Building AI Boston

Boston AI Week with Judah Phillips Sep 11, 2026

What does it take to build an AI ecosystem that starts in one place but reaches far beyond it?

That’s the idea behind Boston AI Week, the community-driven festival Judah Phillips created to connect companies, academics, investors, government, cultural institutions, job seekers, students, and people who are simply curious about AI.

Judah is Chief AI and Product Officer at Market Holdings and has been building AI communities in Boston for years. This year, Boston AI Week includes more than 500 participating organizations and more than 150 events, with visitors and delegations coming from 23 countries. Boston is the home base, but increasingly it isn’t the boundary.

What makes the event unusual is the model. Judah deliberately rejected the traditional conference format in favor of something decentralized, largely free, and built by the community itself. He describes it as a “civic action.”

Building AI Boston is part of that ecosystem too: Kara serves on the Boston AI Week board, and Kara and Anna will be on site as official media partners.

We dig into:

• Why an AI ecosystem can’t just be software companies talking to other software companies

• The four goals behind Boston AI Week: broaden understanding, create jobs, connect the ecosystem, and strengthen the Massachusetts economy

• Why Judah built a decentralized festival instead of a traditional conference

• Why keeping most events free matters to the mission

• How Boston AI Week became an international draw

• The career fair, and why job creation matters in a conversation often dominated by job loss

• Judah’s bigger ambition to make AI part of business, culture, community, and everyday life

• Why he prefers “humans in control” to simply “human in the loop”

This conversation is really about who gets to participate in the AI economy, how you build the connections that make an ecosystem work, and what happens when you invite a much bigger group of people into the conversation.

Boston AI Week https://aiweek.bostonBoston AI Week Schedule: https://aiweek.boston/scheduleJudah's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judahphillips

Authentic AI Marketing with Molly Mahoney on Building AI Boston Jun 15, 2026

In this exciting episode of Building AI Boston, hosts Anna and Chris sit down with AI marketing strategist, speaker, and entrepreneur Molly Mahoney to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way businesses connect, communicate, and grow. Known as “The Prepared Performer,” Molly has helped thousands of entrepreneurs leverage AI, content creation, and authentic storytelling to build profitable businesses while staying true to their unique voice. Her viral content has generated millions of views, and she has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc., and major marketing conferences around the world. During this conversation, Molly shares: • How to use AI without sounding robotic • The future of content creation and marketing • Why authenticity matters more than ever in the AI era • Building meaningful relationships with AI-powered tools • AI workflows that save time and increase impact • How entrepreneurs can stand out in a world flooded with AI-generated content • Why your “weird” may be your greatest competitive advantage Whether you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, creator, business leader, or simply curious about the future of AI, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. SPECIAL GIVEAWAY: Molly.live/aiboston Learn more about Molly Mahoney: https://www.mollymahoney.com The Prepared Performer: https://www.thepreparedperformer.com Listen to more episodes of Building AI Boston: https://www.buildingaiboston.com Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

AI Built for Law: Thomson Reuters CPO David Wong on why purpose-built tools matter in legal Jun 01, 2026

AI is really good at coming up with plans. It's not always great at executing them. David Wong thinks that gap is the whole story for legal AI right now, and it's why Thomson Reuters has been building the way they have. David is Chief Product Officer at Thomson Reuters, which has been around for over a hundred years and is one of the most established names in legal information. He leads CoCounsel, their AI platform, which recently hit 1 million users across 107 countries. He also just published a widely read Fortune piece laying out his framework for where legal AI is heading. We recorded the day after Anthropic launched Claude for the Legal Industry, with both Thomson Reuters and Descrybe included as MCP connectors. So this is a conversation about what it looks like when a 100-year-old company and a three-year-old startup end up in the same lineup, and what separates purpose-built legal AI from generic tools. We dig into: • The plan vs. execution gap at the center of David's Fortune piece, and why generic AI tools often stumble at the second part • The "wrong tool for the problem" framing, and why hallucination isn't the real risk; choosing the wrong tool is • Why both Descrybe and Thomson Reuters count as purpose-built tools, even though they sit at very different ends of the legal tech market • Thomson Reuters's "we replaced ourselves" moment: rebuilding Westlaw on a generative AI foundation, and why staying still wasn't an option • The PC software ecosystem analogy David uses to explain where this is all heading, and why no single AI company is going to write every legal application • Claude as orchestrator, not soloist: what it looks like when frontier AI delegates to a "team of specialists" through MCP connectors • The access to justice payoff both ends of the legal tech market are betting on David has been at the front of Thomson Reuters's AI strategy from the beginning, and his Fortune piece moved a chunk of the current debate about how AI actually executes on legal work. But this conversation stays grounded in customers, coexistence, and what it actually takes to ship this stuff responsibly at scale.

