The in-between tech and trust podcast

Most security failures are organisational: This episode is about the gap between threat intelligence that exists and the human systems that never act on it, and what that costs the organisations that keep losing to attacks they already understood.Assaf Kipnis has spent over a decade inside the threat intelligence and trust and safety functions of some of the world's largest platforms. In this conversation, he maps a structural failure that runs across the industry: the team that identifies threats and the team that deploys detection operate in parallel, with no reliable mechanism to connect them. Intelligence gets produced, reports get written, and the knowledge sits unused while the same attacks return. Assaf describes what it actually took to stop a sophisticated actor group ahead of the 2020 US elections - a rare case where structure and resources aligned - and explains why that outcome is the exception rather than the rule. He also walks through the design decisions behind Catalyst Labs, the company he is now building to close the gap, and why he made provenance non-negotiable even at the cost of speed.🎙 Key themes discussedWhy security teams are structurally rewarded for fighting fires rather than preventing themThe organisational gap between threat intelligence and detection - and why it persists even in well-resourced teamsWhat data provenance means in practice, and why it matters more than speed when using AI in securityHow attackers learn your defences faster than you can adapt - and what the military analogy revealsWhy trust online currently feels, in Assaf's words, like a pipe dream👤 About the guestAssaf Kipnis is the founder of Catalyst Labs, with over 12 years working across threat intelligence, information security, and trust and safety at LinkedIn, Google, Meta, and ElevenLabs. He brings the perspective of someone who has spent his career making threats legible to organisations - and watching those organisations lack the structure to act on what they could now see.🕐 Chapter markers[00:18] Why the industry keeps fighting the same fires [08:04] What it actually took to stop an actor group - the 2020 elections case [12:36] How AI is widening an asymmetry that already existed [15:31] Catalyst Labs: the provenance problem and why speed comes second [20:35] What to build first if you're starting a threat intelligence team🔗 LinksAssaf Kipnis https://www.linkedin.com/in/assafkipnis/KTLYST Labs https://www.ktlystlabs.comBackground information on MGM / FBI reports: https://www.reuters.com/technology/cybersecurity/fbi-struggled-disrupt-dangerous-casino-hacking-gang-cyber-responders-say-2023-11-14/Related episode: organisational trust and AI implementation with Simon Berkler https://open.spotify.com/episode/6y8PMaVUnZVAR1hOAR15DNRelated episode: accountability and invisible infrastructure with Sergiu Petean https://open.spotify.com/episode/4KcsZBDgFzkSuwQVihjNR5

🎙️ Simon Berkler, Co-Founder of The Dive🎧 About this episode This episode of The In-Between Tech & Trust Podcast asks a question every leader is quietly facing: what does AI actually do to the trust inside your organization — and what does your trust culture do to AI? Simon Berkler, organizational development expert and co-founder of The Dive, argues that technology doesn't change organizations. It reveals them. The conversation is for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone navigating organizational transformation in the age of AI.🧭 Episode overview Eva Simone Lihotzky speaks with Simon Berkler about why trust is not a soft skill but the structural condition that makes organizations work — and why that matters more than ever in the context of AI adoption. Drawing on systems theory, regenerative organizational design, and 20+ years of hands-on OD practice, Simon reframes the tech-and-trust debate: the question is not which AI tools to adopt, but what kind of organization you already are. Because AI, he argues, will act as a mirror — amplifying what's already alive, for better or worse.They explore how to lead through in-between moments when old logic is crumbling and new logic hasn't formed yet, why collective intuition may be the most underused organizational resource, and what it would mean to design governance structures built for uncertainty rather than against it.🧩 Key themes discussed​Why trust reduces social complexity — and what that means practically for organizational transformation​AI as a mirror of organizational culture: how existing trust levels determine whether AI becomes augmentation or surveillance​The difference between trust and probability — and why AI runs on the latter, not the former​Leading through in-between spaces: how to change the rules while still playing the game​Collective intuition as a strategic resource for navigating complexity, drawing on the work of organizational psychologist Peter Kruse​The Stellar Approach: a regenerative OD framework for moving organizations from conventional to net-positive ways of working​Why rhythm is the most overlooked asset in transformation​Shifting organizational governance from optimizing for certainty to optimizing for uncertainty​What "safe enough to try" looks like as a leadership stance in AI adoption📥 References & further reading​The Dive — Simon's organizational development consultancy: thedive.com​Simon Berkler's personal site & writing: simon-berkler.de​The Stellar Approach by Simon Berkler & Ella Lagé (2024): Amazon​Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power — systems theory foundation for the episode's framing of trust: Amazon​Nora Bateson & the concept of Warm Data — the distinction between warm and cold data Simon references: warmdata.life​Peter Kruse on collective intuition and complexity — the four ways of dealing with complexity Simon draws on: artsnext.ch summary

