#423: Rana el Kaliouby — AI, Emotional Intelligence, and The Journey of Finding Oneself

Apr 21, 2020

Rana el Kaliouby, co-founder and CEO of Affectiva and author, advocates for emotional intelligence in technology. She explores the crucial intersection of AI and emotions, emphasizing the need for human-friendly tech. Rana shares her inspirational journey from Cairo to Cambridge, highlighting the challenges women face in tech. She delves into the ethical implications of emotion AI and its potential to enhance emotional understanding, especially for those with autism. The conversation also touches on the importance of embracing emotions and the healing power of fiction.

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ANECDOTE

Life-Changing Book

Rana el Kaliouby's career plan changed after reading Rosalind Picard's book Affective Computing.
The book's arrival in Cairo was delayed for three months due to customs.

ANECDOTE

Transatlantic Commute

Rana el Kaliouby commuted between Cairo and Boston for several years while working at MIT.
This demanding schedule eventually contributed to her divorce.

ANECDOTE

Upbringing in Egypt

Rana el Kaliouby's parents prioritized education and cultural exposure.
Her mother was one of the first female programmers in the Middle East.

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