Tech Break by Friday

This episode of Tech Break by Friday was recorded and transcribed using wiserwork, which helped me capture the full conversation and repurpose it into this article and other episode assets. Link to a 14-day free trial of wiserwork: https://platform.wiserwork.ai/sign-up?utm_campaign=40670068-WiserWork%20LinkedIn%20Personas&utm_source=paraskevi🔥 Subscribe to Tech Break by Friday on Substack:👉 https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com🎙️ Listen to the full podcast episode:→ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3c6KAQPQ54vxXUvLLRffC1→ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-break-by-friday/id1796711716🛡️ Work with Ryan & Sparrow Risk Group:→ Sparrow Risk Group: https://www.sparrowrg.com→ Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-quirk-10a787b9📚 Free resources from Paraskevi→ AI & business breakdowns (newsletter): https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com→ Tech Break by Friday site: https://techbreakbyfriday.comFollow Paraskevi📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tech.break.by.friday🌐 Website: https://techbreakbyfriday.comFollow Ryan🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-quirk-10a787b9🌐 Sparrow Risk Group: https://www.sparrowrg.comWhy watch?If this is your first time here — hi, I’m Paraskevi. I’m a software engineer and AI-focused founder who helps business owners understand what actually matters in tech, security, and automation, without the fluff. Every week on Tech Break by Friday, I bring on people like Ryan Quirk — ex-Marine, covert entry specialist, and founder of Sparrow Risk Group — to show you how AI, cyber, and real-world security are changing faster than most businesses realise, and what you can do about it right now.If you want practical conversations that help you protect your company, your clients, and your reputation in an AI-first world, you’re in the right place.Like, subscribe, and drop a comment with the next guest or topic you want to see. Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Are you actually using OpenClaw to its full potential? Most people install it and stop there.In this video I break down the 7 ways I use OpenClaw every day to run my business — from generating 100 researched leads a day, to keeping my brand consistent across every output, to having an AI that actually pushes back when I'm wrong.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro — Why most people underuse OpenClaw 00:18 🏭 #1 Content Factory — Topic in, full content out 01:26 🎯 #2 Lead Research & Outreach — 100 scored leads/day 03:00 🛡️ #3 Security Watchdog — Daily plugin & tool checks 04:14 📚 #4 Knowledge Synthesis — PDFs & notes → business frameworks 05:21 🧠 #5 Memory & Continuity — It knows your brand, goals & history 06:36 🏗️ #6 Infrastructure & Automation — Dashboard, cron jobs, all in one 07:32 💙 #7 Honest Thinking Partner — Not a yes-machine 09:47 How to get a secure OpenClaw setup for your business💼 Want a secure OpenClaw setup for your business? 👉 https://www.theaureliaedge.com/openclaw💬 Drop a comment if you want a full deep-dive tutorial on any of these setups! 👍 Like & subscribe — it helps the algorithm push this to people who'd actually benefit.🔗 Aurelia Edge: https://www.theaureliaedge.com Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

This week on Tech Break by Friday, I sit down with Tom May — nearly 20 years in disaster recovery, Veeam Vanguard, Object First ACE, and founder of DifferentDev. Tom has helped everyone from small dental offices to multinational manufacturers build resilience into their infrastructure — and he pulls no punches about what most businesses are getting catastrophically wrong.#ai #techbreakbyfriday #podcast #systemrecovery This episode of Tech Break by Friday was recorded and transcribed using wiserwork, which helped me capture the full conversation and repurpose it into this article and other episode assets. Link to a 14-day free trial of wiserwork: https://bit.ly/4cX919dIn this episode:• The difference between user-centric and engineering-first disaster recovery — and why it matters when the crisis actually hits• The "3-2-1-0 zip code" — the simple framework every business needs, explained clearly• Why immutability is the single most important investment in your resilience stack• The "Clark Kent" problem — the invisible single point of failure hiding in your org chart• A real story: a salesperson found their lost laptop, plugged it back in, and triggered a company-wide ransomware attack — on a business that had been delaying its backup setup for months• How AI is turbocharging both the attacks and the defenses — and what that means for compliance• The exact minimum viable DR plan for a small business, step by stepTom's message is clear: this is not an "if it happens" conversation. It's a "when it happens." And the best time to start was yesterday.Find Tom at: differentdev.com | [email protected]📌 Tech Break by Friday:- Website: https://www.techbreakbyfriday.com- Substack: https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com- Instagram: @tech.break.by.friday- Podcast : Search "Tech Break by Friday" in all podcasting platforms- Business: AureliaEdge – AI audits, OpenClaw & automations for founders and teams: https://theaureliaedge.com Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

What does it look like to build a purpose‑led life at the intersection of faith, art, and technology—and carry that through grief, family, and the realities of work? In this episode of Tech Break by Friday, I sit down with filmmaker, artist, and tech founder Preston Zeller to explore how he navigates all of those tensions in real life.​Preston has spent years building marketing technology and leading teams, while also creating a documentary on grief and art that has reached audiences in over 40 countries. We talk about his journey from inherited beliefs to an “adult” Christian faith, the parable of the three bricklayers, losing his brother in 2019, and how that loss reshaped his sense of legacy, vocation, and calling.​We also dive into his current work at the intersection of faith and AI: what it means to design technology that honours human dignity, how to avoid making productivity an idol, and why the hardest questions in tech are often spiritual as much as they are technical.​You’ll hear us discuss:How Preston moved from walking away from Christianity to taking ownership of his beliefsThe three bricklayers story and why framing your work changes everythingHow grief and mortality reshaped his priorities as a husband, father, and creatorWhy he cares about building tech that’s not just about money or metricsThe messy, real‑world questions at the intersection of AI, ethics, and faith​If you’re a builder, creative, or person of faith trying to integrate all the parts of your life instead of keeping them in separate boxes, this conversation will give you language, stories, and questions to sit with—not a checklist of hacks.​⏱️ Chapters (adjust to final edit if needed)0:00 – Intro & welcome to Tech Break by Friday0:16 – Who is Preston Zeller? Art, technology, and documentary filmmaking2:30 – Growing up Christian, walking away, and an “adult” conversion5:05 – Marriage, three kids, and self‑reflection as a husband and father7:40 – The three bricklayers: from “laying bricks” to “building the house of God”11:10 – Losing his brother and confronting mortality & legacy15:00 – Turning grief into art: why he made a documentary19:30 – What it means to live and build with purpose in tech23:00 – Faith and AI: where ethics, productivity, and dignity collide🔔 If this episode resonatesSubscribe for more thoughtful conversations on tech, AI, and the humans behind the products.Leave a comment: How do you describe the “brick” you’re laying in your own work right now?Production noteThis episode of Tech Break by Friday was recorded and transcribed using wiserwork, which helped me capture the full conversation and repurpose it into this article and other episode assets. https://www.wiserwork.ai/​Stay connectedPreston on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonzeller/​Explore Psalmlog: https://psalmlog.com​If you enjoyed this conversation and want more reflections at the intersection of tech, AI, and the humans behind the products, you can find me here:My newsletter (Tech Break by Friday & more): https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/​Tech Break by Friday on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-break-by-friday/id1796711716​Tech Break by Friday on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3c6KAQPQ54vxXUvLLRffC1AureliaEdge – AI audits, OpenClaw & automations: https://theaureliaedge.com/ Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

The path from developer to Principal AI Architect is available to more people than the job postings suggest. It doesn’t require a PhD. It requires patience, layered experience, and the discipline to stay curious while everyone around you is just staying busy.Milan Rana is living proof of that.Want to hear more conversations like this? Subscribe for practitioner-first insights on AI, architecture, and building real things in production.Connect with Milan Rana on LinkedIn or follow his work through the ACM Dallas Chapter.Editor’s note: This article is based on a recorded interview. The audio experienced partial corruption at points, so some transitions have been lightly reconstructed while keeping all technical content faithful to Milan’s original words.Milan Rana:https://www.linkedin.com/in/milanrana/🎙️ Tech Break by FridayYour weekly reset for the digital age. Tech Break by Friday goes beyond the headlines to explore how technology and AI actually impact your work and life.🌐 Website hub: https://techbreakbyfriday.com📰 Substack: https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com🎧 Listen on:– Spotify:– Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1f25fedd-aaa3-4584-9c42-8150ce798c4e/tech-break-by-friday Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

A practical conversation on ethical AI, human agency, and trust with Andy Sitison.​We talk about using AI to read emotions in stories instead of just dashboards, why the “why” behind data matters, how organizations can build trust and human‑centered cultures, and what ordinary people can do to regain agency in an AI‑driven world.Andy's Links:Website (SEEQ / Share More Stories): https://seeqplatform.com/​Share More Stories (company site): https://sharemorestories.com/​Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-sitison​Andy’s writing on Share More Stories: https://sharemorestories.com/author/andy-sitison/​Recent AI storytelling video (great social proof): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwYIVHyXWdEConnect with us: If you want to learn how to audit your business systems and use AI with transparency, subscribe and leave a comment on what tool we should deep-dive into next.My Links:🌐 https://techbreakbyfriday.com/📸 @tech.break.by.friday🍏https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-break-by-friday/id1796711716Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3c6KAQPQ54vxXUvLLRffC1✍️ Substack: https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/AureliaEdge is your behind‑the‑scenes AI & automation partner, helping you turn messy, manual workflows into lean, profit‑driving systems. We design and implement AI‑powered automations that cut busywork, speed up operations, and unlock higher ROI from the tools and teams you already have.Get your free AI BusinessAudit today: we’ll review your current processes, uncover high‑impact automation opportunities, and outline a clear roadmap you can execute immediately. Book your 30‑minute consultation here: https://www.theaureliaedge.com/contact Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Are you seeing those "perfect" AI images flood your LinkedIn feed and wondering how to actually apply that to a real business? In this episode, we move beyond the hype and audit the traditional creative workflow.I walk you through a practical case study using Google’s enterprise-grade model (codenamed "Nano Banana Pro") to demonstrate how you can transform raw concepts into high-ROI business assets.We aren't just making "cool pictures"—we are building a visual system to communicate your vision clearly to your team and customers.In this episode, we cover:The "Clean" Product Audit: How to turn messy raw photos into website-ready listings without Photoshop.Lifestyle & Context: Placing your product in realistic environments (like a minimalist bathroom or office) to build trust.Ad Creatives that Convert: Generating ads with coherent text overlays that actually make sense.B2B Infographics: visualizing complex business use cases and data.The "Before & After" Visual: A powerful format for testimonials and service-based businesses.Content Assets: Creating cinematic thumbnails and brand mascots to increase engagement.The "Fresh Start" Rule: Why you must reset your AI chat context to avoid costly hallucinations.Why this matters: This isn't about replacing creativity; it's about efficiency. By auditing how you create visuals, you can give your marketing team a concrete "vision mock" rather than a vague description, saving hours of back-and-forth.Resources Mentioned:Free Ebook: Get all 9 prompts used in this episode to start auditing your own visuals.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DPfEUuMMKVKZx5QwS9CzmnU7L5k3SKVa/view?usp=sharingConnect with us: If you want to learn how to audit your business systems and use AI with transparency, subscribe and leave a comment on what tool we should deep-dive into next.My Links:🌐 https://techbreakbyfriday.com/📸 @tech.break.by.friday🍏https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-break-by-friday/id1796711716Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3c6KAQPQ54vxXUvLLRffC1✍️ Substack: https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/AureliaEdge is your behind‑the‑scenes AI & automation partner, helping you turn messy, manual workflows into lean, profit‑driving systems. We design and implement AI‑powered automations that cut busywork, speed up operations, and unlock higher ROI from the tools and teams you already have.Get your free AI BusinessAudit today: we’ll review your current processes, uncover high‑impact automation opportunities, and outline a clear roadmap you can execute immediately. Book your 30‑minute consultation here: https://www.theaureliaedge.com/contact Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

