Shift AI Podcast

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz Ashkenazy welcomes Brian Buchwald, who leads AI strategy and product development at Edelman, the world's largest communications firm. With his impressive background spanning investment banking, ad tech, digital media, and entrepreneurship, Buchwald offers a unique perspective on how AI is transforming both internal operations and client services at global scale.Discover how Edelman is implementing AI across its 7,000-employee organization and for its prestigious client roster. Buchwald shares fascinating insights on the balance between automation and human expertise, the evolution of trust in the AI era, and how communications professionals are quantifying their impact. Whether you're interested in AI implementation at enterprise scale or the future of knowledge work, this episode reveals how "curated automation" is redefining an entire industry while keeping the human element at its core.Chapters:[00:00] Introduction to Brian Buchwald and Edelman[03:09] Brian's Career Journey from Ad Tech to Communications[05:35] Four Lenses of AI Implementation at Edelman[06:59] Trust Quantification and Research Transformation[10:17] Trust and AI: The Public Perception[13:01] Three-Tiered Approach to Client Transformation[17:55] Measuring Business Value in Communications[21:48] The Human-Machine Partnership in Creative Work[24:11] Mentors and Strategic Influences[29:11] The Future of Work: Curated AutomationConnect with Brian BuchwaldLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-buchwald-0447591/ Email: brian.buchwald@edelman.com Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy X:https://x.com/boazashkenazyEmail: shift@augmentedailabs.comThe 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  Follow, Listen, and SubscribeSpotify | Apple Podcast | Youtube

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz Ashkenazy sits down with Rohan D'Souza, co-founder of Avante, who is tackling one of America's most complex challenges: the $1.7 trillion employer-sponsored healthcare system. With his unique background as a former competitive swimmer from India and extensive experience in healthcare technology, Rohan brings a fresh perspective to an industry plagued by opacity and inefficiency.Rohan shares how Avante is leveraging AI to democratize healthcare information, making complex insurance plans understandable for employees while helping employers control costs that are rising 8-14% annually. From his early days working with electronic medical records during the 2008 financial crisis to building a nine-person team that supports hundreds of conversations with AI-powered solutions, Rohan illustrates how productivity and creativity converge in the future of work. This conversation offers valuable insights for anyone interested in healthcare innovation, AI implementation in regulated industries, and the entrepreneurial journey of building solutions for massive, entrenched systems.Chapters: [01:57] From India to America - The Swimming Journey[03:57] Early Career in Healthcare Technology During the Financial Crisis[05:14] Introducing Avante - The $1.7 Trillion Opportunity[09:10] The Employee Experience Problem[14:05] AI Agents and Personalized Healthcare Recommendations[18:25] Privacy Challenges in Healthcare AI[23:35] Building the Founders Club and Early Customers[28:07] The Future of Work - Productivity and CreativityConnect with Rohan D’SouzaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohanpdsouza/Website: https://avante.ai/ Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy X:https://x.com/boazashkenazyEmail: shift@augmentedailabs.comThe 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  Follow, Listen, and SubscribeSpotify | Apple Podcast | Youtube

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz Ashkenazy welcomes Kunal Chopra, CEO and Founder of Certivo, to explore how AI agents are evolving from assistants to true team members. Kunal shares insights from his experience as a former leader at Microsoft and Amazon, and his current venture tackling product compliance challenges for manufacturers. Through Certivo's AI agent compliance managers can automate tedious regulatory tasks while maintaining strategic control of the process.The conversation delves into the distinction between AI assistants and agents, examining the collaborative dance between humans and AI that defines today's implementations. Kunal offers a compelling vision of future workplaces where teams consist of both humans and AI agents working in tandem, while sharing candid advice for entrepreneurs and business leaders adapting to this new reality. If you're interested in how AI is reshaping teams and transforming manufacturing industries, this insightful discussion provides a window into what's coming next.Chapters:[02:19] Kunal's Background at Tech Giants and as CEO[05:34] The Pioneer Square Labs Incubation Process[10:06] Certivo's Origin and the Product Compliance Challenge[12:35] How AI Agent Cora Solves Regulatory Compliance Problems[16:59] The Evolution from Assistants to Agents[21:20] The Human-AI Dance: Autonomy vs. Collaboration[24:01] Manager Reactions and Changing Workforce Skills[29:17] The Role of Mentors in Entrepreneurial Success[31:33] Advice for First-Time Founders[34:29] The Future of Work: "Agent" and "Team"Connect with Kunal ChopraLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kunalchopra28/ Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy X:https://x.com/boazashkenazyEmail: shift@augmentedailabs.com

