Shift AI Podcast

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Court Lorenzini, the founding CEO of DocuSign and now founder of Founder Nexus, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy for a thought-provoking conversation about entrepreneurship, AI, and building a more balanced future for humanity. As a five-time entrepreneur who has experienced both spectacular success and instructive failure, Court brings a unique perspective on how artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing what it takes to build and scale companies today.From the isolation of the founder's journey to reimagining education systems for an AI-driven world, Court shares his vision for creating abundance rather than scarcity. The conversation explores how AI could be humanity's greatest tool for leveling the playing field, the importance of founder communities, and why we need to rethink our approach to work, purpose, and human dignity. If you're interested in understanding not just the business implications of AI but its profound societal impact, this episode offers invaluable insights from someone dedicated to helping founders succeed while building the future we all want to live in.Chapters[02:06] Court's Background and Entrepreneurial Journey[04:27] The First Paycheck and Worst Job Stories[07:34] Introducing Founder Nexus and the Founder's Journey[11:31] How AI is Changing Startup Requirements[14:04] The Challenge of Differentiation in the AI Era[17:11] The Lifecycle of Employment and Societal Impact[20:06] Rethinking Education for an AI Future[26:16] Dystopian vs Utopian AI Futures[30:25] What Court is Most Excited and Scared About[33:30] Creating Abundance Over ScarcityConnect with Court LorenziniLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/court-lorenzini-333447/ Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy Email: info@shiftai.fm The Shift AI podcast is syndicated by Geekwire and produced by Crumpled Ink Media.

In this special live episode of the Shift AI Podcast recorded at Seattle AI Week, Dr. Andre Alfred, who leads threat operations and security for Google Cloud's Fortune 500 customers, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy for an eye-opening conversation about the intersection of AI and cybersecurity. With his remarkable journey from high school help desk operator to earning his PhD and leading security operations at Microsoft, Oracle, and Google, Andre brings a unique perspective on protecting critical infrastructure in an era where adversaries have access to the same powerful AI tools as defenders.From data poisoning threats that could compromise healthcare diagnostics to the challenges of securing physical infrastructure like water systems and power grids, Andre shares what keeps him up at night and why two-factor authentication isn't optional anymore. The conversation explores how AI is transforming both offensive and defensive capabilities in cybersecurity, why the next generation of jobs will be defined by leaders rather than technology, and Andre's commitment to visibility as an African American leader in tech. Through his scholarship program at Western Governors University, Andre is opening pathways for the next generation of cybersecurity and healthcare professionals. If you're wondering about the real security threats we're not thinking about—and why the future of work requires "more focus"—this conversation offers crucial insights from someone defending some of the world's most critical systems.Chapters[00:00] Introduction and Boaz's Journey to the Shift AI Podcast [02:37] Andre's Background and Role at Google Cloud Security [03:44] The Non-Traditional Path: From Help Desk to PhD [06:25] The Decision to Return to College and Transform Your Career [08:41] From Capital One to Microsoft to Google [12:03] What It's Like to Wake Up Every Morning in Threat Operations [14:21] The Bittersweet Reality: When Innovation Can Be Weaponized [15:31] Data Poisoning and Healthcare: The Threat We're Not Thinking About [18:37] Teaching Kids to Question What They See Online [20:06] Physical Infrastructure Vulnerabilities and Social Engineering [24:09] The Future of AI and Cybersecurity in 2030 [26:24] Creating Jobs of the Future Through Education [29:41] The Intersection of Cybersecurity and Healthcare [32:29] Leaders Must Define the Next Jobs, Not Let Technology Define Them [33:36] Being Visible as an African American in Tech [36:11] Two Words for the Future: "More Focus"Connect with Dr. Andre Alfred LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoalfred/Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy Email: info@shiftai.fmSpecial thank you to Western Governers University for hosting and sponsoring this live episode at the Labor Temple in Seattle WA during AI Week.