This podcast is a place for everyone to learn ai and technology, in an era of overwhelming content. There are a lot more valuable video where this came from. Thank you for watching and keep reaching for the stars. 💎✨00:00 - Intro00:07 - Guest Introduction: Ritesh Patel00:23 - TicketFairy Overview00:46 - Origin of TicketFairy01:20 - Target Audience & Philosophy02:52 - Who is TicketFairy For?12:13 - Marketing & Growth Mechanics13:59 - Evolution of the Platform17:19 - AI Integration & Future32:00 - ConclusionRitesh & Ticket Fairy Links:🎫 https://www.ticketfairy.com/🎫 https://www.ticketfairy.com/event-ticketing/💼https://www.linkedin.com/in/riteshdpatel/📸 @theticketfairyX: @theticketfairyMy Links:🌐 https://techbreakbyfriday.com/📸 @tech.break.by.friday🍏 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-break-by-friday/id1796711716Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3c6KAQPQ54vxXUvLLRffC1✍️ Substack: https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/AureliaEdge is your behind‑the‑scenes AI & automation partner, helping you turn messy, manual workflows into lean, profit‑driving systems. We design and implement AI‑powered automations that cut busywork, speed up operations, and unlock higher ROI from the tools and teams you already have.Get your free AI Business Audit today: we’ll review your current processes, uncover high‑impact automation opportunities, and outline a clear roadmap you can execute immediately. Book your 30‑minute consultation here: https://www.theaureliaedge.com/contact#TicketFairy #EventTech #BusinessGrowth #AI #TechBreakByFriday #EventMarketing #SaaS #entrepreneurship Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Here’s something most productivity content won’t tell you: efficiency isn’t about elimination, it’s about amplification.​When I audited my podcast production workflow, I wasn’t looking to replace my team or cut corners. I was looking for leverage. The kind that lets you focus on the work only humans can do: strategic thinking, authentic connection, and creative direction.​​I discovered I was spending 40+ hours monthly on three repeatable tasks: cover art creation, video loop production, and B-roll sourcing. These weren’t adding creative value—they were bottlenecks preventing me from doing the strategic work that actually grows a business.​​So I tested Higgsfield AI’s end-to-end pipeline: Nano Banana Pro for visuals, Kling 2.6 for motion and audio, and Cinema Studio for workflow integration. The goal wasn’t to replace human creativity. It was to free it up.​​Reframing the Efficiency QuestionLet’s be honest about what we’re really measuring. Traditional content production isn’t just expensive, it’s cognitively draining.​Here’s what my old workflow looked like:* Brief a designer on cover art concepts (1-2 hours of back-and-forth)* Review iterations and request revisions (another 1-2 hours)* Wait 2-5 days for final delivery* Repeat for video loops and B-rollThe financial cost was $500-1,000 per episode. But the hidden cost was context switching, project management overhead, and the creative energy spent on execution rather than strategy.​​The question isn’t “Can AI do this cheaper?” It’s “What could I create if I spent that 40 hours on strategic work instead?”​How the AI Pipeline Actually WorksI’m going to walk you through this transparently because understanding the tools matters as much as using them.​Nano Banana Pro: Your Visual Concept PartnerInside Higgsfield AI, Nano Banana Pro functions as a visual collaborator. You’re still the creative director—you define the vision, set the parameters, and make the final calls.​​I used a 1:1 aspect ratio for square format with the balanced quality model (there’s a 4K option when you need maximum resolution). Here’s what made the difference: structured creative direction.​Instead of vague prompts like “make a podcast studio,” I described exactly what I needed: wooden desk, professional microphones, specific lighting in orange tones, photo-realistic depth of field, readable text elements showing “ROI System”.​​The AI followed this direction precisely. Multiple variations, accurate text rendering, realistic lighting—all generated in minutes. This isn’t about the AI being “creative.” It’s about the AI executing your creative vision at speed.​​Human insight remains irreplaceable. The AI doesn’t know your brand story, your audience’s pain points, or the strategic message behind the visual. You do.​Cinema Studio: Precision Without the Learning CurveCinema Studio gave me director-level control over camera movements without needing to learn professional video editing software.​The interface offers preset options:* Camera pans (slow motion, left/right)* Drone-style establishing shots* Zoom effects with customizable speed* Motion paths between keyframesYou can work with a single frame (full control over movement) or define start and end frames (AI interpolates the transition). I used both approaches depending on whether I needed precise control or creative experimentation.​​For someone managing a business while creating content, this matters. You’re not spending weeks learning DaVinci Resolve or Premiere Pro. You’re making strategic creative decisions and letting the tool handle technical execution.​​Kling 2.6: The Integration LayerKling 2.6 generates video and audio simultaneously, which eliminates another handoff point. I selected close-ups from Nano Banana Pro generations, added prompts for audio character, and generated 5-second clips optimized for different platforms.​The result: video loops for intros, short-form clips for Instagram and YouTube Shorts, and longer sequences for full videos—all from the same source material.​​The Real ROI: Time for Strategic WorkLet me show you what this workflow actually unlocked:Old Process:* Creative direction and briefing: 3-4 hours per episode* Review cycles and revisions: 2-3 hours* Project management and coordination: 1-2 hours* Waiting for delivery: 2-5 days* Total: 6-9 hours of active work + 2-5 days of waitingAI-Assisted Process:* Creative direction and AI generation: 20-35 minutes* Review and refinement: 10-15 minutes* Final selection and export: 5 minutes* Total: 35-55 minutes, same-day deliveryThat’s 5-8 hours reclaimed per episode. Weekly production means 20-32 hours per month back in your calendar.​​But here’s what matters more: what you do with that time.​I redirected those hours to:* Audience research and engagement* Strategic content planning* Building authentic partnerships* Developing the intellectual property only I can createThis is the ROI that actually compounds. Tools handle execution velocity. Humans drive strategic direction.​What This Means for Your BusinessHiggsfield AI isn’t replacing creative professionals, it’s removing friction from your creative process.​​If you’re a solo founder, this means you can maintain consistent content output without burning out. If you lead a team, this means your people can focus on high-leverage strategy instead of repetitive execution.​The intro, hook, and several B-roll sequences in my video were generated with this pipeline. I deliberately made this episode AI-heavy to demonstrate the workflow in production conditions—not in an idealized demo.​​Where Humans Still Lead (And Always Will)Let me be clear about what AI can’t do:​AI cannot:* Understand your audience’s unspoken needs* Build authentic relationships that drive business* Make strategic decisions about brand positioning* Create the intellectual frameworks that differentiate your business* Develop the intuition that comes from deep domain expertiseAI can:* Execute your creative vision at scale* Generate variations for testing and optimization* Handle technical implementation of defined concepts* Compress production timelines from days to minutesThe difference matters. You’re not outsourcing judgment—you’re accelerating execution.​The Framework for Evaluating AI ToolsBefore you adopt any AI workflow, ask these questions:​* Does this amplify human capability or attempt to replace it?* Amplification: Tool handles execution, human drives strategy* Replacement: Tool makes decisions without human insight* Does this free up time for higher-leverage work?* If you’re just doing the same work faster, you haven’t gained leverage* True leverage means redirecting time to strategic initiatives* Does this maintain or improve quality standards?* Speed means nothing if output quality degrades* The tool should match or exceed baseline quality consistently* Is this sustainable for your team’s energy and motivation?* Tools should reduce cognitive load, not add complexity* If implementation creates stress, reassess the approachThis pipeline passed all four criteria for my workflow. Your context may differ, and that’s exactly why human judgment matters.​​Moving ForwardThe content supply chain just became radically more efficient. But efficiency is a means, not an end.​​The goal isn’t to produce more content for its own sake. It’s to create space for the work that actually builds businesses: deep customer understanding, strategic positioning, authentic relationship building, and intellectual property development.​AI tools like Higgsfield give you that space. What you do with it determines whether you’re just working faster or actually building something that lasts.​The real question isn’t whether AI can replace your production team. It’s what you’ll create when execution is no longer your bottleneck.Want to see this workflow in action? I documented the complete process in this video breakdown. All tool links are included.​This is Tech Break by Friday, where I audit AI tools and share frameworks for leveraging technology without losing the human element. If you’re building a business while juggling multiple roles, these insights are for you. If you are building a business and you want ROI on your use of AI fill this form for a free consultation with me: https://www.theaureliaedge.com/contact​What will you create with your reclaimed time? Reply and let me know, I read every response. Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

We are told that to be productive, we need more discipline. But what if the problem isn’t your willpower, it’s your environment? In this episode, I sit down with Steven Puri, former EVP at DreamWorks and VP at 20th Century Fox, now the founder of The Sukha. We discuss why traditional remote work setups are broken and how "monotasking" is the missing variable in your business’s ROI equation. Steven breaks down the science of "Flow State" and shares the exact systems he used to manage creative teams in Hollywood, and now uses to help 34k+ members get their work done in half the time.Links & ResourcesTry The Sukha: http://www.thesukha.co/mediaFollow Steven: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri/For Business Owners: Is your team bleeding time and money due to inefficient workflows? Get Your Free AI Business Audit: https://www.theaureliaedge.com/contactIdentify the bottlenecks slowing you down and get a roadmap to increase ROI through automation. Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Stop Planning Like It's 2020 – Design Your Dream 2026 with AI in 3 StepsMost New Year's plans fail by February.Not because you lack motivation, but because you're planning the WRONG things.This 10-minute episode gives you a battle-tested AI system to stop fake planning and actually design a year that transforms your life.You'll get 3 copy-paste AI prompts that force you to: face the brutal truth about 2025, dream your ideal year without limits, and find your ONE focus with a complete 90-day roadmap.🎯 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:✅ Why most goals fail (and how AI fixes this)✅ The Past Year Truth Bomb - see where your time actually went✅ The Dream Year Design - turn vague wishes into specific targets✅ The Clarity Breakthrough - find your ONE thing using the 80/20 rule✅ How to get a 90-day action plan with daily steps (not overwhelming theory)📋 FREE RESOURCES:🔗 Download all 3 AI prompts (copy-paste ready): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TaJ8OTtj4kKNhjGjU5Br2m7bJtr-AdtBzTuTtjuQJVY/edit?usp=sharing🔗 Get the planning slides: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG9Fib-UmA/0HLq4fm7zryb0779WJ0yng/view?utm_content=DAG9Fib-UmA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h2847a0c3de🔗 Join our Skool community: https://www.skool.com/ai-advantage-club-5848/about?ref=ea33f41093ac4038b613ad633f87add4👥 ABOUT US: Tech Break by Friday helps businesses and beginners to use AI and proven systems. New episodes every week.📱 CONNECT WITH US:🔗 Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/ai-advantage-club-5848/about?ref=ea33f41093ac4038b613ad633f87add4🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/109430623🔗 Instagram: @tech.break.by.friday🔗 Website: https://www.techbreakbyfriday.com/🔗 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3c6KAQPQ54vxXUvLLRffC1?si=d2401789a0184237🔗 Substack: https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/If this helped you, hit LIKE 👍, drop a COMMENT 💬 with what AI revealed about your year, and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 for more AI-powered productivity systems.If you want professional AI consulting services tailored to your plan and business path, visit AureliaEdge. A company that promotes trust in AI, and with your partners in technology and innovation. If you want to bring the next chapter in your business, click here:https://www.theaureliaedge.com/🏷️ #YouTubeSEO #AI2026 #GoalSetting #ProductivityHacks #AIPlanning #NewYearsGoals #AITools #TimeManagement #ProductivityTips #2026Planning #AIProductivity #GoalSettingTips #WorkSmartNotHard #PersonalDevelopment #SelfImprovement⚖️ DISCLAIMER:The AI tools mentioned (Perplexity, ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) are not sponsored. We genuinely use and recommend them. Some links may be affiliate links where we earn a small commission at no cost to you. Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

How can you actually protect your organization in the age of AI, ransomware, and the EU AI Act, not just pass another audit? In this episode, Cordell B. Robinson, JD, CEO of Brownstone Consulting Firm, explains how to build cybersecurity programs that are compliant, defensible, and truly secure for modern businesses.​Cordell is a U.S. Navy veteran, engineer, attorney, and cybersecurity leader who helps federal agencies and global enterprises navigate frameworks like NIST 800‑53, FedRAMP, GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, and the EU AI Act. As CEO of Brownstone Consulting Firm (BCF), a certified SDVOB, HubZone, and MBE‑owned cybersecurity and AI governance firm headquartered in Washington, DC, he advises boards, CISOs, and founders on governance, risk, and compliance across the U.S., Europe, and Africa.​In this episode, you’ll learn* How to move beyond checkbox cybersecurity compliance and use GRC (governance, risk, and compliance) as the foundation for real security and resilience​​* What the EU AI Act, GDPR, and global AI regulations mean for AI‑powered products, data protection, and high‑risk AI systems​​* How to design an AI governance framework that aligns with NIST CSF, ISO 27001/42001, and emerging AI security standards while satisfying regulators and enterprise customers​​* Practical steps to reduce cyber risk this quarter: asset mapping, vendor and AI‑tool due diligence, policy enforcement, and secure development practices in cloud environments​​* Why early action on AI compliance and cyber governance creates a competitive advantage in B2B, regulated industries, and cross‑border markets​​This episode is for:* CEOs, founders, and executives who need a clear, non‑technical view of cyber risk, AI risk, and regulatory compliance* CISOs, GRC leaders, privacy and legal teams preparing for the EU AI Act and tightening cybersecurity controls around AI systems​​* SaaS and AI product teams selling into enterprises that demand strong security, privacy, and AI governance as part of the buying process​​About Cordell B. Robinson, JDCordell B. Robinson is the Chief Executive Officer of Brownstone Consulting Firm, a cyber security, risk, and compliance consultancy delivering services in cybersecurity governance, AI governance, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and regulatory readiness. Brownstone helps organizations bridge U.S. and EU compliance requirements in the AI era, supporting secure digital transformation across government, finance, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and emerging markets.​Brownstone Consulting Firm – links* Website: https://www.bcf-us.com* LinkedIn (Company): Brownstone Consulting Firm​Connect with Cordell* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cordell-robinson-a2213a4/​* Instagram (personal/brand): @cordelltheculinarydiva​* Instagram (company): @brownstone_consulting_firm​If you like the value that our podcast provides, subscribe. It helps us bring you more high-quality content and more and more guest episodes to help you improve your business in the AI era.Substack: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paraskevikivroglou7838and in all your fave podcasting platforms:Apple Podcasts: Spotify: Thank you, everyone!!PS: If you want professional AI consulting services tailored to your plan and business path, visit AureliaEdge. A company that promotes trust in AI, and with your partners in technology and innovation. If you want to bring the next chapter in your business, click here:https://www.theaureliaedge.com/ Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Tech Break by Friday Podcast, I break down Higgsfield's Kling 2.6 Audio, the AI tool that generates video, voiceover, sound design, and ambience in a single pass. No separate voiceover software. No editing audio tracks manually. Just write a prompt, hit generate, and get a finished clip ready for clients or your own content.I walk through 4 real-world use cases:Product ads for small businesses (vertical Reels/TikTok format)YouTube explainer intros with native AI voiceoverUGC-style social shorts filmed "phone style"Podcast clips & audiograms with built-in ambience and narrationYou'll learn:✓ How to write prompts that describe both visuals and audio✓ When AI-generated audio is ready to use vs. when to regenerate✓ How to use Kling as a fast draft tool, then polish in CapCut/Premiere✓ How to build a paid content business around AI video + sound✓ The current unlimited generations promo from Higgsfield (limited time)Perfect for creators, freelancers, and small business owners who need to scale video content without hiring a crew or blowing the budget.Batch your generations for speedUse Kling as a draft tool, not final exportBuild a prompt library for future projectsResources & LinksTry Kling 2.6 Audio:https://higgsfield.ai/Kling-2.6-audioHiggsfield Pricing & Winter Sale:https://higgsfield.ai/pricingAll prompts used in this video:Available at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rrtY3H8Oeyr9HazxeTvuDbl3ZCFJwip9yptJSUGXZUc/edit?usp=sharingEditing Tools I Mention:CapCut (Free): https://www.capcut.comDaVinci Resolve (Free tier available): https://www.davinciresolve.comPremiere Pro (Paid): https://www.adobe.com/products/premiere.html Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Tech Break by Friday.If things have looked a little different lately, that’s on purpose. The podcast has been going through a rebrand, and today is the first time you’re seeing the new Prism Universe in action.​For anyone new here, Tech Break by Friday is a weekly tech and AI show designed to slow down the noise and turn it into clear, practical insights you can actually use. The new logo is built around that exact idea.​The white light represents the chaos of the tech news cycle, the constant stream of launches, updates, and hype. The Prism in the middle represents how this show filters and analyzes what matters. And the spectrum coming out the other side is what you get every week: understandable, human‑friendly explanations instead of confusion and FOMO.​This rebrand took some time. Between work obligations and life, a few episodes were late, and the schedule slipped a bit. That wasn’t ideal, but it also made one thing very clear: if Tech Break by Friday is going to stay useful, it needs a strong system and a clear identity behind it.​So that’s what this new look is about. A consistent Prism identity across the podcast, the newsletter, and everything around it, so whenever you see it in your feed, you immediately know: ‘This is where the hard work of analysis has already been done.​The other big piece is community. Alongside the rebrand, there’s now a Skool space for listeners who don’t just want to hear about tech and AI, but want to test ideas, build small projects, and exchange real‑world experiences with others.​The Skool community is meant to be the practical layer under the podcast: a place to connect, ask questions, share wins and failures, and see how these tools work in actual careers and businesses, not just in theory.​So yes, there was a slight delay. But Tech Break by Friday is back with a more apparent identity, a stronger visual system, and a concrete plan to turn this into a real community, not just a one‑way broadcast. Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

