AI Risk Reward

In the AI: Trust but Verify 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.In this episode, Alec speaks with Elie Bursztein, researcher at Google DeepMind, about why Anthropic’s upcoming Mythos model has become a major wake-up call for cybersecurity and critical infrastructure. Elie explains that AI-driven vulnerability discovery appears to be materially improving, which means the biggest near-term challenge is not just finding flaws but triaging, patching, and operationalizing defenses quickly enough. He outlines what bank and financial-services leaders should be asking their CTOs and CISOs now, including whether their organizations can absorb a wave of patches, prioritize exploitable vulnerabilities, and stress-test their most important systems. The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping penetration testing, bug bounties, SaaS versus in-house software decisions, and the broader systemic risk posed by shared providers and crypto-related systems. Alec and Elie close on a more optimistic note, discussing how increasingly reliable agents can remove drudge work, improve financial education, and raise the baseline of practical expertise for more people.Summary:Mythos Wake-Up Call: Elie argues that new AI models are meaningfully improving vulnerability discovery and raising the urgency of cyber preparedness.Patching Readiness: Organizations need to test whether they can handle sustained bursts of patches across both vendor software and internal code.Smarter Triage: AI-assisted reproduction and exploit testing can help security teams focus first on the vulnerabilities most likely to cause real harm.Systemic Financial Risk: Banks must map dependencies on core providers, segregate critical systems, and plan for degraded or offline operations.AI’s Practical Upside: More reliable agents can automate repetitive work and help broaden access to useful financial and technical guidance.Referenced in this episode:Companies/Organizations:Google DeepMindAnthropicFirefoxFDICU.S. TreasuryVerapathSWIFTOpenAIGoogleFiservJack HenryCOCCAmadeusCapital OneNiceHashCopyright © 2026 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this deep dive episode, Alec speaks with Cole Wyeth, PhD student at the University of Waterloo focused on AI safety and agent foundations, about why the long-term risk of superintelligent AI deserves far more attention today. Cole explains that aligning advanced systems with human values is extraordinarily difficult because ethics and preferences are hard to specify, and he argues that corrigibility, ambiguity awareness, and deference to humans are essential design goals. He also discusses how ideas like imprecise probability, embedded agency, and multi-agent dynamics can help researchers think more clearly about failure modes, reward hacking, and unexpected cooperation between AI systems. Throughout the conversation, Cole compares controlling superintelligence to cybersecurity, warning that a system smarter than its designers may find weaknesses in any safety scheme that looks secure on paper. The episode closes on a cautious note: until we understand how to reliably control self-improving AI, Cole believes society should slow down and wait years, or even decades, before creating superintelligent systems.Summary:Long-Term AI Risk: Cole Wyeth argues that superintelligent AI could become uncontrollable if developed before robust safety methods are in place.Alignment Challenges: He explains that human ethics and values are too complex to formalize cleanly, making alignment an unusually hard technical problem.Ambiguity and Deference: The discussion highlights the importance of building systems that recognize uncertainty and defer to humans in high-stakes situations.Multi-Agent Failure Modes: Cole explores how AI systems may cooperate or behave strategically in unexpected ways, creating new safety and governance concerns.Pause for Caution: His central takeaway is that society should delay building superintelligence until researchers better understand how to control it safely.Referenced in this episode:Companies/Organizations: University of WaterlooVerapathAnthropicOpenAIDeepMindGoogleARCMETRTroutman Street AudioWaters TechnologyCopyright © 2026 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec speaks with Jack Hubbard, Chairman of St. Meyer and Hubbard, about his accidental path from aspiring sports broadcaster to longtime banker, consultant, and board member. Jack explains why community banks can no longer afford to delay AI adoption, noting that bankers are already using these tools and need secure, institution-approved options instead of ungoverned workarounds. He shares how AI can transform sales preparation and pre-call planning, while emphasizing that CEOs must learn the technology themselves if they want their organizations to use it effectively. The conversation also focuses on ethical AI use, including the need for clear policies, human oversight, role-specific training, and leadership accountability across the bank. Jack closes with practical career advice for younger bankers, encouraging them to find mentors, gain broad experience, attend banking schools, and commit to lifelong learning.Summary:Accidental Career Journey: Jack Hubbard reflects on the unexpected experiences that led him from college radio into a 53-year career in banking and consulting.AI in Community Banking: He argues that community banks must stop waiting on AI and instead provide safe, practical tools for bankers already experimenting with it.Leadership Responsibility: CEOs and senior leaders need hands-on AI understanding so they can fund, guide, and model adoption from the top.Ethics and Governance: Clear policies, human review, and strong training are essential to reduce data risks, compliance issues, and AI misuse.Banker Development: Jack encourages future bankers to seek mentors, pursue rotations, attend banking schools, and stay committed to reading and continuous learning.Referenced in this episode:Companies/Organizations: St. Meyer and HubbardVerapathNorthern Illinois UniversityUnion Bank of ElginFTRHarris BankBMO HarrisSt. Charles Bank and TrustWintrustDynex CapitalCornerstone AdvisorsPerformance InsightsRelProVertical IQLinkedInBlockPeapack Gladstone BankCapital OneFleetAmerican Bankers AssociationWharton SchoolUniversity of WisconsinLSU School of BankingMassachusetts BankersPerry School of BankingMichigan Bankers AssociationSelling PowerBarlow ResearchChicago CubsBooks: Heart SpokenConversations with ProspectsI Know Jack 53 Years of Banking ExcellenceMovies: Animal HouseCaddyshackCopyright © 2026 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this deep dive episode, Alec speaks with Matthew Rosenquist, cybersecurity strategist and CISO, about how AI is rapidly reshaping both cyber defense and cyber offense. Matthew explains how new AI models are dramatically accelerating vulnerability discovery and exploit creation, putting pressure on traditional patching, risk management, and incident response processes. He also shares practical guidance for consumers and businesses on defending against AI-powered phishing, deepfakes, account compromise, and unsafe use of public AI tools. The conversation highlights why strong fundamentals like multi-factor authentication, least-privilege access, segmented data practices, and careful verification matter more than ever in an AI-driven threat landscape. Alec and Matthew close by exploring the emerging risks of agentic AI and MCP-connected systems, emphasizing that companies must adopt AI security controls with urgency, discipline, and realistic expectations.Summary:AI-Driven Vulnerabilities: Matthew discusses how advanced AI models can find and exploit software flaws far faster than traditional security processes can handle.Consumer Cyber Hygiene: The episode stresses multi-factor authentication, account alerts, password discipline, and skepticism toward emails, texts, calls, and social media interactions.Deepfakes and Social Engineering: AI is making scams more personalized, scalable, and convincing, which means users must verify before trusting.Enterprise AI Risk: Companies need to be cautious with sensitive data in public AI tools and apply strong governance to internal AI deployments.Agentic AI Security: Granting broad permissions to AI agents creates major new attack surfaces, making least-privilege design and access controls essential.Referenced in this episode:Companies/Organizations: VerapathAnthropicGoogleWestern UnionSalesforceCopyright © 2026 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec speaks with Antony Baker, CEO and Founder of FIFTEEN Group, about his unconventional path from championship sports to consulting and building AI-enabled business services. Antony explains how FIFTEEN Group was created to challenge traditional consulting models by combining talent assessment, process improvement, and practical AI adoption for mid-market companies. He emphasizes that successful AI implementation depends less on hype and more on human intelligence, training, change management, and starting with simple, high-friction business tasks that employees already dislike. The conversation also explores risks around governance, model changes, and the uncertainty created when organizations rely on rapidly evolving AI tools without strong controls. Alec and Antony close with a discussion on leadership, instinct, culture, and why hard work, talent, and adaptability remain essential even as AI becomes more embedded in business.Summary:Talent First: Antony Baker argues that strong people, work ethic, and the right cultural fit are the foundation for successful AI adoption.Practical AI Adoption: Companies get better results when they begin with simple use cases like meeting notes, email workflows, and reporting automation.Human and Artificial Intelligence: The episode highlights that AI performs best when paired with trained employees who know how to guide and educate the system.Governance Risk: Rapid model changes and limited user control can create serious challenges, especially for regulated industries and large enterprises.Entrepreneurial Mindset: Antony shares that resilience, learning through failure, and trusting instinct are critical to building durable businesses in fast-moving markets.Referenced in this episode:Companies/Organizations: FIFTEEN GroupArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.NomuraSVBPwCEYBarclaysBusiness AI AllianceNatWest MarketsMicrosoftOpenAIClaudeChatGPTGrokMetaUFCBooks: PrinciplesMovies: The MatrixTV Shows: The Ultimate FighterCopyright © 2026 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec speaks with Aleks Jakulin, Founder and President of Data.Flowers, about why current AI governance approaches often focus too heavily on policing model outputs instead of building accountability around real-world actions and system resilience. Aleks argues that AI should be governed more like fire or other critical infrastructure, with strong safeguards, reporting mechanisms, and downstream institutional redesign rather than unrealistic attempts to fully control the technology itself. He also reflects on his early work in deep learning and computational conceptualization, explaining how machines can discover new concepts through interactions in data and why better data infrastructure will be essential for reliable AI systems. The conversation explores how AI is already breaking workflows in hiring, finance, education, and cybersecurity, and why organizations should prioritize resilience, accountability loops, and high-quality input data over superficial ethics frameworks. Alec and Aleks close by discussing the decentralized promise of open models, the need for incident reporting similar to aviation safety, and the long-term potential for AI to improve human flourishing through better communication, faster learning, and broader intelligence augmentation.Summary:AI Governance: Aleks argues that AI oversight should focus on accountability, resilience, and managing real-world consequences rather than policing every generated output.Data Infrastructure: High-quality, controllable data infrastructure is presented as the missing foundation for safer and more reliable AI adoption.System Resilience: Organizations need to redesign vulnerable processes in hiring, finance, education, and operations so they can withstand widespread AI use.Open Models: Aleks suggests AI is ultimately a decentralizing force, with open and local models expanding