Shift AI Podcast

Democratizing Access to Health Care Benefits with Avante CEO Rohan D'Souza Jun 13, 2025

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz Ashkenazy sits down with Rohan D'Souza, co-founder of Avante, who is tackling one of America's most complex challenges: the $1.7 trillion employer-sponsored healthcare system. With his unique background as a former competitive swimmer from India and extensive experience in healthcare technology, Rohan brings a fresh perspective to an industry plagued by opacity and inefficiency.

Rohan shares how Avante is leveraging AI to democratize healthcare information, making complex insurance plans understandable for employees while helping employers control costs that are rising 8-14% annually. From his early days working with electronic medical records during the 2008 financial crisis to building a nine-person team that supports hundreds of conversations with AI-powered solutions, Rohan illustrates how productivity and creativity converge in the future of work. This conversation offers valuable insights for anyone interested in healthcare innovation, AI implementation in regulated industries, and the entrepreneurial journey of building solutions for massive, entrenched systems.

Chapters:

[01:57] From India to America - The Swimming Journey

[03:57] Early Career in Healthcare Technology During the Financial Crisis

[05:14] Introducing Avante - The $1.7 Trillion Opportunity

[09:10] The Employee Experience Problem

[14:05] AI Agents and Personalized Healthcare Recommendations

[18:25] Privacy Challenges in Healthcare AI

[23:35] Building the Founders Club and Early Customers

[28:07] The Future of Work - Productivity and Creativity

Connect with Rohan D’Souza

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohanpdsouza/

Website: https://avante.ai/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X:https://x.com/boazashkenazy

Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com

The Shift AI Podcast is syndicated by GeekWire, and we are grateful to have the show sponsored by Augmented AI Labs. Our theme music was created by Dave Angel

Follow, Listen, and Subscribe

Spotify | Apple Podcast | Youtube

Navigating the Enterprise Compliance Journey with Certivo CEO Kunal Chopra May 30, 2025

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz Ashkenazy welcomes Kunal Chopra, CEO and Founder of Certivo, to explore how AI agents are evolving from assistants to true team members. Kunal shares insights from his experience as a former leader at Microsoft and Amazon, and his current venture tackling product compliance challenges for manufacturers. Through Certivo's AI agent compliance managers can automate tedious regulatory tasks while maintaining strategic control of the process.

The conversation delves into the distinction between AI assistants and agents, examining the collaborative dance between humans and AI that defines today's implementations. Kunal offers a compelling vision of future workplaces where teams consist of both humans and AI agents working in tandem, while sharing candid advice for entrepreneurs and business leaders adapting to this new reality. If you're interested in how AI is reshaping teams and transforming manufacturing industries, this insightful discussion provides a window into what's coming next.

Chapters:

[02:19] Kunal's Background at Tech Giants and as CEO

[05:34] The Pioneer Square Labs Incubation Process

[10:06] Certivo's Origin and the Product Compliance Challenge

[12:35] How AI Agent Cora Solves Regulatory Compliance Problems

[16:59] The Evolution from Assistants to Agents

[21:20] The Human-AI Dance: Autonomy vs. Collaboration

[24:01] Manager Reactions and Changing Workforce Skills

[29:17] The Role of Mentors in Entrepreneurial Success

[31:33] Advice for First-Time Founders

[34:29] The Future of Work: "Agent" and "Team"

Connect with Kunal Chopra

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kunalchopra28/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X:https://x.com/boazashkenazy

Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com

Adapting Education to the Future of Work with WGU Executive Dean Paul Bingham May 15, 2025

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Paul Bingham, Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the School of Technology at Western Governor's University, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore the evolution of education in the digital age. Bingham brings a fascinating background spanning from a full career with the FBI, where he specialized in cybercrime investigations, to his current role pioneering innovative approaches to online education. As an institution designed specifically for adult learners with work experience, WGU has been at the forefront of educational innovation for over 25 years, well before remote learning became mainstream. Bingham shares insights on how competency-based education is transforming career pathways in technology, how AI and decision intelligence are personalizing the learning experience, and why adaptability is crucial in our rapidly changing technological landscape. If you're interested in how education is evolving to meet the needs of today's workforce, you won't want to miss this conversation.

Chapters:

[04:15] FBI Background and Cybersecurity Experience

[07:50] The Origins of Western Governor's University

[10:01] Competency-Based Education and Workforce Preparation

[15:15] AI and Decision Intelligence in Learning

[22:55] The Role of Mentorship in Remote Education

[27:08] Leadership Lessons from the FBI

[28:51] The Human Connection in a Digital World

[29:39] The Future of Work: Faster and Adaptable

Connect with Paul Bingham

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/paul-bingham-cpa/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X: https://x.com/boazashkenazy

Email: info@shiftai.fm

Drive Through AI: Making Fast Food Faster with Audivi CEO Seth Siegel May 06, 2025

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz welcomes Seth Siegel, founder and CEO of Audivi, a groundbreaking company revolutionizing the drive-through experience with voice AI technology. From bootstrapping his startup to achieving industry-leading accuracy in less than two seconds, Seth shares the journey of building a second-generation solution that succeeds where others have failed. As a self-described "blue collar kid from Long Island" turned tech entrepreneur, Seth offers candid insights into fundraising challenges, investor relationships, and the importance of domain expertise in the AI revolution.

Seth's practical wisdom on navigating the startup ecosystem while solving real-world problems makes this episode essential listening for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts alike. The conversation explores how AI is transforming industries beyond just drive-throughs, with Seth warning that white-collar workers need to adapt or risk becoming "the buggy whip makers" of the modern era. Whether you're interested in AI applications, startup funding strategies, or the future of work, this episode delivers valuable perspectives from a seasoned entrepreneur who's focused on "doing things that are incredibly hard and making them look incredibly easy."

Chapters:

[00:00] Introduction to Seth Siegel and Audivi

[02:50] Seth's Background and Career Philosophy

[04:23] Introduction to Audivi and Its Mission

[06:43] Industry Challenges and First-Gen AI Failures

[11:07] The Boston Mom Test and Technical Expertise

[15:22] Domain Expertise in Fast Food AI

[17:43] Navigating the Startup Fundraising Landscape

[21:22] Fundraising Challenges for Seasoned Entrepreneurs

[28:23] AI's Impact on Society and Future of Work

Connect with Seth Siegel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-siegel1

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X:https://x.com/boazashkenazy

Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com

The Shift AI Podcast is syndicated by GeekWire, and we are grateful to have the show sponsored by Augmented AI Labs. Our theme music was created by Dave Angel

Follow, Listen, and Subscribe

Spotify | Apple Podcast | Youtube

How AI Is Transforming Customer Data with Amperity CEO Tony Owens May 01, 2025

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, host Boaz welcomes Tony Owens, the recently appointed CEO of Amperity, a Seattle tech unicorn revolutionizing how companies leverage customer data in the age of AI. Drawing from over two decades at tech powerhouses Oracle and Salesforce, Tony shares his vision for the intersection of AI and customer data. The conversation explores how the traditional rules-based approach to customer data is being transformed by AI capabilities, enabling brands to create truly personalized experiences that fit into consumers' lives rather than interrupting them.

Description:

[01:30] Introduction to Tony Owens

[03:09] Tony's Journey Through Oracle and Salesforce

[05:18] The Amperity Story and Value Proposition

[07:53] AI's Impact on Customer Data Platforms

[09:38] Personalization and the Evolution of Customer Experience

[16:10 ] Balancing Personalization with Privacy

[18:02] Leadership in the Age of AI and Automation

[21:39] Mentors and Influences in Tony's Career

[25:03] The Future: 'Exciting and Uncertain'

[27:29] Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

Connect with Tony Owens

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-alika-owens-a53a794

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X: boazashkenazy

Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com

Reshaping Brand Engagement with AI and Sitecore CPO Roger Connolly Apr 17, 2025

In this latest episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Roger Connolly (Sitecore CPO) discusses how AI is transforming enterprise marketing with host Boaz Ashkenazy. Drawing from his experience at Victoria's Secret and Sitecore, Roger explains how brands like Nestle use generative AI to enhance marketing while maintaining brand consistency. As a Microsoft partner, Sitecore is developing "Brand Assistant," an AI tool that processes brand guidelines to help marketers create on-brand content and co-creating AI Innovation Lab. Roger shares his vision for the future of content creation, marketers' evolving roles, and how immersive technologies will shape customer experience.

Chapters:

[00:59] Introduction to Roger Connolly

[04:42] Sitecore's Evolution and Microsoft Partnership

[06:38] Delivering Content Across Channels

[07:41] The Nestle Brand Assistant Project

[12:29] Generative AI in Marketing Content

[14:55] Content Volume and Brand Authenticity

[17:15] The Future of Work in Marketing

[19:27] Mentorship in a Remote World

[20:30] Immersive Experiences and 3D Marketing

[24:39]The Future: Seamless and Freeing

Connect with Roger Connolly

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerconnolly/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X:https://x.com/boazashkenazy

Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com

Speaking Your Language in Amazon Q Developer Apr 09, 2025

EXCLUSIVE AWS ANNOUNCEMENT: Amazon Q Developer now speaks YOUR language! 🌎

In this special announcement from the Shift AI Podcast, we're breaking the news that AWS has launched multilingual support for Amazon Q Developer. This isn't a full episode—it's a direct, exclusive reveal that we're privileged to share first with our global community.

This breakthrough feature enables developers to build software using their preferred spoken language, removing a significant barrier for non-English speakers in the tech world. Now you can interact with Amazon Q Developer naturally, without the constant mental translation that interrupts your workflow.

Watch this quick announcement to learn how AWS is making AI development tools more inclusive and accessible for everyone, regardless of what language you speak.

Here are some additional details.

https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/devops/amazon-q-developer-global-capabilities/

Humanizing AI Communication in the Enterprise with Yoodli CEO Varun Puri Apr 03, 2025

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz Ashkenazy welcomes back Varun Puri, founder of Yoodli, for a discussion about his journey transforming a consumer-focused public speaking tool into an enterprise powerhouse. Since his last appearance, Varun has pivoted Yoodli into what he calls "the Grammarly for speech," now serving 50 companies through AI-powered communication training and role-playing scenarios.

