Hello, I’m Lauren Hawker Zafe, the Chief Operating Officer at Squirro, an enterprise generative AI-solutions provider. I am also the host of the multi-award-winning Redefining AI podcast, which explores the application of AI from a sociological, physiological, and psychological perspective.
Squirro was founded in 2012; our platform transforms large volumes of data into actionable intelligence at scale, specialising in semantic search, insights, and automation. The company caters to customers and clients across a range of verticals, including telecoms, finance, biotech, manufacturing, and government institutions.
We provide our telecom clients with a complex solution, but this is necessary: any institutions using AI, especially public organisations, need accuracy, security, and scalability. Our users expect a return on investment through the implementation of generative AI, but also want to ensure that their customers can consistently rely on our solution.
With over thirteen years of experience navigating the evolution of technology, we have mastered the art of delivering precision-engineered AI solutions. Our proven track record is reflected in the long-term trust and loyalty of our customers. In today’s rapidly maturing market, clients seek more than a vendor; they require a strategic partner with deep vertical expertise to co-author their AI transformation. Squirro is that partner providing the secure, deterministic foundation required to turn vast enterprise data into a distinct competitive advantage.
What do you enjoy most about working in this space?
The constant sense of possibility. I get to work at the intersection of human insight and technology, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve done in the name of work?
Well, I did once find myself flying a drone over Zurich in an attempt to explain the concept of Natural Language Processing. That definitely wasn’t something I had on my bingo card!
Where do you see telecoms heading?
Telecoms is an industry that is evolving beyond this backbone infrastructure. Generative AI has supercharged the sector, which is increasingly defined by real-time data flows and adaptive networks.
What would you like people to know about your work?
There are many connotations in this industry, but what we do at Squirro goes far beyond technology for technology's sake. We focus on building an environment where there’s team and innovation alignment, as well as execution with clarity. We want to create systems that are integratable at scale.
Why is a vibrant, flourishing telecoms ecosystem important for the UK?
I am Scottish — even though I’ve lived in Switzerland for a long time — and I believe it is the foundation for national competitiveness. An ecosystem positively impacts acceleration and fuels economic growth, opening doors for businesses across the sector. We all need a space to share knowledge, which ultimately underpins digital inclusion and advanced research. The telecoms sector arguably needs a thriving ecosystem now more than ever; we need the UK to remain a place where ideas become industries, and industries become global leaders.