🎙️ Dr. Paul Elvers, Head of AI at Funke Mediengruppe💬 Summary This week's episode of the in-between tech & trust podcast examines how AI is being used inside one of the largest media organizations in Germany, with a focus on trust, transparency, and day to day editorial practice - steered by Dr. Paul Elvers, Head of AI at Funke Medienhaus and podcast host Eva Simone Lihotzky. The conversation is for media specialists, editors, product leaders, and anyone working close to news production and consumption. The episode dives deep into the choices directly affecting credibility, audience trust, and the role journalism plays in a democratic society.🎧 Episode overviewIn a detailed discussion, Dr. Paul Elvers walks through how AI actually shows up in newsroom workflows, separating real operational value from common misconceptions. Rather than debating whether AI should exist in journalism, the episode stays grounded in how it is governed, where human responsibility remains essential, and why naïve adoption is a bigger risk than cautious experimentation. The conversation also explores how audiences judge credibility in an environment flooded with synthetic content, and what media organizations can realistically do to maintain trust while adapting to new tools and distribution pressures.🔍 Key themes discussed​Why trust in AI comes from understanding systems and accountability, not blind confidence​The difference between deliberate AI integration and careless, volume driven adoption​How “AI slop” reflects a growing difficulty in judging what is trustworthy, not just content quality​Using AI to automate necessary but unpopular newsroom tasks while keeping humans at the start and end​The role of recognizable brands and journalists in sustaining audience trust​What transparency about AI use looks like in real editorial workflows​Why AI governance in media is iterative, shared, and never fully settled

🎙️ Iwona Fluda, expert for creativity & ethics🧭 OpeningThis week's episode of the in-between tech & trust podcast examines how AI is reshaping creativity, trust, and responsibility in everyday work. If you work in creative fields, technology, or organizational leadership who are dealing with AI as a practical reality rather than an abstract future, then this podcast is for you. 🗣️ Episode overviewEva Simone Lihotzky is joined by creativity and ethics expert Iwona Fluda, founder of the Ministry for Creativity, Head of AI and Content Growth at Deamleaps and ambassador for the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. Together, they unpack why trust in technology is eroding, how AI tools affect human thinking when cognition is outsourced, and why creativity cannot be reduced to speed or output. The discussion moves between individual responsibility, organizational shortcuts, and the ethical gaps that appear when inclusivity and long term design are treated as secondary concerns. 🧩 Key themes discussedCognitive engagement and AIHow relying on AI without active thinking weakens human cognition, drawing on research associated with the MIT Media Lab.Creativity under pressureCreativity as a historically essential survival skill, and why it remains structurally undervalued despite being central to innovation.AI as tool and disruptorThe dual role of AI as a powerful collaborator for some and a driver of job loss for others, especially in creative and marketing work.Trust in technology and platformsWhy skepticism, not trust, defines today’s relationship with technology and institutions, including content ecosystems like LinkedIn.Radical inclusivity by designThe limits of add-on ethics programs and the need to build inclusivity into systems from the very beginning.Efficiency versus responsibilityOrganizational choices that favor short term gains over long term impact, even when frameworks like the EU AI Act already exist.Societal and existential riskConcerns about large scale job displacement and long term societal disruption, including references to thinkers such as Roman Jampolsky.

🎙️Prof. Dr. Heiko von der Gracht, Professor at the University of KremsOpeningEpisode 19 of the in-between tech & trust podcast explores how organizations can make better decisions under uncertainty through foresight and scenario planning. In conversation with Heiko von der Gracht, professor at the University for Continuing Education Krems and long-standing practitioner of foresight practices, the discussion looks at how trust, technology, and perception shape what leaders think is possible. It is especially relevant for people working with strategy, innovation, or long-term planning in fast-moving environments.🧭 Episode overviewThe conversation examines foresight not as prediction, but as a practical discipline for stress-testing assumptions and improving choices when the future is unclear. Drawing on decades of research and applied work, Heiko reflects on why uncertainty feels overwhelming today, how media and digital systems influence our perception of risk, and why traditional planning often breaks down under rapid change. The episode also looks at how trust is being reshaped by scalable, anonymous technologies, and what this means for organizations trying to act responsibly and coherently over time.🔍 Key themes discussedWhy foresight is about decision quality, not forecasting outcomesThe difference between actual uncertainty and how uncertain the world feelsHow complexity and speed interact to undermine linear planningTrust in digital environments shaped by anonymity, scale, and weak accountabilityKnowledge overload, misinformation, and the loss of shared realityScenario planning as a strategic conversation rather than an analytical exerciseEmpirical evidence that sustained foresight investment improves performanceThe discussion also draws on Heiko’s involvement in global foresight and governance contexts, including work connected to the World Economic Forum and UNESCO, grounding the conversation in both research and lived practice. 

🎙️Grisha Pavlotsky, Chief Transformation Officer at MiroOpening paragraphThis episode shares a conversation between Grisha Pavlotsky, CTO of Miro, and Eva Simone Lihotzky. It examines trust as a practical design problem in teams, AI systems, and everyday decision-making. The conversation is for leaders, builders, and parents trying to make sense of how judgment, accountability, and authority shift when AI becomes part of how work and learning happen. It focuses on what needs to be made explicit - intent, guardrails, and decision logic - rather than assumed.Episode overviewGrisha draws on his work leading transformation at Miro and his experience raising four children to explore how trust holds - or breaks - when information is abundant and increasingly synthesized. The discussion moves between organizations and families, treating them as parallel systems facing the same challenge: people are no longer short on answers, but on the ability to judge, contextualize, and disagree productively. Along the way, the episode questions current education models, critiques optional AI adoption, and argues that trust depends less on confidence and more on transparency about how decisions are made and who remains accountable.Key themes discussedTrust as alignment on intent plus visibility into decision frameworks, not just emotional safetyHow AI amplifies confidence without guaranteeing expertise, complicating collaborationWhy probabilistic systems require clear guardrails, not vague goalsThe shift from producing synthesis to judging and challenging synthesized viewpointsEducation moving from teaching facts to navigating competing narrativesIdentity and ego as the real blockers in large-scale transformationLeadership responsibility in making AI adoption mandatory rather than optionalParenting and organizational leadership as the same sense-making problem at different scalesA recurring reference is the idea - attributed to Satya Nadella - that trust is built through consistency over time, and what that consistency demands in an AI-mediated world.