Boston Tech Week with Rose Johnson on Building AI Boston May 27, 2026

Traditional conferences put everyone in one venue and hand them a ticket. Tech Week flips it: hundreds of events across a city, hosted by whoever wants to host, all on a single calendar. Rose Johnson thinks this format gives the power back to creators, and Boston is about to find out what that looks like. Rose is a marketing partner at Andreessen Horowitz, where she leads Tech Week, a16z's decentralized conference series that started in LA in 2022 and has expanded to four cities. Boston is the newest. They set an internal goal of 500 events for the debut. They blew past 600. We recorded ahead of Boston Tech Week (May 26 to 31), which runs back-to-back with New York Tech Week so attendees can do both. This is a conversation about why Boston was the next city, what a "platform not organizer" model actually looks like, and what to expect when 600 plus events take over a town that's never done this before. We dig into: The origin story of Tech Week, from a post-COVID LA experiment in 2022 to a four-city circuit Why the decentralized format works, and why "power back to the creators" is the whole point Boston's response, well past the internal 500-event target, with deep tech and biotech sharing the calendar with hackathons for marketers What it means to treat Tech Week as a platform rather than a conference, with hosts setting the format and a16z staying out of the way The "renaissance, not revolution" framing, and why collaboration between cities matters more than rivalry How each city develops its specialization, from LA's entertainment AI and defense clusters to whatever Boston ends up becoming known for Practical advice for founders, students, and curious newcomers on how to navigate 600 plus events with a mindset of abundance Rose has been on the Tech Week team since the beginning and has watched it go from one LA experiment to a four-city circuit that companies like Anthropic, OpenAI, and Axios now return to year after year. But this conversation stays grounded in Boston specifically: the calendar, the hosts, the people showing up, and what the city gets to put on the map. Learn more about Boston Tech Week: https://www.tech-week.com/boston View the official Boston Tech Week schedule: https://www.tech-week.com/calendar/bo... Learn more about Rose Johnson at a16z: https://a16z.com/author/rose-johnson/ Boston Tech Week is presented by a16z and is scheduled for May 26 to May 31, 2026, with events hosted by companies and organizations throughout the city. Rose Johnson is listed by a16z as a marketing partner supporting Tech Week for a16z speedrun. Tech Week calendar + dedicated tracks: tech-week.com/calendar/boston Tech Week website: www.tech-week.com speedrun: a16z.speedrun.com Tech Week socials X: https://x.com/Techweek_ LinkedIn: / tech-week-a16z Instagram: / techweeka16z My linkedin if you need it: / rosejohnson32

“It’s About Us” with guest Bryan Reimer, Research Scientist at MIT Mar 29, 2026

Most AI conversations start with the technology. Bryan Reimer thinks that's exactly the problem. A research scientist at MIT and global expert on AI, human behavior, mobility, and public policy, Bryan joins us to talk about his new book, How to Make AI Useful, and the thesis that cuts through the noise: the technology was never the point. We are. In this episode of Building AI Boston, we get into autonomous vehicles as a live case study in what happens when deployment outpaces policy, trust, and common sense — and what that tells us about where generative AI is headed next. We dig into: * Why 80% of today's generative AI advancements may already be beyond what businesses can actually use * What autonomous vehicles reveal about what happens when technology outruns policy — and why the next major incident isn't an if, it's a when * How to think about AI as a co-pilot, not an autopilot — and what gets lost when we confuse the two * The difference between the "wow" and the "whoa" in AI adoption * Why Bryan is betting on the wet computer — the brain between your ears — for a long time to come * What AI2030 is building to make sure the responsible side of this conversation doesn't get drowned out Bryan has advised transportation leaders at the federal level, including serving as vice chair of the AI subcommittee under Secretary Pete Buttigieg. But this conversation stays grounded — in the practical, the personal, and the question of whether we are going to let AI change us.

The Ethical AI Puzzle with guest Cansu Canca on Building AI Boston Mar 11, 2026

What does it mean to build AI that actually works? Not just technically, but for the people it touches. In this episode of Building AI Boston, we sit down with Cansu Canca, philosopher, Founder and Director of the AI Ethics Lab, and Director of Responsible AI Practice at Northeastern University, to talk about why getting AI ethics right is less about adding a policy at the end and more about how you build from the start. Cansu came to AI ethics through philosophy, public health, and law — fields where the stakes are high and the time to decide is short. That combination shaped her belief that ethical thinking is not a luxury or a slowdown. It is how you get to better technology. We dig into: • Why every AI system already reflects someone's values, whether you planned it or not • What autonomy, fairness, and harm reduction actually look like when you move from principle to practice • Her Puzzle-solving in Ethics (PiE) Model for working through ethical questions in real time, when there is no perfect answer and no time to wait • How bias in your model is often just a sign that your model is not doing its job • Why academia is one of the few places left that can ask hard questions without a product to protect • What responsible AI governance inside a university looks like when you are the builder, the buyer, and the classroom all at once Cansu has advised the UN, Interpol, the World Health Organization, and the World Economic Forum. But this conversation stays grounded — in the practical, the urgent, and the question of who is actually in the room when these decisions get made.

Reimagining Healthcare in the Age of AI with Sheila Phicil Mar 02, 2026

What happens when we introduce powerful new technology into a system that was already failing the people it was built to serve? That is the question at the heart of this conversation. In this episode of Building AI Boston, we sit down with Sheila Phicil, social change futurist, founder of Phicil-itate Change™, and author of the forthcoming book Remembering How to Care: Reimagining Healthcare in the Age of AI, to explore what it will truly take to redesign healthcare from the bottom up.

Sheila's journey began in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where a volunteer medical mission taught her that even the best-intentioned care can miss the mark entirely. That lesson, listen first and design second, has driven nearly two decades of work inside institutions like Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Medical Center, and now sits at the core of everything she builds.

