In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Christy Johnson, CEO of Artemis Connection and former McKinsey consultant, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how companies can create more flexible, inclusive workplaces while maintaining high performance. Drawing from her journey from high school teacher to McKinsey consultant to CEO, Johnson shares insights on revolutionizing traditional consulting models, embracing AI in the workplace, and fostering human potential. You want to make sure you get in on this conversation if you're interested in the intersection of AI, workplace flexibility, and maintaining high expectations in the evolving business landscape. Chapters: [00:00:00] Setting High Expectations in the Age of AI [00:02:01] From Teaching Math to McKinsey: Christy's Journey [00:05:03] Growing Up Entrepreneurial in Washington State [00:09:16] The Birth of Artemis Connection [00:13:40] Reimagining Workplace Flexibility and Talent [00:17:44] AI's Impact on Future Work Models [00:19:53] Teaching Entrepreneurship in the AI Era [00:23:14] The Power of Mentorship and Apprenticeship [00:26:04] Supporting Women in Business Leadership [00:31:19] High Expectations: The Future of Work Connect with Christy Johnson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyjohnsonwel/ Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy X: boazashkenazy Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, host Boaz Ashkenazy is joined by two pioneering experts in AI security and ethics: David Danks, Professor of Data Science and Philosophy at UC San Diego, and Zhou Li, founder and CEO of HydroX AI. Together, they explore the critical intersection of AI adoption, security, and trust in an era of unprecedented technological change. Drawing from their extensive experience at leading tech companies and academic institutions, Danks and Li offer unique insights into why AI security must be built into systems from the ground up, rather than added as an afterthought. They discuss real-world security risks while emphasizing the importance of human values in AI system design. The conversation takes a fascinating turn as they explore how the traditional cybersecurity paradigm is being reimagined for the AI age. If you're interested in understanding how organizations can safely adopt AI while managing risks and building trust, this episode provides essential insights from two leaders at the forefront of AI safety and ethics. Chapters: [00:00:00] Opening Thoughts on AI's Rapid Evolution [00:01:43] Introduction to Our Distinguished Guests [00:03:35] First Jobs and Career Beginnings [00:05:19] The Evolution of AI Ethics and Trust [00:10:35] Security Experience at Tech Giants [00:13:48] Current State of AI Adoption [00:20:51] Real-world AI Security Risks and Threats [00:28:57] Mentorship and Inspiration [00:32:35] Future of Work: Two-Word Predictions Connect with David Danks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-danks-21538613/ Connect with Zhuo Li LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhuo-li-4830a145/ Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy X: boazashkenazy Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Kristen Forward, Design Technology Futures Leader at NBBJ, joins Boaz Ashkenazy to explore how AI and computational design are revolutionizing architectural practice. From her unique journey starting in finance to becoming a pioneer in architectural technology, Forward shares insights into how one of Seattle's preeminent architecture firms is integrating AI into their design process. She discusses how data-driven approaches and artificial intelligence are transforming everything from initial concept development to regulatory compliance in building design. If you're curious about how AI is reshaping the future of architecture and workplace design, particularly in healthcare and tech spaces, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into what's possible when human creativity meets computational innovation.   Chapters: [00:01:38] Meeting Kristen Forward [00:04:06] NBBJ's Global Impact [00:05:26] Creative Origins and Family Influence [00:08:02] The Evolution of Computational Design [00:11:37] AI Integration in Building Design [00:15:41] Training and Ethics in AI Architecture [00:24:26] Mentorship in Modern Architecture [00:26:22] Remote Work's Impact on Design [00:28:42] The Future: Collective and Regenerative   Connect with Kristen Forward LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen4ward Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy X: boazashkenazy Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz Ashkenazy sits down with Professor Shyam Gollakota, a pioneering researcher and entrepreneur from the University of Washington's Mobile Intelligence Lab. Gollakota shares his groundbreaking work on intelligent hearables and proactive speech agents that could revolutionize how we interact with sound and AI. From noise-filtering earbuds that can isolate specific voices in crowded spaces to AI agents that anticipate our needs in real time, Gollakota's vision of human-AI symbiosis offers a glimpse into a future where technology seamlessly enhances our natural capabilities. Whether you're fascinated by the intersection of hardware and artificial intelligence or curious about how AI might augment human potential, this episode provides fascinating insights into the next frontier of human-computer interaction. Chapters: [00:00:00] From Programming to Problem-Solving: Shyam's Journey [00:02:04] Academic Entrepreneurship: From IIT to UW [00:04:38] The Mobile Intelligence Lab Vision [00:06:35] Intelligent Hearables: Transforming Sound Perception [00:12:47] The Technology Behind AI-Enhanced Hearing [00:17:25] Proactive Speech Agents: The Future of AI Assistance [00:21:48] Mentorship and AI Personas [00:24:15] Sound, Evolution, and Human Adaptation [00:26:57] Science Fiction Becoming Reality [00:30:12] Closing Thoughts: The Human-AI Future Connect with Shyam Gollakota LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shyam-gollakota-4125b2159 Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, we dive into the critical issue of digital harassment against women with Melissa Hutchins, CEO of Certifi AI. Melissa shares her personal experience with cyberstalking and how it inspired her to develop AI-driven solutions to combat online abuse. She discusses Certifi AI's innovative approach to detecting manipulated images and videos, including insights into the challenges of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of resilience and having a personal connection to the problem being solved. The conversation also touches on the future of work, with Melissa highlighting the need for ethical AI practices and diverse perspectives in technology development. Chapters: 00:00 Personal Motivation 01:51 Career Journey 06:17 Early Experiences & Family 10:34 Certifi AI Overview 18:22 Entrepreneurship Lessons 23:40 Mentors & Influencers 27:22 Ethical AI Originally recorded on June 4th, 2024, this episode marks an exciting milestone in Melissa’s journey with Certifi AI. Since then, she has successfully launched the alpha version of Certifi AI for select users, forged strategic partnerships with industry leaders, and is actively in the process of fundraising. Connect with Melissa Hutchins LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hutchins Website: https://www.certifiai.com   Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy X: boazashkenazy Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai

David Gillespie, CIBC's EVP of Infrastructure, shares his extensive expertise in AI and banking. He discusses transformative innovations at CIBC, including AI-driven document processing and improving employee performance. The conversation emphasizes the significance of AI education for banking executives, regulatory challenges, and how AI can reshape financial institutions' operations. David also considers the potential for job displacement while highlighting a future where AI enhances client experiences and drives operational efficiency in the banking sector.

Mandela Patrick, CEO of Vybe and a Rhodes Scholar with a PhD in AI from Oxford, takes us on a fascinating journey from Trinidad to leading AI-driven creative technology. He discusses the transformative Vybe app that empowers users to remix media easily. Mandela dives into the rapid evolution of AI post-Google's Gemini and emphasizes the importance of responsible AI development. With a vision for a future where humans and AI collaborate, he highlights the crucial role of mentorship and privacy in shaping personalized user experiences.

Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact for HP, shares her transformative journey from Wall Street to global philanthropy. She emphasizes the urgent need for digital equity in today's tech-driven world. Expect insights on HP's goal to reach 150 million people by 2030, as well as the importance of local solutions and community involvement. Malejki discusses the potential of AI to bridge the digital divide and the role of mentorship in empowering future leaders. Tune in for an optimistic take on technology's capacity for social change.

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Aviel Ginzburg, founder of Seattle Foundations, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy to discuss the future of the startup ecosystems in the age of AI and remote work. Ginzburg shares his vision for reinvigorating Seattle's entrepreneurial scene through a unique blend of physical space, community engagement, and mentorship. From his early days with Techstars to the creation of Seattle Foundations, Ginzburg offers insights into the challenges faced by modern entrepreneurs and the importance of fostering serendipitous connections. If you are interested in how community-driven initiatives can shape the future of work and innovation in tech hubs like Seattle, you won’t want to miss this episode. Chapters: Aviel's Career Background A Data-Driven Career Path Techstars' Impact on Seattle Foundations: A New Approach Location and Vision for Foundations Mentorship and Influential Figures Aviel’s Take on the The Future of Work

Bethanie Maples, founder and CEO of Atypical AI, shares her insights on how AI can revolutionize education and personalized learning. She emphasizes the importance of human-centered AI, addressing societal fears about automation. Bethanie discusses the role of AI in cultivating diverse expertise and enhancing workforce readiness. The conversation also highlights the evolving nature of educational assessment, advocating for a focus on soft skills and human connection, envisioning a future where technology supports rather than replaces educators.