OpeningThis solo episode of The In-Between Tech & Trust Podcast reflects on conversations from Davos and what they reveal about where tech, politics, and trust are heading into 2026. It’s for leaders, operators, and policy-adjacent roles who are trying to make sense of AI adoption beyond tooling. The focus is on what actually changes inside organizations, institutions, and collaborations when AI becomes infrastructure.🎧 Episode overviewEva Simone Lihotzky unpacks four threads that kept resurfacing across discussions with tech, political, and business leaders: agentic AI systems, the politics of technology, sovereignty, and the future of collaboration and trust. Rather than reporting speeches, the episode explores tensions beneath the surface - why organizations feel urgency but struggle to act, how AI exposes institutional weaknesses instead of fixing them, and why governance, infrastructure, and responsibility are now inseparable.The episode moves between business realities and geopolitical dynamics, asking what it really means to design AI-driven organizations, who shapes the rules when tech and politics are interwoven, and how dependence on a small set of platforms reshapes power, accountability, and autonomy.🔍 Key themes discussedAgentic AI systems and why they force a rethink of organizational designAI adoption as a platform shift, not a tool rolloutThe gap between AI urgency and practical implementation inside companiesWorld models vs. specialized models and why both matterInteroperability as an unsolved infrastructure problemTech as both upstream and downstream of politicsSovereignty across compute, infrastructure, data, operations, and talentEurope’s position in an AI-driven power landscapeWhy collaboration now depends on explicit commitments, not assumptionsHow trust becomes harder - and more necessary - as systems scale

🎙️ with Dr. Marc Roman Franke, Partner & Associate Director AI and digital transformation at BCG💬 OpeningEva Simone Lihotzky speaks with Marc Roman Franke, Partner & Associate Director AI and digital transformation at BCG, about how trust is built - or lost - during AI transformation inside large organizations. The conversation is for leaders, product owners, and transformation teams trying to move beyond pilots and into real operating change. It focuses on why execution, governance, and organizational choices determine whether AI creates value or stalls.🎤 Episode overviewDrawing on large-scale research and implementation experience, the episode examines why only a small share of companies see meaningful returns from AI. Franke argues that the main constraints are not models or tools, but leadership alignment, operating models, and how trust is earned through delivery. The discussion moves from the limits of “AI-ready” programs to what it means to become “AI-first,” including the rise of agentic AI, unmanaged security risks, and why postponing Responsible AI eventually blocks scale.🎯 Key themes discussedTrust as a practical outcome of reliable execution and visible value, not long-term promisesWhy most AI value depends on people, organization, and leadership rather than algorithmsWhat separates the small minority of companies that capture real AI value from the restThe difference between experimenting with AI and redesigning the business around itHow agentic AI changes accountability, decision rights, and human–AI collaborationGovernance as an enabler of adoption and safety, not a compliance afterthoughtSecurity and third-party risks that grow as AI scalesWhen Responsible AI can be delayed—and why it becomes a blocker later🤝🏻 Referenced during the conversation: BCG, MIT, SAP S/4HANA, GDPR, and Steve Jobs.

🎙️Lior Oren, Chief Technology Officer at ReplikaA conversation on how emotionally intimate AI systems are built, monitored, and held together under real-world constraints.🎧 OpeningThis episode explores how trust is built, measured, and sometimes strained in AI systems designed for emotionally intimate conversations. It’s a technical and ethical discussion for people working on conversational AI, product infrastructure, and safety in systems that users form real attachments to. The focus stays on operational reality - what engineers actually face when AI moves from tools to companions.🔍 Episode overviewEva Simone Lihotzky speaks with Lior Oren about what it means to run AI companions at scale, where user trust is not an abstract principle but a daily KPI. Drawing on his experience as CTO of Replika and prior work on integrity teams at Meta, Lior explains how unpredictability, observability, and emotional reliance shape engineering decisions.The conversation examines tensions between flexibility and stability, innovation and guardrails, and regulation and lived product reality. Rather than future speculation, it stays grounded in how teams design memory, user control, and safety systems when conversations themselves are the product.🧩 Key themes discussedTrust treated as a measurable success metric, not a philosophical goalWhy observability is essential in statistical, non-deterministic AI systemsGuardrails as part of core infrastructure, similar to security or reliabilityEmotional attachment influencing uptime, priorities, and team cultureUser agency through transparency, memory control, and conversational steeringThe risk of breaking “tone” and continuity when models changeLimits of regulation and the trade-offs inherent in statistical safety systems