We dive into:

Why the U.S. spends the most on healthcare yet ranks last in life expectancy among developed nations and what structural forces are really driving that gap
How the SEEDS of Innovation™ Framework helps health systems get to the root of the problem instead of repeating the same costly mistakes
The Listen Phirst™ platform: using voice AI to collect lived experience at scale and center the voices of the most vulnerable in innovation decisions
Why digital health fails at a 98% rate and what that tells us about introducing AI into already strained systems
The coming collision of rising unemployment, shrinking healthcare coverage, and burnt-out providers
Data sovereignty and why your health data is an extension of your identity, belongs to you, and should be treated as the asset it is
Why the people experiencing the most pain are the ones best positioned to drive the innovation

Sheila also shares her open letter to the CEO of Anthropic on how current AI models risk undermining human sovereignty and makes the case that the most urgent question of our time is not how to build smarter AI, but who gets to decide what health, safety, and care actually mean.

This is a conversation about listening, equity, and what it looks like to walk up to the top of the river and ask why people are falling in. The future of healthcare will not be designed by the system. It will be built by listening to the people living it.

____________________________________________________________________________

Sheila Phicil, MPH, MS, PMP, FACHE | Social Change Futurist ™ | 4x Founder

Phicil-itate Change: https://phicil-itatechange.com

Listen Phirst™ Platform: https://listenphirst.com

Sheila's Open Letter to the CEO of Anthropic: https://helpthisbook.com/sheila-phicil/open-letter-to-anthropic

Guest Bio

Sheila Phicil is a Social Change Futurist™ with nearly two decades of experience shaping healthcare innovation. She is the founder of Phicil-itate Change™, an innovation studio helping startups, investors, and health systems implement ethical, patient-centered solutions. She’s held leadership roles at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Boston Medical Center, where she served as Director of Innovation for the Health Equity Accelerator. She developed the SEEDS of Innovation™ Framework and launched Listen Phirst™, a platform translating patient stories into actionable insights, while advancing data sovereignty through consent and compensation. A first-generation Haitian American, Sheila launched her first nonprofit at age 14. She holds dual master’s degrees from Boston University, is a PMP and FACHE, and has received multiple leadership honors. She is a sought-after speaker and a published contributor to journals including JAMA Oncology. Her forthcoming book, Remembering How to Care: Reimagining Healthcare in the Age of AI, explores reimagining healthcare in the age of AI.

The future of workflow with Andie Dovgan Dec 19, 2025

In this episode of Building AI Boston, we sit down with Andie Dovgan, Chief Growth Officer at Creatio, a Boston-based unicorn CRM and workflow automation company, to explore what happens when AI moves beyond pilots and hype and starts reshaping real business workflows.

Andie breaks down the difference between AI as an assistant and agentic AI — autonomous systems capable of executing entire workflows — and why the future of work depends on how well organizations combine digital talent with human judgment.

We dive into:

• Why AI is an economic shift, not just a technology trend

• What most leaders get wrong about “job replacement” narratives

• How CRM is being reimagined to reduce friction and increase insight

• Why no-code tools empower business teams to adapt faster — without waiting on IT backlogs

This is a conversation about building systems that work in the real world — and a reminder of what Boston does best: turning big ideas into practical impact.

Guest

Andie Dovgan

Chief Growth Officer, Creatio

🔗 Creatio Website: https://www.creatio.com

🔗 Andie Dovgan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andiedovgan/

#BuildingAIBoston

#AgenticAI

#AIInBusiness

#FutureOfWork

#NoCode

#CRM

#BostonTech

Accessible by Design with guest Sandy Lacey, Perkins School for the Blind Nov 25, 2025

At the heart of every revolution is an idea that expands who gets to participate. In this episode of Building AI Boston, we sit down with Sandy K. Lacey, the founding executive director of the Howe Innovation Center at Perkins School for the Blind, to explore how accessibility, AI, and Boston’s innovation ecosystem are converging to reshape what inclusive technology can look like. For nearly 200 years, Perkins has been inventing solutions that open doors for people with disabilities — from the iconic Perkins Brailler to global education programs that reach more than a million children and families. Sandy’s work carries that legacy forward by catalyzing collaboration across startups, universities, corporations, and government to accelerate innovation in disability tech. We dive into: • Why accessibility is not a niche issue but a universal one — affecting 25% of Americans today and nearly all of us eventually • How Boston’s unique AI and innovation ecosystem is poised to lead the nation in accessible technology • The unexpected power of “low-tech” innovation — including furniture made from adaptive cardboard that unlocks learning for kids • The future of braille literacy, and how AI could personalize and gamify learning for both children and adults The $18 trillion economic opportunity most companies overlook when they fail to build accessibly Why inclusive design is simply better design, and how businesses, engineers, and founders can embed accessibility from day one. Sandy also shares volunteer opportunities, the role AI can play in scaling global accessibility, and why everyone — regardless of lived experience — has a place in this movement. This is a conversation about innovation, inclusion, and building technology that meets the world where it is. And it’s a reminder of what Boston does best: start revolutions that everyone can join. Sandy Lacey Executive Director, Howe Innovation Center https://howeinnovation.org/team/sandy-lacey/ Perkins School for the Blind Main site https://www.perkins.org Howe Innovation Center https://howeinnovation.org Perkins Assistive Technology & Innovation https://www.perkins.org/our-work/technology/ Disability Innovation Database (global mapping Sandy discussed) https://disabilityinnovation.perkins.org Volunteer Opportunities https://www.perkins.org/get-involved/volunteer/ Global Impact & Programs https://www.perkins.org/global/ Perkins Brailler https://www.perkins.org/perkins-brailler/