With candid reflections on the startup rollercoaster—from the challenges of enterprise sales to building a vibrant company culture—Varun shares his vision of "grounded optimism" for the future of AI. This conversation offers valuable insights for founders navigating the enterprise market, teams adapting to hybrid work models, and anyone interested in how AI tools can enhance human communication while maintaining our essential humanity in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

Chapters:

[01:00] Introduction and Welcome Back

[02:43] Varun's Background and Yoodli's Mission

[03:43] Evolution from Consumer to Enterprise

[04:57] The Role Play Revolution

[06:59] Enterprise Deployment and Go-to-Market Teams

[08:43] Startup Journey: Challenges and Wins

[16:44] Team Culture and The AI House

[21:01] Hiring Strategy and Growth Plans

[23:22] The Future: Grounded Optimism

[26:49] Seattle's Startup Ecosystem

Connect with Varun Puri

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varun-puri001/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X: boazashkenazy

Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com

Building Trust in AI Agents with Experian EVP GM Shri Santhanam Mar 20, 2025

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Shri Santhanam, EVP and GM at Experian, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how one of the world's largest data companies is implementing AI at scale. From his early days at Stanford to pioneering Silicon Valley-style innovation in large enterprises, Shri shares insights into Experian's transformation from a traditional credit bureau to a data-backed platform company. The conversation delves into the development of the Experian Assistant, an AI-powered tool revolutionizing how businesses interact with complex financial data, and the critical role of trust in AI adoption. If you're interested in how major financial institutions are navigating the AI revolution while maintaining data privacy and ethical standards, this episode offers invaluable perspectives on the future of trusted AI agents in the workplace.

Chapters:

[00:00] The Trust Challenge in AI

[01:00] Introduction to Shri Santhanam

[02:39] Career Journey and Silicon Valley Innovation

[04:08] Experian's AI Evolution

[06:43] Experian's Business Transformation

[10:44] The Experian Assistant

[20:01] Internal AI Implementation

[23:48] Technical Infrastructure and Model Selection

[28:36] The Future: Trusted Agents

Connect with Shri Santhanam

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shriramsanthanam

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X: boazashkenazy

Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com

The Road to Autonomous Virtual Humans in Hollywood with Digital Domain VFX Expert Matthias Wittmann Mar 06, 2025

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, we dive deep into the fascinating world of AI-powered visual effects and digital humans with Matthias Wittmann, a leading VFX expert from Digital Domain. From his groundbreaking work on films like Benjamin Button to pioneering autonomous virtual humans, Matthias shares unique insights into how AI is transforming Hollywood and beyond. Learn about the challenges and innovations in creating lifelike digital characters, the future of AI in entertainment, and the unexpected applications of virtual humans in education and companionship. If you're interested in the intersection of AI, visual effects, and the future of digital entertainment, this episode offers an insider's perspective from one of the industry's most innovative studios.

Chapters:

[00:25] Welcome and Introduction to Matthias Wittmann

[01:55] Journey to Digital Domain: Early Career and Animation

[05:13] Digital Domain's Legacy in Visual Effects

[06:48] AI and Machine Learning in Facial Capture Systems

[08:31] The Birth of Autonomous Virtual Humans

[15:56] Applications and Future of Digital Humans

[25:37] AI Tools in Visual Effects Production

[29:23] Text-to-Video Technology and Industry Impact

[30:44] Mentors and Career Influences

[33:22] The Future: "Exciting Variations"

Connect with Matthias Wittmann

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthiaswittmann/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

Reshaping Workplace Communication with AI, Textio Co-Founder Kieran Snyder Feb 20, 2025

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Kieran Snyder, co-founder of Textio, joins Boaz Ashkenazy to explore the evolving landscape of AI in workplace communications. From her early days combining linguistics and engineering to pioneering bias detection in HR technology, Snyder shares unique insights into the responsible development of AI technologies. The conversation delves into the challenges of bias in large language models, the future of enterprise AI adoption, and observations about how different generations approach AI tools. Drawing from her experience early pre-ChatGPT development and her recent survey of students' AI usage, Snyder offers a thoughtful perspective on the intersection of AI and human labor. Whether you're interested in the future of workplace communication, the challenges of bias in AI, or how the next generation will reshape our relationship with technology, this episode provides valuable insights from someone who has been at the forefront of AI innovation for over a decade.

Chapters:

[00:00] The Current State of AI Adoption

[02:04] Origins and Background: From Engineering to Entrepreneurship

[06:52] The Evolution of Textio: From Word Processing to HR Tech

[09:36] Generative AI and Early Industry Insights

[14:26] Addressing Bias in AI Systems

[17:41] The AI Rush: Challenges in Enterprise Adoption

[22:12] The Next Generation's Perspective on AI

[26:17] AI Policy and Regulation

[28:50] Mentorship and the Future of Work

[34:33] Looking Ahead: The Actively Emerging Future

Connect with Kieran Snyder

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-snyder/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X: boazashkenazy

Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com

Revolutionizing Healthcare Through AI with Providence Chief Transformation Officer Sara Vaezy Feb 06, 2025

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Sara Vaezy, Chief Transformation Officer at Providence, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore the transformative impact of AI in Healthcare. From Providence's groundbreaking response to the COVID-19 pandemic to their innovative implementation of AI solutions, Vaezy shares insights into how one of America's leading healthcare systems is revolutionizing patient care and clinical workflows. Learn how Providence is tackling healthcare's biggest challenges through AI-powered solutions, from reducing clinician workload to improving patient access and communication. If you're interested in the future of healthcare technology, responsible AI implementation in clinical settings, or the evolution of patient care in the digital age, this episode offers invaluable insights from the frontlines of healthcare innovation.

Chapters:

[00:00] Early Beginnings: From Music to Healthcare

[04:37] The Journey to Providence Healthcare

[07:17] Digital Health Acceleration During COVID-19

[13:20] AI Implementation Strategy and Resource Allocation

[16:11] Innovation in Patient Message Management

[22:06] Navigating Privacy and Technical Challenges

[26:50] Strategic Partnerships in Healthcare Innovation

[28:47] The Power of Mentorship and Professional Growth

[32:18] Future of AI in Healthcare

[35:50] Democratizing Healthcare and Work

Connect with Sara Vaezy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svaezy/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X: boazashkenazy

Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com

How AI is Making Work Manageable with Smartsheet's President of Product Praerit Garg Jan 22, 2025

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Praerit Garg, President of Product and Innovation at Smartsheet, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how AI is revolutionizing enterprise work management. From his journey through Microsoft and AWS to leading innovation at Smartsheet, Garg shares insights into how generative AI is transforming how organizations handle complex workflows and make data-driven decisions. Learn how Smartsheet is using AI to simplify formula creation, automate data analysis, and empower business users to work more efficiently. If you're interested in how AI is reshaping enterprise productivity and the future of work, you won't want to miss this conversation about building trust in AI systems and creating more delightful work experiences.

Chapters:

02:09 Journey to Seattle: From India to Microsoft

03:39 The Evolution to Smartsheet Leadership

05:20 The Gift of Generative AI

07:53 Transforming Business User Experience

09:38 Customer Success and Security

16:00 Navigating Non-Deterministic Systems

18:38 Real-World AI Applications

23:50 Leadership Philosophy and Human Alignment

25:56 The Church of Company Culture

31:12 The Future is Super Bright

Connect with Praerit Garg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/praerit-garg/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X: boazashkenazy

Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com

How Brain-Computer Interfaces Are Shaping Our AI Future with Neurable CEO Ramses Alcaide Jan 10, 2025

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, host Boaz Ashkenazy sits down with Ramses Alcaide, CEO of Neurable, to explore the groundbreaking intersection of neurotechnology and artificial intelligence. Alcaide shares his journey from fixing computers as a 12-year-old entrepreneur to revolutionizing human-computer interaction through brain-sensing technology. At the heart of their discussion is Neurable's innovative smart headphone technology, which can read brain activity to track focus, prevent burnout, and even enable thought-based device control.

From reducing workplace stress to potentially transforming how we diagnose neurological conditions, Alcaide paints a fascinating picture of a future where our minds seamlessly interface with AI to enhance human capabilities. He reveals how their partnership with Master & Dynamic is bringing this technology to consumers through stylish headphones that can help users maintain productivity and achieve better work-life balance. The conversation delves into both immediate applications, like focus tracking and burnout prevention, and longer-term possibilities including AR integration and medical applications.

If you're interested in the future of human-computer interaction, workplace wellness, or the convergence of mind and artificial intelligence, this episode offers an enlightening glimpse into how neurotechnology is poised to transform our daily lives.

Chapters:

01:45 Introduction and Background

04:37 The Potential of Neurotechnology and Brain-Computer Interfaces

07:41 Use Cases and How Neurotechnology Works

12:40 Updates and Challenges in Neurotechnology

20:01 Positive Outcomes and Future Possibilities

24:06 The Future of Work and AI

25:44 The Importance of Mentorship and Lessons Learned

27:40 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Connect Ramses Alcaide

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pharoramses/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

Email: shift@augmentedailabs.com

Building AI-Driven Ventures with Amp It Up Ventures Founder Kabir Shahani Dec 19, 2024

In this illuminating episode of the Shift AI Podcast, serial entrepreneur Kabir Shahani joins Boaz Ashkenazy to discuss his journey from founding Amperity to launching Amp It Up Ventures. Shahani shares deep insights into building AI-powered enterprises and his unique approach to company creation through his new venture studio.

He reveals details about two stealth companies, Adora and Avante, both tackling trillion-dollar markets with innovative AI solutions. From digital advertising to healthcare, Shahani explains how AI is fundamentally shifting business paradigms and why staying ahead of this transformation is crucial for modern enterprises. This episode offers invaluable lessons about entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the future of AI-driven business transformation.