🎙️ with Trusha Rolvering - Director Transformation @adidas🎙️ with Carina Hauswald - Managing Partner @GlobeOne🎙️ with Kathrin Steinbichler - Director Narrative Consulting🎙️ with Mirja Schwartz - Head of Business Development @showzSummaryIn this episode of the in-between trust podcast, host Eva Simone Lihotzky engages in a thought-provoking discussion with four women leaders about the intersection of technology and trust as they look ahead to 2026. The conversation recaps personal and organizational trust in technology, the challenges of AI adoption, and the balance between efficiency and human connection. Each guest shares insights on how to navigate the complexities of technology in their respective fields, culminating in predictions for the future of AI and its impact on trust in 2026.🔑 TakeawaysThe intersection of tech and trust is crucial for transformation.Trust is a significant barrier to changing human behaviors.AI can enhance efficiency but requires a shift in mindset.Organizations need to create space for exploration and experimentation with AI.Transparency in using AI builds trust with clients and teams.The speed of technological change can overwhelm organizations.AI should complement human skills rather than replace them.Future conversations will focus on new business models and possibilities.Reflection and pause are essential in the fast-paced tech landscape.Empowering individuals to explore technology fosters trust and innovation.🎙️ Sound bites"It's about trust to communicate yourself.""AI frees up lots of space and time mentally.""We need moments to reflect and pause."⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Intersection of Tech and Trust05:18 Exploring Personal and Organizational Trust in Technology13:45 Navigating Expectations vs. Reality in AI Adoption21:09 The Future of AI: Efficiency vs. Human Connection34:23 Betting on the Future: Predictions for 202640:44 Reflections and Closing Thoughts🔭 Keywordstech, trust, AI, transformation, organizational change, human behavior, efficiency, communication, strategy, future predictions💻 Linksin-between trust on Instagram: @inbetween_trustMore about Trusha Rolvering: https://tinyurl.com/2pj5k69wMore about Kathrin Steinbichler: https://tinyurl.com/2rv2hpefMore about Carina Hauswald: https://tinyurl.com/4twrc37hMore about Mirja Schwartz: https://tinyurl.com/mr26cv3p

🎙️ with Gifty Enright - author, speaker and expert on women's leadership Summary In this episode of The In-Between Trust Podcast, Eva Simone Lihotzky sits down with Gifty Enright - author, speaker, and women’s leadership expert - to unpack a tension many of us feel but rarely articulate:In a hyper-visible world, we are more “searched” than ever, and yet we feel less seen.Gifty exposes the invisible emotional infrastructure that holds workplaces together - the labor of noticing, soothing, anticipating, and absorbing complexity - work disproportionately done by women and almost never acknowledged as expertise.Together, Eva and Gifty explore why trust is less about performance and more about relational safety, how leaders can cultivate embodied awareness in an age of tech, and why empathy can’t be automated — even by the most advanced AI.The conversation moves from gendered trust patterns to the redesign of leadership for the AI era, offering a grounded reminder: Your body knows the truth long before your mind catches up. If you lead teams, build tech, or are navigating emotional load at work, this episode will challenge how you think about trust, resilience, and the limits of technology.Takeaways Trust is shifting from task-based to relational — people follow leaders who create emotional safety.Technology blurs boundaries and accelerates burnout unless paired with embodied leadership.Emotional labor — often carried by women — is a hidden operating system of organizations.AI can pattern-match, but it cannot feel; empathy remains a human capability.Leaders must regulate their internal systems to earn trust externally.Women are socialized to earn trust; men are often socialized to assume it.Stillness is not a luxury — it’s a leadership technology.Trust grows in the pause; speed erodes nuance.Tech should augment humanity, not override it.Soundbites “Tech can predict patterns, but it can’t feel your pain.”“Women aren’t trusted by default — they’re conditioned to earn it.”“Stillness is a leadership tool, not a luxury.”“The pause is where trust breathes.”Chapters 00:00 — What Trust Really Means in Today’s Workplace02:06 — Tech Acceleration & the Cost to Human Wellbeing04:28 — The Hidden Burden: Emotional Labor in Organizations07:50 — Why AI Can’t Replace Empathy12:17 — Embodied Intelligence: Leading from the Body, Not Just the Mind15:59 — Self-Trust vs. System Trust18:55 — Gendered Dynamics of Trust and Power22:02 — Rethinking Leadership for the AI Age24:07 — Human Evolution, Work, and What Comes NextKeywordstrust, emotional labor, leadership, AI limits, embodied intelligence, workplace wellbeing, gender dynamics, empathy, psychological safety, organizational culture, women in leadership

🎙️ With Prof. Dr. Tina Weisser – Professor at Hochschule München (University of Applied Sciences Munich)SummaryIn this episode of the in-between trust podcast, Eva Simone Lihotzky speaks with Prof. Dr. Tina Weisser about trust, systems thinking, and AI. Drawing on her path across service design, entrepreneurship, transformation consulting, and academia, Tina explores why “trust reduces complexity” and how that insight reshapes human–technology interaction - from multi-agent systems to the day-to-day realities of teams. The conversation moves from black-box AI to leadership futuring, psychological safety, and the practical redesign of processes so that humans stay in the driver’s seat.🔑 TakeawaysTrust reduces complexity and enables decisions under uncertaintyAI’s “black-box” behavior demands experience, verification, and critical thinkingMulti-agent systems shift from personal to team and workflow productivityDon’t “plug & play” AI - redesign processes with a systems lensKeep humans in the driver’s seat: transparency, orientation, competenceBuild psychological safety to experiment, fail, and learnTreat AI change as an adaptive challenge (not just a technical one)Bridge IT, HR, and leadership - it cannot be top-down or bottom-up aloneCreate time for deep strategic thinking (“leadership futuring”)Invest in training & enablement, not only tools🎙️ Sound Bites“Trust reduces complexity.”“We need to stay in the driver’s seat - even with agents in the background.”“It’s not a plug-and-play solution; redesign the system.”“Build trust through experience - and keep your critical thinking.”“Make space for deep thinking, not just meetings.”⏱️ Chapters00:00 Curiosity, boundary-spanning, and systems thinking03:14 Trust as a way to reduce complexity (Luhmann)06:47 AI as a black box: probability over truth10:19 Learning from early multi-agent experiments12:27 From personal productivity to team workflows14:49 Redesigning processes (not just “adding AI”)16:26 Leading uncertainty: safety, training, enablement18:17 Adaptive vs. technical problems (Heifetz)22:38 Bridging culture and tech; capabilities leaders need24:59 Haltung, self-regulation, and authenticity in leadership27:02 Iteration over perfection; shorter planning cycles30:24 “Stop the noise—start working”: a pragmatic toolbox32:59 Leadership futuring: time for strategy, signals, foresight36:36 In-between moments & reflections🔭 Keywordstrust, systems thinking, leadership, AI, human–AI interaction, multi-agent systems, service design, process redesign, psychological safety, adaptive leadership, experimentation, foresight, leadership futuring💻 Linksin-between trust on Instagram: @inbetween_trustMore about Hochschule München (HM): [insert link]More about Prof. Dr. Tina Weisser: [insert link]

