Shift AI Podcast

Ken Horenstein, founding partner of Pack Ventures and a pivotal figure in Seattle's venture capital scene, shares his transformative journey from tech to investing. He reveals how to pinpoint essential factors for startup success, especially in AI and life sciences. Ken discusses the importance of mentorship and networking, emphasizing their role in nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystems. He expresses excitement for the future of AI, envisioning technologies that enhance our lives. Tune in for insights on bridging research and commercialization!

Doug Seven, Director and GM of AWS AI Developer Experiences, discusses the transformation that AI is bringing to the developer landscape. He shares insights on how AI agents boost developer productivity by freeing them from repetitive tasks, allowing a focus on creativity. Doug addresses the challenges of trusting AI in high-stakes scenarios while emphasizing the importance of ethics in AI adoption. He also explores the future of developers as orchestrators of AI, highlighting the potential for enhanced collaboration and innovation in the workplace.

In this episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Boaz welcomes Luke Arrigoni, founder of Loti, a company specializing in online protection for public figures. They discuss the transformative power of GenAI in storytelling, Loti's mission to combat deep fakes, and Luke's journey from a software engineer at Hollywood talent agency CAA to becoming the CEO of Loti. The episode delves into the technical and strategic challenges of running an AI startup, the importance of data privacy for celebrities, and the role of AI in safeguarding digital identities in the exciting yet complext future ahead. 00:00 The Power of Storytelling in the Age of AId 01:42 Luke's Journey: From Columbia to CAA 02:33 Early Career and First Jobs 06:27 Challenges and Innovations in AI and ML 06:54 The Role of Loti in Safeguarding Reputations 10:22 Partnerships and Industry Collaborations 13:14 Addressing Privacy for Public Figures 14:10 AI in Politics: Ensuring Fair Elections 16:10 Challenges Faced by AI Startups 17:51 Strategies for Efficient Compute Usage 19:40 Differentiation and Intellectual Property 26:21 Future of AI: ‘Cautious Optimism’ Connect with Luke Arrigoni LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukearrigoni/ Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy⁠ X: ⁠boazashkenazy Email: shift@simplyaugmented.ai

Chris Willis, the Chief Design Officer at Domo, discusses his diverse career across media, design, and technology. He emphasizes the need for human-centered design in AI and data analytics, alongside the critical role of digital dexterity in today’s digital landscape. The conversation touches on the balance between using AI tools for collaboration and preserving human creativity. Chris also reflects on mentorship's impact on his career and envisions the future of work as one driven by continuous learning and adaptation.

CEO and founder of Trelliswork, Mike Nash, discusses managing teams in the tech landscape with AI integration. Topics include operational challenges, mentorship, intentional progress, and rethinking work strategies in the age of AI.

Venture capital managing directors Yuval Neeman and Amy McCullough from Trilogy Equity Partners discuss Gen AI's impact on the workforce, Trilogy's investment thesis, and portfolio companies like Alongside and Bright Canary. They also explore qualities VC firms seek in founders and the broader societal implications of Gen AI.

Rebecca Finaly, CEO of Partnership on AI, delves into AI's effects on jobs, stressing multi-stakeholder collaborations, responsible AI, and workforce planning. She highlights AI's opportunities and challenges, emphasizing the need for regulatory frameworks and education. The discussion covers balancing tech adoption with human values, employer responsibilities in the AI age, and the potential of AI to address global issues.

Todd Bishop, co-founder of GeekWire, offers keen insights into AI's impact on media and marketing, while Adam Tratt, a marketing consultant, emphasizes the ethical implications of AI in these fields. They discuss the swift advancements in AI technologies, exploring tools that enhance productivity and efficiency. The conversation also touches on the competitive challenges startups face against giants like Google and Microsoft. Plus, they share humorous stories from their first jobs, blending nostalgia with their forward-thinking views on AI.

Monica Ares is the Executive Director of Innovation, Digital Education, and Analytics at Imperial College London Business School Idea Lab, bringing her experience from tech giants like Amazon and Meta. She discusses the integration of AI and immersive technologies in education, emphasizing their role in creating personalized learning experiences. Monica also highlights how virtual reality can enhance empathy and social interactions among students. With a vision for seamless lifelong learning, she envisions an educational landscape enriched by intelligent technology.

In this episode of the Shift AI podcast, host Boaz welcomes Jim Loter, the Interim CTO of the City of Seattle, to discuss the city's approach to AI policy, its impacts on public service, and the future of technology in the government sector. Jim shares his background and experiences in technology and highlights the importance of responsible and factual use of AI technology and the need for human involvement in decision-making. The episode also covers the formation of AI guidelines in Seattle, engaging with various stakeholders to understand AI risks and possibilities, and the mayor's role in shaping the city's stance on AI. 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:14 Early Work on AI Guidelines 10:14 City of Seattle's Approach to Technology 11:01 Development of AI Policy 21:57 Excitement about Technology 26:23 Influence of Mentors 29:14 Future of Work and Technology Connect with Jim Loter ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy ⁠Twitter⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Email: ⁠shift@simplyaugmented.com⁠