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Paul Bingham, Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the School of Technology at Western Governor's University, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore the evolution of education in the digital age. Bingham brings a fascinating background spanning from a full career with the FBI, where he specialized in cybercrime investigations, to his current role pioneering innovative approaches to online education. As an institution designed specifically for adult learners with work experience, WGU has been at the forefront of educational innovation for over 25 years, well before remote learning became mainstream. Bingham shares insights on how competency-based education is transforming career pathways in technology, how AI and decision intelligence are personalizing the learning experience, and why adaptability is crucial in our rapidly changing technological landscape. If you're interested in how education is evolving to meet the needs of today's workforce, you won't want to miss this conversation.Chapters:[04:15] FBI Background and Cybersecurity Experience[07:50] The Origins of Western Governor's University[10:01] Competency-Based Education and Workforce Preparation[15:15] AI and Decision Intelligence in Learning[22:55] The Role of Mentorship in Remote Education[27:08] Leadership Lessons from the FBI[28:51] The Human Connection in a Digital World[29:39] The Future of Work: Faster and AdaptableConnect with Paul BinghamLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/paul-bingham-cpa/ Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy X: https://x.com/boazashkenazyEmail: info@shiftai.fm

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz welcomes Seth Siegel, founder and CEO of Audivi, a groundbreaking company revolutionizing the drive-through experience with voice AI technology. From bootstrapping his startup to achieving industry-leading accuracy in less than two seconds, Seth shares the journey of building a second-generation solution that succeeds where others have failed. As a self-described "blue collar kid from Long Island" turned tech entrepreneur, Seth offers candid insights into fundraising challenges, investor relationships, and the importance of domain expertise in the AI revolution.Seth's practical wisdom on navigating the startup ecosystem while solving real-world problems makes this episode essential listening for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts alike. The conversation explores how AI is transforming industries beyond just drive-throughs, with Seth warning that white-collar workers need to adapt or risk becoming "the buggy whip makers" of the modern era. Whether you're interested in AI applications, startup funding strategies, or the future of work, this episode delivers valuable perspectives from a seasoned entrepreneur who's focused on "doing things that are incredibly hard and making them look incredibly easy."Chapters:[00:00] Introduction to Seth Siegel and Audivi[02:50] Seth's Background and Career Philosophy[04:23] Introduction to Audivi and Its Mission[06:43] Industry Challenges and First-Gen AI Failures[11:07] The Boston Mom Test and Technical Expertise[15:22] Domain Expertise in Fast Food AI[17:43] Navigating the Startup Fundraising Landscape[21:22] Fundraising Challenges for Seasoned Entrepreneurs[28:23] AI's Impact on Society and Future of WorkConnect with Seth Siegel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-siegel1 Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy X:https://x.com/boazashkenazyEmail: shift@augmentedailabs.comThe 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  Follow, Listen, and SubscribeSpotify | Apple Podcast | Youtube

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, host Boaz welcomes Tony Owens, the recently appointed CEO of Amperity, a Seattle tech unicorn revolutionizing how companies leverage customer data in the age of AI. Drawing from over two decades at tech powerhouses Oracle and Salesforce, Tony shares his vision for the intersection of AI and customer data. The conversation explores how the traditional rules-based approach to customer data is being transformed by AI capabilities, enabling brands to create truly personalized experiences that fit into consumers' lives rather than interrupting them.Description:[01:30] Introduction to Tony Owens [03:09] Tony's Journey Through Oracle and Salesforce[05:18] The Amperity Story and Value Proposition[07:53] AI's Impact on Customer Data Platforms[09:38] Personalization and the Evolution of Customer Experience[16:10 ] Balancing Personalization with Privacy [18:02] Leadership in the Age of AI and Automation [21:39] Mentors and Influences in Tony's Career [25:03] The Future: 'Exciting and Uncertain'[27:29] Closing Thoughts and Future OutlookConnect with Tony OwensLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-alika-owens-a53a794Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy X: boazashkenazyEmail: shift@augmentedailabs.com

