Creative Machines with Maya Ackerman, WaveAI Co-founder & Professor at Santa Clara University

In the AI Risk Reward podcast, our host, Alec Crawford (@alec06830), Founder and CEO of Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc. aicrisk.com, interviews guests about balancing the risk and reward of Artificial Intelligence for you, your business, and society as a whole. Podcast production and sound engineering by Troutman Street Audio. You can find them on LinkedIn and at troutmanstreetaudio.com. You can hear the difference.Maya Ackerman, a professor at Santa Clara University and co-founder of Wave AI, shares her journey from aspiring programmer to a pioneering figure in AI-generated creativity. The episode delves into the concept of AI as a reflection of society’s collective unconscious and explores how generative AI can enhance human creativity rather than replace it. Maya discusses her book, "Creative Machines," which envisions AI as a tool to elevate human creativity through humble collaboration. The conversation also touches on AI’s potential impact on employment and the ethical considerations of AI development. Maya emphasizes the importance of authentic connections and strong team dynamics in startup success and advises leaders to shape AI's future responsibly.Summary:Guest Background: Maya Ackerman is a professor at Santa Clara University and co-founder of Wave AI, with a focus on AI and creativity.Creative Machines: Her book explores AI as a mirror reflecting societal biases and envisions AI enhancing human creativity.AI and Society: Maya discusses AI’s potential impact on employment and stresses the need for ethical development.Startup Insights: She highlights the importance of strong team dynamics and authentic connections for entrepreneurial success.Vision for AI: Maya advocates for AI as a humble partner that elevates human creativity rather than replacing it.Companies/Organizations:Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Wave AISanta Clara UniversitySound MicrosystemsNvidiaA16 ZLightspeedGEMorgan StanleyTroutman Street AudioBooks:Creative Machines by Maya AckermanBeing You by Anil SethJack Welch’s biographyMovies:Before MidnightTV Shows:Game of ThronesCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.