access and reducing dependence on centralized providers.Human Flourishing: The episode highlights AI’s potential to accelerate learning, improve visual communication, and support a more capable and intelligent society.Referenced in this episode:Companies/Organizations:Data.FlowersArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.ColumbiaNvidiaNISTOpenAIMicrosoftOECDMITFAANTSBNASAIRSGoogleCopyright © 2026 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec welcomes Dr. Michael Erlihson, Math PhD, AI influencer, and Head of AI at DriveNets, for an insightful conversation on the evolving risks and opportunities in artificial intelligence. Dr. Erlihson shares his journey from a science-focused family in Russia to leading AI initiatives in Israel, emphasizing the foundational role of mathematics in modern AI. The discussion explores the theme "AI is making us stupid," drawing parallels to historical debates about technology’s impact on cognition, and offering strategies to ensure ongoing learning and critical thinking in an AI-driven world. Dr. Erlihson discusses his approach to reviewing scientific literature without AI tools, the importance of connecting historical math papers to today’s AI, and his work optimizing LLM inference costs. The episode closes with a practical lightning round covering AI’s impact on education, employment, data privacy, and the democratization of AI knowledge.Summary:AI’s Cognitive Impact: Dr. Erlihson argues that while AI will make most people less knowledgeable, it can make a select few even smarter if used to augment ongoing learning.Mathematics in AI: Emphasizes the enduring importance of math in AI development, connecting historical mathematical insights to contemporary machine learning advances.Optimizing AI Infrastructure: Details DriveNet’s focus on reducing LLM inference costs to ensure the economic sustainability of AI deployment.Education & Employment: Raises critical concerns about the future of traditional education and white-collar employment as AI accelerates automation and self-learning.Data Privacy Risks: Highlights the underestimated risks of personalizing AI with private data and advocates for stronger safeguards and user control.Referenced in this episode:Companies/Organizations:DriveNetsArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.RCOMNVIDIAAMDGoogleAWSIntelDarwinAIApplePodcasts: Data Science DecodedExplAInableMovies:Snow White and the Seven DwarfsTerminatorCopyright © 2026 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec sits down with Peter Mancini, founder of A8A8, and a seasoned data science expert who has leveraged AI since 2005. Peter shares his unconventional entry into artificial intelligence and reflects on key lessons learned from years of deploying AI and quantum computing in high-stakes environments, including work for the US Army and financial institutions. The conversation explores the critical importance of trust, metacognition, and continuous risk assessment throughout the AI lifecycle, with practical anecdotes ranging from model uncertainty in banking to emergent cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Peter discusses the profound implications of AI’s collaborative nature, the ethical dilemmas posed by AI-generated content, and the evolving intersection of AI, quantum computing, and blockchain. The episode concludes with concrete recommendations for transparency, explainability, and incident response, emphasizing the need for vigilance against both known and unforeseen risks, including elusive black swan events.Summary:Trust and Verification: Peter emphasizes that over-trusting AI models without robust verification is a primary and often overlooked risk.Metacognition in Risk Management: He advocates for ongoing critical thinking, group validation, and policy over rigid frameworks to manage AI risks.AI-Driven Cybersecurity Threats: Real-world examples illustrate how AI can inadvertently expose sensitive associations and aid adversaries, highlighting the need for advanced guardrails.Quantum Computing Integration: Peter discusses how quantum computing accelerates probabilistic analysis but may also expose encryption vulnerabilities and new risk vectors.Ethical and Societal Impacts: The episode covers manipulation risks, deepfake challenges, and the essential role of transparency and explainability for both users and developers.Referenced in this episode:Companies/Organizations:A8A8Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.US ArmyFidelity InvestmentsRocket MortgageOpenAIGoogleMetaMicrosoftMovies:Blade RunnerCopyright © 2026 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec welcomes Lucas Erb, Founder of AIexperts.com and seasoned advisor on AI strategy, who shares his journey from early computer science interests to consulting at Deloitte, and ultimately founding his own firm. Lucas discusses the evolution of AI adoption, emphasizing the critical gap in mid-market business AI enablement and describing how his company demystifies automation and agent-based solutions for this segment. Key practical examples are explored, focusing on AI’s real-world impact—particularly in sales automation and productivity—rather than generic tool adoption. The conversation also dives deep into the ethical and social challenges of AI, highlighting the ongoing risks of bias and the necessity for thoughtful, transparent implementation. Alec and Lucas conclude with insights into future workforce implications, AI for good initiatives, and advice for young professionals navigating the rapidly changing technology landscape.Summary:AI Journey: Lucas Erb recounts his path from early technical curiosity to founding AIexperts.com, highlighting his time at HP and Deloitte. Mid-Market Enablement: He identifies a critical gap in AI adoption for midsize businesses and shares how his firm provides practical, ROI-driven automation. Ethical Challenges: The episode addresses pressing issues around model bias, data selection, and the importance of ongoing evaluation to ensure fairness. Future of Work: Discussion centers on the shifting landscape for new graduates and the need for leaders to shape a responsible AI-driven workforce. AI for Good: Lucas underscores the importance of broad participation in AI ethics and safety, stressing that collective action is necessary to keep pace with innovation.Referenced in this episode:Companies/Organizations:AIexperts.comArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.DeloitteHP AnthropicAccentureMcKinseyHarvard University (AI for Human Flourishing Program)NASDAQMITGlobal AI Ethics InstituteXerox PARCAppleMovies:InceptionJurassic ParkCopyright © 2026 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this deep dive episode, Alec welcomes Asad Ramzanali, Director of AI and Tech Policy at the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator, for a comprehensive discussion on the current landscape of AI policy and risk governance. Asad explains how AI’s broad and general-purpose nature requires sector-specific regulatory strategies, emphasizing that existing frameworks must adapt to both new and exacerbated risks. The conversation covers the challenges of benchmarking and evaluating large models, the balance between federal and state governance, and the ongoing debate over regulation versus innovation. Asad highlights the importance of direct regulatory interventions, robust enforcement mechanisms, and maintaining public trust, particularly as AI adoption accelerates across public and private sectors. The episode closes with reflections on economic disruption, business model risks, and future research priorities in AI policy.Summary:Defining AI Risk: Asad stresses the need for adaptable, use-case-driven frameworks due to AI’s general-purpose scope.Sectoral Regulation: Different regulators must address AI risks where they specifically arise, especially in finance, health, and national security.Benchmarking Challenges: Evaluating AI models requires independent, evolving methodologies, not just self-reported metrics from companies.Regulation vs. Innovation: The current regulatory environment is far from overreaching, and well-crafted policies can actually foster safer innovation.Accountability and Public Trust: Clear liability, enforcement, and transparency are critical for democratic legitimacy and effective AI risk management.Referenced in this episode:Companies/Organizations:Vanderbilt Policy AcceleratorArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Vanderbilt UniversityFDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)FCC (Federal Communications Commission)NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)OpenAIAnthropicGoogleNOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)Hamilton Project (Brookings Institution)Global AI Ethics InstituteMovies:TerminatorCopyright © 2026 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec welcomes Tanner Hackett, CEO and founder of Counterpart, to discuss how AI and agentic technology are transforming the insurance industry. Tanner shares his unique entrepreneurial background, highlighting how data-driven decision-making has been the common thread across his ventures in e-commerce, marketing technology, and now, insurance. He explains how Counterpart leverages agentic AI to streamline underwriting, enhance transparency, and proactively manage risk for commercial clients, while emphasizing the importance of human expertise in high-stakes decisions. The conversation also touches on the ethical and regulatory challenges of integrating AI into insurance, including the need for change management within legacy organizations. Tanner offers candid advice to startup founders and recommends resources for keeping pace with AI innovation, before closing with a spirited lightning round on topics ranging from startup fundraising events to Lord of the Rings.Summary:Entrepreneurial Journey: Tanner Hackett traces his path from e-commerce to founding Counterpart, focusing on the power of data in reshaping industries.Agentic AI in Insurance: Counterpart uses agentic AI to automate and improve insurance workflows, while maintaining a critical human-in-the-loop for complex risk assessment.Ethics and Regulation: The episode explores the ethical complexities and regulatory lag in insurance AI, with commercial lines facing fewer immediate ethical dilemmas than personal lines.Industry Transformation: Tanner highlights the slow but inevitable modernization of insurance, predicting both efficiency gains and significant workforce changes as AI adoption grows.Startup Insights: Practical advice is given for founders on capital raising, rapid iteration, and the importance of sales and human psychology in entrepreneurial success.Referenced in this episode:Companies/Organizations:CounterpartArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Troutman Street AudioLazadaButtonOpenAIChubbEdmund Hillary Fellows (EHF)MITMovies:Minority ReportLord of the Rings Copyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this deep dive episode, Alec sits down with Dr. Jindong Wang, Assistant Professor at William & Mary’s Data Science Department and former Microsoft researcher, to explore the nuanced landscape of trustworthy AI, multimodal safety, and personalized AI safety. Dr. Wang details his definition of trustworthy AI, focusing on privacy, robustness, transparency, and user-centric design, and explains why these are foundational for societal trust. The discussion delves into technical strategies such as differential privacy and federated learning, as well as the complex safety challenges arising from multimodal and multi-agent AI systems. Dr. Wang shares insights on emerging research, including benchmarks for risk management, adaptive and context-aware models, and the need for regulatory and ethical advances to keep pace with technological change. The episode concludes with an examination of the future risks of AI, the importance of AI literacy, and broad recommendations for education and governance as AI becomes more deeply woven into the fabric of society.Summary:Trustworthy AI Principles: Dr. Wang articulates the critical elements of trustworthy AI, emphasizing privacy, interpretability, and ethical safeguards.Technical and Regulatory Strategies: The conversation covers advanced privacy-preserving techniques and the evolving regulatory frameworks needed for effective AI risk management.Multimodal and Multi-Agent Safety: Unique risks in systems combining text, image, audio, and agentic