The biggest AI stories usually focus on coding, marketing, or content creation, but one of the quiet revolutions is happening in HR.In this episode of Tech Break by Friday, Associate Director of HR Information Systems and People Analytics Ram Reddy explains how AI-powered HR shared service centers are reshaping employee support, cutting costs, and freeing HR teams from repetitive work.​Ram has spent 20+ years building data and HR tech solutions for organizations like NSF International, ADIA, Oracle, and HCL Technologies. His work sits at the intersection of HR technology modernization, data analytics, and AI-driven automation, and he has spoken at events such as the AI IEEE Symposium, Conf42, AI Week, and BSides Bloomington.Find Ram on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramprasad175/In this conversation, we walk through a practical roadmap for modern HR leaders who want to move beyond ticket queues and email chaos into an AI-first shared services model. You’ll hear how leading organizations:​* Achieve 30–50% cost reductions in HR administration with AI and workflow automation* Let AI agents and chatbots handle up to 95% of routine employee questions so humans can focus on complex, high-value work* Use predictive analytics to spot issues earlier, like turnover risk, burnout signals, or policy bottlenecksWe also talk about the tech stack behind this:* How to think about HRIS/ERP integration as the foundation for any serious automation* Where GenAI, assistants, and multi-agent systems realistically fit into HR flows today* Why data quality and change management matter more than buying “shiny” AI toolsIf you work in HR, people analytics, or lead a team that’s drowning in internal requests, this episode will give you a clear language and structure to design your own smart HR roadmap, not just a one-off chatbot.​Key takeaways* Start with process clarity and clean HR data before throwing AI at the problem.* Think in terms of shared services products (onboarding, leave, payroll queries, benefits) and design AI flows around them.* Track hard metrics: resolution time, first-contact resolution, CSAT, and cost per ticket, not just “we launched a bot.”​* Upskill HR and People Analytics teams so they can own the transformation instead of outsourcing all know-how.Call to actionIf you’re an HR or tech leader experimenting with AI in HR, hit reply and share what you’re testing. I’d love to include real-world examples in a future episode.🎧 Listen to the full episode on:* Spotify: * Apple Podcasts: And if you want more deep dives into practical AI and tech, subscribe to Tech Break by Friday so you get every new episode and breakdown directly in your inbox. Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Summary:In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the AI music revolution that’s reshaping the industry at record speed. Explore how digital avatars like Xania Monet are making history—she’s accrued 44 million streams, landed a $3 million record deal, and became the first AI-generated artist to debut on Billboard’s radio airplay chart, all without ever stepping into a studio.​But the wave doesn’t stop there. We spotlight other chart-busting AI acts like Breaking Rust, the country persona who topped the Country Digital Song Sales chart, and The Velvet Sundown, whose psychedelic rock is going viral across Europe.​With AI accounting for as much as 18-28% of new music uploads daily, and 82% of listeners struggling to tell AI from human creations, the ethical and creative stakes for artists have never been higher. We discuss the explosive rise in AI music’s value—projected to skyrocket from $2.9 billion in 2024 to $38.71 billion by 2033—and the heated debate over consent, transparency, and compensation in the AI era.​You’ll hear stories of artists taking control, like Holly Herndon and Grimes, who pioneered consent-driven AI music projects, and examine the legal and moral crossroads facing creators today. Tune in for a lively discussion on ownership, the future of artistry, and why your support for transparency and human creators matters more than ever.​Call to Action:Voice your thoughts—should platforms label AI-generated music? Does transparency change your listening choices? Share your opinion, join the community, and help shape the future of music!Subscribe to:Substack: https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paraskevikivroglou7838and in all your fave podcasting platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-break-by-friday/id1796711716Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3c6KAQPQ54vxXUvLLRffC1Sources: Informed by coverage from Billboard, Forbes, Euronews, and additional researchesearch.https://substack.com/home/post/p-178038105https://jacobin.com/2024/02/holly-herndon-ai-music-compositionhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2023/06/12/grimes-helps-artists-distribute-songs-using-her-ai-voice--if-they-pay-royalties-heres-how-it-works/https://www.soundingfuture.com/en/article/holly-holly-herndons-digital-ai-voice-twinhttps://theconversation.com/universal-music-went-from-suing-an-ai-company-to-partnering-with-it-what-will-it-mean-for-artists-268773https://academic.oup.com/jiplp/article/20/3/182/7922541https://arxiv.org/pdf/2501.11457https://arxiv.org/abs/2407.14933https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neural_network_(machine_learning)https://www.tvinsider.com/people/grimes/ Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Tech Break by Friday podcast welcomes Abhishek Yadav, a leader in data and business intelligence at the Mayo Clinic. Abhishek Yadav is a BI and GenAI professional passionate about making data human, understandable, and actionable. With over a decade of experience in analytics, AI, and data storytelling, his work focuses on bridging the gap between insight and impact through visual intelligence. His projects combine algorithmic precision with intuitive design, helping organizations make faster, smarter, and more empathetic decisions.Find him on: LinkedIn: [linkedin.com/in/abhishekdsyyadav]Abhishek explains how visual intelligence and data visualization are reshaping decision-making in organizations today. The discussion explores why visualization is often overlooked in data conversations, why the best visuals require both technical and creative skills, and how empathy and effective communication are essential for compelling storytelling with data.Abhishek shares lessons learned from years of designing impactful dashboards, emphasizing the value of clarity over complexity, and describes real-world examples, including an innovative, question-driven visualization that improved patient appointment flows in healthcare. The episode covers actionable tips for improving visualization literacy, what makes successful dashboards, and how AI and generative tools are making data more accessible and conversational for everyone.Whether you’re a data beginner or a seasoned analyst, you’ll learn both practical techniques and big-picture insights about the evolving field of data visualization. The episode concludes with Abhishek’s advice for anyone starting out in this field and reflections on the growing partnership between humans and AI in making informed decisions with data.​00:00 – Introduction and Welcome00:16 – Guest Introduction: Abhishek Yadav00:53 – What is Visual Intelligence?01:18 – Why Data Visualization Is Underrated02:47 – Visualization: Hard Skill or Soft Skill?03:08 – Empathy and Communication in Visualization04:01 – Storytelling and Translation in Visualization04:56 – Common Mistakes in Data Dashboards07:14 – Improving Visualization Literacy08:40 – Influences and Learning: Edward Tufte & Real-World Feedback10:00 – What Is Question-Driven Visualization?11:25 – Healthcare Example: Appointment Scheduling Flow12:26 – Designing Question-Driven Visuals—User Journey14:31 – Guiding Teams: Fostering Curiosity via Dashboards17:17 – Prioritization Tool Project Walkthrough20:29 – Measuring the Impact of Data Visualization22:57 – The Future: AI, Generative Tools, and Conversational Dashboards29:20 – Career Advice: How to Start in Data Visualization33:05 – Wrap-Up, Final Thoughts, and ThanksYour support means everything and makes it possible for this podcast to keep bringing awesome guests and having insightful conversations in AI and Data. Subscribe to:Substack: https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paraskevikivroglou7838and in all your fave podcasting platforms:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-break-by-friday/id1796711716Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3c6KAQPQ54vxXUvLLRffC1Thank you, everyone!! Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

AI Browsers: The Zero-Click Revolution Transforming How We SearchAre you tired of juggling dozens of browser tabs? This week, we explore the emerging world of AI browsers and how they're revolutionizing the way we interact with the internet. OpenAI just released ChatGPT Atlas for macOS, joining competitors like Perplexity's Comet in a race to eliminate "tab chaos" and fundamentally change how we find information. Discover what AI browsers are, why they matter, and the critical trade-offs between convenience and control in this new era of browsing.​Key Topics CoveredWhat AI browsers are and how they differ from traditional browsersThe "zero-click revolution" and changing user behavior patternsReal-world use cases: automated research, competitor intelligence, and smart shoppingBenefits: speed, focus, creativity, and accessibility improvementsCritical trade-offs: privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and trust implicationsThe competition between OpenAI, Perplexity, Google, and BraveFeatured AI Browsers DiscussedChatGPT Atlas (OpenAI) - macOS browser with integrated ChatGPT featuresComet (Perplexity) - AI-first browser with research and shopping capabilitiesGoogle Chrome AI Features - Built-in summarization and assistance toolsBrave Leo - Privacy-focused browser with AI integrationPractical Use CasesAutomated Literature ReviewPhD students can use Atlas to collect, summarize, and compare research papers across multiple databases, automatically generating formatted citations.​Competitor IntelligenceMarketing professionals can analyze competitor strategies by having AI browsers compile press releases, investor updates, and market insights without opening dozens of tabs.​Smart ShoppingSmall business owners can research products with AI-powered comparison shopping that filters reviews, applies promo codes, and highlights pros and cons automatically.​Key TakeawaysAI browsers integrate large language models directly into the browsing experience, eliminating the need to navigate to separate AI tools​The "zero-click revolution" represents a fundamental shift in how users access information online​These browsers offer significant accessibility benefits for neurodiverse users and people with visual impairments​Privacy concerns exist as AI browsers must monitor browsing behavior to provide personalized assistance​The technology represents a tension between convenience and control over information access​Important QuestionWe want to hear from you! Are you someone who has multiple browser tabs open? How do you manage your tabs? Share your experience:Comment on SubstackComment on SpotifyLeave a review on Apple PodcastsResources & LinksPrimary SourcesOpenAI ChatGPT Atlas announcement: https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-atlas/Perplexity Comet introduction: https://www.perplexity.ai/hub/blog/introducing-cometGoogle Chrome AI features: https://blog.google/products/chrome/new-ai-features-for-chrome/Brave Leo documentation: https://support.brave.app/hc/en-us/articles/20958609786637Additional ReadingTechCrunch coverage: https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/21/openai-launches-an-ai-powered-browser-chatgpt-atlas/DIA Browser review: https://www.caneraras.com/learn/dia-browser-review-ai-first-browserBest AI browsers comparison: https://www.kosmik.app/blog/best-ai-browsersZero-click economy analysis: https://kahana.co/blog/ai-browser-search-disruption-2025-zero-click-economy-crisisPrivacy concerns study (UCL): https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/aug/ai-web-browser-assistants-raise-serious-privacy-concernsSpecial OfferPerplexity Comet Free Trial: As a Perplexity Pro user, I have a special link for you. Download Comet and get one month of Perplexity Pro for free: https://pplx.ai/kibrogloup90350 (Not sponsored)Join Our CommunityIf you've been getting value from this podcast, take your learning to the next level inside the AI Advantage Club Skool Community:Daily implementations from real businessesDirect feedback on your ideasWeekly live Q&As with direct access to meNetwork with entrepreneurs building AI-powered businessesJoin here: https://www.skool.com/ai-advantage-club-5848/about?ref=ea33f41093ac4038b613ad633f87add4Connect With Tech Break by FridaySpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3c6KAQPQ54vxXUvLLRffC1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-break-by-friday/id1796711716Instagram: @tech.break.by.fridayX (Twitter): @ParaskeviKivroSubstack: Subscribe for episode notes and additional contentSupport the ShowIf you found this episode valuable:Subscribe on your favorite podcast platformLeave a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with someone interested in AI and technologyComment with your thoughts on AI browsers and tab management Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Tech Break by Friday – Episode 35 Show Notes: The Next Web War – Top AI Browsers (Part 1)The browser wars are officially back! In this episode, Paraskevi explores how the rise of AI-powered browsers is reshaping the way we interact with the web.Do you struggle with tab overload or lost research? Discover promise of AI browsers: smarter tab management, research automation, and context-aware assistants.Featured AI browsers:OpenAI ChatGPT Atlas: Conversational browser with Agent Mode, cross-site memory, and voice chat. Available for macOS.Perplexity Comet: Research-focused browser that summarizes tabs, finds information across sites, and takes actions like bookings or emails.Dia (The Browser Company): Contextual AI assistant and “Skills” for tasks—aims to make browsing feel like co-working with an AI.Microsoft Edge (Copilot Mode): Enterprise AI features, Outlook and 365 integration, and advanced workflow support.Google Chrome + Gemini: Gemini powers conversational and summarization features natively within Chrome.Brave with Leo: Privacy-first browser with encrypted, local AI processing—no data tracking.Sigma: Creator-centric workspace, built-in GPT, secure and privacy-focused.Opera Neon: Visually immersive, agentic browser for playful and creative AI research.Strawberry Browser: Research automation for analysts—screen-learning agents and spreadsheet data compilation.Emerging players: Fellou, Poly, and Genspark innovate in privacy, contextual research, and hybrid browsing.Exclusive show note offer: One month free Pro tier for Perplexity Comet.Stay tuned for Part 2 and subscribe for weekly deep-dives into emerging AI tools and tech business strategies.Join the Skool Community for actionable AI business tips, daily implementations, live Q&As, and networking.Connect on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, and X for more insights and discussion.If you’ve been getting value from this podcast, here’s something that’ll take your learning to the next level. Inside the Skool Community, you’re not just getting more content - you’re working alongside other entrepreneurs who are actually building AI-powered businesses. You get daily implementations from real businesses, direct feedback on your ideas, weekly live Q&As where I personally break down your questions, and networking with people who are serious about results, not just consumption.https://www.skool.com/ai-advantage-club-5848/about?ref=ea33f41093ac4038b613ad633f87add4Media:Spotify | Instagram | Apple Podcasts | XSources: https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-atlas/https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/21/openai-launches-an-ai-powered-browser-chatgpt-atlas/https://www.perplexity.ai/hub/blog/introducing-comethttps://www.caneraras.com/learn/dia-browser-review-ai-first-browserhttps://www.kosmik.app/blog/best-ai-browsershttps://blog.google/products/chrome/new-ai-features-for-chrome/https://support.brave.app/hc/en-us/articles/20958609786637-How-do-I-use-Brave-Leohttps://www.sigmabrowser.com/https://www.operaneon.com/https://strawberrybrowser.com/https://www.sigmabrowser.com/blog/best-browsers-with-ai-features-comparison-and-reviewsSources and links in show notes for exploring each browser!Don’t miss next week’s continuation of the AI Browser Wars. Let’s keep pushing boundaries in tech! Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Hello everyone, and welcome back to Tech Break by Friday. Today, we are diving into the world of AI-generated videos and AI video editing. This week, Google released an update to Veo, giving us Veo 3.1 to generate more videos and add new elements. For everyone who is not aware, Flow is Google’s film-making or video editing platform. In this episode, we’ll break down what makes Veo 3.1 special, explore the powerful features inside Flow, and discuss what this means for the future of video production. Whether you’re a content creator, a business owner, or just fascinated by AI technology, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.Thanks for tuning in to Tech Break by Friday! Don’t forget to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Your support helps us continue bringing you the latest insights in AI and technology.​Until next time, keep creating, and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AI.Subscribe on Substack: https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/p/episode-34-how-powerful-is-ai-videoIf you’ve been getting value from this podcast, here’s something that’ll take your learning to the next level. Inside the Skool Community, you’re not just getting more content - you’re working alongside other entrepreneurs who are actually building AI-powered businesses. You get daily implementations from real businesses, direct feedback on your ideas, weekly live Q&As where I personally break down your questions, and networking with people who are serious about results, not just consumption.https://www.skool.com/ai-advantage-club-5848/about?ref=ea33f41093ac4038b613ad633f87add4Media:Spotify | Instagram | Apple Podcasts | XSources:https://blog.google/technology/ai/veo-updates-flow/https://labs.google/fx/el/tools/flowhttps://higgsfield.ai/veo3.1https://leonardo.ai/ Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Tech Break by Friday, we are exploring all the new announcements of DevDay 2025 from OpenAI. The two most essential announcements I have to say are the AppsSDK and the AgentKit. If you want to listen to episode 25 mentioned in today's episode, click the link below. https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/p/opal-googles-card-to-the-automation?r=56ehxySubstack Pictures and Text for Episode 33:https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/p/episode-33-did-openai-just-kill-zapierMedia:Spotify | Instagram | Apple Podcasts | XSources:DevDay {2025}Full DevDay 2025 Videohttps://skywork.ai/blog/openai-apps-sdk-chatgpt-integration/https://currently.att.yahoo.com/att/openai-third-party-apps-spotify-185238757.htmlApps Open AI BlogAgentKitInstant Checkout on ChatGPTOpenAI ramps up developer push with more powerful models in its APISora 2 Model Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Tech Break by Friday - Episode: Building an AI Financial Advisor for AccountabilityIn this episode of Tech Break by Friday, discover an innovative approach to personal finance accountability, a personalized AI financial advisor. Learn how to create your own AI advisor using Perplexity Spaces (or similar platforms like Claude Projects or OpenAI GPTs) that helps you make smarter decisions on stock picks, spending, and investments. This AI acts as a strict and disciplined financial analyst, offering precise insights, actionable advice on savings, investments, and budgeting, and guiding you away from wasteful spending in an age of heavy marketing and overconsumption.Whether you want to optimize your monthly budget, get a fresh perspective on your investment portfolio, or work towards your retirement goals, this episode shows you how to tailor an AI assistant for personalized financial discipline and growth. Plus, get tips on setting clear prompts for the AI to follow your unique goals and preferences.Join the conversation, share your ideas, and explore the future of personal finance with AI assistance.Subscribe to Tech Break by FridaySupport the show with free or paid subscriptions to get exclusive content and updates.Follow & ConnectSpotify | Instagram | Apple Podcasts | XSources:https://www.perplexity.ai/DISCLAIMER: AI IS NOT AN EXPERT IN INVESTING. INVESTMENTS COME WITH RISK, AND PLEASE GET PROFESSIONAL ADVICE FROM EXPERTS.If you’ve been getting value from this podcast, here’s something that’ll take your learning to the next level. Inside the Skool Community, you’re not just getting more content - you’re working alongside other entrepreneurs who are actually building AI-powered businesses. You get daily implementations from real businesses, direct feedback on your ideas, weekly live Q&As where I personally break down your questions, and networking with people who are serious about results, not just consumption.https://www.skool.com/ai-advantage-club-5848/about?ref=ea33f41093ac4038b613ad633f87add4 Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to another episode of Tech Break by Friday! In this special episode, I share my firsthand experience exploring the top AI App Builder tools that are transforming how apps get built today. Drawing from my 3.5 years as a professional developer and deep knowledge as an AI expert, I provide an insightful comparison of three standout platforms: Bolt.new, Lovable, and v0.You'll learn about the fascinating founders behind each tool—from Eric Simons, the entrepreneur who resurrected StackBlitz to build Bolt.new; to Anton Osika, the physicist turned startup CEO leading Lovable’s mission to democratize app building; and Tim Neutkens, the architect of Next.js shaping v0’s frontend UI innovation.We dive into what makes each platform unique: Bolt.new’s full-stack AI app generation inside the browser, Lovable’s conversational approach empowering non-coders to build with AI, and v0’s developer-focused rapid UI code generation with React and Tailwind. Plus, I walk through a live case study creating a sleek podcast website on each platform—covering UI design, backend integration, deployment, and more.If you're curious about incorporating AI-powered tools into your projects or want to see how these cutting-edge builders stack up, this episode is for you. Find links to get started with each platform, detailed blog posts, and exclusive bonus credits in the show notes.Thanks for supporting Tech Break by Friday! If this episode brought you value, please consider subscribing and sharing it with friends who want to learn and build with AI tech. Stay curious, keep building, and enjoy the journey!Have a great week, stay curious, and keep building!Substack Blog Link: https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/p/episode-31-boltnew-vs-lovable-vsIf you’ve been getting value from this podcast, here’s something that’ll take your learning to the next level. Inside the Skool Community, you’re not just getting more content - you’re working alongside other entrepreneurs who are actually building AI-powered businesses. You get daily implementations from real businesses, direct feedback on your ideas, weekly live Q&As where I personally break down your questions, and networking with people who are serious about results, not just consumption.https://www.skool.com/ai-advantage-club-5848/about?ref=ea33f41093ac4038b613ad633f87add4Media:Spotify | Instagram | Apple Podcasts | XSources:https://bolt.new/gallery/all?category=health-wellnesshttps://support.bolt.new/building/build-your-first-app#full-enhanced-prompt-resulthttps://bolt.new/blog/prompting-tips-for-bolthttps://lovable.dev/video/anton-osika-co-founder-and-ceo-lovable-hitting-85-day-30-retention-better-than-chatgpthttps://annjose.com/post/v0-dev-firsthand/ Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Tech Break by Friday - Episode 30: The NotebookLM RevolutionGoogle's NotebookLM has undergone a massive transformation with new features that are revolutionizing how we learn, research, and create content. This episode explores the latest updates to Google's AI-powered research assistant and demonstrates practical applications for students, professionals, and content creators.Episode OverviewThis comprehensive guide covers NotebookLM's September 2025 feature explosion, including four new Audio Overview formats, interactive learning tools, global Video Overviews, and the redesigned Studio panel. Unlike traditional AI chatbots, NotebookLM bases responses solely on uploaded sources, eliminating hallucinations from random internet data.Featured ResourcesPrevious NotebookLM episode: Episode 9 - The Powerful Google NotebookAI Advantage Club Community: Skool CommunityPodcast Instagram: @tech.break.by.fridaySubstack Blog Post: https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/p/episode-30-googles-notebooklm-useDisclaimer: This episode is not sponsored by Google or its affiliates. All opinions expressed are solely those of the host.If you've been getting value from this podcast, here's something that'll take your learning to the next level. Inside the Skool Community, you're not just getting more content - you're working alongside other entrepreneurs who are actually building AI-powered businesses. You get daily implementations from real businesses, direct feedback on your ideas, weekly live Q&As where I personally break down your questions, and networking with people who are serious about results, not just consumption.https://www.skool.com/ai-advantage-club-5848/about?ref=ea33f41093ac4038b613ad633f87add4Media:Spotify | Instagram | Apple Podcasts | XSources:https://blog.google/technology/google-labs/notebooklm-student-features/https://www.techradar.com/ai-platforms-assistants/gemini/google-notebooklms-ai-podcast-hosts-can-now-get-into-an-argument-over-your-noteshttps://9to5google.com/2025/09/08/notebooklm-flashcards-quizzes/https://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2025/09/flashcards-quizzes-reports-notebook-lm-google-education.html?m=1https://www.reworked.co/digital-workplace/notebooklm-expands-video-overviews-to-80-languages/In AI We TrustNotebookLM: Comprehensive Guide + 18 Innovative Use Caseshttps://nanobits.beehiiv.com/p/notebook-lm-the-ultimate-user-guide-with-real-life-examples Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Tech Break by Friday — Episode 29: Developer Friendly #2: Cursor vs Gemini Code AssistantIn this episode, we’re taking a hands-on look at two of the hottest AI coding tools right now: Cursor and Gemini Code Assist. These next-generation assistants promise to boost developer productivity, streamline coding workflows, and help both individuals and teams get more done—so how do they actually stack up?You’ll get my first-hand experience putting both AI agents to the test. I’ll break down their IDE interfaces, plans, and unique features, plus what really surprised me in recent updates, especially from Google and its latest releases on privacy and enterprise options. We’ll walk through a real-world challenge I gave both tools: building an embedded podcast player for my website. Hear what each agent did well (and where one of them fell short).If you’re a business owner or IT decision-maker, stay tuned: I’ll dig into the data privacy, security, and compliance policies for both Cursor and Gemini Code Assist, and share what matters most for organizations moving their workflows to AI. You’ll get clear, actionable insights on which tool might best fit your team, from pricing and management to threat protection and integration.Ready to level up your dev stack or just curious what it’s like letting AI code for you? This episode is packed with practical results, tips, and a few lessons learned. If you’re getting value from the show, remember: you can take your learning even further by joining our AI community, details inside. Plus, see the full write-up with screenshots and bonus content on Substack!https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/p/episode-29-cursor-vs-gemini-codehttps://www.skool.com/ai-advantage-club-5848/about?ref=ea33f41093ac4038b613ad633f87add4Don’t forget to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen, and leave a review if you’re enjoying the podcast! Your support fuels more deep dives and honest reviews in the world of AI and tech.Media:Spotify | Instagram | Apple Podcasts | XSources:https://codeassist.google/https://cloud.google.com/gemini/docs/codeassist/security-privacy-compliancehttps://cursor.com/https://cloud.google.com/gemini/docs/codeassist/overviewhttps://www.reco.ai/learn/cursor-securityhttps://ona.com/stories/secure-enterprise-cursor-dev-environmentshttps://cursor.com/enterprisehttps://bb.com.tr/en/blog/software-development/is-cursor-safe-are-your-code-data-truly-protected Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Tech Break by Friday — Episode 28: Exploring Nano Banana, Google’s Next-Gen AI Image ModelIn this episode, we dive into Nano Banana, the groundbreaking AI image editing model developed by Google DeepMind and integrated into the Gemini app. Discover how this cutting-edge technology enables users to edit images with simple natural language commands while preserving key details like faces and backgrounds across multiple edits.We'll explore Nano Banana’s innovative features, from seamless multi-image blending and advanced reasoning to its speed and precision that set it apart from traditional image editors. Learn how this technology is reshaping the future of AI-powered visual content creation, challenging tools like Adobe Photoshop and Canva.If you've been getting value from this podcast, here's something that'll take your learning to the next level. Inside, you're not just getting more content - you're working alongside other entrepreneurs who are actually building AI-powered businesses. You get daily implementations from real businesses, direct feedback on your ideas, weekly live Q&As where I personally break down your questions, and networking with people who are serious about results, not just consumption. https://www.skool.com/ai-advantage-club-5848/about?ref=ea33f41093ac4038b613ad633f87add4Whether you're an AI enthusiast, creative professional, or simply curious about the latest tech, this episode breaks down the remarkable capabilities of Nano Banana and what it means for image editing and design workflows.Bonus: Check out our detailed Substack post featuring all the details for a deeper dive: https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/p/episode-28-is-adobe-in-trouble-ofSubscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform, and don’t forget to leave a review! Your support keeps the podcast going and brings fresh insights into AI and technology every week.Sources:https://lnkd.in/geBUSNCshttps://blog.google/products/gemini/updated-image-editing-model/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpUk5OetUNhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6ZXujE1qBAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zvk4AMCrGhttps://techcrunch.com/2025/08/26/google-geminis-ai-image-model-gets-a-bananas-upgrade/https://lmarena.ai/leaderboard/image-edithttps://bylo.ai/features/gemini-2.5-flash-image-preview Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Tech Break by Friday, we dive into the Model Context Protocol (MCP) — the game-changing technology that lets AI tools like chatbots and apps seamlessly connect with services like Gmail and Google Drive. Learn how MCP simplifies AI integrations, boosts security, and opens up exciting possibilities for automation. Plus, we walk through a beginner-friendly MCP project using aci.dev so you can build your own AI-powered workflows. Whether you’re curious about AI or a tech