🎙️ With Roger Spitz – Foresight Strategist, Techistentialist & President of the Disruptive Futures InstituteSummaryIn this episode of the in-between trust podcast, Eva Simone Lihotzky speaks with Roger Spitz, a global foresight strategist and founder of the Disruptive Futures Institute. Together, they explore the deep relationship between trust, agency, and technology, and why decision-making in complex systems requires more than control.Roger introduces the concept of techistentialism - a lens through which to understand how humans and algorithms now share the terrain of choice, risk, and consequence. This conversation invites us to rethink the foundations of leadership, the illusion of predictability, and the necessity of awareness, resilience, and anticipatory thinking in an era shaped by disruption.🔑 TakeawaysTrust is a fundamental need, not a luxuryAgency is the basis for ethical and effective decisionsTechnology and human decision-making are inseparableAwareness of complexity changes how we lead and respondAnticipatory thinking is essential for navigating uncertaintyControl is incompatible with complex systemsAntifragility allows organizations to benefit from shocksAgility enables more resilient leadership and communicationAI can enhance trust — if used in the right contextsDelegating decisions to machines can erode human capacity🎙️ Sound Bites"Control is incompatible with complex systems.""Antifragility means benefiting from shocks.""Foresight is a form of intelligence."⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Trust and Agency02:17 The Role of Trust in Decision Making04:41 Understanding Technology and Trust08:03 Incorporating Techistentialism in Business11:24 Awareness, Agency, and Anticipation17:14 Navigating Control in Complex Systems23:00 Agility in Communication and Leadership28:56 The Impact of Technology on Systems33:49 AI’s Role in Strengthening Trust39:42 In-Between Moments and Conclusion🔭 Keywordstrust, agency, technology, decision making, tech essentialism, complexity, AI, leadership, communication, resilience💻 Linksin-between trust on Instagram: @inbetween_trustMore about the disruptive futures institute: https://www.disruptivefutures.org/

🎙️ With Monika Jiang – Researcher, Writer & Community CuratorSummaryIn this episode of the in-between trust podcast, Eva Simone Lihotzky speaks with researcher and community curator Monika Jiang about the layered relationship between oneliness, trust, and technology. Together, they explore how artificial intimacy, digital environments, and emotional proximity are reshaping the way we connect — with each other and with ourselves.Monika shares her thinking on the historical roots of oneliness, the limitations of digital intimacy, and what it takes to design communities that truly foster belonging. This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen closely, and rebuild the emotional fabric that trust depends on — across human and digital space.🔑 TakeawaysOneliness is a historical concept of interconnectednessLoneliness and trust are deeply entangledTechnology can create artificial intimacy — not always connectionTrust is built through presence, difference, and shared spaceHuman relationships require emotional complexity, not convenienceCommunities thrive when they embrace tension and paradoxLeaders must create space for difficult emotionsDigital intimacy is real, but different — and needs designConsistency builds trust in community, not grand gesturesTrust is a practice of faith, not a checklist🎙️ Sound Bites"Trust is a tricky thing.""Oneliness feels like a living motion.""Community needs embracing differences."⏱️ Chapters00:00 Exploring Oneliness and Trust05:03 The Impact of Technology on Connection09:55 Digital vs. Human Connection14:54 Designing Intimate Communities19:41 The Role of Leaders in Fostering Trust24:36 Navigating Truth in Relationships29:26 The Future of Trust and Community🔭 Keywordsoneliness, trust, community, technology, connection, loneliness, digital intimacy, leadership, emotional fabric, AI💻 Linksin-between trust on Instagram: @inbetween_trustMore about the oneliness project: https://www.monikajiang.orgMore about Monika Jiang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monika-jiang/More about The House of Beautiful Business: https://houseofbeautifulbusiness.com

🎙️ With Andrea Schlüter – Head of Strategy, Operations and PartnershipsSummaryIn this episode of the in-between trust podcast, Eva Simone Lihotzky speaks with Andrea Schlüter about the evolving relationship between trust and technology, with a special focus on AI systems, certification, and governance. They explore how trust is designed into systems, how regulation can become a foundation for innovation, and the challenges of aligning technical complexity with cultural context. Andrea shares insights from her work at the TÜV AI Lab, where building frameworks for trustworthiness in AI is more than compliance—it’s about shaping the future of safe, transparent, and ethical technology.🔑 TakeawaysTrust is about consistency between claims and outcomesAI requires verifiable trust, not just promisesCertification provides measurable trust and a market advantageRegulation can enable innovation by reducing fear and ambiguityCultural dimensions shape how we interpret and build trust in techA common language is crucial for aligning diverse stakeholdersEurope has an opportunity to lead in trustworthy AI frameworksTransparency and ethics must be embedded by designGovernance is a cultural task as much as a technical oneBuilding trust in AI is an ongoing, collective responsibility🎙️ Sound Bites"Trust is a lot about consistency.""Trustworthiness by design is key.""We need a common language among experts."⏱️ Chapters00:00 Understanding Trust in Technology03:09 The Role of AI in Trustworthiness06:10 Building Trust through Certification08:59 Navigating the AI Ecosystem12:05 The Challenge of Trust in AI Systems14:48 Cultural Aspects of Trust in AI17:41 Establishing a Common Language for AI20:44 The Importance of Diverse Perspectives23:58 Practical Benefits of AI Taxonomy26:41 Reflections on Trust and Innovation🔭 Keywordstrust, technology, AI, certification, trustworthiness, TÜV, AI Act, innovation, ethics, culture💻 Linksin-between trust on Instagram: @inbetween_trustMore about TÜV AI Lab: https://www.tuev-lab.aiMore about Andrea Schlüter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-schlueter/