Chapters:

[00:01:57] Early Days: From Kansas to Seattle

[00:07:48] Building Amperity: The Customer-First Approach

[00:14:33] The Transition: Leaving Amperity & Starting Anew

[00:19:58] Amp It Up Ventures: A New Model

[00:24:26] The Playbook Approach

[00:27:26] The Two Companies: Adora & Avante

[00:36:00] The Three Pillars of Support: Coaches, Mentors & Sponsors

[00:39:46] The Future: Paradigm & Enablement

Connect with Kabir Shahani

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kabirshahani/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X: boazashkenazy

Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai

How High Expectations and Flexibility Drive Innovation with Artemis CEO Christy Johnson Dec 13, 2024

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Christy Johnson, CEO of Artemis Connection and former McKinsey consultant, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how companies can create more flexible, inclusive workplaces while maintaining high performance. Drawing from her journey from high school teacher to McKinsey consultant to CEO, Johnson shares insights on revolutionizing traditional consulting models, embracing AI in the workplace, and fostering human potential.

You want to make sure you get in on this conversation if you're interested in the intersection of AI, workplace flexibility, and maintaining high expectations in the evolving business landscape.

Chapters:

[00:00:00] Setting High Expectations in the Age of AI

[00:02:01] From Teaching Math to McKinsey: Christy's Journey

[00:05:03] Growing Up Entrepreneurial in Washington State

[00:09:16] The Birth of Artemis Connection

[00:13:40] Reimagining Workplace Flexibility and Talent

[00:17:44] AI's Impact on Future Work Models

[00:19:53] Teaching Entrepreneurship in the AI Era

[00:23:14] The Power of Mentorship and Apprenticeship

[00:26:04] Supporting Women in Business Leadership

[00:31:19] High Expectations: The Future of Work

Connect with Christy Johnson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyjohnsonwel/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X: boazashkenazy

Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai

AI Security at the Crossroads with Professor David Danks and HydroX CEO Zhou Li Dec 06, 2024

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, host Boaz Ashkenazy is joined by two pioneering experts in AI security and ethics: David Danks, Professor of Data Science and Philosophy at UC San Diego, and Zhou Li, founder and CEO of HydroX AI. Together, they explore the critical intersection of AI adoption, security, and trust in an era of unprecedented technological change.

Drawing from their extensive experience at leading tech companies and academic institutions, Danks and Li offer unique insights into why AI security must be built into systems from the ground up, rather than added as an afterthought. They discuss real-world security risks while emphasizing the importance of human values in AI system design.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as they explore how the traditional cybersecurity paradigm is being reimagined for the AI age. If you're interested in understanding how organizations can safely adopt AI while managing risks and building trust, this episode provides essential insights from two leaders at the forefront of AI safety and ethics.

Chapters:

[00:00:00] Opening Thoughts on AI's Rapid Evolution

[00:01:43] Introduction to Our Distinguished Guests

[00:03:35] First Jobs and Career Beginnings

[00:05:19] The Evolution of AI Ethics and Trust

[00:10:35] Security Experience at Tech Giants

[00:13:48] Current State of AI Adoption

[00:20:51] Real-world AI Security Risks and Threats

[00:28:57] Mentorship and Inspiration

[00:32:35] Future of Work: Two-Word Predictions

Connect with David Danks

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-danks-21538613/

Connect with Zhuo Li

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhuo-li-4830a145/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X: boazashkenazy

Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai

Architecting the Future of Building Design with NBBJ Futurist Kristen Forward Nov 22, 2024

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Kristen Forward, Design Technology Futures Leader at NBBJ, joins Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how AI and computational design are revolutionizing architectural practice. From her unique journey starting in finance to becoming a pioneer in architectural technology, Forward shares insights into how one of Seattle's preeminent architecture firms is integrating AI into their design process. She discusses how data-driven approaches and artificial intelligence are transforming everything from initial concept development to regulatory compliance in building design. If you're curious about how AI is reshaping the future of architecture and workplace design, particularly in healthcare and tech spaces, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into what's possible when human creativity meets computational innovation.

Chapters:

[00:01:38] Meeting Kristen Forward

[00:04:06] NBBJ's Global Impact

[00:05:26] Creative Origins and Family Influence

[00:08:02] The Evolution of Computational Design

[00:11:37] AI Integration in Building Design

[00:15:41] Training and Ethics in AI Architecture

[00:24:26] Mentorship in Modern Architecture

[00:26:22] Remote Work's Impact on Design

[00:28:42] The Future: Collective and Regenerative

Connect with Kristen Forward

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen4ward

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X: boazashkenazy

Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai

The Future of Intelligent Hearables with UW Professor of CSE Shyam Gollakota Nov 07, 2024

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz Ashkenazy sits down with Professor Shyam Gollakota, a pioneering researcher and entrepreneur from the University of Washington's Mobile Intelligence Lab. Gollakota shares his groundbreaking work on intelligent hearables and proactive speech agents that could revolutionize how we interact with sound and AI. From noise-filtering earbuds that can isolate specific voices in crowded spaces to AI agents that anticipate our needs in real time, Gollakota's vision of human-AI symbiosis offers a glimpse into a future where technology seamlessly enhances our natural capabilities. Whether you're fascinated by the intersection of hardware and artificial intelligence or curious about how AI might augment human potential, this episode provides fascinating insights into the next frontier of human-computer interaction.

Chapters:

[00:00:00] From Programming to Problem-Solving: Shyam's Journey

[00:02:04] Academic Entrepreneurship: From IIT to UW

[00:04:38] The Mobile Intelligence Lab Vision

[00:06:35] Intelligent Hearables: Transforming Sound Perception

[00:12:47] The Technology Behind AI-Enhanced Hearing

[00:17:25] Proactive Speech Agents: The Future of AI Assistance

[00:21:48] Mentorship and AI Personas

[00:24:15] Sound, Evolution, and Human Adaptation

[00:26:57] Science Fiction Becoming Reality

[00:30:12] Closing Thoughts: The Human-AI Future

Connect with Shyam Gollakota

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shyam-gollakota-4125b2159

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai

Taking on Cyberstalking against Women with Certifi CEO Melissa Hutchins Oct 21, 2024

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, we dive into the critical issue of digital harassment against women with Melissa Hutchins, CEO of Certifi AI. Melissa shares her personal experience with cyberstalking and how it inspired her to develop AI-driven solutions to combat online abuse. She discusses Certifi AI's innovative approach to detecting manipulated images and videos, including insights into the challenges of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of resilience and having a personal connection to the problem being solved. The conversation also touches on the future of work, with Melissa highlighting the need for ethical AI practices and diverse perspectives in technology development.

Chapters:

00:00 Personal Motivation

01:51 Career Journey

06:17 Early Experiences & Family

10:34 Certifi AI Overview

18:22 Entrepreneurship Lessons

23:40 Mentors & Influencers

27:22 Ethical AI

Originally recorded on June 4th, 2024, this episode marks an exciting milestone in Melissa’s journey with Certifi AI. Since then, she has successfully launched the alpha version of Certifi AI for select users, forged strategic partnerships with industry leaders, and is actively in the process of fundraising.

Connect with Melissa Hutchins

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hutchins Website: https://www.certifiai.com

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X: boazashkenazy

Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai

AI's Transformative Role in Banking with CIBC EVP Infrastructure David Gillespie Oct 08, 2024

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, we delve into how AI is transforming the banking industry with guest David Gillespie, a technology leader at CIBC. David shares insights into AI-driven innovations at CIBC, from the automation of document processing to enhancing employee performance and discusses the regulatory challenges in the banking sector. He highlights the importance of AI education among business leaders and how CIBC is fostering an AI-forward mentality among its executives.

The episode also touches on the future prospects of AI in banking, suggesting a potential system reset in how financial institutions operate. This conversation is particularly valuable for those interested in practical AI applications within finance and regulated industries.

Chapters:

02:10 Introduction and Background

05:21 Early Years at CIBC and Innovation

08:24 Use Cases: Document Ingestion, Client Interface, and Regulatory Compliance

19:20 Human in the Loop and Job Displacement

23:16 Regulation and Governance in AI Banking

28:27 The Future of Work and AI in Banking

Connect with David Gillespie

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-gillespie-7a744a22

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X: boazashkenazy

Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai

Remixing Reality through AI with Vybe CEO Mandela Patrick Sep 28, 2024

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, host Boaz Ashkenazy welcomes Mandela Patrick, CEO of Vybe and creator of the Optics app. Mandela, a Rhodes Scholar with a PhD in AI from Oxford, shares his journey from Trinidad to becoming a leader in AI-driven creative technology. The conversation covers the innovative Vybe app, which allows users to easily modify and remix visual content. Mandela discusses the rapid evolution of AI, including recent developments like Google's Gemini, and offers insights into the future of AI technology. Mandela also shares his thoughts on responsible AI development, privacy concerns, and his vision for a collaborative future where AI and humans work together to advance society. This episode provides valuable perspectives on the intersection of AI, creativity, and social media, making it relevant for tech enthusiasts, creative professionals, and anyone interested in the future of AI.
Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction to Mandela Patrick

00:01:21 Educational and Career Journey

00:08:22 Early Entrepreneurial Endeavors

00:10:27 The Optics App: Remixing Reality

00:15:47 Funding and Vision for Optics

00:17:28 The Rapid Evolution of AI

00:21:21 The Impact of Mentorship

00:24:29 Future Predictions for AI and Personalization

00:29:27 Collaborative AI: The Future of Work
Connect with Mandela Patrick
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandelapatrick/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X: boazashkenazy

Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai

Bridging the AI Digital Divide with HP’s Global Head of Social Impact Michele Malejki Sep 21, 2024

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact for HP and Director of the HP Foundation, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to discuss digital equity in the age of AI and global technological advancement. Malejki shares her journey from Wall Street to Cambodia, and how these experiences shaped her vision for accelerating digital equity on a global scale. From HP's ambitious goal to impact 150 million people by 2030 to the nuanced challenges of the digital divide, Malejki offers insights into the power of combining business innovation with philanthropy. She explores the importance of local solutions, the role of AI in social impact, and her optimistic view on the future of work and technology. If you are interested in how corporate initiatives and community-driven approaches can shape a more digitally inclusive world, you won't want to miss this episode.