collaboration are discussed, alongside the need for improved benchmarks and alignment.Emergent Behaviors and Human Oversight: Dr. Wang highlights frameworks for detecting and correcting emergent behaviors, and underscores the ongoing necessity of human-in-the-loop governance and AI literacy.Future Risks and Education: The episode closes with reflections on cultural bias, open-source risks, and the urgent need for scalable, personalized AI education.Referenced in this episode:Companies/Organizations:William & MaryArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.MicrosoftOpenAIGoogleNvidiaCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec welcomes Matt Middleton, Founder and CEO of Future Proof, to discuss the intersection of AI, wealth management, and events. Matt shares insights on how Future Proof is reshaping industry conferences by integrating technology and fostering real-world connections, emphasizing their upcoming Miami Beach event as a hub for AI-first wealth professionals. He reflects on his unconventional career path, the importance of mentorship, and the evolution of community-building within finance and technology. The conversation covers ethical considerations of AI, regulatory changes, and the rapid transformation of financial advice and compliance, highlighting the need for secure, enterprise-grade AI platforms. Matt also offers practical advice for young professionals, encouraging them to become AI experts to capitalize on emerging opportunities in wealth management.Summary:Future Proof Events: Matt Middleton explains how Future Proof transforms wealth management conferences with technology and outdoor formats.AI in Finance: The discussion explores practical applications and ethical considerations of AI in wealth management and event operations.Regulatory Changes: Recent SEC guidance on AI and privacy is addressed, highlighting compliance challenges for financial advisors.Industry Consolidation: Medium-sized firms are likely to benefit most from AI adoption, while smaller firms risk falling behind.Career Advice: Young professionals are encouraged to specialize in AI to become indispensable in a rapidly evolving industry.Referenced in this episode:Companies/Organizations:Future ProofArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.ETF.comInformaBitwise Asset ManagementMoney2020Ritholtz Wealth ManagementSECMovies: GladiatorCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec sits down with Professor Agostino Capponi, Director of the Center for Digital Finance and Technologies at Columbia University, to explore the frontiers of AI governance, risk management, and explainability in finance. Professor Capponi outlines the Center’s mission to bridge research, education, and industry in digital finance, including AI, blockchain, and digital payments. The discussion covers emerging frameworks for AI-driven portfolio optimization, model risk, and the importance of transparency and explainability in agentic AI systems. They also address practical challenges like data privacy, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, fairness, and the implications of delegating decision-making to AI agents within financial institutions. The episode concludes with insights on model concentration risk, convergence between AI and blockchain, and the evolving role of boards in AI governance.Summary:AI in Finance: Professor Capponi discusses how AI is reshaping portfolio management, risk assessment, and the integration of digital finance technologies. Explainability & Agentic AI: The conversation highlights agent-based frameworks that deliver transparency and rationales for AI-driven decisions in finance and prediction markets. Data Privacy & Governance: The episode examines the challenges of data lineage, privacy-preserving techniques, and regulatory implications for financial institutions using AI. Cybersecurity & Model Validation: Capponi offers perspectives on operational risk, preventing systemic threats, and the need for robust validation and benchmarking of non-deterministic AI models. Fairness, Regulation & Blockchain: The dialogue explores frameworks for fairness in AI outcomes, the regulatory focus on models versus use cases, and the convergence of AI with blockchain-based payments and governance.Referenced in this episode:Companies/Organizations:Columbia UniversityArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Center for Digital Finance and TechnologiesPolymarketS&P 500BloombergThomson ReutersAmazonGoogleWalmartCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec welcomes Nik Milanović, founder of This Week in FinTech, Stablecon, and General Partner at the FinTech Fund, for a candid conversation on the intersections of AI, fintech, and crypto. Nik shares his journey from aspiring lawyer and Stanford philosophy major to fintech leader, highlighting pivotal experiences at Google Pay and the value of community-driven insight in fast-moving industries. The discussion covers the rise of stablecoins, the importance of machine-readable payments for AI agents, and the ethical implications of rapid technological advancement. Nik emphasizes thoughtful adoption, regulatory caution, and the need to support those economically displaced by automation. The episode concludes with actionable advice for founders, investing insights, and a lighthearted lightning round on everything from Brooklyn tattoos to the impact of fintech newsletters.Summary:Career Evolution: Nik describes his path from law and philosophy into fintech, driven by the potential to create impactful technology outside politics.Stablecoins & FinTech: The conversation explores Stablecon’s mission and the growing relevance of stablecoins for financial services and mainstream adoption.AI & Payments Convergence: Nik highlights how programmable, machine-readable payments will be essential for future AI agents, offering new possibilities but requiring careful governance.Ethical & Regulatory Considerations: The importance of measured regulation and addressing economic displacement is discussed, with parallels drawn to previous tech disruptions.Founder & Investor Insights: Nik shares advice for early-stage founders, focusing on solving specific customer problems and the evolving role of community in fintech innovation.Referenced in this episode:Companies/Organizations:Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.This Week in FintechStableconThe Fintech FundGooglePetalCitiCoastal Community BankCirclePaxosRippleZerohashBooks: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor FranklMovies: The Social NetworkCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec welcomes back Michael Hind, Distinguished Research Staff Member at IBM. This episode is a special deep dive focused exclusively on the evolving field of AI governance. Michael defines AI governance from both enterprise and societal perspectives, highlighting the challenges of managing risk in rapidly evolving AI systems. He shares insights from his recent research, including the development of the AI Risk Atlas and model risk evaluation tools, and discusses the complexities of testing AI models and the importance of accurate benchmarking. The conversation covers the state of regulation, the intersection of insurance and AI risk, the role of transparency and explainability, and emerging technical solutions like entity tagging in LLMs. Alec and Michael conclude by emphasizing the need for industry-driven governance and enhanced transparency through tools such as Granite Guardian and Benchmark Cards.Summary:Defining AI Governance: Michael Hind explains the dual perspectives of AI governance—enterprise risk management and societal impact—and discusses the need for clear taxonomies.Taxonomies and Risk Evaluation: IBM’s AI Risk Atlas and model risk evaluation tools help organizations identify, test, and monitor relevant AI risks for specific use cases.Regulation and Industry Responsibility: With global regulation slowing, Michael argues for proactive enterprise governance, transparency, and industry benchmarks to fill the gap.Testing, Explainability, and Transparency: The episode explores the limits of model evaluation, the challenge of explainability, and the need for public transparency, including the Stanford Transparency Index.Insurance and Technical Advances: The dialogue addresses how insurance may eventually adapt to AI risk, and highlights new approaches like entity tagging and fault-tolerant generative computing.Companies/Organizations:IBMArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.NISTMITStanford UniversityNotre DameDrainpipe IOOpenAIGoogleCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec sits down with Eric Cook, founder and CEO of Cook Technology Solutions, part of WSI since 2007 and founder and chief mentor at The LinkedBanker, to discuss digital transformation and AI adoption in the banking sector. Eric shares his personal journey from being an “accidental banker” to a leader in digital innovation for community banks, emphasizing the importance of personal branding and leveraging technology for strategic advantage. The conversation covers the evolving role of AI in banking, including practical use cases, the need for robust training, and the critical importance of human oversight in AI-driven decisions. Eric offers insights into helping banks overcome fear and resistance to AI by focusing on business objectives and aligning technology with organizational strategy. The episode concludes with a lightning round, highlighting Eric’s perspectives on industry trends, technology, and personal passions.Summary:Digital Transformation in Banking: Eric Cook shares his transition from traditional banking to digital consulting, underscoring the need for banks to embrace strategic online presence and personal branding.AI Adoption & Training: The discussion highlights the gap between AI usage and formal training in banks, stressing the importance of education, policies, and software guardrails.Risk Management & Ethics: Eric advocates for a “human in the loop” approach, ensuring all AI outputs are critically reviewed for compliance, security, and fairness.Future-Proofing with AI: Banks are encouraged to adopt diverse AI tools and workflows, moving beyond single-platform reliance to maximize innovation and efficiency.Practical Assessment: Eric outlines his company’s approach to AI assessments, focusing on business goals and overcoming the “failure of imagination” in AI strategy development.Companies/Organizations: Cook Technology SolutionsWSIThe LinkedBankerArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.International Franchise AssociationMichigan Bankers AssociationMarketing AI InstituteJP MorganBooks: Think Like a Brand, Not a Bank by Allison Netzer and Liz HighMovies: Blade RunnerCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec sits down with Jesse Anglen, CEO of Ruh.ai, to discuss the rapid transformation of digital labor through AI agents and the profound impact on the modern workforce. Jesse shares his unique journey from the construction industry to leading AI companies, emphasizing how curiosity and self-driven learning fueled his success. The conversation delves into the rise of AI-powered automation, the potential for unprecedented labor disruption, and the ethical responsibilities business leaders face in this new era. Jesse also highlights practical advice for young professionals, stressing the importance of developing empathy, adaptability, and AI management skills as traditional roles evolve. The episode rounds out with a lively lightning round, touching on startup culture, open source innovation, and the ongoing need for lifelong learning in a fast-changing landscape.Summary:Career Evolution: Jesse Anglen’s path from construction to AI leadership showcases the value of adaptability and self-education in tech.AI-Powered Automation: The discussion highlights how Ruh.ai and similar platforms are transforming businesses by deploying digital labor agents.Ethical Concerns: Jesse addresses the risk of massive unemployment and urges proactive ethical considerations as AI adoption accelerates.Future-Proof Skills: Empathy, project management, and AI literacy are key competencies for thriving in an AI-driven economy.Continuous Learning: Lifelong learning and engagement with open source AI communities are essential for staying relevant and competitive.Companies/Organizations:Ruh.aiRapid InnovationArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.OpenAIAnthropicEthereumBooks: The E-Myth by Michael E. GerberPrinciples by Ray DalioMovies: The MatrixBack to the FutureCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec Crawford sits down with Becky Reed, Chief Operating Officer of BankSocial and co-founder and board chair of Pure IT Credit Union Service Organization, to explore the intersection of innovation, technology, and risk in the credit union sector. Becky shares her career journey from operations to CEO, emphasizing the importance of continuous innovation and the adoption of emerging technologies such as cloud computing, blockchain, and stablecoins. She discusses how credit unions can leverage these advancements to remain relevant, warning of the significant risks of not adapting, including potential revenue loss and deposit outflows. The conversation covers best practices in consumer protection, regulatory compliance, and the convergence of AI and blockchain in finance. Becky also offers thoughtful advice for students entering the workforce and provides candid perspectives in a fun lightning round segment.Summary:Career Innovation: Becky Reed’s journey highlights the shift from traditional operations to technology-driven leadership in credit unions.Blockchain & Stablecoins: The episode details how decentralized finance and stablecoins can disrupt traditional banking models and why credit unions must adapt.Risk of Inaction: Becky stresses that the greatest risk is for credit unions to remain passive, risking lost revenue and deposits as technology evolves rapidly.Regulatory Compliance: She advocates for applying existing consumer protection and privacy regulations to new technologies, ensuring ethical and secure adoption.Humanities in the AI Era: For students and professionals, Becky advises focusing on human-centric skills that AI cannot replicate, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning.Companies/Organizations:BankSocialPure IT Credit Union Service OrganizationArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Lone Star Credit UnionArlington Federal Credit UnionCircleKatena LabsOpenAIAmazon (AWS)RobinhoodCoinbaseBooks: Credit Unions and DeFi, a Financial Renaissance by Becky ReedMovies: BarbieCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec speaks with Javier Tordable, CEO and Founder of Pauling.AI, about the transformative potential of AI in drug discovery. Javier shares his journey from mathematics and technology roles at Microsoft and Google to launching Pauling.AI, highlighting the importance of innovation and mentorship in shaping his career. He explains how Pauling.AI aims to automate the process of moving from scientific hypothesis to molecule testing, thereby accelerating and reducing the cost of bringing new medicines to market. The discussion covers the ethical considerations of AI in life sciences, the realistic risks of misuse, and the challenges posed by today’s advanced content generation capabilities. Javier also provides practical advice for pharma CEOs considering AI adoption and reflects on the evolving role of regulators in healthcare and technology.Summary:AI for Drug Discovery: Javier Tordable outlines how Pauling.AI leverages automation and language models to speed up the process of identifying and testing new therapeutics.Career and Mentorship: Javier’s background in mathematics, technology, and leadership at Google informs his approach to building impactful AI solutions in life sciences.Ethical Considerations: The episode addresses the dual-use nature of AI in science, noting both its potential for positive impact and the manageable risks of misuse.Industry Disruption: Javier advises traditional pharma leaders to partner with AI experts rather than attempt to independently build state-of-the-art capabilities.Regulatory Perspective: The conversation highlights the complexity regulators face and suggests global best practices, particularly with reference to the U.S. FDA and China’s accelerated clinical trial environment.Companies/Organizations:Pauling.AIArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.GoogleMicrosoftNintendoMeditechSchrodingerFuture HouseEdison ScientificOpenAIFDANetflixWarner BrothersAmazonAppleBooks:Isaac Asimov’s Foundation seriesMovies:The Matrix ReloadedTV Shows: FoundationCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec Crawford welcomes Bruce Randall, an enterprise and startup sales growth strategist specializing in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity, and the author of the upcoming book, The AI Human Paradox. Bruce shares insights from his diverse career journey, starting as an entrepreneur during college and progressing through pivotal roles in software and AI sales. He discusses the intersection of AI and quantum technologies, highlighting both the transformative potential and the associated risks, particularly around ethics and the speed of innovation. Bruce also emphasizes the irreplaceable qualities of human intuition and consciousness, drawing from his experiences as a Reiki master and meditation practitioner. The conversation rounds out with practical advice for students entering the workforce, focusing on the importance of technical fluency, sales creativity, and maintaining a human-centric approach in an AI-driven world.Summary:Career Journey: Bruce Randall reflects on his progression from student entrepreneur to AI-focused sales strategist.Human and AI Boundaries: The discussion explores AI’s potential, the uniqueness of human consciousness, and the ethical dilemmas at the frontier of technology.Quantum and AI Synergy: Bruce expresses both excitement and caution about the convergence of AI and quantum computing, noting the vast unknowns and risks.Sales and Human Skills: He underscores the ongoing value of sales roles, creativity, and technical fluency, especially for students navigating an AI-impacted job market.Ethics and Governance: The episode addresses the importance of ethical guardrails, international competition, and the need for AI regulation to ensure technology serves humanity.Companies/Organizations:Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Johnson and Wales UniversityMITThe Global Ethical AI InstituteLinkedInBooks:The AI Human Paradox by Bruce RandallSpin SellingMovies:RobocopSchindler's ListJurassic ParkCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec welcomes William Hollis, Founder and CEO of RaiseAI, to discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence and real estate investing. William shares his journey from young computer enthusiast to self-taught software engineer and entrepreneur, highlighting how his technical background informed his approach to capital raising in commercial real estate. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities of adopting AI tools in traditionally manual real estate processes, with William emphasizing the importance of retaining human judgment and ethical oversight. Alec and William explore the risks of bias in AI-driven decision-making and the potential for AI to both democratize and transform capital raising and due diligence. The episode concludes with a lively lightning round, touching on automation, investment tools, and future trends such as blockchain in real estate.Summary:Career Journey: William Hollis shares how self-taught software skills led him to enterprise AI and, ultimately, real estate tech entrepreneurship. AI in Real Estate: Discussion on how AI can streamline capital raising, investor targeting, and due diligence while addressing legacy industry challenges. Ethical Concerns: William highlights the importance of maintaining human oversight to mitigate bias and ensure fair outcomes in AI-powered real estate decisions. Investor Advice: Practical guidance for new investors, stressing the value of personal relationships, thorough research, and aligning investment strategies with individual goals. Future Trends: Insights into blockchain, automation, and the evolving role of AI in shaping the future of real estate and job markets.Companies/Organizations: RaiseAIArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.DisneyNikeMovies: Ocean's ElevenWALL-ECopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec welcomes Yaakov Sash, Founder and CEO of Casso AI, for an in-depth conversation about the evolving intersection of AI, finance, and enterprise technology. Yaakov shares insights from his extensive background in banking and digital asset technology, recounting his journey through major financial institutions and the genesis of Casso AI. He explains the concepts of “vibe coding” and “vibe crafting,” highlighting the growing need for structured AI-driven development in enterprise settings. The discussion covers the impact of AI on traditional software roles and the shifting requirements for computer science graduates, as well as the ethical considerations and risks of advanced AI systems. Alec and Yaakov also touch on influential thinkers such as Ray Kurzweil and Eliezer Yudkowsky, and conclude with a lightning round covering everything from Brooklyn pizza to the enduring value of software design principles.Summary:Career Evolution: Yaakov Sash shares his trajectory from major banks to founding Casso AI, emphasizing adaptability and industry cycles.Vibe Coding vs. Crafting: The episode details the transition from rapid AI-generated app development to thoughtful, specification-driven enterprise solutions.AI’s Workforce Impact: Yaakov discusses the changing role of developers, predicting a shift toward orchestrating and reviewing AI-generated code.Ethical and Safety Concerns: The conversation explores the risks of AI deception, safety in development, and the importance of maintaining oversight.Founders’ Mindset: Building enduring value and pivoting with purpose is highlighted as key advice for entrepreneurs navigating emerging technologies.Companies/Organizations:Casso AIArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Credit SuisseUBSMerrill LynchBank of AmericaJPMCCircleMicrosoftOpenAI (Codex)Anthropic (Claude)Books:The Singularity Is Near by Ray KurzweilThe Singularity Is Nearer by Ray KurzweilWorks by Eliezer YudkowskyWorks by Ray BradburyMovies:SpeedCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec Crawford interviews Yvonne Kanner, Managing Partner and Co-founder of TRIA Capital Partners, about the future of wealth management and the impact of AI. Yvonne shares her journey from Mexico City to co-founding a venture capital firm, highlighting her experience with entrepreneurial ventures within Merrill Lynch. The discussion delves into the challenges and opportunities in wealth management, emphasizing the role of innovation and leadership in navigating industry changes. Yvonne expresses concerns about AI's ethical implications and the potential for certain populations to be left behind. The conversation concludes with advice for financial advisors on strategic AI adoption in wealth management.Summary:Yvonne's Journey: Yvonne Kanner shares her path from Mexico City to co-founding TRIA Capital Partners.Wealth Management Evolution: The episode explores the changing landscape of wealth management and AI's role.Leadership and Innovation: Emphasis on the importance of leadership and innovation in adapting to industry shifts.AI Ethical Concerns: Yvonne discusses potential ethical issues and societal impacts of AI in finance.Strategic AI Adoption: Advice for advisors on the importance of strategic planning and data management in AI implementation.Companies/Organizations: TRIA Capital PartnersMerrill LynchArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Movies: Snow White and the Seven DwarfsCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec welcomes Hannah Darley, Co-Founder and Chief AI Officer at Geordie AI, to discuss the intricacies of AI agent risk management. Hannah shares her unique journey from intelligence operations to co-founding Geordie AI, highlighting the importance of structured analytics and vulnerability in leadership. She elaborates on how Geordie AI aims to mitigate risks associated with AI agents while unlocking their innovative potential. The conversation delves into ethical AI frameworks, emphasizing the need for multiple judgment layers in decision-making processes. Hannah also shares insights into her transition from employee to founder, underscoring the importance of time management and team impact.Summary:AI Agent Risk Management: Hannah Darley explains how Geordie AI helps businesses manage AI agent risks while fostering