with Dr. Simon Walter - investor, strategist and advisor at the intersection of startups, brand, and innovation.📝 SummaryIn this episode of The In-Between Trust Podcast, Eva Lihotzky is joined by investor and strategist Dr. Simon Walter to explore how trust operates at the core of early-stage investing, brand building, and technology adoption. Together, they reflect on what it takes to back founders when data is scarce, why integrity outlasts business plans, and how transparency, truth, and consistency shape credible brands. The conversation spans everything from free trials and first impressions to AI adoption and perception gaps across generations. At its heart lies the insight that trust is what bridges fast-moving realities and the long-term belief in progress.🎧 TakeawaysTrust is the most valuable currency in times of uncertaintyFounders' integrity often matters more than any pitch deckExperience shapes gut instinct — but can also reinforce biasBranding is ultimately about building long-term trustTransparency in failure can strengthen brand relationshipsStartups build trust through free trials and early credibilityStrong brands are perceived as safer, even without proofGenerational loyalty varies — but shared values matter moreTrust connects the gap between fast-moving reality and slower truths🔊 Sound Bites"Trust is a personal thing.""Transparency strengthens trust.""Perception is reality."⏱ Chapters00:00 – The Value of Trust in Uncertain Times04:59 – Investing in Startups: Trust and Integrity09:57 – Branding: Building Trust Through Transparency and Consistency14:51 – Establishing Trust in New Technologies and Startups19:31 – Generational Perspectives on Trust and Loyalty24:48 – Truth vs. Reality: The Role of Perception in Trust29:18 – Navigating Brand Communication in Times of Doubt🔗 LinksStrategist's Notes // Dr. Simon Walter on Substack: https://drsimonwalter.substack.comin-between trust on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inbetween_trust/

SummaryIn this episode of the in-between trust podcast, Eva Simone Lihotzky explores innovation sovereignty with the generative AI and cloud expert Sergiu Petean. Their conversation moves through topics about bravery in decision-making, technological sovereignty, and the potential of open-source solutions to drive European collaboration. Together, the speakers reflect on how trust underpins innovation, leadership, and value creation — and why we must treat technology not as a commodity, but as a shared, strategic asset. This episode is a call to act with urgency, integrity, and clarity in shaping the digital and political systems of tomorrow.🔑 TakeawaysTrust is the foundation of quality in relationshipsBuilding a culture of trust requires hard conversationsBravery enables authentic decisions and personal growthSovereignty is key to innovation and digital self-determinationOpen source can foster collaboration and shared progress in EuropeRegulation helps shape ethical tech innovationTrust is essential for European collaborationTechnology can be connective — or divisiveLeaders need technological literacy for future decisionsEurope must act now on digital sovereignty🎙️ Sound Bites"Trust for me is the foundation of quality.""We need to be more courageous."⏱️ Chapters00:00 The Foundation of Trust05:11 Understanding Sovereignty09:13 Cultural Sovereignty and Innovation11:06 The Role of Regulation in Sovereignty13:09 Building Trust in Europe15:10 Technology as a Connector or Divider17:37 The Power of Open Source19:27 Creating Communities in Open Source22:42 Leadership for the Future26:27 The Value of Technology in Organizations29:39 In-Between Moments and Reflections💻 Linksin-between trust on Instagram: @inbetween_trustMore about [Guest Name or Organization]: [insert link]🔭 Keywordstrust, bravery, sovereignty, innovation, open source, regulation, technology, collaboration, leadership, value creation

🎙️ With Josef Lentsch – Political Entrepreneur, CEO of the Political Tech Summit, author & Managing Partner at the Innovation in Politics InstituteSummaryIn this episode of the in-between trust podcast, Eva Simone Lihotzky speaks with political entrepreneur Josef Lentsch about the transformation of democracy through innovation, leadership, and trust. From co-founding the NEOS party in Austria to building the Political Tech Summit, Josef shares his perspective on political entrepreneurship as a practice of systemic change. Together, they explore the erosion and rebuilding of trust in political systems, the role of AI in democratic communication, and how technology can support—not replace—citizen engagement. The conversation highlights how leadership, transparency, and adaptability are key to restoring trust across systems and borders.🔑 TakeawaysPolitical entrepreneurship is about building systems that scale trust.Trust reduces friction — in both governance and society.Authentic leadership is core to meaningful political transformation.Technology can support, but not substitute, democratic dialogue.Political startups create new paths for citizen participation.Rebuilding trust requires both structural reform and cultural change.Cross-border collaboration is key to political innovation in Europe.AI must be governed with integrity to support political legitimacy.🎙️ Sound bites“Trust makes democracy efficient — and possible.”“We need to build better models.”“Political tech is not a silver bullet, but it’s part of the solution.”⏱️ Chapters00:00 The Concept of Political Entrepreneurship04:25 The Importance of Trust in Democracy10:17 Building Trust Through Political Startups16:05 Leadership and Trust in Politics22:32 The Role of AI in Political Communication25:36 Navigating the Intersection of Tech and Politics30:38 Hope Amidst Challenges in Democracy36:40 In-Between Moments and Reflections💻 Linksin-between trust on Instagram: @inbetween_trustMore about Josef Lentsch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlentsch/More about Innovation in politics: https://innovationinpolitics.euMore about the Political Tech Summit: https://www.politicaltech.eu More about Josef Lentsch's book:https://www.amazon.de/Political-Entrepreneurship-Successful-Centrist-Start-ups/dp/3030028607🔭 Keywordspolitical entrepreneurship, trust in democracy, political startups, civic engagement, digital democracy, AI in politics, leadership and trust, political innovation, democratic systems, political tech