[00:00:36] Introduction to Michele Malejki and Her Role at HP

[00:01:31] Michele's Journey: From Banking to Global Impact

[00:05:57] Lessons Learned from International Development Work

[00:10:10] The Clinton Global Initiative Experience

[00:12:33] HP's Approach to Digital Equity and Social Impact

[00:14:35] Understanding the Complexities of the Digital Divide

[00:18:15] AI's Role in Business and Sustainability

[00:22:16] The Council of Cornell Women and Mentorship

[00:26:10] HP's Digital Equity Accelerator Program

[00:28:49] Future of Work and AI: Onwards and Upwards

Connect with Michele Malejki

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-malejki-71169865/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

X: boazashkenazy

Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai

Quotes:

9:36

“What that experience taught me was the power of actually having the individuals who are being impacted at the table and at the highest levels. And so, for me, what was exciting was to join all of these meetings and to actually see the people from the countries where their solutions were being talked about quite literally driving the answer forward and it's absolutely now what we try and do within the team that I'm on at HP is make sure there are no siloed solutions coming out of this and we're truly thinking about what are we even trying to address? Do we have it in our head right or do we have to step back and talk to those being impacted?”

17:45

“You have to know what you're doing with the technology that you have. My Cambodia experience showed me there's so many times technology gets dropped in a classroom, someone checks the box that a solution has arrived and they leave. And it never gets used. There's no confidence to use this in front of a classroom of children or learning adults and you say to yourself, what was it all for? So, I think that holistic approach is truly what allows the power of partnership, but it also allows companies to think about what's your unique value and being able to help be a part of the solution.”

The Power of Presence and Collaboration with Foundations Founding Partner Aviel Ginzburg Sep 12, 2024

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Aviel Ginzburg, founder of Seattle Foundations, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to discuss the future of the startup ecosystems in the age of AI and remote work. Ginzburg shares his vision for reinvigorating Seattle's entrepreneurial scene through a unique blend of physical space, community engagement, and mentorship. From his early days with Techstars to the creation of Seattle Foundations, Ginzburg offers insights into the challenges faced by modern entrepreneurs and the importance of fostering serendipitous connections. If you are interested in how community-driven initiatives can shape the future of work and innovation in tech hubs like Seattle, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Chapters:

Aviel's Career Background

A Data-Driven Career Path

Techstars' Impact on Seattle

Foundations: A New Approach

Location and Vision for Foundations

Mentorship and Influential Figures

Aviel’s Take on the The Future of Work

Redefining Education through Human-Centered AI with Atypical AI CEO Bethanie Maples Sep 05, 2024

In this episode of Shift AI, host Boaz welcomes Bethanie Maples, founder and CEO of Atypical AI, for an in-depth discussion on the intersection of AI and education. Bethanie delves into her background and the innovative vision behind Atypical AI, exploring how AI can revolutionize personalized learning experiences. The conversation touches on the broader implications of AI in preparing the workforce of the future, the significance of cultivating diverse expertise, and the evolving role of AI in educational assessment. Bethany also addresses societal fears surrounding AI and automation, emphasizing the critical need for human-centered AI solutions that empower both students and teachers.

Sections:

Bethany's Background and Career Journey Early Career and Personal Insights The Role of AI in Education AI's Impact on Workforce and Society Future of Work and AI Atypical AI and Its Vision Mentors and Influences Looking Ahead: AI and Education

Connect with Bethanie Maples

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethaniemaples/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy⁠

Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai

The Hidden Truth of Venture and AI with GP of Pack Ventures Ken Horenstein Aug 27, 2024

In this episode of The Shift AI Podcast, host Boaz Ashkenazy, founder and CEO of Augmented AI, sits down with Ken Horenstein, the founding partner of Pack Ventures, a venture firm that supports startups emerging from the University of Washington's vibrant tech ecosystem. Ken shares his journey from growing up in Vancouver, Washington, to becoming a key player in Seattle's venture capital scene, with previous roles at Microsoft's M12 and Venture Out.

Ken and Boaz delve into the art of identifying what’s truly necessary for startup success. Drawing from his experience working with highly technical research scientists, Ken offers a powerful framework for founders to cut through the noise and focus on the essentials. He also sheds light on the innovative AI and life sciences companies currently being incubated through Pack Ventures, including AI-driven document automation in the legal industry and cutting-edge biotech platforms.

Throughout the conversation, Ken emphasizes the importance of mentorship, sharing insights from his own mentors and offering advice to budding entrepreneurs. He also expresses optimism about the exponential value AI can bring to our lives, envisioning a future where technology enables us to live fuller, more impactful lives.

Join us for a deep dive into the intersection of AI, life sciences, and startup culture, and learn how The Pack Ventures is helping to bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and successful commercialization.

01:33 - Ken Hornstein’s Background and Career Journey 02:58 - Ken's Early Life and Entrepreneurial Roots 05:04 - Experience at Microsoft and M12 11:05 - Venture Out: Supporting Engineers' Side Hustles 16:21 - Pack Ventures: Seeding UW Innovations 20:12 - Exciting Portfolio Companies and AI Opportunities 28:29 - Mentorship and Personal Growth 32:51 - Future of Work and AI: Exponential Value

Connect with Ken Horenstein

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kenhorenstein

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy⁠

Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai

AI Agents and the World of Coding with AWS GM Doug Seven Aug 21, 2024

In this episode of The Shift AI Podcast, host Boaz Ashkenazy, founder and CEO of Augmented AI, is joined by Doug Seven, Director and General Manager of AWS AI Developer Experiences. As AI continues to revolutionize industries, Doug is at the forefront of this transformation, leading the charge in reshaping how developers write and deploy code with advanced AI tools.

Doug brings a wealth of experience from his time at Microsoft and Amazon, where he has witnessed and contributed to the evolution of developer tools. In this conversation, Doug and Boaz explore how AI agents are driving a radical shift in developer productivity, liberating engineers from routine tasks and empowering them to focus on more complex, creative problem-solving. Doug highlights the promise of AI in enhancing productivity, while also addressing the challenges of trusting AI in high-stakes environments and the importance of a thoughtful approach to AI adoption. They also discuss the evolving role of developers as orchestrators of AI agents and the promising future of work in an AI-driven world.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections 01:15 Doug Seven's Career Journey 02:50 Early Days and First Job 05:23 The Future of Developer Experience at AWS 06:02 AI and Developer Productivity 10:08 Exploring Amazon Q and AI Agents 13:36 Technical and Ethical Challenges of AI Agents 29:10 The Role of Mentorship in the AI Era 32:31 Looking Ahead: The Future of Work

Connect with Doug Seven

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dseven/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy⁠

X: ⁠boazashkenazy

Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai

The Guardian of Digital Identity with Loti CEO Luke Arrigoni Aug 09, 2024

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz welcomes Luke Arrigoni, founder of Loti, a company specializing in online protection for public figures. They discuss the transformative power of GenAI in storytelling, Loti's mission to combat deep fakes, and Luke's journey from a software engineer at Hollywood talent agency CAA to becoming the CEO of Loti. The episode delves into the technical and strategic challenges of running an AI startup, the importance of data privacy for celebrities, and the role of AI in safeguarding digital identities in the exciting yet complext future ahead.

00:00 The Power of Storytelling in the Age of AId 01:42 Luke's Journey: From Columbia to CAA 02:33 Early Career and First Jobs 06:27 Challenges and Innovations in AI and ML 06:54 The Role of Loti in Safeguarding Reputations 10:22 Partnerships and Industry Collaborations 13:14 Addressing Privacy for Public Figures 14:10 AI in Politics: Ensuring Fair Elections 16:10 Challenges Faced by AI Startups 17:51 Strategies for Efficient Compute Usage 19:40 Differentiation and Intellectual Property 26:21 Future of AI: ‘Cautious Optimism’

Connect with Luke Arrigoni

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukearrigoni/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy⁠

X: ⁠boazashkenazy

Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai

Design Thinking and Digital Dexterity with CDO of Domo, Chris Willis Aug 01, 2024

In this episode, we explore the role of design thinking in AI and data analytics, highlighting the importance of creating human-centered solutions. Chris Willis, Chief Design Officer at Domo shares valuable insights from his career in media, design and technology, emphasizing the necessity of digital dexterity and continuous learning in our rapidly evolving digital landscape. The conversation also delves into the potential and challenges of AI, addressing the risks of over-reliance on convenient answers and underscoring the critical need for robust AI safety measures.

Show Notes: [00:02:46] Chris’s experience and background [00:03:51] Growing up in New Hampshire and creative upbringing [00:05:53] Discussion on design thinking and its importance in problem-solving. [00:09:42] How Domo started and the application of design thinking principles in the company. [00:13:39] The Anna Karenina principle of business [00:18:38] Different styles of AI language models and their implications. [00:19:25] Using AI tools like ChatGPT for ideation and as a search engine. [00:23:21] Predicting future AI trends [00:27:09] Mentors and their impact on Chris’ career. [00:29:07] Two words to describe the future of work - "digital dexterity"

Connect with Chris Willis

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwillis/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy⁠

X: ⁠boazashkenazy

Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai

Transforming Team Efficiency with AI, CEO of Trelliswork Mike Nash Jul 25, 2024

In this episode of the Shift AI podcast, Boaz, founder and CEO of Augmented AI, engages in an enlightening conversation with Mike Nash, CEO and founder of Trelliswork. The discussion explores the significance of managing and leading teams in the evolving technological landscape, particularly with the integration of AI tools and workflows. Mike delves into the operational challenges faced by organizations and how Trelliswork aims to orchestrate team operations more effectively. The episode emphasizes the importance of mentorship, intentional progress, and rethinking work strategies in the age of AI.