innovation.Leadership and Vulnerability: Discusses the role of vulnerability in leadership and its impact on effective decision-making.Ethical AI Frameworks: Emphasizes the necessity of multiple judgment layers in creating ethical AI systems.Human Behavior in AI Governance: Highlights the influence of human behavior on AI system effectiveness and governance.Founder's Journey: Insights into the challenges and adjustments when transitioning from an employee to a founder.Companies/Organizations: Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Geordie AIDarktraceMicrosoftSalesforceZendeskBooks: Daring Greatly by Brené BrownMovies: The Lord of the Rings Extended EditionTV Shows: Gilmore GirlsCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec Crawford speaks with Jonathan Kvarfordt, Head of GTM Growth Momentum, Founder of GTM AI Academy, and Co-founder of the AI Business Network. Jonathan shares his journey from sales and enablement to becoming a leader in AI strategy and growth. The discussion delves into the importance of aligning AI strategies with business objectives, highlighting the need for data access and ethical considerations in AI applications. They explore the challenges and opportunities of implementing AI in regulated industries, emphasizing the importance of trust and compliance. Jonathan also offers insights into practical AI use cases and the significance of educating leaders and teams in leveraging AI effectively.Summary:AI Strategy Alignment: Jonathan emphasizes integrating AI strategy with overarching business goals.Data Access Challenges: AI's potential is hindered by siloed data structures in organizations.Ethical Considerations: The episode discusses the need for transparency and ethical guidelines in AI use.Practical Use Cases: Jonathan shares examples of AI's impact on CRM processes and time optimization.Trust and Compliance: Highlighting the importance of trust in AI tools, especially in regulated industries.Companies/Organizations: GTM Growth MomentumGTM AI AcademyAI Business NetworkJP Morgan ChaseMomentumArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Movies: Beverly Hills CopCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.Jocelyn King, a leading figure in cybersecurity and founder of Smarter Online Safety, shares her compelling journey from being a cybercrime victim to becoming an advocate for online safety. The episode underscores the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures and the impact of AI in both aiding and combating cyber threats. Jocelyn discusses her personal experiences with cyber intrusions, the creation of her comprehensive checklist for digital protection, and the role of AI in contemporary cybersecurity challenges. She emphasizes the need for both individuals and companies to adopt robust security practices and highlights the psychological tactics employed by cybercriminals. Additionally, the episode covers the ethical considerations surrounding AI use, particularly in preventing data breaches and maintaining privacy.Summary:Guest Background: Jocelyn King is a renowned cybersecurity expert and the founder of Smarter Online Safety.Cybersecurity Journey: Jocelyn shares her personal experience of being targeted by cybercriminals, which led to her mission to educate others on online safety.AI and Cybercrime: The discussion highlights how AI is used by both cybercriminals and cybersecurity experts, changing the landscape of digital threats.Digital Self-Defense: Jocelyn outlines key steps individuals can take to secure their digital lives, emphasizing the importance of basic security measures.Ethical AI Use: The conversation touches on the ethical responsibilities of companies in using AI technology safely and transparently.Companies/Organizations:Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Smarter Online SafetyIntelFBISilicon Valley AI CryptoWaters TechnologyFerrariCal BerkeleyHong Kong UniversityBooks:Getting Things Done by David AllenRaising AI by DekaiTV Shows:Ted LassoCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec Crawford interviews Manuj Aggarwal, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at TetraNoodle Technologies. Manuj shares his journey from a small town in India to becoming a successful entrepreneur in Canada, highlighting the challenges and opportunities he encountered. They discuss the disruptive potential of AI and how it can enhance human capabilities rather than replace them. Manuj emphasizes the importance of aligning personal and organizational goals using AI and the concept of creating digital twins to optimize decision-making. The conversation also touches on the future of work and the role of creativity in an AI-driven world.Summary:Entrepreneurial Journey: Manuj Aggarwal shares his inspiring journey from India to Canada and his path to founding TetraNoodle Technologies.AI Empowerment: Emphasizes how AI can enhance human capabilities and align personal and organizational goals.Digital Twins: Discusses creating digital twins of executives to optimize decision-making in organizations.Future of Work: Explores the potential for AI to transform work and unleash human creativity.AI Disruption: Highlights concerns about AI's rapid changes and the need for responsible management to prevent social unrest.Companies/Organizations:TetraNoodle TechnologiesArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.MicrosoftIBMT-MobilePearson EducationBridgewaterBooks: "Principles" by Ray DalioMovies: ArrivalCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.George Swetlitz, co-founder of RightResponse AI (https://www.rightresponseai.com/), brings a wealth of experience from consulting and operational roles, including significant leadership positions at McKinsey and Sara Lee Corporation. This episode delves into the evolving landscape of AI in reputation management, emphasizing the transition from traditional customer feedback to AI-driven insights. Swetlitz discusses the implications of AI-generated responses and the importance of maintaining brand consistency in digital interactions. He explores the challenges of adapting to generative engine optimization, highlighting how companies can leverage AI to enhance their digital footprint. Additionally, the conversation touches on ethical concerns, including privacy and the balance between automation and human interaction in customer service.Summary:Guest Background: George Swetlitz is a seasoned consultant and business leader, now co-founder of RightResponse AI.AI in Reputation Management: RightResponse AI uses AI to enhance how businesses manage and respond to customer reviews, focusing on brand consistency.Generative Engine Optimization: Swetlitz highlights the shift from traditional SEO to generative engine optimization, crucial for reaching younger audiences.Ethical AI Concerns: The episode covers privacy and the ethical use of AI, emphasizing the need for real personalization over fake personalization.AI Implementation Advice: Swetlitz advises CEOs to start with simple AI projects and choose vendors carefully to manage risks effectively.Companies/Organizations: Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.RightResponse AIMcKinseySara Lee CorporationHarvardJ.P. MorganTrader Joe'sCrate and BarrelBooks: Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel KahnemanMovies: CasablancaCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec Crawford interviews Sean Neville, Co-founder and CEO of Catena Labs, as well as Co-founder and Board Member at Circle. Sean shares the origin story of Circle, reflecting on its mission to democratize finance using internet technology. The discussion covers the transformative potential of AI and blockchain, emphasizing the need for robust AI governance frameworks to ensure safety and compliance. Sean highlights the importance of programmable money and the integration of stablecoins within financial systems. The episode concludes with Sean offering insights on various topics from blockchain security to AI's role in economic transactions.Summary:Circle's Origin: Sean Neville discusses the founding of Circle and its goal to democratize finance using global internet standards.AI and Blockchain: The convergence of AI and blockchain technologies is explored, highlighting their potential to transform global financial systems.Programmable Money: Sean explains the concept of programmable money and its implications for financial transactions.AI Governance: The necessity of developing AI governance frameworks for safe and compliant economic participation is emphasized.Final Insights: Sean shares perspectives on topics ranging from blockchain security to AI agents in finance.Companies/Organizations: Catena LabsCircleBrightcoveGeneral CatalystArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Books: Super Agency by Greg Beato and Reid HoffmanMovies: The Social NetworkCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this episode, Alec Crawford speaks with Andriy Burkov, who holds a PhD in artificial intelligence and is the author of several books including "The Hundred Page Machine Learning Book" and "Machine Learning Engineering." The conversation dives into Andriy's academic background in multi-agent systems and computational game theory, highlighting his significant contributions to algorithms for Nash Equilibrium in multi-turn games. Andriy shares insights into his transition from academia to industry, recounting his experiences with companies like Fujitsu and innovative startups in Quebec. The discussion shifts to how AI is revolutionizing software development, with Andriy emphasizing the increased productivity for experienced engineers and the challenges faced by recent computer science graduates in a competitive job market. The episode concludes with Andriy's perspectives on the ethical implications of AI and his advice for businesses starting their AI journey.Summary:Guest Introduction: Andriy Burkov discusses his academic background and contributions to AI, particularly in multi-agent systems.Career Transition: Shares experiences moving from academia to industry, working with Fujitsu and innovative startups.AI in Software Development: Explores how AI is enhancing productivity for experienced software engineers.Challenges for Graduates: Addresses the competitive job market for computer science graduates and offers advice for gaining experience.Ethical Considerations: Discusses the importance of understanding AI's limitations and the potential risks in its deployment.Companies/Organizations: Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.FujitsuBooks: The Hundred Page Machine Learning BookArtificial Intelligence: A Modern ApproachMovies: Terminator 2Alien Harry PotterThe Lord of the RingsTV Shows: Breaking BadGame of ThronesCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.Nicole Carignan, Senior Vice President of Security and AI Strategy at Darktrace, shares her journey from a computer science background to leading AI security strategies. The episode explores the necessity of using AI to combat AI-driven cyber threats, highlighting the importance of autonomous systems in defending against sophisticated attacks like those from Scattered Spider. Nicole discusses the evolving landscape of AI agents, emphasizing the blend of human intuition and AI analytics for optimal decision-making. She also reflects on the ethical implications of AI in cybersecurity and the importance of embedding security into AI innovations. Additionally, Nicole offers insights into her daily role at Darktrace and her predictions for AI's future impact on security.Summary:Guest Background: Nicole Carignan is the Senior Vice President of Security and AI Strategy at Darktrace.AI in Cybersecurity: Nicole emphasizes the critical role of AI in defending against AI-powered cyber threats, advocating for autonomous response systems.Human vs. AI Decision Making: She discusses the importance of combining human intuition with AI analytics to enhance decision-making processes.AI Agents & Autonomy: Nicole explains the concept of AI agents and the need for diverse models to achieve reliable autonomous systems.Ethical Considerations: The conversation touches on the ethical challenges of AI in cybersecurity, urging for responsible innovation and security by design.Companies/Organizations:Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Troutman Street AudioDarktraceNASALockheed MartinCISABooks:AI Snake OilMovies:The MatrixCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.

