuesday, 17 March), I break down 5 tools worth your attention right now. 👇 The recording is below (it's on my YouTube channel). Here’s what you’ll get from watching: • Practical tools you can start using immediately • Clear examples of where each tool fits • Ideas to save time and reduce manual work • A better sense of what’s worth learning… and what’s not 📊 Poll: Which of these tools are you not using yet, but are most excited to try? 💬 I’m curious… How are you currently using AI in your work? And which tools are your favourites right now?

Most accountants use spreadsheets every day. But what if AI could build the spreadsheet for you in minutes… and then turn it into a fully working app? That’s exactly what I show in this new video. In the example, I built a debt repayment calculator that helps clients see how different strategies (like snowball vs avalanche) affect how quickly they can get out of debt. Here’s what you’ll discover in the video: • How AI can generate a complete Excel model with formulas and calculations in minutes • Why choosing the right AI tool for the job makes a huge difference • How a simple spreadsheet can be transformed into an interactive client app with charts, sliders, and dashboards This is a great example of how accountants can move beyond spreadsheets and start building tools that deliver real advisory value to clients. Excel Models with Claude 👇 Watch the video below If you find it useful, please like the video and leave a comment on YouTube. It really helps the channel reach more accountants who want to learn how to use AI effectively. And I’m curious… What Excel spreadsheets do you use most in your work today? Tell me in the comments. I may use your ideas in a future video showing how to turn them into apps.

You may have seen a lot of discussion online about Anthropic, Claude, the U.S. government and OpenAI — and not all of it is clear or accurate. Here’s a concise summary of what’s been happening, why it’s significant, and a chance to hear your view. 📌 What triggered the dispute Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) demanded that Anthropic grant unrestricted access to its Claude AI for military use, including lawful purposes that could include domestic surveillance or autonomous weapons deployment. Anthropic’s CEO, Dario Amodei, refused, citing ethical guardrails the company has built into its AI — especially prohibitions on mass surveillance and fully autonomous weapons without human oversight. When Anthropic stood firm, the Pentagon threatened to cancel a significant contract (≈ $200 million) and label the company a “supply chain risk.” Shortly thereafter, President Trump directed all U.S. federal agencies to stop using Anthropic’s AI technology, citing national security concerns. Anthropic has publicly stated it plans to challenge the “supply chain risk” designation in court and maintain its ethical stance. CEO Amodei characterised his decision not to relent as compatible with defending democratic values — even if it means falling out with government authorities. Meanwhile, OpenAI struck a separate deal with the Pentagon to supply AI for classified military networks, which some commentators believe reflects a different approach to the same set of ethical red lines. 🤔 Why this matters for anyone using AI tools This isn’t just about military contracts — it highlights key tensions in our industry: 1. AI ethics vs. use case pressureCompanies are being pushed to bend their internal safety guardrails in the face of external expectations about how their AI should be used. The Anthropic standoff shows how far a company might go to stick to its principles — and the real consequences when it does. 2. Competition and positioningAnthropic is also promoting easier switching to Claude, even offering tools to import chat histories — part of a broader strategy to attract users amid the controversy.