01:59 Early Career Journey

04:41 Introducing Trelliswork

12:34 The Role of AI in Team Operations

17:38 Mentorship and Team Dynamics

22:06 Future of Work and AI

27:44 Two Words: Intentional Progress

Connect with Mike Nash

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwnash/

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

Twitter: https://twitter.com/boazashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai⁠

Investing in Founders in the Age of AI with Trilogy Equity Partners Jul 16, 2024

In this episode of the Shift AI podcast, Boaz Ashkenazy, CEO of Augmented AI, hosts Yuval Neeman and Amy McCullough, managing directors at Trilogy Equity Partners. They discuss Gen AI's potential to revolutionize the workforce by automating mundane tasks and making advanced services more accessible. Yuval and Amy share their journeys to venture capital, Trilogy's investment thesis, and highlight portfolio companies like Alongside and Bright Canary. The discussion also touches on the qualities VC firms seek in founders and the broader implications of Gen AI for society. The show is sponsored by Augmented AI and syndicated by GeekWire. 01:11 Introduction to Yuval and Amy 01:53 Yuval's Journey to Trilogy 02:56 Amy's Path to Venture Capital 05:55 First Jobs and Early Experiences 09:10 Trilogy's Investment Thesis 16:13 Exciting Portfolio Companies 22:17 The Impact of Gen AI on Society 26:10 Advice for Founders 32:27 The Future of Work and AI Connect with Amy McCullough LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-nam-mccullough-1144835/ Connect with Yuval Neeman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuvalneeman/ Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy Twitter: https://twitter.com/boazashkenazy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai⁠

Advancing Positive AI Outcomes with Partnership on AI CEO Rebecca Finaly Jul 08, 2024

In this episode of the Shift AI podcast, Rebecca, the CEO of Partnership on AI, discusses the dynamic impacts of AI on the job market, job quality, and worker well-being. Reflecting on her diverse career background and early influences, Rebecca emphasizes the necessity for multi-stakeholder collaborations, responsible AI development, and proactive workforce planning. She highlights AI's dual nature, bringing both opportunities and challenges, and stresses the importance of regulatory frameworks and proper education to prepare for this technological evolution. Key takeaways include the necessity of balancing technological adoption with human-centric values, and the potential of AI to address significant global issues.

00:00 Introduction: The Impact of AI on Jobs 01:38 Rebecca's Background and Career Journey 04:39 Public Policy and Personal Influences 06:09 Societal Reactions to AI Advancements 09:17 The Role of Partnership on AI 12:58 Public Policy and AI Regulation 16:12 Educating Policymakers on AI 18:41 The Future of Jobs in the AI Era 22:03 Employers' Responsibilities in the AI Age 24:33 Personal Mentors and Leadership Insights 26:19 Final Thoughts: Optimism and Responsibility

Connect with Rebecca Finely

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-finlay-b6b7a0a/

X: RFinLayPAI

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy⁠

X: ⁠boazashkenazy

Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai

How AI is shaking up the worlds of media and marketing with Geekwire's Todd Bishop and Adam Tratt Jun 19, 2024

In this episode of the Shift AI podcast, Boaz Ashkenazy, founder and CEO of Augmented AI, hosts Todd Bishop, co-founder of GeekWire, and Adam Tratt, marketing consultant at Squirrelfish, for an engaging discussion on the impact and future of AI in the world of media, marketing and startups. The conversation covers a variety of topics that range from Todd's perspective on Google’s approach to AI and Adam's ethical considerations in AI and marketing.

They delve into the rapid advancements in AI, discuss specific AI tools and explore the challenges startups face in a competitive tech landscape. With a special focus on Seattle's tech ecosystem, this episode provides valuable insights and predictions for the future trajectory of AI and its integration into the workplace.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Impressions of AI 01:57 Meet Our Guests: Todd Bishop and Adam Tratt 06:01 Current Trends and Developments in AI 07:17 AI Tools and Their Impact on Productivity 18:24 Ethical Considerations in AI 29:07 The Future of AI and Regulatory Concerns 35:34 First Jobs and Personal Stories 38:03 Conclusion and Farewell

Connect with Todd Bishop

LinkedIn: ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/toddbishop

Geekwire: www.geekwire.com

Connect with Adam Tratt

LinkedIn: ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/adamtratt

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/boazashkenazy⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy⁠

AI-Driven Learning and Development with Imperical College Idea Lab Executive Director Monica Ares Jun 06, 2024

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, host Boaz Ashkenazy, founder and CEO of Simply Augmented, interviews Monica Ares, the Executive Director of Innovation, Digital Education, and Analytics at Imperial College London Business School Idea Lab. They discuss Monica's journey from teaching and working at tech giants like Amazon and Meta to her current role in advancing immersive and AI-driven educational technologies. Topics include the convergence of AI and immersive experiences, the evolution of learning tools, and the impact of these advancements on higher education and lifelong learning. Monica shares her vision for a future where learning is seamless, personalized, and supported by intelligent technology.

00:51 Monica Aries: A Pioneer in Immersive Learning

01:38 Monica's Journey: From Educator to AI Innovator

05:41 The Power of VR in Education and Empathy

08:27 Exploring AI's Role in Enhancing Learning Experiences

12:59 Monica's Vision for Lifelong Learning and AI Integration

19:54 The Evolution of Monica's Educational Philosophy

26:12 Looking Ahead: The Future of Education with AI

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

Twitter: https://twitter.com/boazashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

Email: shift@simplyaugmented.com⁠

Setting AI Guidelines at Work with City of Seattle Interim CTO Jim Loter May 18, 2024

In this episode of the Shift AI podcast, host Boaz welcomes Jim Loter, the Interim CTO of the City of Seattle, to discuss the city's approach to AI policy, its impacts on public service, and the future of technology in the government sector. Jim shares his background and experiences in technology and highlights the importance of responsible and factual use of AI technology and the need for human involvement in decision-making. The episode also covers the formation of AI guidelines in Seattle, engaging with various stakeholders to understand AI risks and possibilities, and the mayor's role in shaping the city's stance on AI.

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:14 Early Work on AI Guidelines

10:14 City of Seattle's Approach to Technology

11:01 Development of AI Policy

21:57 Excitement about Technology

26:23 Influence of Mentors

29:14 Future of Work and Technology

Connect with Jim Loter

⁠LinkedIn⁠

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⁠Twitter⁠
⁠LinkedIn⁠
Email: ⁠shift@simplyaugmented.com⁠

Decoding Azure AI Search with Microsoft Distinguished Engineer Pablo Castro May 05, 2024

In this episode, Boaz Ashkenazy interviews Pablo Castro, a distinguished engineer at Microsoft. They discuss Pablo's background and journey at Microsoft, his current work in Azure Open AI and databases, and the practical applications of AI in business. They also explore exciting developments in large language models and address concerns about hallucination in AI systems. Pablo emphasizes the importance of security and responsible AI and shares insights into Microsoft's direction in AI. He also reflects on the mentors who have influenced his career and shares his optimistic vision for the future of work and AI.

Takeaways

Large language models are becoming more sophisticated and capable of reasoning, opening up new possibilities for practical applications in business.
Addressing hallucination in AI systems requires grounding the answers in concrete data and involving users in the process.
Security and responsible AI are top priorities for Microsoft, with a focus on data management, transparency, and inclusiveness.
Microsoft is working on scaling retrieval systems and improving the economics of AI applications to remove barriers for businesses.
Pablo Castro highlights the importance of mentors and learning from experienced professionals in shaping a successful career in AI.
The future of work and AI is about going further by combining human ingenuity with the capabilities of AI systems to tackle complex challenges and drive progress.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:10 Early Interest in Computers

03:25 First Job and Experience in Application Development

05:29 Working with Azure Open AI and Databases

07:04 Practical Examples of AI in Business

10:09 Exciting Developments in Large Language Models

12:23 Addressing Hallucination in AI Systems

15:48 Ensuring Security and Responsible AI

28:34 Influential Mentors and Career Insights

32:28 Vision for the Future of Work and AI

Connect with Pablo Castro

⁠LinkedIn⁠

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⁠Twitter⁠
⁠LinkedIn⁠
Email: ⁠shift@simplyaugmented.com⁠

Cultivating the Next Wave of AI Startups with AI2 Incubator Managing Director Yifan Zhang Apr 01, 2024

Yifan Zhang's journey from a Harvard graduate to a serial entrepreneur and now the Managing Director at AI2 Incubator exemplifies her evolution within the tech startup ecosystem. Immigrating from China, she first ventured into the startup world by founding GymPact, a fitness app, followed by Loftium, an innovative home ownership model. Zhang's transition to investor at AI2 Incubator marks a new chapter where she leverages her experience to mentor early-stage AI startups with a focus on nurturing AI solutions that promise both global impact and local community innovation.

##

Summary of topics covered:

00:00 Yifan Zhang's Early Background 08:18 AI2 Incubator and its Approach 12:22. Company Building in the AI Space 15:27. AI2 Incubator and Seattle's Ecosystem 18:56. Yifan Zhang's Community Work in Seattle 21:22. Seattle's Potential as an AI Hotbed 24:58. Mentors 28:51. The Future of Work is Strategic

##

Connect with Yifan Zhang

⁠LinkedIn⁠
Email: yifan@ai2incubator.com

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Email: ⁠shift@simplyaugmented.com⁠

Building Confidence through AI with Yoodli CEO Varun Puri Mar 10, 2024

In this episode of the Shift AI podcast, host Boaz Ashkenazy interviews Varun Puri, the founder and CEO of Yoodli, who shares his journey from working at Google to starting his own AI startup Yoodli. Yoodli is an AI-powered speech coaching tool that helps individuals improve their communication skills. Puri discusses the importance of effective communication and how Yoodli can be used as a personalized coach. He also highlights the positive response of Yoodli by users and organizations and shares his thoughts on the role of AI in the future of work.

Summary of topics covered:

00:00 Introduction and Background 02:31 From Google to Starting Yoodli 03:41 The Idea behind Yoodli 06:40 The Importance of Communication Skills 08:41 Using Yoodli as a Personalized Coach 09:49 Response and Adoption of Yoodli 16:01 The Future of AI Startups 23:24 Two Words to Describe the Future of Work 25:10 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Connect with Varun Puri

⁠LinkedIn⁠

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⁠LinkedIn⁠
Email: ⁠shift@simplyaugmented.com⁠

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Real-Time Chat with your Data with Seek.ai CEO Sarah Nagy Mar 03, 2024

In this episode of the Shift AI podcast, host Boaz Ashkenazy interviews Sarah Nagy, CEO of Seek.ai, discussing her journey from astrophysics and finance to leading one of the fastest-growing AI companies. Sarah shares insights into her transition from quantitative analysis and data science in finance to creating Seek.ai, which aims to make data more accessible to non-technical users through natural language interfaces. She highlights the significance of large language models in facilitating this transition and elaborates on Seek.ai's achievements, including surpassing a major benchmark in natural language to SQL translation.

