Podcast Episode 5: The Rise of AI Certification

Guest: Patrick Sullivan (Vice President of Strategy & Innovation, A-LIGN)

Description: Patrick Sullivan joins Michael Mainelli (Z/Yen Group) and Adam Leon Smith (AIQI Consortium) in the fifth episode of the AI Standards Stack podcast for a practical, certifier-led perspective on AI assurance and ISO/IEC 42001.

Drawing on over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, compliance, and AI governance, Patrick explains what third-party certifiers actually do and how they provide objective assurance on AI management systems. The discussion addresses common misconceptions following the release of ISO/IEC 42001 and highlights the growing demand for certification, as organisations such as Microsoft, Oracle, and Anthropic begin adopting certification and extending expectations through their supply chains.

The conversation explores the practical value of certification in strengthening risk management and supporting investment confidence, while also examining regional differences in AI governance approaches. Patrick shares insight into the skills required for effective AI audits, the challenges organisations face when implementing AI management systems, and the emerging need to formalise expectations around more advanced capabilities such as agentic AI.

This episode provides a grounded and accessible view of how the AI standards stack is being translated into real-world assurance, offering valuable insight for organisations navigating the evolving landscape of AI governance and certification.