enthusiast, this episode breaks down the future of AI-tool connections in an easy-to-understand way.Substack Post for everyone who wants to see the commands and code: https://kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/p/episode-27-llms-get-tools-mcpSubscribe to or follow the podcast and leave a review. It helps us continue to bring you exciting news and content each week in the AI and tech space.Media:Spotify | Instagram | Apple Podcasts | XSources:https://github.com/microsoft/mcp-for-beginnershttps://www.descope.com/learn/post/mcphttps://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servershttps://www.anthropic.com/news/model-context-protocolhttps://arxiv.org/abs/2504.08999https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.23278Connect with High-Value Listeners Who Take ActionEmail us at [email protected] to sponsor the podcast.If you'd like to know more about the Skool community, please don't hesitate to let me know.. https://www.skool.com/ai-advantage-club-5848/about?ref=ea33f41093ac4038b613ad633f87add4 Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Tech Break by Friday. I promise to make it up to you for missing a week on uploading an episode. Today’s topic is a really exciting one for me. We talk about Context Engineering, and it changes the way we talk and think about AI. This is why some AI tools can provide the answer you need based on your situation, acting as a personal guide. Well, some other tools make you throw away your laptop, and you seem to get nowhere. Have you ever asked ChatGPT or another AI tool to help with something specific to your business, only to get a response that's technically correct but completely useless? Like asking for help with your marketing strategy and getting generic advice that could apply to literally any business on the planet? That's not a model problem - that's a context problem. And today, we're going to solve it.Here's a wild stat for you: According to industry leaders like Andrej Karpathy, who co-founded OpenAI, most AI failures aren't because the AI isn't smart enough. The issue is that the AI doesn't have the correct information at the right time.Think about it like this - imagine hiring the world's most talented personal assistant, but every morning they walk into work with complete amnesia. I don’t remember yesterday, no understanding of your business, no access to your files or contacts. How helpful would they actually be?That's how we've been using AI. And Context Engineering is how we fix it.Substack Post: https://open.substack.com/pub/kivroglouparaskevi/p/context-engineering-over-prompting?r=56ehxy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueMedia:Spotify | Instagram | Apple Podcasts | XSources:https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.13334.https://www.philschmid.de/context-engineeringllamaindexlangchainhttps://x.com/tobi/status/1935533422589399127https://www.perplexity.ai/https://claude.ai/ Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Hello everyone. What’s up? Welcome back to Tech Break by Friday. In this episode, we discuss the potential benefits of a new tool called Opal. Opal is an agentic solution for creating mini AI-powered apps and automation. Let’s dive in and explore how to use this tool effectively, as well as what the future might hold.If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button so you never miss our next deep dive into the tech shaping tomorrow. This podcast grows with your support, so we would love it if you could share it with a friend or colleague who might also find it helpful. Until next time, keep experimenting, keep learning, and keep building!Blog Post to read everything I mentioned in this episode about Opal.https://open.substack.com/pub/kivroglouparaskevi/p/opal-googles-card-to-the-automation?r=56ehxy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueMedia:Spotify | Instagram | Apple Podcasts | XSources:* https://developers.googleblog.com/en/introducing-opal/* https://opal.withgoogle.com/?flow=drive:/1Tp8qBH2QujcyIDxiyHrKX7xQI19AtneX&mode=app&shared=true* https://www.mach37.com/blog/token-economy* https://www.abatherapistjobs.com/applied-behaviour-analysis/token-economy* https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/googles-opal-changes-game-agents-automation-tara-tan-gysaf/* https://www.infoq.com/news/2025/07/google-opal-ai/ Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Hello everyone. What’s up? Welcome back to Tech Break by Friday. In this episode, we discuss the potential benefits of a new tool called Manus AI. Manus AI is an agentic solution compared to ChatGPT, Claude, or any other chatbot out there. Manus AI originates from China and gained traction upon its launch in the US. Let’s dive in and explore how to use this tool effectively, as well as what to avoid.Invitation link to receive extra free credits when you join Manus: https://manus.im/invitation/N6FA99JNUUQUIf you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button so you never miss our next deep dive into the tech shaping tomorrow. This podcast grows with your support, so we would love it if you could share it with a friend or colleague who might also find it helpful. Until next time, keep experimenting, keep learning, and keep building!Blog Post to read everything I mentioned in this episode about Manus AI. Blog PostThanks for reading Tech Break by Friday! This post is free so you can share it with people you think will find it interesting.Media:Spotify | Instagram | Apple Podcasts | XSources:1. https://manus.im/home2.https://youtu.be/HVhXwBYenC83.https://manus.im/invitation/N6FA99JNUUQU Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Hello everyone. What’s up? Welcome back to Tech Break by Friday. This is a bonus episode, and today we're discussing a topic that may sound dystopian to many of you. Imagine waking up tomorrow to find that your digital twin has been working all night, answering customer questions for three different companies, teaching Spanish to students in Brazil, and even negotiating a brand partnership deal. This isn't science fiction anymore, it's the Virtual Human Economy, and it's starting right now.If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button so you never miss our next deep dive into the tech shaping tomorrow. This podcast grows with your support, so we would love it if you could share it with a friend or colleague who might also find it helpful. Until next time, keep experimenting, keep learning, and keep building!Blog Post to read everything I mentioned in this episode about Virtual Human Economy.Blog PostThanks for reading Tech Break by Friday! This post is free so you can share it with people you think will find it interesting.Media:Spotify | Instagram | Apple Podcasts | XSources: 1. https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/what-is-a-digital-twin* https://www.digitaltwinconsortium.org/initiatives/the-definition-of-a-digital-twin/* https://hourone.ai/blog/the-virtual-human-economy/* https://odsc.medium.com/the-rise-of-the-virtual-human-economy-and-its-implications-dff073a8fb05* https://theindependentinvestor.ph/natalie-monbiot-a-pioneer-in-the-virtual-human-economy-2/* https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2023/06/08/from-science-fiction-to-reality-how-digital-humans-are-forging-new-realities/* https://creativitysquared.com/podcast/ep39-natalie-monbiot-genai-the-virtual-human-economy/* https://kognito.com/blog/7-advantages-of-learning-with-virtual-humans/* https://wuab.org/magazine-articles/virtual-economy-a-complete-overview/* https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0267364911000896* https://www.chinadailyhk.com/hk/article/291378* https://vertu.com/ai-tools/digital-human-use-cases-transforming-industries-2025/?srsltid=AfmBOop5imDch8BLetTXZaFfW3pCX4gfvBHXga3j-auAIp-SEtcvPmgR* https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/use-cases/digital-humans/* https://opendatascience.com/the-rise-of-the-virtual-human-economy-and-its-implications/* https://theindependentinvestor.ph/natalie-monbiot-a-pioneer-in-the-virtual-human-economy-2/* https://nttdata-solutions.com/us/blog/digital-humans-humanizing-technology-and-improving-user-experiences/* https://www.cognizant.com/us/en/insights/insights-blog/how-digital-humans-can-provide-personalized-experiences-at-scale-wf2398000* https://arxiv.org/pdf/2311.09226* https://www.christophejauquet.com/post/digital-humans* https://www.synthesia.io/post/digital-humans* https://personalvalu.es/articles/exploring-personal-values-through-ai-conversations* https://medium.com/@uneeq/will-people-trust-a-digital-human-the-same-way-they-trust-people-f3647a318079* https://journal-bcs.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13173-021-00121-x* https://www.firework.com/blog/what-is-a-digital-human* https://pure.hud.ac.uk/en/publications/the-value-creation-potential-of-digital-humans Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Hello everyone. Welcome back to another Episode of Tech Break by Friday. Did you love Stitch as a kid? He was one of my favorite characters. No, Google didn't release him to the public. At least not yet. Today, we’re diving into Google Stitch—Google’s brand new AI-powered design tool that’s changing how we build websites and apps. Let’s dive in.If you enjoyed this episode, hit the subscribe button so you never miss our next deep dive into the tech shaping tomorrow. This podcast grows with your support, so we would love it if you could share it with a friend or colleague who might also find it helpful. Until next time, keep experimenting, keep learning, and keep building!Blog Post to find images and a step-by-step guide on how to use Google Stitch.Blog Post Media:Spotify | Instagram | Apple Podcasts | XSources:1. https://www.flutteronly.com/2025/05/20/getting-started-with-google-stitch-a-beginners-guide/2. https://aiagent.marktechpost.com/post/a-step-by-step-guide-how-to-build-apps-with-simple-prompts-using-stitch-by-google3.https://developers.googleblog.com/en/stitch-a-new-way-to-design-uis/4.https://discuss.ai.google.dev/t/stitch-prompt-guide/83844 Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Tech Break by Friday, we introduce the Gemini CLI, a powerful, open-source AI agent that brings Gemini’s capabilities straight to your terminal. Whether you’re a developer, builder, or just curious about AI tools, you’ll learn how Gemini CLI can streamline your workflow, automate documentation, and boost productivity.If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, or share it with someone who’s going to love it. Thanks again for reading. I’ll see you next Friday, where we’ll continue to discover new topics and ideas.Full Text Post here: https://open.substack.com/pub/kivroglouparaskevi/p/developer-friendly-1-beginners-guide?r=56ehxy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueSources: 1. https://blog.google/technology/developers/introducing-gemini-cli-open-source-ai-agent/* http://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli* https://codeassist.google/* https://academic.oup.com/oep/article/77/3/849/8029835?login=false* Tech World Context Switching* https://dev.to/therealmrmumba/i-tested-gemini-cli-and-other-top-coding-agents-heres-what-i-found-om* https://github.com/Paraskevi-KIvroglou/Gemini-CLI-GitHub-MCP Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Ever wondered how a chatbot understands your frustration about a delayed order? This week on Tech Break by Friday, we're diving deep into the magic behind the screen!Ever typed a question into a chatbot and marveled at how it just gets you? Or have you ever wondered how companies seem to know exactly how their customers feel about a new product based on thousands of online reviews? The secret lies in the fascinating world of Natural Language Processing (NLP), and precisely this episode, we're breaking it all down.In this episode, we explore:* What is Natural Language Processing (NLP)?* The Power of Sentiment Analysis:* Putting Theory into Practice: Ready to experiment? We share a fantastic list of user-friendly AI tools for writing, brainstorming, sentiment analysis, and even building your chatbot.If you try any of these tools, please feel free to comment below on your thoughts. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, or share it with someone who’s going to love it. Thanks again for reading. I’ll see you next Friday, where we’ll continue to discover new topics and ideas.Check out the blog post on Substack for more details: https://open.substack.com/pub/kivroglouparaskevi/p/ai-demystified-4-what-is-natural?r=56ehxy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueSources:* https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/natural-language-processing* https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/nlp/* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chatbot* https://moldstud.com/articles/p-nlp-in-chatbots-enhancing-sentiment-analysis-for-engagement* https://tavtechnologies.aero/en-EN/review/pages/sentiment-analysis* https://brand24.com/blog/best-sentiment-analysis-tools/* https://www.joinhomebase.com/blog/ai-for-small-business* https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/small-business-ai-tools* https://www.semrush.com/blog/chatgpt-alternatives/* https://team-gpt.com/blog/perplexity-vs-chatgpt-vs-team-gpt/* https://clickup.com/blog/chatgpt-alternatives/Media: Spotify | Instagram | Apple Podcasts | X Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Tech Break by Friday, where we make big tech topics feel small and doable. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the story of how I joined a hackathon, used a tool called Lovable, and built an AI-powered research assistant — all in under 48 hours.Even though I have a background in AI, I wanted to test how beginner-friendly vibe-coding really is. Using just natural language prompts (and no manual coding), I created a working MVP that connects with Zotero, fetches academic papers, and allows users to chat with their research library.This episode is all about showing you that you can build your own AI project, even if you’re just getting started. I’ll walk you through:* The exact tools I used (Lovable, Supabase, Clerk, Zotero)* The problem I was trying to solve as a Master’s student* What the MVP includes (chat interface, Zotero sync, persistent history)* How you can recreate the project using prompts — no heavy coding requiredAnd no, this episode isn’t sponsored. I’m just genuinely impressed with what Lovable made possible — and I think you will be too.If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, or share it with someone who’s been meaning to build something with AI but doesn’t know where to start. If you create something, please share it with me, either by dm or in the comments. Thanks again for listening. I’ll see you next Friday, where we keep discovering new topics and ideas.Blog of the full tutorial: https://open.substack.com/pub/kivroglouparaskevi/p/building-your-first-ai-project-beginner?r=56ehxy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueA special offer for podcast listeners: If you have a business and would love to implement AI and automation ethically in your workflow, you get two one-hour free consultations to make a strategy together. Book a call!Sources:* Lovable * Zotero * Zotero Agent Lovable App* Vibe Coding EpisodeMedia:Spotify | Instagram | Apple Podcasts | X Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Tech Break by Friday, Paraskevi Kivroglou dives into the foundational question: What is ethical AI? Ethical AI means building and deploying artificial intelligence that aligns with core human values—fairness, accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights. While the concept sounds straightforward, its real-world application is complex due to the risk of embedding and amplifying biases present in data and design.I hope you like this episode. If you do, please leave a review or comment on any platform that you are listening to and share it with anyone you think might like this.Click here to read the podcast content on Substack:A special offer for podcast listeners: If you have a business and would love to implement AI and automation ethically in your workflow, you get two one-hour free consultations to make a strategy together. Book a call!Media:Spotify | Instagram | Apple Podcasts Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Tech Break by Friday, Paraskevi Kivroglou discusses a really important topic regarding our protection in the AI era. You’ll learn what AI Deepfakes are and how to protect yourself and your community. We will also discuss the ethics of this topic and why it is dangerous not to recognize them.In a world of noise and misinformation, we can learn to protect ourselves by using critical thinking and evaluation. I hope you like this episode. If you do, please leave a review or comment on any platform that you are listening to and share it with anyone you think might like this. Click here to read the podcast content on Substack: A special offer for podcast listeners: If you have a business and would love to implement AI and automation ethically in your workflow, you get two one-hour free consultations to make a strategy together. Book a call!Media:Spotify | Instagram | Apple Podcasts Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Tech Break by Friday’s “AI Demystified” series, Paraskevi Kivroglou breaks down the mysteries behind one of AI’s most powerful tools. You’ll learn how the brain inspires neural networks (but aren’t brains!), how data travels through layers like beans turning into espresso, and how these models actually “learn” from their mistakes.We’ll also spotlight real-world game-changers—from Tesla’s Autopilot to cancer-detecting algorithms—and clear up some of the biggest myths about neural networks. Whether you’re new to AI or just want a clearer picture, this episode will leave you feeling informed and curious for more.Want to dive deeper? Read the full transcript here.Media:Spotify | Instagram | Apple PodcastsThanks for reading Tech Break by Friday! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Hi there. Welcome back to another episode of Tech Break by Friday. I was inspired to release this bonus episode after hearing people say how “new AI” is. It sparked an idea: why not do a quick dive into the fascinating history of Artificial Intelligence, and explore how this incredible field actually began? So, that’s what we’re doing today – a mini time-travel adventure!Before we jump in, if you enjoy what we do here at Tech Break by Friday, I’d be so grateful if you could take a moment to rate the podcast on whatever platform you’re listening on – whether that’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or somewhere else. It’s a small click for you, but it genuinely helps the show reach more tech-curious folks. Spotify | Instagram | Apple PodcastsAlright, ready to take a journey through time? Let’s rewind the clock! Generated using ChatGPT and the script information of this episode. 1. The 1950s – The Idea is BornPicture this: the 1950s. Computers weren't the sleek devices in our pockets; they were colossal machines, often filling entire rooms! It was in this era, specifically in 1950, that the brilliant British mathematician Alan Turing asked a question that would echo for decades: "Can machines think?" What does the word “think” mean? In this case, it was a bit unclear. So, Turing, being the practical genius he was, reframed this into something testable: the famous Turing Test, or as he called it, the "imitation game." * You, as a human interrogator, are chatting (via text) with two participants hidden from view.* One is a human (Player B), and the other is a machine (Player A).* Your job? Could you figure out which is which? If the machine could consistently fool you into believing it was human, it would pass the test. The famous Turing Test laid the philosophical foundation of artificial intelligence. It wasn't just about crunching numbers anymore; it was about mimicking human conversation and, by extension, intelligence. I want to ask you a critical question: Do you think mimicking human conversation is a part of intelligence, and what are the actual traits that make humans unique?2. 1956 – The Birth of Artificial IntelligenceJust a few years later, in 1956, a group of researchers at Dartmouth College in the U.S. coined the term Artificial Intelligence. Their ambition was nothing short of revolutionary: to build machines that could simulate every aspect of human learning and intelligence. Talk about a bold vision!This initial optimism fueled a period of exciting exploration. And one fascinating example from this era emerged in the mid-1960s: a program called ELIZA. Created by Joseph Weizenbaum at MIT between 1964 and 1966, ELIZA was designed to simulate a conversation, famously taking on the persona of a Rogerian psychotherapist. If you typed something like, "I'm feeling a bit down today," ELIZA might respond, "Can you tell me more about why you are feeling a bit down today?"Now, ELIZA wasn't actually understanding you. It cleverly used pattern matching and keyword spotting to rephrase your statements as questions. But the effect was surprisingly convincing for many people!3. 1970s–80s – The Chill of the First "AI Winter"But, as with many groundbreaking journeys, the path wasn't always smooth. The computers of the day, bless their vacuum-tube hearts, just didn't have the sheer power or memory needed for the really complex tasks the researchers dreamed of. As a result, funding started to dry up, and some of that initial fiery excitement began to cool. This period became known as the "AI Winter" – a time when things got a bit frosty for AI development.4. 1997 – AI Roars Back into the Headlines!Then, a real breakthrough moment that captured the world's attention! In 1997, IBM’s supercomputer, Deep Blue, went head-to-head with the reigning world chess champion, Garry Kasparov… and won. This was huge! It wasn't just a computer winning a game; it was AI defeating a human master at a game demanding deep strategy, foresight, and intellect. Suddenly, AI was back in the spotlight.5. 2012 – The Deep Learning RevolutionThe next truly fundamental shift started around 2012. This is where things really started to accelerate, leading to the AI we see today. What changed? Two main things: a massive increase in computing power (thank you, powerful GPUs – initially designed for gaming!) and the availability of vast amounts of data (hello, internet!). This combination fueled the rise of deep learning, particularly a type of AI inspired by the human brain called neural networks. A model named AlexNet made a massive splash by dominating an image recognition contest. For the first time, AI could "see" and identify objects in images with astounding accuracy, often better than humans! 6. Today – AI in Our LivesAnd that brings us up to speed. From those early philosophical questions and room-sized computers, AI has blossomed. It’s in our smartphones, helping us type and take better photos, in our cars with driver-assist features, powering the recommendation engines that suggest what to watch or listen to, and, yes, in tools like ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini that help us write, learn, and create. If used correctly, it’s helping us work faster and more productively in this modern world. From Turing’s pivotal question to the sophisticated tools we use daily, it’s been quite a ride — and honestly, it feels like it’s only just beginning. There's so much more to explore and understand, which is exactly what we try to do here on the podcast.If you liked this little trip through AI history and found it helpful, please consider sharing it with a friend or colleague who might also find it interesting.Have a great week, stay curious, and keep building. Created with ChatGPT to represent the history of AISources:* https://www.iberdrola.com/innovation/history-artificial-intelligence* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turing_test* https://home.dartmouth.edu/about/artificial-intelligence-ai-coined-dartmouth* https://aibc.world/learn-crypto-hub/ai-winter-history/* https://www.ibm.com/history/deep-blue* https://viso.ai/deep-learning/alexnet/* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_artificial_intelligence* https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/history-of-artificial-intelligence* https://www.tableau.com/data-insights/ai/history* https://www.britannica.com/science/history-of-artificial-intelligence* Matt Wolfe VideoMedia:Spotify | Instagram | Apple Podcasts Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Hey there! Welcome back to another episode of Tech Break by Friday. Today, we have another episode of the series AI Demystified. Our topic: What’s the real difference between Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Reinforcement Learning? Spoiler: they’re not all the same thing, and understanding the difference will help you spot the hype from the real deal. (Source: Created with ChatGPT)Let’s remember what AI means from our last episode. AI is an algorithm that recognises patterns based on data that it has already seen. The period that AI learns from data is called the training period. After training, AI is capable of recognising the patterns in the data. An example that you might already have seen is the Netflix recommendation system. Based on the movies you have seen, it proposes new films and series that you might like.🧠 What is Machine Learning (ML)?Machine Learning (ML) is a part of artificial intelligence (AI) that allows computers to learn patterns from data and make decisions without being explicitly programmed for each task. Unlike traditional software, which follows instructions (“if A, then B”), (“else C”). A widely cited definition by Tom Mitchell states: “A computer program is said to learn from experience E with respect to some class of tasks T and performance measure P if its performance at tasks in T, as measured by P, improves with experience E.” For example, an email spam filter is an ML solution. The spam email filter is the task (T). The ML algorithm gets better at recognising spam emails ( this is the performance (P)). Performance here means how many emails have been recognised correctly. The data that has already been seen or processed, labelled emails of “spam”, “not spam”, are the experience (E). Core Types of Machine Learning (ML)Supervised LearningIn supervised learning, models are trained using labelled data—each input has a known output. The algorithm learns to map inputs to outputs by minimizing prediction errors. Typical applications include:* Classification: Sorting emails as spam or non-spam.* Regression: Predicting house prices based on features like size and location. (The difference here is that the data are not countable like spam, non-spam)The model uses its training to make predictions on new, unseen data. Unsupervised LearningUnsupervised learning deals with unlabeled data. The algorithm tries to find hidden patterns or groupings within the data. Standard techniques include clustering (grouping similar customers). This approach is often used for anomaly detection. For example, you are given different shapes of objects manufactured. The unsupervised learning method explores all possible options to recognise which of these objects were created with anomalies. Reinforcement LearningReinforcement learning (RL) is about learning by doing. An agent interacts with an environment, making decisions and receiving feedback in the form of rewards or penalties. Over time, the agent learns which actions yield the best outcomes. RL is used in robotics, game-playing AIs like AlphaGo, and industrial automation, where trial and error can optimise performance. Think of a video game where you start with no instructions — just a controller and a goal to survive or score points.Every time your character jumps over a pit and survives, you earn points — great! But when you walk into a trap, you lose a life — not so great.Over time, you learn what actions help you win: jump at the right moment, avoid certain areas, grab bonus items.That’s reinforcement learning:* The game is the environment* You are the agent* Points and penalties are your feedback (rewards)🎯 In real life: This is how AIs like AlphaGo learn to master complex games, or how robots learn to walk by trying, failing, and gradually improving with each attempt.If you found it helpful and you liked this episode, share it with a friend. It helps more people find the podcast and learn about AI. Subscribe, leave a review, and keep building.Sources:SAP: What is Machine Learning?: https://www.sap.com/germany/products/artificial-intelligence/what-is-machine-learning.htmlDev with Darwish – Core Machine Learning Paradigms (YouTube, April 2025)OPIT: Supervised vs. Unsupervised Learning https://www.opit.com/magazine/supervised-vs-unsupervised-learning/Alexander Thamm: Unsupervised Learning Explained https://www.alexanderthamm.com/en/blog/this-is-how-unsupervised-machine-learning-works/Bernard Marr: What Is Reinforcement Learning https://bernardmarr.com/artificial-intelligence-what-is-reinforcement-learning-a-simple-explanation-practical-examples/Spiceworks: What is machine learning?https://www.spiceworks.com/tech/artificial-intelligence/articles/what-is-ml/Datasolut: Machine Learning Definition https://datasolut.com/was-ist-machine-learning/ Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Hi, there. Welcome back to another episode of Tech Break by Friday. Today’s topic is creating videos for short-form content using an AI creative platform, Runway. If you ever wanted to experiment with making videos without being a professional videographer, please stay for this episode’s sweet spots. Today’s episode aims to help students, AI enthusiasts (who like to experiment with AI tools), small business owners or marketers who are looking for an easy way to create engaging short videos to market their products or services. If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. This action helps the podcast more than you can imagine. What is Runway?So, if you are up for the ride, let’s move on to see what Runway is exactly. Runway is an AI-powered creative suite built to help anyone make videos, images, and even audio. When you sign up with Runway, you get some free credits to try out the service.My ExperimentsYou can generate a video by typing a prompt like “a woman preparing to record a podcast episode”, with Gen-4 Turbo or Gen-4. I want to add here that the Gen-4 model is their more premium, robust model. I created a video from an image I already had saved. You can see the video here.As you can see, the video gets a bit distorted from the initial picture. Then I used a bit more detailed prompt to create 4 images with Runway’s image generator. Prompt: “a white woman with black hair, black and white outfit preparing her space to record a podcast“Then I used the image I created here as input for the video generation. By using the image and the same prompt from the previous video, I got a short video of a woman preparing to record a podcast. Below you can see the video.I liked Gen-4 Turbo's fast video creation speed. The video seems super realistic. From my 2 experiments, you can see that the quality of the image plays a huge role.What else can you make with Runway?Here’s where it gets fun. Runway isn’t just for one type of creator. You can use it to:* Storyboard your next short film- no more stick figures!* Make social media videos that pop, whether it’s for TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube Shorts.* Create product demos or explainer videos for your business.* Design educational content that actually holds students’ attention.* Experiment with digital art- try wild styles, mash up genres, or animate your illustrations.* Edit your pictures by removing random people or imperfections.Because it’s all AI-powered, you can try a dozen ideas in the time it used to take to edit one video. If you don’t like the output, tweak your prompt and try again—no reshoots, no stress.Why use Runway or similar tools?Someone might ask, "Where does this help me?" If you don't mind, if you are a new product founder or business owner, you can upload a mockup of your product and create a set of short-form videos. By tweaking them and playing around, adding music or audio, you can create a fast ad or reel to boost your reach on social media. If you are a professional and you see that your shots contain material that you don’t want, you can upload the frames in Runway and edit them a lot faster. AI can remove people and objects from videos or photos by replacing the background with a high probability. You can save time editing and make more videos you like. If you are a student or someone who wants to create but lacks videography skills, you can experiment by creating a runway video. Hopefully, this will expand your skills and productivity, helping you develop ideas and skills you can use later in your life.Useful Prompting Tips* Use positive phrasing only* Use direct, simple, and easily understood prompts* Focus on describing the motion, rather than the input image* Avoid conversational or command-based prompts* Avoid overly complex promptsCall to Action - Ready to try it out?Here’s how to get rolling with Runway:* Sign up- head to Runway’s website and create a free account.* Choose your tool- start with text-to-video, image-to-video, or play with the magic tools.* Type your prompt. Be as specific or creative as you like. “A cat surfing a giant wave at sunset”? Go for it.* Tweak and download-adjust settings, preview your video, and when you’re happy, download and share it anywhere.Pro tip: Start with Gen-4 Turbo if you want fast brainstorming results, then switch to the standard Gen-4 for your final, polished video. And don’t be afraid to experiment—the best ideas usually come from playing around.Disclaimer: Runway is not sponsoring me to create this episode or say these words. This is my opinion, which I wanted to share with you since I gained a lot of value from it.Let’s wrap up. Runway is changing the game for creators of all stripes. It’s fast, fun, and packed with features that make video creation accessible to everyone. If you try it out, let me know what you make! Tag me or send your creations my way. I’d love to see what you dream up.If you liked this episode and found it useful, please share it with others who might also find it helpful. Have a great week, and keep building. References:1. https://help.runwayml.com/hc/en-us/articles/39789879462419-Gen-4-Video-Prompting-Guide2.Runway Audio3.https://app.runwayml.com/video-tools/teams/kibroglouparaskevi/dashboardMedia:Spotify | Instagram | Apple Podcasts Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