AI-Powered Accessibility with Raquel Ronzone, Perkins School for the Blind Nov 06, 2025

In this episode of Building AI Boston, we sit down with Raquel Ronzone, Associate Director of Strategy & Partnerships at the Howe Innovation Center at Perkins School for the Blind. Raquel shares her powerful story of being born four months premature with Retinopathy of Prematurity and how that experience fuels her work connecting the disability community with the innovation community. We talk about why accessibility is everyone’s business, why disability is the only group anyone can join at any time, and how many of the “everyday” technologies we rely on—from touchscreens to audiobooks—actually began as disability tech. Raquel also explains the $40B opportunity in disability innovation, the gap between what people with disabilities truly need and what the market builds, and how Perkins is mapping more than 2,500 disability tech solutions worldwide. It’s a hopeful, practical conversation about designing for real people—not edge cases. Building AI Boston – https://BuildingAIBoston.com Perkins School for the Blind – https://www.perkins.org Howe Innovation Center – https://www.perkins.org/howe-innovation-center Raquel Ranzone (LinkedIn) – https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquelronzone/ Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-ai-boston/id Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/building-ai-boston YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingAIBoston

Leading the Life Sciences Revolution with Jenn Azar, CEO of Stellix Oct 29, 2025

In this episode of Building AI Boston, co-hosts Anna Devere and Kara Peterson sit down with Jenn Azar, CEO of Stellix, a visionary leader helping accelerate innovation at the intersection of science, technology, and human ingenuity. They explore how AI, digital transformation, and Industry 5.0 are reshaping the future of life sciences and drug discovery—from advanced manufacturing to personalized medicine—and how leaders can guide teams through change with empathy, humor, and purpose. Highlights: • How Industry 5.0 is bridging discovery and delivery in life sciences • The digital acceleration of drug discovery and biomanufacturing • Building adaptive, curious teams in a rapidly changing world • Why technology should create more space for human creativity • What it takes to lead with optimism and resilience amid transformation AI isn’t just transforming industry—it’s redefining how science moves from the lab to life.

🌐 BuildingAIBoston.com
🎧 Listen on Spotify
🎥 Watch on YouTube
💼 Learn more about Stellix: https://www.stellix.com
👥 Follow co-hosts: Anna Devere | Kara Peterson

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Building Future Innovators with Charlotte Dungan of the Mark Cuban Foundation Oct 21, 2025

🎙️ New Episode: Building Future Innovators

In this episode of Building AI Boston, co-hosts Anna Devere and Kara Peterson sit down with Charlotte Duncan, Chief Learning Officer at the Mark Cuban Foundation and Harvard-trained educator.

They explore how AI is transforming the way students learn — and why empowering the next generation with ethical, creative, and hands-on AI experience matters more than ever.Highlights:

• Learning vs. teaching — why students need both in the AI era

• The next digital divide: empowered AI users vs. everyone else

• How the Mark Cuban Foundation’s free AI bootcamps work (mentors, projects, real-world skills)

• Why human connection and communication will define the future workforce

• How students are already building real AI solutions — including a TIME “Kid of the Year” alumAI isn’t just reshaping technology — it’s reshaping education, opportunity, and the future of work.

#BuildingAIBoston #AI #EdTech #MarkCubanFoundation #Innovation #BostonAI #BostonTech

Driving trust with AI Live from Boston Startup Week at Suffolk University with Parag Shah Oct 14, 2025

Live from Suffolk University during Boston Startup AI Week!In this special episode of Building AI Boston, co-host Kara Peterson sits down with Parag Shah of CarGurus, a leader in applying AI and data science to bring more trust and transparency to car buying and selling.CarGurus is harnessing the power of AI to transform the car-shopping experience—empowering consumers with greater personalization, richer vehicle data, and smarter deal ratings, while helping dealers connect with customers more effectively and make data-driven decisions that support their business.

In this conversation, Parag Shah shares insights on:* How CarGurus leverages AI to revolutionize the car-buying experience* The challenges and opportunities of AI in large-scale consumer platforms* Why Boston is emerging as a global hub for AI innovation* What the future of automotive commerce looks like in an AI-driven world.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, technologist, or consumer, this episode shines a light on how AI is driving smarter solutions in one of the world’s largest industries.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to Building AI Boston for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of AI. Hashtags #BuildingAIBoston #BostonStartupWeek #BostonAI #ArtificialIntelligence #CarGurus #AI #BostonTech #StartupBoston #BostonInnovation

Building AI Boston | Live from Boston Startup Week at Suffolk University with Brendan Witcher Oct 02, 2025

Recorded live at Suffolk University during Boston Startup Week, this special episode of Building AI Boston brings together innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of AI. Our guest, Brendan Witcher, a leading analyst and visionary on customer experience and digital strategy, shares powerful insights on how artificial intelligence is transforming businesses, reshaping consumer expectations, and influencing the startup ecosystem. In this episode, you’ll discover: How startups can leverage AI to accelerate growth and scale smarter The biggest challenges and opportunities AI presents for entrepreneurs Why Boston is becoming a global hub for AI innovation Brendan’s perspective on the next big wave in digital transformation Whether you’re a founder, innovator, or AI enthusiast, this live conversation will inspire new ways of thinking about technology and its role in building the future. Stay connected: Visit us: https://www.buildingaiboston.com Want to sponsor Building AI Boston? Email us at info@buildingaiboston.com #BuildingAIBoston #BostonStartupWeek #ArtificialIntelligence #BrendanWitcher #SuffolkUniversity #BostonStartups

Smarter AI Playbook with Brendan Witcher | Building AI Boston Oct 01, 2025

n this episode of Building AI Boston, hosts Anna Devere and Kara Peterson sits down with Brendan Witcher, a leading voice on digital strategy and innovation, to break down what businesses really need in their Smarter AI Playbook.