with Julia Löffler – Scientist in Molecular Medicine, Neuroscience & Science Communication at the Charité in BerlinSummaryIn this episode of the in-between trust podcast, Eva Simone Lihotzky speaks with Julia Löffler about the biological, neurological, and relational foundations of trust — and why trust is as much a somatic experience as it is a cognitive one. They explore Julia’s journey from molecular medicine into neuroscience and science communication, the role of empathy in scientific work, and how biology and technology move on fundamentally different timelines. The conversation dives into the chemistry of trust, the tension between innovation speed and human adaptation, and the importance of translating science into language people can understand and act on. Julia shares why dynamic relationships, transparency, and adaptive learning are key to building trust in both medicine and technology.🔑 TakeawaysTrust is the essential currency in science and medicine.Biology and neurochemistry — from oxytocin to cortisol — shape trust.Communication is a core skill in translating science into action.Technology must adapt to the natural pace of biology.Trust is dynamic and built over time through relationships.Advancing knowledge does not guarantee immediate understanding.Digital and physical systems must both account for human trust needs.Adaptive learning is essential for responding to uncertainty.🎙️ Sound bites“Trust is built on dynamic relationships.”“Biology runs on its own time.”“Advancing knowledge does not always mean immediate understanding.”⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Biology, Neuroscience & Trust03:12 Julia’s Journey from Molecular Medicine to Communication06:24 The Neurochemistry of Trust09:15 Bridging Gaps Between Science, Patients & the Public13:02 Technology vs. Biological Timelines16:38 Trust as an Adaptive, Dynamic Process20:05 The Role of Empathy in Scientific Work23:27 Translating Complexity into Accessible Language27:41 Future of Trust in Science and Technology30:15 In-Between Moments and Reflections💻 Linksin-between trust on Instagram: @inbetween_trust More about Julia Löffler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-loeffler/🔭 Keywordstrust in science, neuroscience, molecular medicine, science communication, neurochemistry of trust, oxytocin, cortisol, adaptive learning, empathy in science, bridging disciplines, technology and biology, trust in medicine

with Karel J. Golta - Founder & Managing Director, INDEED Innovation SummaryIn this episode of the In-Between Podcast, Eva Simone Lihotzky engages in a deep conversation with Karel J. Golta about the intersection of circular innovation, humane design, and trust. They explore Karel's journey into circular innovation, the importance of empathy in design, and how trust is a crucial element in creating sustainable systems. The discussion also delves into the shift from linear to circular systems, the need for long-term thinking, and the role of collaboration in fostering trust within communities. Karel emphasizes the importance of designing for continuity and ambiguity, and how these principles can lead to a more regenerative future. The conversation concludes with reflections on the value of trust in design and the courage required to innovate responsibly. 🔑 TakeawaysKarel's journey into design began in childhood with Lego.Humane innovation prioritizes people, planet, and purpose equally.Trust is built through the intent behind design.Design communicates values without explicit words.Circular systems require transparency and accountability.Shifting to circular models demands a moral responsibility.Designers should view users as co-creators, not targets.Design for continuity rather than just beginnings.Trust comes from consistency, clarity, and care.Value in a regenerative model is about enabling rather than taking. 🎙️ Sound bites"Trust is built or broken by intent.""Design communicates values without words.""Designers shape the way people see things." ⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Circular Innovation and Trust02:45 The Concept of Humane Innovation05:50 Trust in Design and Circular Systems08:51 Shifting from Linear to Circular Systems12:02 Designing for Ambiguity and Continuity14:25 Building Trust in Collaborative Systems17:31 The Regenerative Future and Value Creation20:27 Collaboration for a Sustainable Future23:25 The Role of Trust in Community Building26:42 In-Between Moments and Personal Reflections💻 Linksin-between trust on instagram: @inbetween_trust https://www.instagram.com/inbetween_trust/More about Karel J. Golta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karelgolta/More about indeed innovation: https://www.indeed-innovation.com🔭 Keywordscircular innovation, humane innovation, trust in design, sustainable systems, regenerative future, collaboration, community building, design for continuity, value creation, systems thinking