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Will Jung, Chief Technology Officer at nCino, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the traditionally conservative banking and financial services sector. Jung brings a distinctive perspective from his extensive experience helping financial institutions transition from viewing technology as a cost center to embracing it as a strategic innovation driver, particularly in the highly regulated world of banking.From fraud prevention using AI agents that actively lure scammers to context engineering that personalizes banking experiences, Jung offers compelling insights into how banks are deploying cutting-edge technology while maintaining trust and regulatory compliance. The conversation examines the delicate balance between rapid technological advancement and responsible innovation, the future of personalized banking relationships, and why staying human remains the most critical factor in an increasingly automated world. If you're interested in understanding how one of the most regulated industries is navigating the AI revolution while serving underbanked populations and protecting customer data, this episode delivers essential perspectives from a technology leader at the forefront of financial innovation. Chapters:[02:00] Will's Background in Banking Technology[03:00] nCino's Mission in the FinTech Space[04:30] Banks Embracing Technology as Innovation Driver[06:50] Fighting Fraud with Advanced AI Technology[09:00] Building Technical and Non-Technical Team Culture[11:50] Context Engineering in Banking[14:25] Privacy and Personalization Trade-offs[19:20] The Future Customer Experience in Banking[21:30] Societal Implications of AI Technology[25:50] Cryptocurrency and Banking Technology[27:50] Two Words for the Future: Stay Human[30:00] The Human Element in Automated Banking DecisionsConnect with Will JungLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-jung/?originalSubdomain=au Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy Email: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Venky Veeraraghavan, Chief Product Officer at DataRobot, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore the fascinating evolution from predictive AI to today's agentic workflows. With 20 years of experience at Microsoft working on everything from Azure Machine Learning to the early days of Azure OpenAI, Venky brings a unique perspective on how AI is truly transforming the enterprise landscape.The conversation delves into the fundamental differences between predictive and generative AI, how agents will orchestrate complex business processes using multiple AI tools, and what the future holds for the agentic workforce. From warehouse management systems that adapt in real-time to supply chain planning agents that combine forecasting with live data, Venky shares insights on how the orchestration layer of multiple AI tools creates genuinely transformative possibilities. If you're interested in understanding how enterprises are navigating AI adoption with appropriate caution and what it takes to thrive in an AI-driven workplace, this episode offers invaluable insights from someone at the forefront of enterprise AI transformation.Chapters[00:00] Introduction and Background [02:00] Venky's Journey from Microsoft to DataRobot [05:00] Predictive vs Generative AI Explained [09:00] The Evolution of DataRobot's Platform [13:00] Function Calling and Orchestration Layers [15:00] The Future of Agentic Workflows [18:00] Agent Workforce Management and UI Challenges [23:00] The Human Impact of AI Transformation [28:00] Enterprise Adoption and Brand Risk [30:00] Two Words for the Future: Exciting and DisruptiveConnect with Venky Veeraraghavanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/venkyv Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy Email: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Vik Bajaj, CEO and Co-founder of Foresite Labs and Interim President at Xaira Therapeutics, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how AI is revolutionizing life sciences and healthcare. With a distinguished background spanning physics, structural biology, radiology at Stanford, and pioneering work at Google, Vik brings a unique perspective on the intersection of AI and medicine.The conversation delves into the stark realities of drug discovery—where 2 million researchers globally struggle against success rates so low that most will be lucky to contribute to one or two successful drugs in their entire careers. Vik explains how AI, particularly David Baker's groundbreaking protein design work, is poised to transform this landscape by enabling drugs for previously "undruggable" targets and moving healthcare from reactive treatment to predictive, personalized medicine.From genetic tests that could provide actionable insights for 75% of people to AI models that can predict 5-year mortality from a simple chest X-ray, this episode reveals how we're approaching a future where disease prevention replaces disease treatment. If you're interested in understanding how AI will fundamentally reshape healthcare economics and why Vik compares this transformation to the industrial revolution, this episode is essential listening.Chapters: [01:48] From Physics to Life Sciences: Vik's Interdisciplinary Journey [04:13] The Google Years: Early AI Revolution in Science [06:56] Xaira Therapeutics and David Baker's Protein Design Breakthrough [09:28] The Optimistic Future of AI in Drug Discovery [15:17] The Four-Stage Evolution of AI in Medicine [19:53] Healthcare Cost Crisis and AI Solutions [23:27] The Promise of Personalized Medicine [28:39] Foresite Labs: Specializing in Science and Engineering AI [32:00] Why Healthcare AI is Harder Than Software Engineering [36:27] Two Words for the Future: Industrial RevolutionContact Info:Connect with Vik Bajaj● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drvikbajaj/ Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy● X: boazashkenazy● Email: info@shiftai.fm

Shalini Agarwal, VP of Product at Salesforce, brings over 17 years of experience from Google to the podcast. She discusses how AI is revolutionizing workplace collaboration, detailing Slack's vision for integrating intelligent agents directly into workflows. Shalini highlights practical examples of AI in action, like team summaries and channel experts, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining context in communication. She also shares surprising customer uses of AI and teases future innovations that will enhance team productivity through agentic and contextual experiences.