Brendan shares practical insights into how organizations can successfully adopt AI without getting lost in the hype. From aligning AI initiatives with customer experience to overcoming the cultural and operational roadblocks, this conversation is all about turning AI into real business outcomes.

🔹 Topics we cover include:

Why most AI initiatives fail—and how to fix it
Building a smarter AI playbook for growth and impact
How Boston companies are leading the way in AI adoption
The human side of AI: trust, transparency, and customer value
What’s next in the AI revolution

If you’re a business leader, innovator, or AI enthusiast looking for actionable strategies, this episode is packed with insights you can use today.

📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations from the heart of Boston’s AI movement.

#BuildingAIBoston #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #BostonTech #BrendanWitcher #SmarterAI

The Heart of Innovation with Dr. Ami Bhatt Aug 28, 2025

In this episode of Building AI Boston, we are honored to welcome Dr. Ami Bhatt, a nationally recognized leader in cardiology, digital health innovation, and AI-driven patient care.

Dr. Bhatt, Chief Innovation Officer at the American College of Cardiology and Chair of the inaugural Digital Health Advisory Committee at the FDA, shares how Boston is at the forefront of reimagining healthcare through AI and technology. Learn how Dr. Bhatt is transforming patient experiences and leading the next generation of healthcare innovation. Connect with Dr. Ami Bhatt: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dramibhatt/ American College of Cardiology: https://www.acc.org Join us as we explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, telehealth, predictive analytics, and the future of cardiovascular care. Subscribe for more conversations about Boston’s AI future! #BuildingAIBoston #DigitalHealth #ArtificialIntelligence #HealthcareInnovation #BostonTech #FutureOfMedicine #Cardiology #Telehealth

Powered by Community with Stephanie Roulic Jul 28, 2025

🎙️ Just dropped: A new Building AI Boston episode with Stephanie Roulic, Founder & CEO of Startup Boston! Get the inside story on Boston’s startup ecosystem—and how AI is changing the game for founders and innovators. Stephanie shares her journey building Startup Boston, the power of community-driven innovation, and how today’s AI tools are making entrepreneurship more accessible than ever. Don’t miss this episode—and don’t miss your chance to join Startup Boston Week, the region’s biggest (and most welcoming) event for founders, operators, and the startup-curious. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s your ticket to new ideas, powerful connections, and a firsthand look at how AI is shaping the future of business. 🚀 Register for Startup Boston Week: https://www.startupbos.org/sbw2025 #buildingaiboston #StartupBoston #StartupBostonWeek #BostonTech #Entrepreneurship #AI #Innovation #communityleadership

A Blueprint for AI Readiness: Don’t Be the Ostrich Jul 18, 2025

Welcome to Building AI Boston — where we explore the people and ideas shaping our AI future. In this episode, we’re joined by Paul Baier, CEO of GAI Insights and Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School, to talk about what it really means to get AI-ready — as individuals, teams, and entire regions. From founding the AI Blueprint for Massachusetts to launching Boston AI Week and the wildly popular “AI Woodstock,” Paul shares what it takes to build a thriving, inclusive tech ecosystem. We cover: • The danger of “ostriching” — ignoring the AI wave instead of preparing for it • How Boston is uniquely positioned to lead in AI talent, policy, and innovation • Why small teams, human connection, and community leadership matter now more than ever This conversation is part wake-up call, part playbook — and packed with practical ideas for anyone looking to pick up a shovel and get involved. Register for Boston AI Week: September 26th - October 3rd, 2025 https://aiweek.boston #AI #FutureOfWork #BostonTech #CommunityLeadership #BuildingAIBoston

AI for Job Seekers with Dr. Andrew Malinow Jul 07, 2025

Welcome to Building AI Boston!

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Andrew Malinow, PhD, founder of Hey Junior — a cutting-edge AI tool designed to help job seekers land interviews faster by automating personalized engagement on LinkedIn.

About Andrew:

Andrew is a data scientist and humanitarian whose own experience navigating unemployment inspired him to create Hey Junior. His solution? A GPT-powered “Junior” that:

• Comments thoughtfully on posts related to your skills and interests

• Integrates with scheduling tools like Calendly

• Initiates real conversations with hiring teams before you even step in

We cover:

• The human + AI handoff: where Junior ends and Andrew begins

• How to sign up for the beta and get Junior working for you

Links & Resources:

Hey Junior Beta → https://heyjunior.ai/

Sign-up waiting list → (see Andrew’s LinkedIn posts)

Andrew on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-malinow-phd/

If you’re tired of resume black holes and want meaningful conversations that lead to job offers, hit Subscribe and join us in reshaping the hiring ecosystem.