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.Tristan Pelloux, an entrepreneur and visiting professor at SRH in Germany, shares his journey from corporate finance to strategic innovation, leveraging new technologies. The episode delves into the essence of strategy, highlighting Michael Porter's influential piece, "What is Strategy?" and its foundational impact on business decision-making. Tristan discusses the current AI landscape, emphasizing the importance of starting with a clear business case before integrating AI solutions. Key discussions include the role of AI in improving operational efficiency and governance, along with potential risks such as data privacy and regulatory compliance. Tristan also shares his insights on how students and professionals can embrace AI tools to enhance their skills and adapt to changing job landscapes.Summary:Guest Background: Tristan Pelloux is an entrepreneur and visiting professor at SRH in Germany, with a background in corporate finance and strategy.Strategy Simplified: Discusses Michael Porter's "What is Strategy?" and its importance in understanding business positioning and differentiation.AI Hype and Reality: Emphasizes starting with a business case and avoiding the pitfall of adopting AI without a clear problem-solving focus.AI and Governance: Highlights the importance of considering data privacy, regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity risks when implementing AI.Adapting to AI: Advises students and professionals to leverage AI tools for skill enhancement and to remain adaptable to technological changes.Companies/Organizations: SRHHarvard Business ReviewOpenAIMicrosoft Co-pilotPrince Charles CinemaArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Books: "What is Strategy?" by Michael Porter"Bulletproof Problem Solving" by Charles R. Conn and Robert McLeanMovies: CommandoCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.Al Kushner, founder and CEO of LinkedVantage, joins the podcast to discuss the transformative impact of AI on LinkedIn. Known for his expertise in leveraging AI for professional networking, Al shares insights from his career, which began in sales, and his journey to becoming a thought leader in the AI space. The episode delves into the ever-evolving landscape of LinkedIn, discussing how AI-generated content is becoming increasingly prevalent. Al emphasizes the importance of profile optimization and personal branding, offering concrete steps for job seekers. He also addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the job market, highlighting the emerging field of prompt engineering. Finally, Al provides guidance for aspiring authors and reflects on the significance of authenticity in leveraging AI.Summary:Guest Background: Al Kushner is the founder and CEO of LinkedVantage and an award-winning author of "The AI LinkedIn Advantage."Sales and Thought Leadership: Al emphasizes the importance of starting a career in sales and becoming a thought leader.AI's Impact on LinkedIn: The episode discusses the growing use of AI in generating social media content and its implications for LinkedIn.Profile Optimization: Al provides practical advice for job seekers on improving LinkedIn profiles and using AI tools effectively.Job Market and AI: The discussion includes insights on the future of the job market with AI, including the rise of prompt engineering.Companies/Organizations:LinkedVantageArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.MicrosoftFacebookAmazonAudibleSpotifyBooks:"The AI LinkedIn Advantage" by Al Kushner"Atomic Habits" by James ClearMovies:"Pursuit of Happyness"Copyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.Vinay Chaudhri, a principal at Knowledge Systems Research, LLC, shares his journey from obtaining a PhD in the 1990s to supporting a National Science Foundation initiative focused on integrating deep learning with knowledge graphs. The episode emphasizes the importance of explicitly representing knowledge and utilizing it for reasoning. Vinay discusses his transition from a significant role at JP Morgan to his current position, highlighting the differences in technological adoption between corporate and research settings. He also explores how AI can enhance human reasoning, rather than merely mimic it. Additionally, Vinay shares insights on the potential of AI in various fields, from education to environmental sustainability.Summary:Guest Background: Vinay Chaudhri is a principal at Knowledge Systems Research, LLC, supporting a National Science Foundation AI initiative.AI History: Vinay started his AI journey in the 1990s, focusing on knowledge bases and human-like reasoning.Career Transition: He transitioned from JP Morgan to research, valuing intellectual challenge and family goals.AI Research: Emphasizes explicit knowledge representation and AI's potential to enhance human reasoning.Technological Adoption: Contrasts JP Morgan's proactive approach to AI with more conservative institutions.Companies/OrganizationsKnowledge Systems Research, LLCNational Science FoundationUniversity of TorontoStanfordJP MorganSRI InternationalSanta Fe Institute of ComplexityArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.BooksYoga SutrasMoviesThe Sound of MusicCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.In this enlightening episode, Alec Crawford welcomes Steve Endacott, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Life's Echo. Steve shares his fascinating journey from disrupting the UK travel industry with dynamic packaging to pioneering AI-driven solutions. He discusses how AI is reshaping the travel sector, particularly through the innovative projects of his AI incubator, Neural River. Key topics include the transformative potential of AI in voice technology and the ethical considerations surrounding AI usage. Steve also introduces Life's Echo, a platform for creating personal autobiographies through AI. The conversation underscores the rapid pace of AI adoption and the need for strategic planning to address potential societal impacts.Summary:Guest Background: Steve Endacott is a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Life's Echo, with a history of innovation in the travel and tech industries.AI Incubator: Steve discusses Neural River, an AI incubator that nurtures young talent and spins out new AI-driven businesses.AI in Travel: The conversation explores how AI is poised to revolutionize the travel industry, particularly through AI Search and voice technology.Life's Echo: Steve introduces Life's Echo, a service that uses AI to create personal autobiographies and digital twins for future generations.Ethical Considerations: The discussion touches on the ethical implications of AI, including job displacement and the importance of data security.Companies/Organizations:Life's EchoArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.GoogleTripAdvisorRedditKongaBooking.comThomas CookMy TravelTroutman Street AudioMovies:AmadeusCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.Dan Nestle, Chief Curiosity Officer at Inquisitive Communications, shares his unique journey from a communications novice to an AI ethics advocate. The episode centers around resolving AI ethical dilemmas, highlighting Dan's emphasis on transparency and accurate representation in content creation. He discusses his transition from corporate roles to founding Inquisitive Communications and the impact of AI on strategic communications. The conversation also delves into his favorite AI tools and the importance of maintaining ethical standards while leveraging AI for content creation. Dan offers insights on how CEOs can integrate AI into their business strategies, emphasizing the need for education, flexibility, and cultural adaptation.Summary:Guest Background: Dan Nestle is the Chief Curiosity Officer at Inquisitive Communications with a rich history in strategic communications and AI ethics.AI Tools: Dan actively uses AI tools like Perplexity, Notebook LM, and Claude for content creation and strategic advising.Ethical Content Creation: He emphasizes transparency and the importance of accurately representing original thought when using AI in content creation.Corporate AI Integration: Dan advises CEOs on the importance of educating their workforce and adopting flexible AI strategies.Community Influence: He discusses the impact of the Rise community and the significance of dark social platforms in modern communications.Companies/OrganizationsInquisitive CommunicationsTroutman Street AudioUPennLIXILPage SocietyPRSAWeber-ShandwickArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.BooksRich Dad Poor DadThe New Rules of Marketing and PRCo-IntelligenceMoviesMoneyballTV ShowsSiloCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.Mark Andrews, the founder and CEO of AI Prophets, brings a rich background in finance and digital marketing to the AI landscape. This episode focuses on leveraging AI as a practical tool for businesses and individuals, emphasizing the importance of AI literacy. Key topics include the democratization of data through AI, the impact of internal data on AI effectiveness, and the potential pitfalls of over-relying on AI without understanding its limits. Mark shares insights on how companies can enhance productivity by integrating AI into their operations, and he discusses the evolving role of AI in the workplace and its implications for new graduates. The conversation also delves into ethical considerations and the societal impact of AI technologies.Summary:Guest Background: Mark Andrews is an AI literacy expert and the founder and CEO of AI Prophets.AI as a Tool: He emphasizes using AI to enhance productivity and save time in the workplace.Data Democratization: Discusses the importance of using internal data with AI for better decision-making.AI Literacy for Graduates: Offers advice to new graduates on embracing AI to improve job prospects.AI Ethics: Highlights the need for careful consideration of AI's societal and employment impacts.Companies/Organizations: AI ProphetsArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Troutman Street AudioBryant UniversitySyracuse UniversityAnthropicBooks: MoneyballMovies: Field of DreamsTV Shows: It's Always Sunny in PhiladelphiaCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.Jason Barnard, CEO and founder of Kalicube, joins Alec Crawford to discuss his unconventional journey from musician and cartoon creator to a leading expert in Digital Brand Engineering. Barnard emphasizes the importance of controlling one's digital footprint to shape the Digital Brand Echo that AI Assistive Engines perceive. The episode explores his personal transformation under mentor Itamar Morani, the challenges of AI-generated misinformation, and how to strategically position brands in an AI-driven world. Jason shares insights from his career, including his innovative approach, The Kalicube Process, and the development of Kalicube’s powerful SaaS platform. The discussion also touches on the future of AI in marketing and the importance of maintaining human creativity and emotion in business.Summary:Guest Background: Jason Barnard is a former musician and cartoon creator turned CEO and founder of Kalicube, specializing in how brands are represented in an AI-first world.Personal Branding: He discusses the critical role of a digital footprint in shaping a brand's narrative in its Brand SERP and the AI Résumé that machines generate.Mentorship Influence: Jason shares how Itamar Morani helped him transition from a hands-on creator to an effective CEO.AI Challenges: Concerns about AI's role in spreading misinformation and the importance of establishing a single source of truth (an Entity Home).Future of AI in Marketing: Jason outlines how AI Assistive Engines create a Conversational Acquisition Funnel, guiding consumers and why brands must become Top of Algorithmic Mind to be recommended.Companies/Organizations:KalicubeKajabiGoogleMicrosoftChatGPTDeepSeekGeminiCopilotInstagramFacebookArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc. Books:Confucius from the HeartMovies:Cool RunningsSome Like It HotTV Shows:IT CrowdCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk

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.Stan Sukhinin, owner of SORSO Fractional CFO Services, shares his journey from the financial sector, including his tenure at institutions like Societe Generale, to founding his own company. The episode delves into why AI is not yet ready for many business processes, emphasizing the importance of consistency and the risks of hallucinations in AI models. Stan discusses the critical role of financial management in business success and the potential for AI to automate and streamline these processes. He also provides insights into his strategic vision for SORSO, focusing on integrating AI to enhance financial operations. Furthermore, Stan highlights the ethical concerns surrounding AI, such as job displacement and the potential for manipulation. He concludes by offering advice for CFOs on adopting AI tools and preparing for the future.Summary:Guest Background: Stan Sukhinin is the owner of SORSO Fractional CFO Services with a rich background in banking and finance.AI Limitations: Discusses AI's current inconsistency and hallucination issues in business applications.Financial Management: Emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing business finances to avoid failures.AI in Finance: Explores the potential of AI to automate financial tasks and improve efficiency.Ethical Concerns: Highlights ethical challenges, including job displacement and AI’s potential for manipulation.Companies/Organizations:SORSO Fractional CFO ServicesSociete GeneraleUniCreditSpotifyKlarnaArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Books:Never Enough: From Barista to Billionaire by Andrew WilkinsonMovies:Bend It Like BeckhamCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk

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.Matt Metzger, a Clinical Professor of Economics at Belk College of Business at UNC Charlotte, discusses the integration of AI in education. He emphasizes the importance of adapting teaching methods to incorporate AI tools, making education more relevant to current job markets. Throughout the episode, Matt shares insights from his book, "The Overnight AI Educator," and explains the concept of backwards design in curriculum development. He also addresses ethical concerns, such as privacy issues and equitable access to AI resources. Matt advocates for preparing students to use AI productively, highlighting the demand from businesses for AI-skilled graduates. The conversation explores the balance between traditional education and AI-enhanced learning environments.Summary:Guest Background: Matt Metzger is a Clinical Professor of Economics at Belk College of Business, UNC Charlotte, and author of "The Overnight AI Educator."AI in Education: Metzger emphasizes the integration of AI tools in educational curricula to match current job market demands.Backwards Design: He advocates for the backwards design approach, focusing on end goals to structure educational activities effectively.Ethical Concerns: Discussion includes ethical issues such as AI-induced cheating, privacy, and equitable access across different regions.Future Skills: Metzger highlights the importance of equipping students with AI skills, aligning with industry needs for AI-competent graduates.Companies/Organizations:Belk College of BusinessUNC CharlotteKent State UniversityUniversity of TennesseeGlobal AI Ethics InstituteArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Books:The Overnight AI Educator by Matt MetzgarUnderstanding by Design by Grant WigginsEssential Questions by Grant WigginsSchooling by Design by Grant WigginsMovies:Ferris Bueller's Day OffRisky BusinessTV Shows:MacGyverCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk

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.Jo Ann Barefoot, CEO and founder of the Alliance for Innovative Regulation (AIR), joins Alec to discuss the critical lag between AI advancements and financial regulations. A former bank regulator and U.S. Senate Banking Committee member, Jo Ann’s journey led her to establish AIR, aiming to address regulatory challenges in the tech-driven financial landscape. The episode delves into topics such as the rapid pace of technological innovation, the potential for AI to combat financial crime, and the ethical considerations for AI deployment in financial institutions. Jo Ann shares insights on how AI can enhance financial inclusion and the importance of evolving regulatory frameworks to keep pace with technological advancements. Her perspective underscores the necessity of integrating compliance into tech development and fostering a culture of ethical innovation within the financial sector.Summary:Guest Background: Jo Ann Barefoot is the CEO and founder of the Alliance for Innovative Regulation, with a history as a bank regulator and consultant.Technological Convergence: Jo Ann emphasizes how streams of innovation converge to create breakthroughs, highlighting the rapid pace of AI development.AI in Financial Crime: The discussion covers how AI can revolutionize fraud detection and combat financial crime more effectively.Regulatory Challenges: Jo Ann explains the gap between AI advancements and current regulations, stressing the need for principles-based regulation.Ethical AI Deployment: Ethical considerations and risk management are crucial as financial institutions deploy AI to enhance consumer protection and financial inclusion.Companies/Organizations: Alliance for Innovative RegulationUS Senate Banking CommitteeAARPJP MorganHarvard UniversityFederal agenciesCommunity banksCredit unionsArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Books: The Future is Faster Than You Think by Peter Diamandis.Movies: Mamma Mia! TV Shows: The FlintstonesCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk

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.In this episode, we hear from Matthew White, founder and CEO of Platypus OS. He shares his journey from healthcare staffing to tech entrepreneurship, ultimately leading to the creation of Platypus OS, an AI-driven browser designed to streamline workflows. The conversation explores how Platypus OS integrates AI to manage tasks across over 1500 applications, aiming to revolutionize how businesses operate by treating AI as an integral team member. Matthew discusses the challenges faced while developing a new browser, the potential for AI to transform small businesses, and his vision of AI as the future operating system. He also covers the broader implications of AI on the job market and the importance of ethical considerations.SummaryGuest Background: Matthew White is the founder and CEO of Platypus OS, with a diverse career path from healthcare staffing to tech innovation.AI-Powered Browsing: Platypus OS integrates AI into browsers, enabling automation across numerous applications, aiming to simplify and enhance business operations.Building a Browser: The development of Platypus OS involved unexpected challenges, particularly in creating a functional, organized browser from scratch.AI as an Operating System: Matthew envisions AI evolving into a central operating system, fundamentally altering how businesses and individuals interact with technology.Job Market Impact: He discusses potential disruptions AI may cause in the job market and the need for ethical regulation to guide its development.Companies/OrganizationsPlatypus OSQebotBetter Business BureauWaymoArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.BooksThe Goal by Eliyahu GoldrattMoviesThe Social NetworkLord of the Rings Copyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk

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.Nuri Cankaya, VP for Commercial and AI Marketing at Intel and author of "AI in Marketing," shares his journey from his early tech interest sparked by a Commodore 64 to his influential roles at Microsoft and Intel. The episode delves into the evolution of AI from early expert systems to current applications, emphasizing the role of AI in marketing and future implications. Nuri discusses AI's transformative potential in marketing through his AIM framework—Assess, Implement, and Measure. He also explores the ethical considerations and challenges of AGI, providing insights into AI regulation. The conversation concludes with a light-hearted lightning round addressing topics from AI’s job market impact to living in Kirkland, Washington.Summary:Guest Background: Nuri Cankaya is the VP for Commercial and AI Marketing at Intel, with a rich history in tech spanning roles at Microsoft and authoring several books, including "AI in Marketing."AI Marketing Impact: Nuri introduces the AIM framework to illustrate AI's profound influence on marketing strategies.AGI Concerns: The discussion highlights potential risks of Artificial General Intelligence and the need for ethical guidelines.Personal Insights: Nuri shares personal anecdotes, including his journey from Microsoft to Intel and the importance of mentoring.Future AI Developments: The episode explores future possibilities, including brain-AI interfaces and the societal impact of AI advancements.Companies/Organizations:IntelMicrosoftOpenAIGoogle DeepMindMetaNvidiaAMDAnthropicArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Books:AI in Marketing by Nuri CankayaThe Singularity is Nearer by Ray KurzweilSuperintelligence by Nick BostromMovies:Ready Player OneTV Shows:Black MirrorCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk

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.Francisco Quevedo, Executive Director of the Rucker Center for Marketing Advancement and an assistant professor, shares his compelling journey from a successful businessman in a socialist regime to an academic leader in the United States. The episode delves into the importance of strategic planning and marketing analytics, where Francisco emphasizes using AI as a co-pilot in decision-making processes. Key topics include the challenges of unequal development in global economies and the role of AI in bridging gaps in technology access. Francisco also discusses the ethical considerations in adopting AI in academia and business and highlights the potential of AI in enhancing consumer experiences.Summary:Guest Background: Francisco Quevedo is the Executive Director of the Rucker Center for Marketing Advancement and an assistant professor and senator at the same institution.Strategic Planning: Francisco emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and marketing analytics, with a focus on consumer delight.AI in Consulting: He uses AI as a co-pilot in consulting to assist with research and strategy development, maintaining the need for human oversight.Unequal Development: Francisco discusses the concept of unequal development and the need for developing countries to embrace technological advancements like AI.Ethics & AI: He addresses ethical considerations in AI use, advocating for its responsible integration into both educational and corporate strategies.Companies/Organizations: Rucker Center for Marketing AdvancementDuPontLiberty MutualGlobal AI Ethics InstituteArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Books: Unequal Development by Samir AminTV Shows: Altered CarbonCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk

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.Monica Anderson, an experimental AI epistemologist, has been a prominent figure in AI research for decades, spanning both the 20th and 21st centuries. She worked at Google and now runs her own research company, Syntience, along with a social media platform called Bubble City. Monica discussed her career journey, including her time at Google, and the development of large language models (LLMs). She highlighted the history and evolution of AI, mentioning key milestones like Jeff Hinton's neural network research and the advent of GPUs, which led to the development of transformers and LLMs. Monica elaborated on the concept of organic learning, contrasting traditional models of language understanding with her more efficient algorithm based on discrete links and connectome algorithms. Additionally, she introduced Bubble City, a social media platform designed to create protected, topic-specific chat rooms using AI to eliminate spam, hate, and persuasion, and to facilitate focused discussions and research.Summary:Guest Background: Monica Anderson is an experimental AI epistemologist who has been a leading figure in AI research for decades, working in both the 20th and 21st centuries. She has worked at Google and currently runs her research company, Syntience, and a social media platform called Bubble City.Career Journey: Monica Anderson's career journey, including her work at Google, and her development of large language models (LLMs) through her company Syntience.History of AI: The history and evolution of AI, highlighting key milestones such as Jeff Hinton's neural network research and the advent of GPUs, leading to the development of transformers and LLMs.Organic Learning: The concept of organic learning, contrasting traditional models of language understanding with Monica's more efficient algorithm based on discrete links and connectome algorithms.Bubble City: Bubble City, a social media platform designed to create protected, topic-specific chat rooms using AI, aiming to eliminate spam, hate, and persuasion, and facilitate focused discussions and research.Companies:GoogleSyntienceBubble CityArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Books:Time Enough for Love by Robert HeinleinMoon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert HeinleinMovies:HerCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk

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.In this episode of the AI Risk Reward Podcast, host Alec Crawford welcomes Dave Sobel, the host of the Business of Tech podcast, who shares insights from his extensive background in technology and entrepreneurship. The discussion centers around the importance of leveraging AI for genuine business outcomes rather than getting caught up in the hype. Dave emphasizes the necessity of tying AI initiatives back to a company’s profit and loss statement to gauge their true impact. He also explores AI's transformative potential in IT services, providing examples of how AI can enhance efficiency and customer service. Additionally, Dave elaborates on how he uses various AI tools in his media company to streamline news aggregation, summarization, and content creation, thereby delivering high-quality shows more effectively. The conversation also touches on ethical considerations and the critical role of data governance in safely and effectively implementing AI.Summary:Guest Background: Dave Sobel, host of the Business of Tech podcast, has a deep background in technology, starting from his childhood interest in computers and leading to his career in consulting, software development, and entrepreneurship.AI for Business Outcomes vs. Hype: The discussion highlights the importance of focusing on AI for achieving real business results rather than getting lost in the hype. Dave emphasizes the need for AI to tie back to a business's profit and loss statement to measure its effectiveness.AI's Impact on IT Services: The transformative potential of AI in IT services is explored, including examples of how AI can streamline processes and improve customer service by providing quick access to information.Applications of AI: Dave shares how he uses AI in his media company, including tools for news aggregation, summarization, and content creation, enhancing his ability to deliver high-quality, insightful shows efficiently.Ethical Considerations and Data Governance: The conversation delves into the ethical issues surrounding AI, particularly data privacy and governance. Dave stresses the importance of having robust data management practices in place to fully leverage AI while mitigating risks.Companies: OpenAIMicrosoftSwellNotionArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Books: The E-Myth by Michael E. GerberMovies: Star Trek II: The Wrath of KhanCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk

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.Colin Constable, co-founder and CTO at AtSign, has an extensive background in telecommunications, beginning with his apprenticeship at British Telecom. Colin discussed his career journey and how his mentor, Les Box, influenced his path, leading to significant roles at Credit Suisse and founding AtSign. He explained AtSign's origins, stemming from a debate on the internet's inefficiencies in data control, aiming to allow services to log into users rather than vice versa. Colin expressed excitement about the agentic movement in AI and the convergence of AI and IoT, predicting advancements in self-driving technology and private AI instances. He also shared advice on fostering healthy disagreement, strategic insights for CEOs integrating AI, and the importance of execution in Silicon Valley's innovation culture.Summary: Guest Background: Colin Constable is the co-founder and CTO at AtSign, with a rich background in telecommunications and network architecture, beginning with his apprenticeship at British Telecom.Early Career Influences: Colin shared his early career experiences at British Telecom and the pivotal role of his mentor, Les Box, in shaping his career path, which eventually led him to Credit Suisse and later founding AtSign.Founding AtSign: He discussed the origins of AtSign, which stemmed from an argument about the inefficiencies of the internet regarding data control and identity management. He detailed how AtSign aims to change the paradigm by allowing services to log into users rather than users logging into services.Emerging Technologies: Colin expressed excitement about the agentic movement in AI, particularly the intersection of AI and IoT, predicting impactful advancements in self-driving technology and private AI instances.Advice and Insights: He emphasized the importance of healthy disagreement for learning and growth, strategic insights for CEOs integrating AI, and the impact of execution in Silicon Valley's innovation culture.Companies: AtSignZeta HealthArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Books: Accelerando by Charles StrossMovies: Yes ManCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

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.Daniel Goddard, the founder and CEO of Dysko, an AI networking application, joined the AI Risk Reward Podcast to discuss his fascinating journey from Australia to Los Angeles. Daniel's career path included surfing, studying business, and ultimately pursuing acting, where he starred in TV shows like Beastmaster and Young and the Restless. In the podcast, he delves into the origin of Dysko, which uses hashtags and GPS technology to help people connect based on shared interests, addressing a significant pain point in networking. Daniel also discusses the privacy concerns associated with AI and how Dysko ensures user safety by allowing control over visibility and interactions. Furthermore, he shares valuable advice emphasizing the importance of pursuing what makes you happy and reflects on the future of AI and its impact on industries and human experiences.Summary:Guest Background: Daniel Goddard is the founder and CEO of Dysko, an AI networking application. He has a varied background, including surfing in Australia, studying business, pursuing acting, and eventually moving to Los Angeles where he starred in TV shows like Beastmaster and Young and the Restless.Journey and Career Path: Daniel shares his life journey from Australia to Los Angeles, detailing his experiences in acting and the significant pivot points that led him from a business student to an actor and eventually a tech entrepreneur.Creation of Dysko: The discussion delves into the origin of Dysko, an AI networking application designed to help people connect based on shared interests and activities, using hashtags and GPS technology to facilitate meaningful connections in both social and professional settings.Challenges and Privacy in AI: The conversation highlights the privacy concerns associated with AI technology and how Dysko addresses these issues by allowing users to control their visibility and interactions to ensure a safe networking experience.Advice and Insights: Daniel shares valuable advice he has received, emphasizing the importance of pursuing what makes you happy. He also discusses the future of AI and its potential impact on industries and human experiences.Books:Michael Dell's autobiographyThe Lean Startup by Eric RiesTV Shows:BeastmasterYoung and the RestlessMovies:There Will Be BloodReady Player OneCompanies:DyskoArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Copyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.