Blog

Re-platformed, refocused

Robin Riley

03 Jan 2026

I've made some changes to this site over the past few days:

A new presence which is simpler to use, simpler to maintain, and more secure. The old self-hosted WordPress blog was becoming untenable. I might go into the reasons in a future post. I've chosen Ghost as a simple, powerful and fully-managed platform, which allows simple newsletter subscriptions.
A sharper focus on the two main dimensions of my learning - the non-technical (i.e. Leadership) and the technical (primarily, AI).

Maximising the value of LLM Chatbots in UK Defence

In a series of blog posts I'll be talking through my academic research into AI in large organisations - undertaken as part of my AI MSc, which I completed in 2025. In this first post I'll simply summarise my research and the main conclusions. Later, I&

Using NotebookLM to turn learning notes into a personal leadership coach

What it was Self-guided experimentation, on how I could use AI to augment my personal development, by turning my existing learning blog posts into a personal leadership coach. Originally (in late 2023) I used the OpenAI GPT3.5 API with embeddings, and a custom system prompt, to generate a '

Leading with self: Positive Thinking and Motivation

What it was: A session of positive thinking and planning, from a group exercise and a one-to-one co-coaching session, aimed at drawing up an action plan for achieving some of my professional aims. This was part of the Deputy Director Leadership Programme held in London on 28 January 2020. What

Leading with Self: Emotional Intelligence

What it was A one-day session on what it means to "lead self" in the context of a changing civil service, through being present and leading with emotional intelligence. Part of the Deputy Director Leadership Programme. Held in London on 28 January 2020. What I learned Emotional intelligence

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Maximising the value of LLM Chatbots in UK Defence

Using NotebookLM to turn learning notes into a personal leadership coach

Leading with self: Positive Thinking and Motivation

Leading with Self: Emotional Intelligence