#AI #JobSearch #FutureOfWork #BuildingAIBoston

Revolutionizing Rare Disease Diagnosis with AI | Dr. Catherine Brownstein Jul 03, 2025

In this episode of Building AI Boston, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Catherine Brownstein, a leading force in pediatric genomics and rare disease research at Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Brownstein shares how AI is revolutionizing how we diagnose and treat rare diseases, her collaboration with OpenAI, and why Boston is a global hub for medical innovation. With over 15 years of experience in bioinformatics, genomics, and computational biology, she walks us through groundbreaking AI projects that are changing lives—especially for children with conditions that once defied diagnosis. Whether you're interested in healthcare innovation, artificial intelligence, or the future of personalized medicine, this is a must-watch conversation. Guest: Dr. Catherine Brownstein Scientific Director of the Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research Boston Children’s Hospital / Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School Learn more about her work: https://www.childrenshospital.org/research/researchers/catherine-brownstein https://connects.catalyst.harvard.edu/Profiles/display/Person/47081 Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingAIBoston#AIinHealthcare #BostonChildrensHospital #RareDiseases #CatherineBrownstein #ArtificialIntelligence #OpenAI #Genomics #PrecisionMedicine #Pediatrics #BuildingAIBoston #HarvardMedicalSchool #MedicalInnovation #BostonAI #HealthcareTech

The Art of Innovation with Onur Yüce Gün from New Balance Jun 11, 2025

Join us for an inspiring episode of Building AI Boston as we sit down with Onur Yüce Gün, Director of Computational Design at New Balance and a trailblazer at the intersection of architecture, AI, and product innovation. In this episode, Onur shares his journey from academia to architecture, and how his passion for parametric design, generative systems, and computation led him to revolutionize footwear design at New Balance. Discover how AI is driving creative exploration, performance optimization, and storytelling in product development, and why the future of design is more human because of it. Connect with Onur Yüce Gün 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/onuryucegun/ 🔗 https://onuryucegun.com About the Show Building AI Boston brings you into the minds of the leaders shaping the future of artificial intelligence, design, and innovation, all from the city known as the "Silicon Valley of the East." Hosted by Anna Devere Powered by WCRN | Spotify | YouTube

Equitable Capital Access with Allison Byers Jun 06, 2025

Join Allison Byers, founder and CEO of Scroobious, as she delves into the challenges and solutions surrounding equitable access to capital for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Drawing from her extensive experience in the startup ecosystem, Allison discusses the systemic barriers that diverse founders face and how innovative platforms like Scroobious are working to bridge the funding gap. In this insightful conversation, Allison shares: Her personal journey from leading a medical device startup to becoming a passionate advocate for funding equity. The inspiration behind Scroobious and its mission to democratize access to early-stage capital. Practical advice for founders navigating the fundraising landscape. Strategies for investors to discover and support high-potential, underrepresented startups. Discover how redefining success beyond traditional venture capital metrics can lead to a more inclusive and prosperous entrepreneurial ecosystem. 🔗 Learn more about Scroobious: https://www.scroobious.com 📌 Connect with Allison Byers: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-byers/

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#EquitableCapital #StartupFunding #DiversityInTech #AllisonByers #Scroobious #Entrepreneurship #InclusiveInnovation

No-Code, Big Impact: Karen Kelly on Democratizing Innovation May 23, 2025

Can you really launch an AI-driven product in a few hours with no code? Karen Kelly says yes — and she’s on a mission to prove it. In this episode of Building AI Boston, we dive deep with Karen Kelly, a 3x founder, TEDx speaker, and marketing visionary whose career has spanned healthcare, media, and technology. With over 20 years of experience and a passion for imagination, connection, and compassion, Karen is helping non-technical founders build real, scalable products with her newest venture: Launch by Lunch. From being named one of Boston’s “50 on Fire” startups to speaking at Startup Boston and being featured in AdAge, Karen has consistently challenged the limits of what's possible — and now she’s unlocking the future of no-code AI. 👉 Visit Karen’s no-code accelerator: https://launchbylunch.co 👉 Connect with her team: https://www.linkedin.com/company/launch-by-lunch-no-code

New Frontier of Storytelling with Jason Parks May 14, 2025

In this episode, we sit down with visionary creator Jason Parks, CEO of ROTU Entertainment & Media, Ltd., to explore how art, empathy, and AI are shaping the future of immersive experiences. From the creation of narrative-driven virtual worlds to pioneering AI in game development and storytelling, Jason reveals how ROTU is pushing the boundaries of tech, culture, and consciousness. 🌐 Learn more about ROTU: https://www.rotu.com 🔗 Follow Jason Parks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonparksrotu 👾 Whether you're fascinated by the metaverse, XR/VR, AI-enhanced storytelling, or how Boston continues to lead the way in innovation, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 💬 Leave a comment below — What immersive experience do you think AI will create next? 🔖 Hashtags: #BuildingAIBoston #JasonParks #ROTU #Metaverse #ImmersiveStorytelling #AIInnovation #VirtualReality #XR #GameDevelopment #BostonTech #FutureOfEntertainment #ArtificialIntelligence #TechVisionary #AICreativity

Partnering with Robots with Dr. Tom Williams Apr 14, 2025

Can robots really understand us? Dr. Tom Williams believes they must.

In this cutting-edge episode of Building AI Boston, we sit down with Dr. Tom Williams, Associate Professor of Computer Science at the Colorado School of Mines and director of the MIRROR Lab (Mines Interactive Robotics Research in Human-Robot Teaming). His groundbreaking work explores how robots interpret human communication—and how that shapes our trust in AI.