Summary of topics covered:

Introduction to Sarah Nagy: The podcast begins with an introduction to Sarah Nagy, highlighting her past work in the financial sector and her transition to the AI industry, leading up to her role as CEO of Seek.ai.
Background in Finance and Astrophysics: Sarah shares her journey from working in astrophysics and quantitative finance to her growing interest in big data and machine learning, eventually leading data teams at startups and at Citadel.
Founding of Seek.ai: Frustrated with the challenges non-technical people face in accessing and understanding data, Sarah discusses how her experiences led to the founding of Seek.ai, aiming to make data accessible through a natural language interface.
Large Language Models and Code Generation: Sarah elaborates on the potential of large language models for code generation and their application in making data queries accessible to non-technical users, underpinning the technology behind Seek.ai.
Seek.ai's Mission and Technology: The discussion delves into Seek.ai's mission to enable business professionals to ask data-related questions in natural language, highlighting the company's use of analytical AI to process these queries efficiently.
Challenges of Transitioning to AI from Finance: Sarah reflects on the transition from working deeply with data in finance to leading an AI startup, discussing the challenges and opportunities this shift presented.
Mentorship and Influence: The conversation shifts to Sarah's early influences, including her family's background in tech and her mentors throughout her career, emphasizing the role of mentorship in her professional development.
The Future of AI and Work: Sarah offers her perspective on the evolving AI landscape, the excitement around large language models, and their implications for the future of work, including the potential for everyone to leverage AI for decision-making.
Seek.ai's Achievements and Benchmarks: Sarah shares recent accomplishments of Seek.ai, including their performance on the Spider benchmark for natural language to SQL translation, highlighting the company's leadership in the field.
Vision for Seek.ai and the Industry: The podcast concludes with Sarah's vision for the future of Seek.ai and the broader AI industry, touching on the opportunities for innovation and the importance of making AI accessible to a wider audience.

Connect with Sarah Nagy

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Email: ⁠shift@simplyaugmented.com⁠

AI’s Role in Modern Governance with WA State Senator Joe Nguyen Feb 09, 2024

In this episode of the Shift AI podcast, Joe shares his unique journey from a tech-savvy business professional to a state senator in Washington, emphasizing his work on technology legislation, particularly around AI and facial recognition. The discussion covers the challenges and opportunities of regulating AI technology, balancing innovation with privacy and ethical considerations. They also explore Joe's personal use of AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance his legislative effectiveness, underscoring the potential of AI to transform governance and policy-making.

Summary of topics covered:

Joe Nguyen's Path to Politics: Nguyen discusses his journey from a tech professional to a state senator in Washington, emphasizing his focus on technology and AI legislation.
Personal Origin Story: He shares the compelling story of his family's escape from Vietnam and their resettlement in the United States, highlighting the impact of this history on his career and public service.
AI and Facial Recognition Legislation: Nguyen talks about his work on contentious facial recognition legislation, balancing the need for privacy with technological innovation.
Utilizing AI in Governance: He reveals how he uses AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance legislative efficiency, particularly in budget discussions and policy formulation.
Concerns and Regulation of AI: The conversation touches on the challenges of regulating AI technology, including biases and ethical considerations.
Federal and State AI Policy: Nguyen gives his perspective on federal AI initiatives, including President Biden's executive order, and discusses Washington's role in AI leadership.
Mentorship and Influences: He reflects on the influence of his family, mentors, and notable figures like Governor Gary Locke on his career.
Future of Work and AI: Nguyen concludes with thoughts on basic income as a response to the transformative impact of AI and automation on jobs.

Connect with Joe Nguyen

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⁠LinkedIn⁠
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AI-Enabled Borderless Talent with DOXA Talent CEO David Nilssen Jan 29, 2024

In this episode of the Shift AI podcast, David Nilssen, CEO of DOXA Talent, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of the global workforce and the significance of remote work. He highlights the necessity of developing an international talent strategy in response to the enduring scarcity of talent. Nilssen delves into his personal journey, from early career influences to leading DOXA Talent, emphasizing the role of AI and innovative practices in shaping modern employment. Throughout the conversation, he underscores the importance of adapting to demographic shifts and cultivating a strong, community-focused remote work culture.

Summary of topics covered:

Introduction: David Nilssen discusses the vital need for remote work and an international talent strategy due to ongoing talent scarcity.
Journey in Entrepreneurship and DOXA Talent's Genesis: He narrates his leadership experience in EO and the founding of DOXA Talent, focusing on outsourcing and remote work solutions.
Innovations and Strategies in DOXA Talent: Nilssen explains DOXA's unique approaches to employee loyalty, AI integration, and the creation of DOXACon for community building.
Global Perspective and Post-Covid Workforce Strategy: He reflects on global workforce trends and strategies for fostering community in a remote-first work environment.
DOXA's AI-Enabled Talent Matching Tool: The development and impact of DOXA's AI tool for efficient talent matching in full-time roles is discussed.
Impactful Mentors: Nilssen shares how mentors like Dave Parker, Stephan Roche, and Lex Sisney significantly influenced his professional growth.
The Future of Work: He emphasizes the enduring need for remote work and international talent strategies in the face of persistent talent scarcity.

Developing an AI Social Contract with Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend Jan 12, 2024

In this episode of Shift AI, Zach Friend Santa Cruz County Supervisor shares his journey from working in the Obama Whitehouse to helping the Biden Administration craft meaningful AI legislation with the local community in mind. He also covers the way that governments are dealing with AI regulation and the social contract that needs to be established with county constituents.

Show Description

This episode of the Shift AI podcast features an interview between Boaz Ashkenazy and Zach Friend about AI policy and regulation. They discuss Zach's background working in government at both the federal and local level. They also talk about the work Zach has done to develop an AI regulatory framework at the county level in California and discuss issues like innovation vs regulation, the use of AI tools like ChatGPT in government work, and concerns around personalization and microtargeting in the upcoming 2024 US election. It's an insightful conversation about how to properly govern emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

Highlights:

Zach Friend has experience working in government at both the federal level (White House, Congress) and local level (Santa Cruz County Supervisor)
He developed one of the first AI regulatory frameworks at the county level in California through a working group with industry
The framework focused on transparency, informed consent, and ensuring AI tools aren't used in ways that negatively impact communities
Zach discusses using ChatGPT and other AI tools to help with constituent services and operational tasks in county government
Personalized microtargeting of political messages is seen as a potential risk for the 2024 US election that needs addressing
Innovation and regulation can be balanced by having startups and industry help inform reasonable policy frameworks
Experiences working directly for President Obama shaped Zach's views on separating urgent vs important issues
The future could bring either abundance through new technologies or risks if we don't get policy and governance right

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AI Investing in Seattle with Ascend.vc General Partner Kirby Winfield Dec 18, 2023

In this episode of Shift AI, Kirby Winfield General Partner at Ascend.vc shares his journey from founding multiple successful startups to becoming a leading AI investor and outlines lessons learned, insights on the Seattle startup ecosystem, and his optimistic yet pragmatic views on generative AI and the future of work.

Summary of topics covered:

Background and early career: Kirby gained experience as an entrepreneur early in his career through founding multiple companies.
Transition to Venture capital: Looking for a new challenge, Kirby leveraged his experience operating startups to co-found Ascend and advise other founders.
Investment thesis and framework for evaluating AI opportunities: Kirby evaluates AI opportunities through the lens of whether they present applied or foundational uses of the technology.
Portfolio companies: Two of Ascend's portfolio companies applying AI in novel ways are Overland for autonomous vehicles and Clarity for detecting deepfakes.
Incumbent tech companies and AI: Kirby believes startups should focus on radically improving problems rather than competing directly with incumbent features to succeed against large companies.
Seattle's potential as a tech hub: Seattle is poised to become a major tech hub to rival Silicon Valley as its startup ecosystem matures and attracts more founders and engineers.
Mentors and influences: Guidance from mentors like John Keister and Oren Etzioni helped Kirby navigate different stages of his career in startups and investing.
Future of work and AI: Kirby is optimistic AI could automate drudgery and unleash human potential but acknowledges change will be gradual and new challenges will emerge.

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AI Isn't Replacing Creators with Vimeo SVP Product Zohar Dayan Dec 11, 2023

In this episode of Shift AI, Zohar Dayan SVP Product at Vimeo shares his experience as a startup founder, how he was early to ML with video and how the Vimeo acquisition is pushing to integrate AI into the video creation process.

01:57 - Dayan talks about his early start with technology, founding Wibbitz in college, and its connection to text-to-video concepts.
02:31 - Zohar explains his role at Vimeo as SVP of Product and GM of their Israel office, focusing on connecting product, engineering, and design teams.
06:14 - He shares insights into his family background, noting his father's low-tech entrepreneurship and his mother's involvement in the arts.
06:57 - Zohar reflects on the journey leading to Vimeo's acquisition of his company and the evolution of the digital landscape since 2009.
10:21 - He discusses the use of AI and machine learning at Wibbitz and the advancements in generative AI that are shaping the industry.
12:13 - Dayan expresses enthusiasm for AI's potential to redefine creativity and originality, while also voicing concerns about its power.
21:07 - Zohar predicts the future of video consumption and content engagement, focusing on efficiency and leveraging AI.
24:23 - He describes the future of work as "human connection," emphasizing the importance of fostering connections in remote and startup environments.

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Laying the Bedrock for Gen-AI at Amazon with AWS VP of Gen-AI Vasi Philomin Nov 21, 2023

In this episode of Shift AI, Dr. Vasi Philomin, VP of Generative AI at Amazon Web Services (AWS) shares his experience as a visionary in machine learning and AI, his insights on applying generative AI at Amazon/AWS, and his thoughts on the ethical dimensions and future potential of AI technologies.