In this latest episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Roger Connolly (Sitecore CPO) discusses how AI is transforming enterprise marketing with host Boaz Ashkenazy. Drawing from his experience at Victoria's Secret and Sitecore, Roger explains how brands like Nestle use generative AI to enhance marketing while maintaining brand consistency. As a Microsoft partner, Sitecore is developing "Brand Assistant," an AI tool that processes brand guidelines to help marketers create on-brand content and co-creating AI Innovation Lab. Roger shares his vision for the future of content creation, marketers' evolving roles, and how immersive technologies will shape customer experience.Chapters:[00:59] Introduction to Roger Connolly[04:42] Sitecore's Evolution and Microsoft Partnership [06:38] Delivering Content Across Channels[07:41] The Nestle Brand Assistant Project[12:29] Generative AI in Marketing Content[14:55] Content Volume and Brand Authenticity [17:15] The Future of Work in Marketing [19:27] Mentorship in a Remote World [20:30] Immersive Experiences and 3D Marketing [24:39]The Future: Seamless and FreeingConnect with Roger ConnollyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerconnolly/ Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy X:https://x.com/boazashkenazyEmail: shift@augmentedailabs.com

EXCLUSIVE AWS ANNOUNCEMENT: Amazon Q Developer now speaks YOUR language! 🌎In this special announcement from the Shift AI Podcast, we're breaking the news that AWS has launched multilingual support for Amazon Q Developer. This isn't a full episode—it's a direct, exclusive reveal that we're privileged to share first with our global community.This breakthrough feature enables developers to build software using their preferred spoken language, removing a significant barrier for non-English speakers in the tech world. Now you can interact with Amazon Q Developer naturally, without the constant mental translation that interrupts your workflow.Watch this quick announcement to learn how AWS is making AI development tools more inclusive and accessible for everyone, regardless of what language you speak.Here are some additional details. https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/devops/amazon-q-developer-global-capabilities/

Varun Puri, founder of Yoodli, an AI-powered communication training platform, discusses his journey transforming the tool into an enterprise solution. He dives into the challenges of pivoting from consumer to enterprise, emphasizing the importance of maintaining human elements in communication. Varun shares insights on navigating startup culture, team dynamics, and innovative strategies for a remote workforce. He highlights the significance of initiatives like 'Vibes Week' in fostering collaboration while envisioning a future where AI enhances, rather than replaces, personal connections.

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Shri Santhanam, EVP and GM at Experian, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how one of the world's largest data companies is implementing AI at scale. From his early days at Stanford to pioneering Silicon Valley-style innovation in large enterprises, Shri shares insights into Experian's transformation from a traditional credit bureau to a data-backed platform company. The conversation delves into the development of the Experian Assistant, an AI-powered tool revolutionizing how businesses interact with complex financial data, and the critical role of trust in AI adoption. If you're interested in how major financial institutions are navigating the AI revolution while maintaining data privacy and ethical standards, this episode offers invaluable perspectives on the future of trusted AI agents in the workplace.Chapters:[00:00] The Trust Challenge in AI[01:00] Introduction to Shri Santhanam[02:39] Career Journey and Silicon Valley Innovation[04:08] Experian's AI Evolution[06:43] Experian's Business Transformation[10:44] The Experian Assistant[20:01] Internal AI Implementation[23:48] Technical Infrastructure and Model Selection[28:36] The Future: Trusted AgentsConnect with Shri SanthanamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shriramsanthanam Connect with Boaz AshkenazyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy X: boazashkenazyEmail: shift@augmentedailabs.com