From the ethics of autonomous agents to real-world applications of cognitive robotics, Dr. Williams offers a visionary look into how we can build artificial intelligence that’s not just smart—but socially and emotionally aware.

🔹 Learn about the future of human-robot teaming

🔹 Discover why transparency in AI matters

🔹 Explore how language, empathy, and trust define next-gen robotics

🎓 More about Dr. Tom Williams and the MIRROR Lab:

https://mirrorlab.mines.edu

🌆 Boston is the future of AI. Be part of the conversation.

AI Avenger with guest King Willonius Apr 07, 2025

AI Avenger: Exploring Creativity and Innovation with King Willonius

In this episode titled "AI Avenger," we delve into the multifaceted world of King Willonius—comedian, filmmaker, technologist, and the creative mind behind the viral AI-generated song "BBL Drizzy." Recognized as one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People in AI, King Willonius shares his journey at the crossroads of comedy, technology, and cultural storytelling.

Key Highlights:

• The Genesis of "BBL Drizzy": Discover how King Willonius crafted the first AI-collaborated song that became a cultural phenomenon.

• Embracing AI in Creative Processes: Insights into how AI tools have revolutionized content creation, enabling artists to dream bigger and produce more efficiently.

• Manifesting Success: A candid discussion on the power of belief, resilience, and the art of manifesting one's aspirations.

Connect with King Willonius:

Official Website: kingwillonius.com

YouTube Channel: @KingWillonius

Instagram: @kingwillonius

Spotify: King Willonius on Spotify

Apple Music: King Willonius on Apple Music

Hashtags: #KingWillonius #BBLDrizzy #AI #Comedy #Music #Innovation #AIAvenger

FemTech Resilience with Amanda Dorenberg Apr 02, 2025

In this episode, we sit down with the visionary Amanda Dorenberg, President of Billboard Canada and a powerhouse in AI, data innovation, and digital transformation. From shaping smart cities to reinventing how we experience advertising and media, Amanda is at the forefront of merging artificial intelligence with real-world impact.

🚀 Discover how she’s leveraging AI to reimagine out-of-home advertising, empower urban development, and champion diversity in tech leadership.

🔍 Topics we cover:

Data-driven innovation in public spaces
Women in tech and leadership
How Amanda is turning data into dynamic storytelling
The future of cities, media, and intelligence

📌 Learn more about Amanda Dorenberg:

🌐 https://www.amandadorenberg.com

📈 Billboard Canada: https://www.billboardcanada.ca

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandadorenberg

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadorenberg

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with AI leaders and innovators shaping the future of Boston and beyond.

👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for updates!

🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss an episode!

Empowering Voices in Tech with Bobbie Carlton Mar 23, 2025

In this episode of Building AI Boston, you will meet a true Boston Gamechanger, Bobbie Carlton, founder of Carlton PR & Marketing, Innovation Nights and Innovation Women.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

An overview of Innovation Women and how it overcomes the gender bias in the high-tech community
Bobbie’s approach to ethical AI as a PR and Marketing Professional
Why being a creative human is still important
An inspiring conversation around succeeding in male-dominated fields

This episode represents the spirit of a Boston legend who’s soft spot for the under-served and under-represented makes her a Boston Business Journal Woman to Watch.

Like, comment, and subscribe to Building AI Boston for more episodes featuring the pioneers shaping the future of AI in Boston—and beyond!

AI Runs on Dunkin' with Chris Angiolillo Mar 10, 2025

In this episode of Building AI Boston, you will meet Boston’s own Chris Angiolillo

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

How a local business owner “clones himself” with AI to better show up for his customers

Sequence automation for hiring and other process efficiency

How AI augments a Boston born franchise and how Dunkin stays on top of its game

Navigating the dangers of the hyper-efficient digital age

Join us for a view inside what makes this franchise owner successful, how AI supports his real estate business and how he maintains hope for the future with an eye efficiency.

Like, comment, and subscribe to Building AI Boston for more episodes featuring the pioneers shaping the future of AI in Boston—and beyond!

Inspiring AI Leadership with Mike Grandinetti Mar 08, 2025

In this episode of Building AI Boston, you will meet Boston’s Mike Grandinetti

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• Inside the World Economic Forum event at Davos, Switzerland

• Key takeaways from Imagination in Action AI Day and its impressive lineup

• Boston’s unique AI ecosystem and its impact on the world

• The role of creativity and innovation and why a human-centric approach matters in the era of • AI Agents and other disrupting trends

Join us for an insider view of the Boston AI Ecosystem from a mutli-award winning professor, whose passion for tech is surpassed only by his joy of teaching. Mike celebrates his students and inspires folks beyond the classroom with his own curiosity for life and learning.

Like, comment, and subscribe to Building AI Boston for more episodes featuring the pioneers shaping the future of AI in Boston—and beyond!

AI in Cultural Architecture Feb 24, 2025

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

How art and tech shaped a kid from Ohio into an award-winning, Harlem-based architect

The use of AI in blending history and a futuristic vision

The significance of cultural architecture in American history

Join us for an unexpected interview from beyond the Bay State and enjoy the artistic side of AI from a rising star who is now representing the United States at the 19th annual Biennale Architettura 2025. This prestigious award and the work featured at the United States Pavillion in Venice, Italy are only some of the many distinctions that set Jerome Haferd apart as a tour de force. Please visit his website to discover more of his indelible work and pieces like Sankofa and The Clotilda in Africatown, AL. Like, comment, and subscribe to Building AI Boston for more episodes featuring the pioneers shaping the future of AI in Boston—and beyond!