Highlights from Vasi’s comments, edited for context and clarity:

Early work experiences: Pioneered connected lighting at Philips Lighting with the City Touch system at Philips Lighting, enabling remote management of city lighting grids and achieving global adoption.
First Paying Job: During a summer internship at Benz in Germany, Vasi delved into computer vision for autonomous navigation.
Family Life: Growing up in a family of medical professionals, I diverged into a math-focused area of computer science, specifically AI, supported by my family despite our different professional paths.
Amazon & Generative AI: At Amazon, we identified three key themes in applying generative AI: the diversity of AI models for different use cases, the need for enterprises to differentiate themselves, and the balance of cost-effectiveness and value.
Amazon Bedrock: Bedrock aims to apply technologies like generative AI at scale. Offering choice, customization, and custom chips for improved generative AI applications.
Human and AI Congruence: AI should handle tedious tasks, allowing humans to focus on complex problems. While human oversight is still essential for verifying AI outputs and augmenting productivity.
Amazon Code Whisper: Created to address the challenges of new programming languages, Code Whisperer enhances developer productivity, with recent updates for customization to internal code bases.
Mentors: Azriel Rosenfield, my grad school advisor, taught me discipline, while Jeffery Cassis at Philips Lighting taught me a more inclusive approach to collaboration and problem-solving.
Future of Work: Generative AI is set to bring transformational productivity, surpassing the internet in impact, tackling complex problems, and augmenting human performance at an unprecedented scale.

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Additional Resources

A Responsible Approach to AI with Armilla AI CEO Karthik Ramakrishnan Nov 21, 2023

In this episode of Shift AI, Karthik Ramakrishnan Chief Product Officer from Armilla AI shares his experience with a startup that empowers enterprises to test and fix their AI models to ensure they release trustworthy products to the market.

In this episode of the Shift AI podcast, we cover the following topics:

02:22 How Karthik's eductation let to working in startups, an IPO; and his pursuit of success as a entrepreneur.

04:40 Family of orgin, Dad was a paper recycling entrepreneur in the Middle East.

08:16 Building trust in AI models for better decisions.

11:14 AI Model training data, rights, and testing of AI responsibly.

12:57 Why are businesses enthusiastic about AI's potential and risks.

16:14 AI designs leading to products that can engage with humans.

21:29 AI advances will make life easier through efficiency.

23:52 2 words describing the future of work and responsible AI

armilla.ai - https://armilla.ai/

simplyaugmetned.ai - https://simplyaugmented.ai

shiftapodcast.com - http://shiftaipodcast.com

Chill Work as the Path to Produtivity with Sparktoro CEO Rand Fishkin Oct 29, 2023

In this episode of Shift AI, Rand Fishkin, Co-founder and CEO at SparkToro, shares his experience as a successful entrepreneur and offers insightful perspectives on the current state of generative AI, the challenges faced by VC-backed businesses and the importance of prioritizing the lives of founders and team members. sparktoro.com shitaipodcast.com simplyaugmented.com

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Breaking down the doors with Crime Door Producer Neil Mandt Oct 23, 2023

In this episode of Shift AI, Neil Mandt, 5-time Emmy Award Winning Producer, shares his experience as a Hollywood producer and director, his take on the implications of AI on our society in the future and how the Studio industry is changing to accomodate this shift.

In this episode of the Shift AI podcast, we cover the following topics:

Introduction to experience and background including with Run DMC and Guiness Book of World Record
Neil's first job that he actually got paid for the work that he did as a teenager making commercials
Neil's parents and upbringing in Detroit and his family influence on work and media and success
Work in the early days of AI, VR and AR and the projects that are firing him up True Crime for AR and AI and Apple Vision Pro and Chat GPT
How AI is changing and transforming the media business in Hollywood and examples of how this will happen
How this will effect the writers guild and TV/film editors as well as reality TV production
Neil's position on the writers stike in Hollywood and how they are going to be affected by AI and why the issue should be punted
The Neil Mandt online courses about how to succeed in Hollywood is discussed
AI and 3D multi-modal conversation is discussed and predictions are made for the future of text to 3D, including haptic gaming
How experiential content will convert to sales and make money using AR and AI
Neil talks about the self generating Seinfeld sitcom that get generated continuously every 30 minutes
Neil talks about how he has mentored others and who has had a big influence on him throughout his career like Mark Shapiro,Steve Borenstein (ESPN)
Future predictions and the emerging technology that Neil is the most excited about in the future, AR Mojo Vision contact lenses, intellectual property rights
The way that spatial experiences will be a huge tool for social media influencers to tag the world in 3D. Website drm.la

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Using AI to read the room with Read.ai CEO David Shim Oct 16, 2023

In this episode of Shift AI, David Shim CEO at read.ai shares his experience as a serial entrepreneur, angel investor and running one of the most exciting Madrona backed AI startups based in Seattle.

Below is a summary of the topics covered:

Transitioning from a political science major to identifying untapped opportunities in the stock trading market.
Acquiring foundational customer service skills in the early stages of a career.
The influence of a family of Korean immigrant entrepreneurs on work ethic and problem-solving.
The journey of founding and scaling startups like Placed and read.ai in emerging markets.
Adapting product focus based on evolving AI capabilities, such as meeting transcriptions and actionable recommendations.
The importance of collaboration with established companies for market credibility and reach.
Utilizing data analytics and AI for smarter meeting management and equity.
The role of mentors and advancements in AI in navigating business challenges and shaping the future of content consumption.

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A new communication paradigm with XMTP Labs CEO Shane Mac Oct 05, 2023

In this episode of Shift AI, Shane Mac CEO at XMTP Labs shares his experience as a startup founder, how to run a remote-first venture backed startup and his philosophy on how digital messaging and communication will evolve in the future.

In this episode of the Shift AI podcast, we cover the following topics:

Early Experience: Shane discusses how his early experience as a young CEO of a startup in San Francisco and the imposter syndrome that he felt shaped they way that he approaches his new company and how he treats those around him.
Family Influence: How Shane’s father’s discipline impacted his work ethic and how growing up in a small town masked some of the anxiety that he would later comes to terms with as an entrepreneur.
Emotional Intellegence: How alcohol and extreme confidence helped to mask insecurities that he is finally coming to terms with in life.
Startup Culture: How do you give people the permission to make mistakes, to say I need help to focus on being the best employee they can be without doing things for the sake of being busy.
AI and Creativity: How AI has transformed our ability to use the computer as a tool to be more creative by helping us prototype our ideas.
XMTP and Secure Messaging: How securing messaging and payment is changing the way we think about identity and how we can move from carrier to carrier safely with our DM’s and followers in tact.

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Riding the wave of AI entrepreneurship with Pioneer Square Labs Managing Director TA McCann Sep 21, 2023

In this episode of Shift AI, TA McCann Managing Director at the Pioneer Square Labs shares his experience as a startup founder, how sailing a ship has parralells to running a fast growing business and his take on the implications of AI on our society in the future.

AI Meeting with President Biden | with Oren Etzioni (Founding CEO, Allen Institute for AI) Sep 07, 2023

In this episode of Shift AI, Oren Etzioni Founding CEO at the Allen Institute for Artificial Intellegence shares his expertise on AI policy and how this breakthrough technology will transform the way we work in the future. Oren breaks down the ethical and technical issues related to AI adoption and talks about how this AI wave is different from tech hypes in the past.

In this episode of the Shift podcast, we cover the following topics:

Oren’s early career, family background and his role he has now at The AI2 Incubator
His private meeting with the President of the United States Joe Biden on AI policy and innovation
His involvement in incubating cutting edge AI companies in Seattle
The work he has done and is doing at the University of Washington to prepare the next generation of AI and ML thinkers and innovators.
Why Seattle is such a hot bed for AI/ML technology breakthroughs
His feelings about AI will impact our society both economically and culturally

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AI Front and Center | with Matt McIlwain (Managing Director, Madrona Venture Group) Aug 24, 2023

In this installment of Shift AI, Matt McIlwain, Managing Director at Madrona Venture Group, discusses the influence of AI on different industries, Seattle's place in the technology landscape, ethical concerns surrounding AI, and the evolving nature of work in the digital era. Matt also delves into the opportunities and groundbreaking advancements created by AI, cloud computing, and associated technologies.

In this episode of the Shift podcast, we cover the following topics:

Matt’s early career, family background and his road to the role he has now at Madrona Venture Group
Introduction to Seattle's role as a leader in cloud computing and discussion of his past 10+ years of investment in applied AI.
Deep dive into AI, automation, and machine learning, with historical context.
Discussion of interacting with predictive capabilities through natural language.
Insight into generative AI models and their application in various domains.
Seattle's significance as the cloud capital and a center of excellence for AI and discussion of big companies, startups, and the energy of the Seattle tech community.
Consideration of how work is changing due to AI, including ethical considerations.
Exploration of the importance of keeping humans in the loop in AI-driven processes.
Reflection on mentorship and its impact on personal and professional growth.

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Keeping people in the technology loop | with Mindy Honcoop (CPO, Agile in HR) Aug 10, 2023

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Mindy Honcoop, CPO at Agile in HR shares her background and experience that landed her at Expedia and the work she has been doing to advise leaders to focus on their purpose and values to drive organizational change. Mindy breaks down how she thinks about motivating people in the workplace and the role that humans play amidst new technology advances. She also talks about the wave of HR and AI advancements and how we should think about emerging tech in the HR stack.

In this episode of the Shift AI podcast, we cover the following topics:

Mindy’s early career, family background and her role as CPO in organizations
Empowering humans in the workplace and how to manage organizational change
AI and the way that humans stay in the loop as the navigate a new understanding of what it means to work in the future.
The role that HR plays in navigating AI in the workplace an how certain mundane tasks give way to more opportunities to be creative and strategic as part of your job description.

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The Shifting AI Landscape in Review | Shift AI Live with Boaz Ashkenazy and Ashwin Kadaru Aug 03, 2023

On Shift AI Live, Ashwin Kadaru and Boaz Ashkenazy, discuss the influence of AI on different industries, current events related to the fast changing AI landscape and new use cases that directly impact business ROI.