with Paula Cipierre, Responsible AI Expert & StrategistIn this episode of the in-between trust podcast, Eva Simone Lihotzky speaks with Paula Cipierre, one of the leading responsible AI strategists with a profound background in law, policy, and tech, about what it means to translate legal and ethical principles into organizational practice - and how trust must be built not just through systems, but through culture, clarity, and human connection.Together, they explore:Why trust needs control, not just promisesHow to create a culture of compliance that doesn’t collapse into checkboxesThe tension between data governance and intelligent systemsWhat it takes to operationalize values across teams, languages, and sectorsWhy interdisciplinary thinking and empathy are foundational leadership skills in the age of AIWith insight from law, humanities, and hands-on tech policy work, Paula brings a rare perspective to ethical AI - one rooted in systems and storytelling.🔑 TakeawaysTrust in AI depends on both transparency and institutional reliabilityCompliance isn’t the goal - culture isRegulation can enable innovation if done with clarityData governance and bias mitigation start long before AIAI literacy is critical to confident, responsible useResponsibility requires interdisciplinary skill and local ownershipLeadership means acting with explainability, not just authorityPeople follow people - trust starts with example🎙️ Quote Highlights“Trust is good, but control is better.”“We need a much more integrated approach.”“Lead by example; people follow people.”⏱️ Chapters00:00 – From Humanities to Ethical AI03:06 – Trust in Technology: The Role of Control06:03 – Translating Ethics into Practice09:01 – Compliance vs. Responsibility11:45 – Cross-Sector Collaboration14:39 – Regulation as a Tool for Innovation17:43 – Data Governance in AI20:42 – AI Literacy and Employee Empowerment23:29 – Future Skills in AI Governance26:48 – Sustainability and System Awareness29:30 – Leading by ExampleLinkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-kift/https://www.linkedin.com/company/in-between-trust-podcast/

“Slow trust builds faster futures.”with Stefan Schoepfel, Founder of the Value AI InstituteIn this episode of the in-between trust podcast, Eva Simone Lihotzky speaks with Stefan Schoepfel, founder of the Value AI Institute, about how we lead—and trust—in an era shaped by intelligent systems. They explore what it means to embed ethical principles, emotional intelligence, and leadership clarity into AI development and deployment.Stefan shares why trust must take a much larger space in the conversation, how unlearning linear thinking unlocks innovation, and how responsibility must move beyond compliance toward genuine accountability. From governance to culture, this episode is a call to stay human—and stay in the driver’s seat.___🔑 TakeawaysTrust is foundational for user acceptance and systemic success.Ethical principles must guide both design and deployment.AI leadership requires emotional intelligence and clear oversight.Organizations must embed ethics into processes—not just policies.Responsible tech can support sustainability and the societal good.Unlearning linear thinking is key to adapting and leading.Ongoing trust-building requires visibility and cultural buy-in.AI systems must always include human-in-the-loop safeguards.Compliance should enable—not hinder—innovation.Don’t let tech steer blindly—stay in control.__🎙️ Sound Bites“Trust needs to take a much larger space.”“AI must comply with ethical principles.”“Stay in the driver's seat with technology.”“Unlearning is as vital as innovation.”“Leadership in AI means embracing ambiguity.”____⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Trust and AI02:21 – The Value AI Institute: Mission and Goals05:28 – The Importance of Trust in AI09:46 – Ethical Principles and Responsible AI Design11:20 – Implementing Ethical AI in Organizations14:06 – The Role of Leadership in AI Systems16:20 – Building Trust in Teams and Systems18:07 – Navigating Leadership Challenges with AI19:24 – The Impact of AI on Ethical Usage22:50 – AI for Societal Good and Sustainability25:45 – Unlearning Linear Thinking in AI28:19 – Embracing Ambiguity in AI Leadership29:33 – Key Takeaways on Technology and Trust___🧩 KeywordsAI, trust, ethical AI, Value AI Institute, leadership, responsible tech, societal good, emotional intelligence, organizational culture, ambiguity, unlearning, governance

‚Truth by code is a strong asset‘ -with Anna Spitznagel, CEO of trail.aiIn the first episode of the in-between trust podcast, Eva Simone Lihotzky speaks with Anna Spitznagel—co-founder and CEO of trail.ai—about building trust at the heart of AI governance. Anna shares her journey designing a “co-pilot” for responsible AI systems, and explores how transparency, organizational culture, and technical rigor intersect in shaping trustworthy innovation.Together, they dive into what it means to build “truth by code,” how compliance can enable—not hinder—progress, and why literacy, leadership, and lived experience are essential in navigating the AI era. Anna also opens questions about the future of trust across ecosystems—from upstream model providers to everyday users.⸻🔑 Takeaways​ Trust is the starting point for meaningful AI adoption.​ Transparency and quality must be designed into both code and culture.​ Responsible leadership requires communication, clarity, and tolerance for mistakes.​ Literacy in AI is not optional—it’s foundational to ethical use.​ Governance can be a growth engine, not just a constraint.​ The best AI use cases start with real problems, not hype.​ 80% of AI projects don’t reach production—trust structures can change that.​ Trust builds through use, experience, and critical questioning.​ Future trust will require cooperation across the AI supply chain.⸻🎙️ Sound Bites“Trust is my personal highest value.”“Truth by code is a strong asset.”“Literacy is key to understanding AI.”“Governance is not a blocker—it’s an enabler of scale.”⸻⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction to AI Governance and Trust01:38 – Defining Trust in AI04:27 – Building Trust in Organizations10:13 – The Role of Leadership in AI12:51 – Designing for Transparency18:58 – Navigating Use Cases & Compliance23:14 – The Future of Trust in AI30:45 – Unanswered Questions That Remain⸻🧩 KeywordsAI governance, trust, transparency, leadership, compliance, data privacy, organizational culture, literacy, AI use cases, critical reasoning, automation, future of AI