Ep 15 - Navigating AI’s Risks and Rewards with Shawnna Hoffman of Guardrail Technologies

Overview: In our brand new episode of Blockchain Disruptors, Ginnette Harvey interviews Shawnna Hoffman, President of Guardrail Technologies and accomplished leader in the fields of AI and Blockchain.  The discussion begins with a fascinating look back at Shawnna’s childhood, highlighting a pivotal moment in second grade when curiosity about technology sparked a lifelong passion. The episode explores themes of curiosity, perseverance, and the importance of access to technology, setting the stage for a deeper conversation about the intersection of AI and blockchain in today's digital landscape. Join us for a discussion that underscores the transformative power of technology and education.  What You’ll Learn:  The importance of Guardrails in AI: You will learn about the potential risks associated with AI, including misinformation and disinformation, and how Guardrail Technologies aims to implement protective measures to ensure responsible AI usage. The evolution of AI and its impact on industries: The episode discusses the transition from deterministic AI systems to probabilistic ones, highlighting the implications for data accuracy and the need for organizations to adapt to these changes.  The need for reskilling in the workforce: Finally, this episode emphasizes the urgency of reskilling employees to keep up with the rapid advancements in AI technology, as well as the importance of fostering a new generation of talent, particularly women, in the tech industry.  About Shawnna Hoffman: Shawnna Hoffman is the President of Guardrail Technologies, a leader in AI-driven risk management, helping businesses navigate the complexities of AI integration whilst ensuring data privacy and regulatory compliance. Prior to her current role, she served as the Chief Technology Leader of Legal Strategy and Operations at Dell Technologies and spent a decade at IBM in Digital Transformation and Strategy, including as Co-Leader of the Global Watson AI Legal Practice. Her expertise in AI and Blockchain has earned her invitations to speak at prestigious events such as the Blockchain for Impact held at the UN in 2018 and the UN Data Forum in 2020 and 2021. Show notes: Despite facing barriers due to gender norms of the time, Shawnna’s curiosity and determination drove her to explore technology further. This episode not only delves into the early influences that shaped her career but also sets the stage for a deeper discussion on the intersection of AI and blockchain technology. As AI technologies evolve, they increasingly intersect with various aspects of our lives, from healthcare to finance, education, and beyond. However, with these advancements comes the pressing need for responsible guardrails to ensure that AI operates safely and ethically. This episode explores the importance of implementing such guardrails. Tune in to discover more.  Links and resources: Shawnna Hoffman’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnnahoffman/   Ginnette Harvey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginnetteharvey/  Web3 and Blockchain recruitment: https://www.bloc-haus.com/   Time stamps: [00:00:30] Journey into tech as a woman. [00:06:40] AI's potential and challenges. [00:08:50] Fifth industrial revolution in AI. [00:11:34] AI data reliability concerns. [00:16:35] Black box issue in AI. [00:19:43] AI risks in organizations. [00:23:33] Healthcare revolution with AI. [00:28:31] Reskilling for future job security. [00:31:01] Future of AI in education. [00:34:36] AI as an exploration tool.  Keywords Web3, AI, blockchain, ethical hacking, machine learning, quantum computing, misinformation, Guardrail, GenAI