(HBR Research Visuals, 2025)Hello everyone, and welcome back to a bonus episode of Tech Break by Friday. This morning, while eating my breakfast and reading through Substack, I came across an interesting article about AI use cases in 2025. Some of them surprised me, so I decided to share them with you. Thanks for listening to or reading Tech Break by Friday! You can subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.I am surprised by the first-place use case: Therapy and Companionship. The data from Marc Zao-Sanders, co-founder of filtered.com, shows that people are seeking empathetic responses from AI. The low barrier to using AI to get therapy is what makes this solution attractive. [This is only my opinion]I believe that AI is low-barrier and more cost-effective. As a person who seeks psychological guidance from a human expert, I don’t want to discriminate against therapists and experts in the field. I believe that a human therapist will go a long way to help you realise and evolve as a human being. But nowadays I have seen a lot of people being laid off, living paycheck by paycheck and worrying where their next meal is going to come from. So a 20$ or the free version of ChatGPT feels a lot easier and more accessible to them. Since a therapy session costs at least 50$.Also, it takes time to find a therapist who matches your needs. I have seen many professionals who are not quite fit for me. People feel that the hustle of looking and spending money is harder, and as humans, we optimise for lower-effort tasks.Another take is that a therapist is there once a week, most of the time. Which, again, I don’t want to sound rude, therapists are humans, they have their own lives. I read in the research PDF this query from a user:“I talk to it everyday. It helps me with my brain injury daily struggles. It's helping me work thru family shame, brain fog, inability to focus, remind of what I have accomplished as I don't have any memory. It helps me decide what to eat, how to manage my day. It has saved my sanity” (Marc Zao-Sanders,2025)And immediately I thought Wow, this is a use case, I didn’t even think about. I hope you liked today’s episode. Please check the references tab for all the information regarding this research. My goal was to show you the positive AI use nowadays, but also maybe make you think:Why in 2025, do we feel more lonely than ever? With so many tools to connect us? Are they actually connecting us?I am waiting to hear your opinions in the comments or review section of this episode, depending on the podcast platform you are listening to. If you like this bonus episode, please leave a podcast review. I would love to read it. I suggest also reading it here live, so you guys are listening to your contributions. Have a great week and keep building a great life. Thanks for reading Tech Break by Friday! This post is public, so feel free to share it. (HBR Research Visuals, 2025)References:* LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/engkeat_infographic-from-the-hbr-article-how-people-activity-7317860871303581698-CCb_?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAEb20-0Blm_8KA5nEmc3mrTSKHXeX6kZ4fE* Substack Article: https://substack.com/home/post/p-161778779* Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/2025/04/how-people-are-really-using-gen-ai-in-2025* Full PDF of the AI Use cases: https://learn.filtered.com/hubfs/The%202025%20Top-100%20Gen%20AI%20Use%20Case%20Report.pdf* Visuals: https://hbr.org/data-visuals/2024/03/how-people-are-using-genal-2* https://hbr.org/2025/04/how-people-are-really-using-gen-ai-in-2025 Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the first episode of ‘AI Demystified’—a mini-series in which we break down what artificial intelligence really is, how it works, and why it matters to you. Whether you're curious, cautious, or confused about AI, this series is here to help you understand the essentials in plain English.I’m Paraskevi Kivroglou, a software developer and AI researcher who’s passionate about making tech accessible to everyone. Today, we’re starting at the beginning: What actually is AI, and why do so many people think it’s magic?If you’re interested in learning more from our upcoming episodes, you can subscribe here to receive all the updates.Let’s Define ΑΙ – Simply Picture this: You walk into your favourite coffee spot, and the barista knows your order- a freddo espresso black. They learned your pattern. AI works the same way. It is an algorithm that learns to predict future patterns based on data that has already been received. If you train AI on thousands of coffee orders, it will also learn to predict what order will come next. Another AI algorithm you might already know is the Netflix algorithm. Have you ever wondered how Netflix recommends movies and series? Well, based on what you have already watched, find patterns in the data and be able to guess your next hit. Why AI is different from traditional software algorithmsTraditional software is more like if A is true, then perform B, else perform C. You see here, you need to code every instruction strictly. If you don’t, then the software won’t check A to find out what to do next. AI has seen data previously, a period we call the training period. Based on this data, it can make a prediction. For example, if you train AI to recognise cats and dogs, it will be able to recognise them most of the time. Since we are talking about prediction, it is essential to remember that AI can make mistakes. It might predict something wrong, too. Daily Meets with AI that you might ignoreYou’re already using AI right now. Let’s play a game:* Do you know how your phone unlocks with your face? AI compares your selfie to stored patterns.* Gmail finishing your sentences? AI predicts your following words like a psychic keyboard.* Instagram’s weirdly accurate ads? AI stalked your search history (kidding… sort of).It’s not sci-fi; it’s in your pocket, your inbox, and even your Spotify Wrapped. AI is the quiet helper you never knew you hired. HOW AI “LEARNS” (NO PHDS REQUIRED)Let’s break down the secret sauce: training. You show them red blocks go here, blue blocks go there. AI does this, but at warp speed.* Data In: Feed it examples (like 10,000 labelled colored Lego pictures, red, blue, and more).* Pattern Hunting: It creates a “recipe” to tell them apart. Imagine that it tries to find a logic to tell apart the Legos. * Testing: Give new pics on it. If it messes up, tweak the recipe. That’s it! No PhD needed. It’s just trial, error, and a lot of caffeine for the engineers. WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU“Okay, but why should I care?” Because AI is shaping everything:* Jobs: It’s automating grunt work (bye-bye, data entry). The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 indicates that employers expect 39% of key skills required in the job market will change by 2030. Technological skills, particularly AI and big data, are projected to grow in importance more rapidly than any other skills in the next five years.* Healthcare: Spotting tumours in X-rays faster than humans.* Creativity: Writing songs, making art, controversial, but fascinating.But- and this is huge-AI’s only as good as its teachers. Biased data? Biased results. That’s why understanding AI matters. You don’t need to code it, but you should know when to question it and how to use it. A good starting point would be to play with Chatgpt if you have not already done so. Let’s recap:* AI = Pattern detective.* Not magic, not conscious, not perfect.* You’re already using it daily.* And knowing the basics lets you spot the BS.If you found it helpful and you liked this episode, share it with that friend who thinks AI’s all Terminators. Subscribe, leave a review, and keep building.References: * Future of Jobs Report: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/01/future-of-jobs-report-2025-jobs-of-the-future-and-the-skills-you-need-to-get-them/* https://www.reddit.com/r/ChatGPT/comments/14h2656/here_are_some_ai_tools_you_can_use_for/* Course Book Machine Learning DLMDSML01, IU International University of Applied Sciences 2022 Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Hey there, and welcome back to Tech Break by Friday, where we break down AI and technology terms to use step-by-step strategies for our business. I’m your host, Paraskevi Kivroglou—software developer, AI researcher, and here to help you stay one step ahead in the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence.Today’s topic is going to save you hours and will instantly level up how you communicate ideas—AI presentation tools.Why use AI for presentations?If you are like me, building presentations can be a time-consuming process. You spend hours tweaking slides, adjusting fonts, and rewriting the content. So AI-powered tools are changing that. They're not just saving time; they’re helping non-designers create professional, story-driven presentations that impress.Pro Tip: Use AI not just for automation—but for creativity. These tools help spark new ways of telling your story. My opinion on the Tools I tested…Gamma: One of the best for creating complete decks from a single prompt. If you’re short on time and need a solid draft quickly, start here. Gamma has a built-in AI image generator, so you can use prompting to create the images that match your vision. What I also like is the option to export as a PDF, Google Slides, or PowerPoint project. Canva Magic Design: If you are a designer and like creating, this is the tool for you. You type in a concept, and it gives you layout and image suggestions in seconds. I know a lot of people who use Canva to create their presentations, so this is perfect since it is already integrated. Beautiful.ai: Similar to Gamma. When I want design consistency and polish—without overthinking fonts and alignment. It is really good at creating a slide deck that follows a story. Pro Tip: Always double-check the text that AI generates. It might hallucinate and not understand the topic from your prompt (depends on the prompt). Please make sure you agree with the written words. Tips & TricksNow for the good stuff—practical tips I’ve picked up from using these tools myself* Start with the end in mind: Know your takeaway message before opening any tool.* Use prompts like a pro: Be specific—e.g., ‘Create a 10-slide pitch deck about a SaaS startup helping small businesses automate HR workflows.’ Prompting is key for AI. When you want AI to create a specific presentation, explain the concept like you would to a human. Give it enough context, and make sure to specify your audience. This plays a huge role in the tone and how deeply it dives into the topic.* Refine the output: These tools are 80% there—add your voice, examples, and structure.* Keep it visual: Use icons, flow diagrams, and images. These tools often suggest them—don’t ignore them! But if the ones they suggest don’t match your style or wants, change them with prompts. * Review with real people: Before presenting, ask someone outside your field to review. If they get it, you nailed it. Common Pitfalls to AvoidEven though AI is powerful, it’s not perfect. Watch out for these mistakes. * Over-relying on templates: Your content still needs clarity and originality. Make sure you add your vision to the presentation. * Generic language: Always personalize AI-generated content—add your tone and voice. The presentation is supposed to highlight your knowledge and expertise while making it comprehensive for others. * Assuming it's presentation-ready: Edit ruthlessly. These are starting points, not final drafts.That wraps up today’s episode! If you’ve ever felt stuck or overwhelmed creating slides, I hope this gives you some tools and confidence to try AI-powered presentation makers. They won’t replace your thinking—but they will amplify it.If you found this helpful, share it with a colleague or leave a review—it really helps us grow the show. If you want links to these tools, check out the show notes. If you want to be the first to get all this information in your email, please subscribe to my newsletter, which is linked below.Thanks for tuning in—until next time, keep learning, keep building.References: 1. Gamma: https://gamma.app/create* Canva Dream Land: https://www.canva.com/dream-lab* Canva Magic Design:https://www.canva.com/magic-design/* Beautiful.ai: https://www.beautiful.ai/* Newsletter: https://substack.com/@paraskevikivroglou1?r=56ehxy&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tech.break.by.friday* Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574776242903 Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Hey there, and welcome back to Tech Break by Friday, where we break down AI and technology terms to use step-by-step strategies for our business. I am an AI and Software Engineer with a passion to share technology as simply as possible for everyone. In today’s episode, I want to show you how to use 2 of my go-to tools this week for decision making. As an example, we will ask Perplexity and ChatGPT to guide us in creating a marketing plan. The idea is to create a plan that you can execute for your business in a month and take action. AI is a huge advantage for every business if it is used appropriately. First Tool - My Online Search Buddy, PerplexityI created a space inside perplexity, giving it instructions. The instructions are the rules or guides that you want the model to consider for every thread in your space. (More details, check Episode 2, devoted to Perplexity) Then I created a new thread:Hello, please help me create a marketing plan for my service business on social media with actionable steps.Perplexity came with an answer for a Social Media Marketing Plan for my business.Actionable Steps Checklist* Set clear goals (e.g., X leads/month, Y% increase in engagement).* Define your target audience (industry, role, pain points).* Choose two primary platforms (start with LinkedIn and one other).* Plan a month of content (educational posts, testimonials, behind-the-scenes, interactive).* Schedule posts using a tool like Buffer or Hootsuite, leveraging AI for timing3.* Engage daily: Respond to comments, join groups, and participate in discussions.* Launch a small paid ad campaign targeting your ideal clients.* Monitor analytics weekly and adjust your content and ad strategy.* Encourage reviews and user-generated content from satisfied clients.* Review and refine your plan monthly based on performance data.Some Tips:If you want to add more context to your prompts, you can try:* How can I expand and market my [product/service] in [preferred social media platform]? Could that work as a lead generation? * I have a [product/service category] business. Can you use all the previous steps and create a checklist for [specific amount of time (e.g., a month)] that I can do to accomplish a marketing plan? Please make it manageable. I have time to spend [time to spend each day].This actually helped me make a plan with tasks from Monday to Friday and what the priorities should be for that day. Below is an example. Of course, by adding more prompts, you can customize your plan to your individual needs.Second Tool - The all-mighty ChatGPTChatGPT or any other LLM is a companion tool for a business owner who is trying to tackle many things at once. I am new to having a business, and marketing is something that I am learning as I go. So I used ChatGPT to create a plan with step-by-step actions to market my business. I used the prompt:I have a [product/service category] business. You are an expert in marketing, and since I am just a beginner, I want you to make a plan with instructions for me. So what I liked about the response I got here is the step-by-step. This means I even got instructions on how to set up a Facebook page (if I market on Facebook). Later on, ChatGPT asked if it should create an Excel/CSV file for me to check my progress, and I replied yes. I enjoyed working back and forth with it to build my marketing strategy for my business. If you’re listening and thinking, ‘This all sounds amazing, but I still don’t have the time,’ I get it. That’s where I come in. I help business owners like you automate the tech and free up your time so you can focus on what matters. If you would like help implementing, you can also book a free discovery call with me.Discovery Call: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/KnLhETWeXcsKQXRLkNI6That’s it for today! If you found this helpful, I’d love it if you could share it with a fellow business owner or leave a quick review. And don’t forget to follow Tech Break by Friday for more practical AI and tech tips every week.Thanks for listening — now let’s build something brilliant.References: * ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/* Perplexity: https://www.perplexity.ai/* Discovery Call: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/KnLhETWeXcsKQXRLkNI6Music: Music by Ievgen Poltavskyi from Pixabay Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Hello everyone. Welcome to another episode of Tech Break by Friday. Some exciting news came up this week. ChatGPT has a new feature called Memory. Memory allows ChatGPT to remember your preferences, your name, and other details from previous conversations. So, I came up with some prompts that a few people tried and posted on X on how to use ChatGPT to learn more about yourself—things that you might not even realize that you do. This worked amazingly, and the results went viral. (Source: Screenshot from writing the prompt, mentioned)The excellent prompts (found on X) you can try are: * From all of our interactions, what is one thing that you can tell me about myself that I may not know about myself?* Based on everything you already know about me, could you profile me? What are things you think I’m not aware of about myself?Then I went on and asked more specific questions. Please suggest possible work or business paths I can take based on my personality and my hardcore skills.ChatGPT helps you analyze your decisions in life and gives you ideas based on your personality and details about you. Would you try these prompts? Feel free to write to me if they helped you understand yourself a bit more. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with your friends and leave a review on the platform you are listening to. I wish you a great rest of the week, and see you until the next one. (Source: Generated by ChatGPT using this prompt: Based on what you know about me, can you create an image of a toy figurine that represents my day-to-day life?) Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