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The Convergence of AI and XR at Meta | with Dan Nieves (Global Executive Engagement, Reality Labs) Jul 13, 2023

In this episode of Shift AI, Dan Nieves, Global Executive Engagement at Meta Reality Labs shares his expertise on the convergence of AI and XR at Meta and how this technology will transform the way we work in the future. Dan breaks down the roadmap and how Meta thinks about the emerging competitive VR landscape with the introduction of Apple Vision Pro. He also talks about the hype surrounding the metaverse and explains how Meta thinks about the future of AI and the way we use VR and mixed reality at work.

In this episode of the Shift AI podcast, we cover the following topics:

Dan’s early career, family background and his road to the role he has now at Meta
Remote collaboration and the future of work according to Meta
Meta’s name change and the frenzy surrounding last years metaverse hype
The introduction of Apple Vision Pro and how Meta is positioning VR at work and in the enterprise
How Dan thinks about the future of work and how he explains to the C-Suite how AI and XR will fit together in the future.
Return to office policies and how this affects culture and moral at large enterprises
Mentorship and how that factors into face to face and remote collaboration

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Integrating Gen AI into businesses without sacrificing security | with Ashwin Kadura (CTO, Simply Augmented) Jun 27, 2023

In this episode of Shift AI, Ashwin Kadaru, the CEO of Simply Augmented, shares his expertise on Generative AI and how this technology will transform the way we work in the future. Ashwin breaks down the definitions and history of ChatGPT and then goes deep on how the technology actually works. He also talks about the hype surrounding AI and explains why there is so much excitement and energy around implementing this technology in your business.

In this episode of the Shift AI podcast, we cover the following topics:

The history and evolution of AI and how large language models and ChatGPT became such a hot topic in our society
The right way to implement AI into your company with security in mind.
How to integrate AI in the backend while leveraging current investments that you already invest in.
Steps to prepare your existing data that flows through your business so you can leverage AI in all aspects of your business including marketing, sales, recruiting, and operations.
The top 6 most important things to understand when looking to implement AI into your companies workflow.
Fine tuning a secure large language models on your own proprietary data
Details around protecting your data while using large language models inside your own cloud environments
Where do humans factor into the AI process without having there jobs disappear? Through prompt engineering and being the final check before content is delivered humans can always stay in the loop

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How to build lasting technology during a hype cyle | with Alan Smithson (Co-founder, Metavrse) Jun 14, 2023

In this episode of Shift AI, Alan Smithson, the co-founder of Metavrse, shares his expertise on how technology advancements and AI will significantly impact the way we work in the future. Alan discusses the need to prepare for an age where AI plays a significant role and the challenge of keeping up with its rapid advancements. He also talks about the hype surrounding AI and how the lack of regulation poses risks for ethical concerns and the potential for exploitation.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

In this episode of the Shift AI podcast, we cover the following topics:

The history and evolution of work and the impact of the pandemic on the way we work and the potential value of blockchain and new technologies such as XR and AI
The hype surrounding AI and the lack of regulation and the potential for exploitation
The challenge of keeping up with AI advancements in light of all the hype and the volume of tools that are getting created every week
The importance of mentors in navigating the entrepreneurial world
The future of work and how technology advancements and AI will significantly impact it
The need to prepare for an age where AI plays a significant role
Alan's future goal of building an education system to prepare people for what's ahead.

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Showing up for Each Other at Work and the Culture of Joy | with Jyarland Daniels (Director Diversity & Inclusion, Niantic) May 15, 2023

In this episode of Shift AI, Jyarland Daniels shares her perspective on company culture and how companies can touch on our emotions and move us in important ways. We touch on topics around being surrounded by mentors and passionate people face to face early in your career and how this can shape your perspective on career development. Jyarland expands on her mentors as she navigated work in the civil rights movement to her time in a corporate environment and into her time in big tech. She also speaks eloquently about how diversity and inclusion can show up for all of us in the office in an inclusive and joyful way.

In this episode of Shift AI, we cover:

Jyarland’s experience and background including her time at Hallmark Cards within their entrepreneurial business unit that sparked her passion for technology and innovation.
Family of origin and how an employee’s diversity of experience in early development and how that can shape your perspective on the value of work.
How mentorship has shown up for her throughout her life and how this has informed he approach to culture in the office.
Examples of diversity of inclusion at work and the power of being able to communicate with our colleagues in a compassionate, honest and open way.
The work that Jyarland does at Harriet Speaks, her consultancy that support corporations in the area of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB)
How DEIB shows up at Niantic in a technology corporate culture based in Silicon Valley.
Work hacks focused on focus working and daily intentions that set the stage for the following day.
How inclusiveness coupled with joy can transform the way that people come together to do big things.

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Investing in the Future of Work | with Martina Welkoff (Founding Partner, Goldenrod Ventures, WXR Fund) Apr 15, 2023

In this episode of Shift AI, Venture Partner, Martina Welkhoff shares her perspective on investing in AI and XR and how her investment thesis has evolved over time. Martina was early in VR and AR investing and focussed on funding and empowering female founders. Her approach to supporting startup founders and vision for the future of work aligns with her new venture fund Goldenrod Ventures and she touches on what kind of founders she is most excited about working with and how AI and XR can transform the future of work..

In this episode of Shift AI, we cover:

Martina’s experience and background including her approach to work and her upbringing.
Key insights on what contributes to startup founder success and how she thinks about supporting her portfolio companies as an investor
The transition from XR investing to a more varied approach and her positions on the future of work
Life and work hacks that keep her energized at the office during the week
We touch on tools and technologies that Martina is excited about and the founders can differentiate their pitch amidst all the noise
Thoughtful insights into the future of work and how remote collaboration is evolving from XR to AI

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Incubating the Next Big Ideas | with Elizabeth Scallon (Co-Founder Find Ventures, Director HP, WeWork) Mar 15, 2023

In this episode of Shift AI we feature Elizabeth Scallon, a prominent figure in the Seattle startup scene who discusses her experiences and insights on co-working, mentorship, and the future of work. Elizabeth highlights the potential of AI and co-creation in scaling and accelerating work processes. and shares her expertise on funding structures for underrepresented small businesses.

In this episode of Shift AI, we cover:

Elizabeth discusses her first experience working and her family’s relationship to work growing up in Bellevue Washington.
Elizabeth’s background as a leader in the Seattle startup accelerator scene, as a mentor and champion for small business people.
Elizabeth’s experience as the leader of Seattle WeWork Labs and how co-working and face to face serendipity in the workplace accelerate creativity and innovation.
Ways that early founders and entrepreneurs corroborate to build community and help each other with the loneliness of starting a business.
Thoughts about hybrid work and remote work post pandemic with a focus on targeted face to face focussed collaboration
Find Ventures explained and how this unique type of funding structures allows for under-represented small businesses to launch their startups without diluting their equity presence.
Discusses mentorship for young entrepreneurs given that going into the office has diminished and career building has gotten more challenging
Elizabeth gives advice to young founders who are just getting their businesses started and off the ground.
Talk about corporate incubation at Amazon and HP and the similarities between startup accelerators and some of the differences in the enterprise.
Co-creation with AI and the excitement of what the future of work looks like when robots can help you scale and accelerate.
How Elizabeth instructs her students at the University of Washington Foster School of business to use Chat GPT and AI to move faster and rapidly iterate with guardrails.
How to get involved at the University of Washington’s Foster’s MBA program and intro to startups.

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Managing a Transformation in the Workplace | with Charlie Fink (Forbes Columnist) Feb 16, 2023

In this episode of Shift AI, we cover:

Charlie’s career before starting writing for Forbes
His early experience as a digital pioneer and AOL executive.
His parents influence on his thinking and approach to his career.
Specifics about the book Metaverse and thoughts about the frenzy around the term “Metaverse” and Facebook’s change to the name Meta.
Second Life, VR Chat and how creator economies drive Metaverse platforms
Discusses Meta’s hardware ecosystem and the way they are contributing to the overall adoption of VR
The factors that lead to VR adoption and the promise of an integrated and interactive Metaverse.
Training and simulation VR and the growth of assisted reality applications in the enterprise with frontline workers
The implications of working remotely vs being present in the office to connect with colleagues and leadership.
Consumer VR vs Enterprise VR
Advice to college students about how to manage the transformation in the workplace and how they should adapt to this changing work environment.
Will mentorship survive in a future remote or hybrid workplace.
How will AI and Chat GPT alter the way that Charlie does his writing job at Forbes

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Virtual Productivity as a Force for Good | with Christoph Fleischmann (CEO, Arthur) Jan 15, 2023

In this episode of Shift AI, Arthur CEO and serial entrepreneur Christoph Fleischmann shares his thoughts on the future of work and how remote meeting tools help bring colleagues together to brainstorm and communicate in ways that are powerful for both team building and collaboration.

Boaz and Christoph discuss how virtual reality technology levels the playing field for both employees and companies looking to grow quickly across time zones.

In this episode of Shift AI, we cover:

Christoph’s career before starting Arthur
His early experience as an entrepreneur and his parents influence on his career
Specifics about Arthur as a collaboration tool and what makes virtual collaboration unique
Key remote collaboration use cases and the companies that are the early adopters
Examples of the way that the Arthur team uses their own technology to collaborate as a team.
Mixed reality and passthrough and how that technology has the potential to transform remote communication
Christoph ruminates on the future of work for himself, his company and global industries.
Boaz and Christoph discuss the power of mentorship and the individuals that touched him throughout his life and career.
Christoph defines the future of work.

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Shift AI Trailer Jan 01, 2023

About Boaz Ashkenazy

Boaz Ashkenazy is the founder and CEO of Simply Augmented, a provider of AI solutions designed to help businesses grow and scale by empowering their workforce to focus on the most valuable work.

With a diverse background spanning product development, design thinking, and enterprise productivity tool building, Boaz brings a unique perspective to the table. Drawing on his experience at Meta, where he played a pivotal role in developing innovative solutions, as well as his involvement in scaling multiple startups, Boaz possesses a multifaceted skill set that fuels his passion for driving transformative change.

As host of the Shift AI Podcast Boaz explores how AI and ML is changing the way that we work in the digital age and interviews thought leaders who are redefining how businesses will be impacted by emerging technology today and in the future.

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