AI Empowered Women on Building AI Boston Feb 17, 2025

Welcome to a special episode of Building AI Boston, where we bring you exclusive coverage from the AI Powered Women Summit at MIT! 🌟

This episode highlights inspiring discussions with AI experts, industry leaders, moderators, and attendees who are shaping the future of artificial intelligence. We dive into the impact of women in AI, the challenges they face, and the breakthroughs that are paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative industry.

🎤 Featured Guests & Topics:

✅ Insights from top AI experts and innovators

✅ Stories from women leading in AI research and development

✅ The importance of diversity in artificial intelligence

✅ Strategies for empowering the next generation of women in tech

Join us as we showcase brilliant minds, thought-provoking conversations, and the energy of this groundbreaking summit. Don't miss out on this exclusive look into the AI revolution happening right here in Boston!

📌 Subscribe & Follow for More AI Insights!

🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

#BuildingAIBoston #AIWomenSummit #MIT #ArtificialIntelligence #WomenInAI #AIEmpowerment #TechInnovation

Backstage at CES with Jordan Harvey Feb 04, 2025

In this episode of Building AI Boston, you will meet Jordan Harvey

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

How a tech leader and futurist defines “Artificial Intelligence”
CES highlights from an Innovation Judge
Key takeaways from Jordan’s Insight Report about emerging trends
The upside of AI and how it can solve complex problems on a global scale

Join us for a fun insider view of the world’s largest Computer Electronics Show. Jordan is not only an Innovation Judge, he is also a leading creative force who has worked with some of the biggest names in the tech industry to help them bring their ideas to life.

Like, comment, and subscribe to Building AI Boston for more episodes featuring the pioneers shaping the future of AI in Boston—and beyond!

You can subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts:

Spotify: TK

Apple podcasts: TK

YouTube: https://youtu.be/PPXkp7a-y_I

Brands mentioned: Yarbo, John Deer, Boston Dynamics,

Human-Centered AI with guest Felicia Newhouse Jan 20, 2025

In this episode of Building AI Boston, you will meet Dr. Felicia Newhouse, founder of Business to Human and a pioneer in the integration of artificial intelligence and human-centered business practices. With more than twenty years of experience as a tech executive in Boston's dynamic startup ecosystem, Dr. Newhouse knows what makes our region special.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

What women need to be a part of the AI conversation today.
How we can encourage a more inclusive conversation around AI right now.
Her vision for human-centered AI.
An inspiring conversation around succeeding in male-dominated fields

Join us for an inspired look at what powers this AI visionary and why women’s voices are so important today as we shape this tool of the future.

Like, comment, and subscribe to Building AI Boston for more episodes featuring the pioneers shaping the future of AI in Boston—and beyond!

Cognitive Wellness Part Two with Joanna Peña-Bickley Jan 15, 2025

In this episode of Building AI Boston, we’re thrilled to feature Joanna Peña-Bickley, a visionary in AI and design. Known as the “Mother of Cognitive Experience Design,” Joanna shares insights into her groundbreaking work, her journey in blending creativity with technology, and the future of AI in human-centered design. From her work with global companies to her passion for innovation, Joanna inspires with every word.

Key Points:

• Why the world needs wisdom more than ever in this age of data.

• How her dyslexia helped shape her vision for everything she has created over her career.

• The promise youth holds to change the world.

• How we can hack our aging process with audio - yes audio!

📌 Learn more about Joanna Peña-Bickley

🌐 Joanna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannapenabickley/

🌐 Joanna’s Website:https://joannapenabickley.com

👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes!

Cognitive Wellness Part One with Joanna Peña-Bickley Jan 05, 2025

In this episode of Building AI Boston, we’re thrilled to feature Joanna Peña-Bickley, a visionary in AI and design. Known as the “Mother of Cognitive Experience Design,” Joanna shares insights into her groundbreaking work, her journey in blending creativity with technology, and the future of AI in human-centered design. From her work with global companies to her passion for innovation, Joanna inspires with every word.

📌 Learn more about Joanna Peña-Bickley

🌐 Joanna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannapenabickley/

🌐 Joanna’s Website:https://joannapenabickley.com

👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes!

Building AI Boston | Episode 1: Co-Founder Kara Peterson of Descrybe.ai - Access to Justice Dec 30, 2024

In this compelling premiere episode of Building AI Boston, we dive into how artificial intelligence is transforming access to justice. Our guest is Kara Peterson, co-founder of Descrybe.ai, an award-winning startup leveraging AI to make legal research more accessible and equitable for everyone.

🔍 What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

Kara’s inspiring journey to founding Descrybe.ai and her vision for how AI can help close the justice gap. How Descrybe.ai uses AI to create groundbreaking solutions for underserved communities. Thought-provoking insights on the intersection of AI, justice, and inclusivity 🌐

The role of Boston as a hub for ethical AI innovation 🚀

Join us for a fascinating conversation on how technology can empower individuals, transform communities, and drive a more equitable future. Kara shares her vision for Descrybe.ai and the far-reaching impact of AI in making the law accessible to all.

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe to Building AI Boston for more episodes featuring the pioneers shaping the future of AI in Boston—and beyond!

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