You want to save notes, create mind maps, and record podcasts to increase your productivity, and this is the tool you've been waiting for. In today’s episode, I will share one of my favorite tools for learning a new topic. Notebook LM was released by Google a year ago as an experiment. You can view it under your Google account products or by searching for it. So, what is special about this product?Personal Notebook LM Screenshot.You can create a notebook that will hold information from various sources. For example, let‘s create a notebook on Systems Design Engineering, which is where I have been trying to improve my personal skills lately. I added some YouTube videos (using the + button) I have found before as sources. If you use the Search button (magnifying glass icon), you can let Google Gemini look up sources for you based on a specific topic you would like. If you are a student or someone who loves mind maps, the latest version of Notebook LM 2.0 allows you to create one by clicking the button in the middle tab. I like the idea of a mind map when I am learning something so I can visualise how each topic connects to one another. If you don’t have time to read or watch all of your sources, you can click the button that has (voice fluctuation). That will create an AI-based podcast from your sources. This is really cool if you would like to save it and listen to it on the go. From the right-side tab, you can save your own notes for later, create a study plan, time plan (how everything evolved over time), and more. This has been a perfect tool for collecting a variety of information and learning step by step. I hope you actually use it. Let me know what you think. I hope you liked today’s episode and learned something new. Let me know your thoughts, and if you want to learn more about this, please subscribe.I have a free guide with pictures on how to use NotebookLM. You can download it below. Have a great week until the next one.Resources:1. Mindful Maps in Notebook LM: https://www.perplexity.ai/page/notebooklm-introduces-interact-AG6Ijc1IT0mzAyXGj8aBiw2. Notebook LM: https://notebooklm.google.com/3. Free Guide:https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/rMDfVOjTt54AZuUkmKB8 Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Meta released Llama 4.What is different compared to their previous models?From Meta’s website:Meta's Llama 4 models are cutting-edge multimodal AI systems designed to handle both text and image inputs seamlessly. They employ a mixture-of-experts (MoE) architecture, which activates only a subset of parameters for each input, enhancing efficiency and scalability.Basically, what this means is that only a smaller set of the model’s parameters are activated at a single request. The activated parameters represent one or more experts. These experts to be activated are chosen from an internal router. This is something really interesting, especially to that extent. You can request access to the models from https://www.llama.com/llama-downloads/. Leave a link in the description. Also, something that we have not seen before, Llama 4 Behemoth pushes the parameters to 2 trillion. This is an outstanding number for the industry.Source: https://ai.meta.com/blog/llama-4-multimodal-intelligence/Let’s discuss the key differences between the models.Key Features of Llama 4 Models:* Models:* Llama 4 Scout: A 17-billion active parameter model with 16 experts and a massive 10-million-token context window. It excels at tasks requiring long context analysis, such as multi-document summarization and codebase reasoning.* Llama 4 Maverick: Also a 17-billion active parameter model but with 128 experts and a 1-million-token context window. This model balances multimodal capabilities (text/image) and creativity, making it ideal for chatbots and enterprise applications.* Training Data: Both models were trained on a mix of publicly available data, licensed sources, and interactions from Meta platforms like Instagram and Facebook.* Supported Languages: Arabic, English, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese.* Release Date: April 5, 2025.Differences Between Scout and Maverick:Source: Screenshot from my table from Meta’s blog postI can’t wait for my access to these models to be approved so I can try them out. Let me know if you would like me to do a video or podcast episode testing the Llama 4 models.Source: Created with Imagen3 and Gemini Flash 2.0 using the prompt: Can you generate a cute image with 4 llamas?Google NewsThis week Google surprised us by releasing for free Gemini 2.5. This is their best model yet and is up to 1 million tokens, with plans to expand to 2 million tokens in the near future. This is an amazing model and if you don’t want to spend the money on OpenAI or Anthropic subscriptions you can consider this option.Google also added ImageGen3 in Google Slides. So now you get to generate AI images for your slides without leaving the page. Super cool feature and really useful. If I don’t have a picture that I can use for my slides, I used to go to other pages to generate them. Please if you do generate images always cite the source.OpenAI plans to go open source?OpenAI surprised everyone this week with its announcement on April Fools’ Day. They are releasing Image Generation for free users. In their article, they mention that this might cause delays across users since they are predicting an overload of requests to their servers. Extraordinary is also their new form for open model feedback. OpenAI plans to release its first open model from the era of GPT2. They are requesting feedback from engineers and developers on that. The form, as well as all other information, will be linked below. In addition, OpenAI released OpenAI Academy. So this is an educational platform with resources on how to use OpenAI tools. I will leave a link below.Apple IntelligenceFor me it is really exciting since I am based in Europe. Apple Intelligence rolls out officially in the EU and for multiple languages like French, German, etc. Vision Pro with Apple Intelligence has the ability to proofread, rewrite, generate Images and Emojis with Genmoji. That could be cool to play with. I quote from Apple’s blog post:Apple Intelligence marks an extraordinary step forward for privacy in AI and is designed to protect users’ privacy at every step. It starts with on-device processing, and for requests that require access to larger models, Private Cloud Compute extends the privacy and security of iPhone into the cloud to unlock even more intelligence.Privacy and Security are the backbone of Apple Products, and I am happy to see that the company keeps its promises, even if the features take longer to release.Claude Rolls Out AI for Education.The new feature from Claude is supposed to act as a tool to help students solve problems and develop critical thinking. Instead of giving direct access to homework, it is planned to be used by students to help them study. This makes it a really good initiative, in my opinion, to support the younger generation with AI and assist them in learning and possibly retaining knowledge. I am excited to see the results.Disclaimer:In order to not claim I found all of these myself. I am also following creators in the space, and I have found most of the sources from the Future Tools page here: https://www.futuretools.io/newsThis has been an extended episode. If you liked it, please like and share it with your friends on any platform you want. Thank you, and I hope you are having an incredible week.If you found any of the things I shared helpful today, please subscribe. References:* Llama 4 Access: https://www.llama.com/llama-downloads/* Llama 4 Blog: https://ai.meta.com/blog/llama-4-multimodal-intelligence/* Hugging Face Llama 4: https://huggingface.co/meta-llama/Llama-4-Scout-17B-16E-Instruct?inference_provider=novita* Google Gemini 2.5: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/googles-new-experimental-gemini-2-5-model-rolls-out-to-free-users/* Google Slides Update: https://blog.google/products/workspace/workspace-slides-visuals-ai-updates/* OpenAI releases Image Generation GPT: https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/01/sam-altman-says-that-openais-capacity-issues-will-cause-product-delays/* OpenAI Academy: https://academy.openai.com/home* OpenAI Open Model Form: https://openai.com/open-model-feedback/* Apple Intelligence: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/03/apple-intelligence-features-expand-to-new-languages-and-regions-today/* Apple VisionOs Update: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/03/apple-intelligence-comes-to-apple-vision-pro-today-with-visionos-2-4/* Anthropic Claude Education: https://www.anthropic.com/news/introducing-claude-for-education* Future Tools: https://www.futuretools.io/news Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

I don’t know if all of you know how much I love to talk about business or side hustles since this podcast does not focus on these topics.I would love to talk to you today about how you can use AI to create a logo. I am not good with design, but I tend to have a good eye for aesthetics. Since the advancement of AI in our era, there are multiple tools infused with AI to create cool and creative logos with your prompts.The tool I have used for my own logos until now is Logo.com. The process is straightforward:First, you provide your business nameThen, you can choose your color, theme, or style.In a couple of minutes, you have a design for your logo.Now, if you want, you can either edit the design or let the AI edit it with prompting.Besides Logo.com, there are various tools on the market, such as Looka.com, Brandcrowd, and Logo.com.There are pros and cons for all the tools. Some of them have paid plans, and some of them are free.This is the interface of Logo.com:(Source: https://logo.com/)The blog post contains more tools like this, along with their price ranges and services. I used this to create a new logo for the podcast, and I have to admit that I really liked the result. Also, if you would like more autonomy in designing your own logo but would like some AI features to help, you can try Canva. Canva is a great design tool, and you now have the option for a free trial to use the AI features.This is only one of the tasks that AI has proven so helpful. Now, you can create your logo with minimal costs. Especially before your business makes revenue, you don’t have to spend a high amount of money to design your brand.I hope this episode was interesting to you today. Thank you for listening. If anyone else is interested in this, please share it with them.If you have any podcast ideas that you would like to see, please use my Substack chat to share them with me.Have a great time, everyone, until the next one. References:* Logo.com: https://logo.com/* Superside AI Logo Generators: https://www.superside.com/blog/ai-logo-generators* Looka.com: https://looka.com/* Canva: https://www.canva.com/* Canva Call Members Link: https://www.canva.com/join/fcx-xgz-sgy Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe

Hi everyone, this is another episode of Tech Break by Friday. Where does the term Agentic AI come from? What are AI agents, and why use them instead of foundation models?Psychologist Albert Bandura introduced the concept of agency. Agency in individuals is described as the ability to act in full or partial autonomy. So, AI agents are AI systems that can perform a certain number of tasks autonomously.How does an AI Agent System problem solve:* Perceive: The system gathers information from its environment. In this stage, it will try to find key elements in the data, depict categories, or determine the data's relevance.* Reason: An LLM acts as the operator or reasoning engine. It understands the tasks given, allowing tools to be utilized to produce results and reach the final solution. One use case would be to use RAG to determine how to solve a specific problem from the data.* Act: It makes decisions and takes appropriate actions. By integrating custom implemented or external tools, agents can act with them to get a result for the problem presented. If the agent receives a prompt or an instruction on how to solve the specific issue, it will act on the instructions. This removes the manual work of maybe calling different tools and collecting their results.* Learn: Usually, there is also a feedback loop. This loop allows the agent to improve on the tasks for next time. It could be like a flywheel since the data from the agent’s iterations is fed back to the system to enhance the agent.(Source: Pounds, E. ,2024)A powerful solution for businesses to drive faster decision-making and operate more efficiently.As humans, we use our short-term and long-term memory to remember things more easily. Short-term memory helps us remember the context of a conversation with another human. In agents, short-term memory can be used to keep the conversation context in the same thread as customer bots. I want you to know that AI agents remember the information that you have provided in the conversation previously. But we also have long-term memory. A direct equivalent to long-term memory for AI agents is a vector store that contains documents transformed into vectors. The agent has access to this data store to use at all times, and they can act upon them.AI agents can act autonomously, but they need an LLM as their main component. Their ability to reason depends on the large language model used for this specific task. Agents have a memory to act on the context provided and/or the external data. Their ability to solve problems is simulated from how we humans observe, reflect on the world, and decide if a certain action will solve the problem. In case of success, we learned how to solve the issues, and in case of failures, we knew what wouldn’t so we could try something else.References:* Pounds, E. (2024, October 22). What Is Agentic AI? NVIDIA Blog. https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/what-is-agentic-ai/* Rogerson, K. (2024, October 15). Agentic AI Explained: Definitions, Benefits & Examples of AI Agents. Interface.Ai. https://interface.ai/blog/what-is-agentic-ai/* (24) Understanding Agentic AI: Origins, Applications, and Its Near-term Impact on Human Resources | LinkedIn. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2025, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/understanding-agentic-ai-origins-applications-its-near-term-hill-ir6fc/* Bandura, A. (1997). Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control. W.H. Freeman.* Skinner, B.F. (1971). Beyond Freedom and Dignity. Knopf.* Marcus, G. (2019). Rebooting AI: Building Artificial Intelligence We Can Trust. Pantheon.* Boden, M. (2018). Artificial Intelligence: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press. Get full access to Tech Break by Friday at kivroglouparaskevi.substack.com/subscribe