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Sanjna Parulekar, SVP of Product Marketing at Salesforce, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore the reality of enterprise AI adoption beyond the media hype. With her psychology background and eight years at one of the world's leading enterprise software companies, Parulekar offers a grounded perspective on how large organizations are actually implementing AI agents and what the human side of AI transformation really looks like.From discussing the courage required to transform workflows to the importance of data strategy foundations, Parulekar shares insights on why some companies are succeeding with AI while others struggle with pilots. She also explores how voice technology fits into enterprise solutions, the evolving role of humans in AI systems, and why the future of work will be both more exciting and more intentional. If you're interested in understanding where enterprise AI adoption actually stands versus the narrative, this conversation provides valuable insights from the trenches.Chapters:[00:00:35] Introduction and Background [00:01:56] Sanjna's Journey from AI Startups to Salesforce[00:03:52] Enterprise AI Adoption Reality vs. Hype [00:07:16] How Jobs Are Changing with AI Agents [00:10:30] The Human Experience in AI Transformation [00:11:25] Voice Technology in Enterprise Solutions [00:13:56] Humans in the Loop: When and How [00:18:08] The Truth About AI Hype Cycles [00:22:13] Big Enterprise Customer Conversations [00:26:35] Leadership Changes in the AI Era [00:29:56] Two Words for the Future of WorkContact Information:Connect with Sanjna Parulekar● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjna-parulekar-0248a537/● Company: SalesforceConnect with Boaz Ashkenazy● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy● X: boazashkenazy● Email: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Dr. Vanja Josifovski, CEO of Kumo and former CTO of Airbnb and Pinterest, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way businesses unlock value from their structured data. Josifovski shares his journey from building recommendation systems for millions of users to founding Sequoia-backed Kumo, which is tackling one of AI's biggest challenges: turning business data into actionable insights.From his early days witnessing the evolution of embeddings and vector representations to today's transformer revolution, Josifovski offers a unique perspective on the AI landscape. The conversation delves into why the current AI boom has largely overlooked structured business data, the future of personalized consumer experiences, and how coding tools are democratizing software development. If you're interested in understanding how enterprise data can drive better business decisions and what the future holds for work in an AI-driven world, this episode offers invaluable insights from someone who's been at the forefront of the AI revolution for two decades.Chapters:[02:00] Vanja's Background and AI Journey [04:00] The Evolution of Embeddings and Vectors [07:00] Silicon Valley's AI Revolution [09:00] Founding Kumo and the Enterprise Data Problem [12:00] The Future of Personalization [15:00] How AI is Changing Software Development [18:00] The Optimistic Future of Work [21:00] Societal Changes and Abundance [25:00] From Big Tech to Startup Life [00:28:00] Two Words for the Future: "Lots of Fun"Contact Info:Connect with Vanja Josifovski:● Website: kumo.aiConnect with Boaz Ashkenazy:● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy● Email: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, host Boaz Ashkenazy is joined by Taylor Black, Director of AI and Venture Ecosystems in Microsoft’s CTO Office. With a background as a B2B SaaS founder and deep tech venture studio leader, Taylor brings a rare blend of startup vision and enterprise expertise to the AI conversation.Together, they explore the rise of agentic workflows, protocols like MCP, and the shifting interface of software in the age of AI. Taylor also reflects on the philosophical and economic implications of AI’s rapid evolution—from abundant intelligence to human decision-making limits. If you're curious about how Microsoft thinks about AI agents, or what the future of work might actually feel like, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Chapters:[00:00] The Promise of AI and Collective Problem Solving[00:32] Intro: Meet Taylor Black of Microsoft[01:54] Inside the CTO’s Office and Innovation Labs[03:53] From SaaS Founder to Deep Tech Studio Leader[05:38] Agentic Workflows: Beyond the Hype[08:46] Ecosystems, Authority, and Agent Infrastructure[11:12] MCP: The Protocol Standard for AI Agents[15:24] Microsoft's Vision of Agentic Interfaces[18:34] Designing for Human Capacity in the AI Age[23:15] The Hidden Risks and Philosophical Impacts of AI[27:09] Scarcity vs Abundance: New Frontiers in Work[29:12] Final Thoughts: A Future of Abundant IntelligenceConnect with Taylor BlackLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/blacktaylor/Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazyX: @boazashkenazyEmail: info@shiftai.fmThe Shift AI Podcast is syndicated by GeekWire, and we are grateful to have the show sponsored by Augmented AI Labs.  Our theme music was created by Dave Angel.

In this engaging discussion, Patrick Jarvis, President and Chief Innovation Officer at Acumino, shares his extensive experience in AI and robotics. He unveils groundbreaking advancements in robotic reliability and dexterity for tasks like fine assembly. Jarvis emphasizes how robots can empower humans by simplifying AI training processes. The conversation explores the future of robots in both industrial and home settings, highlighting their potential to improve productivity and quality of life. Tune in for insights on the evolving relationship between technology and work!