At the Edge

Elad Gil, a renowned tech angel investor and AI expert whose portfolio includes Airbnb and Coinbase, dives into the complexities of AI integration. He emphasizes that companies may take a decade to fully adopt AI, despite its burgeoning value. Elad discusses the importance of change management and differentiating vendor capabilities beyond simple LLMs. He also explores how AI can transform industries, boost productivity, and reshape job roles. His practical tips for businesses include vendor pilots and daily engagement with AI tools.

Peggy Johnson, CEO of Agility Robotics, drives the conversation on humanoid robots transforming workplaces. She discusses the technological advancements that allow these robots to assist in warehouses and factories efficiently. Peggy highlights the significance of humanoid design for safety and functionality, introduces Digit's evolution, and addresses worker skepticism. She shares insights on integrating these robots into current job roles and the unique challenges presented by different regulatory environments. Her journey emphasizes the need for a supportive culture in tech development.

Chase Lochmiller, Cofounder and CEO of Crusoe, specializes in energy-first AI infrastructure, using stranded and renewable energy to power AI computing. He discusses the growing demand for power as AI technology advances. Chase explains how they capture flared gas and utilize curtailed wind and geothermal energy. He emphasizes the importance of modular construction for quick deployment, the creation of skilled jobs, and the need for trade training to prepare for new roles in an AI-driven economy. His passion for building physical infrastructure shines through.

The way AI is trained and used is evolving every day. Unfortunately, cyberattacks are advancing in tandem, raising the bar for AI products that are brought to market today. On this episode of the At the Edge podcast, Cisco’s President and Chief Product Officer Jeetu Patel speaks to McKinsey Senior Partner Lareina Yee about how companies can secure their AI systems to protect enterprise data and consumers—and how to use AI to predict and quickly respond to cyberattacks.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Ruba Borno, Vice President at Amazon Web Services, shares her insights on navigating AI disruption and transformation. She discusses how rapid AI advancements are shaping the job market and emphasizes the critical role of security in generative AI. Ruba highlights effective strategies for businesses to avoid pitfalls in AI integration and stresses the importance of partnerships and data security. Additionally, she explores the potential for innovation and democratization of technology through AI, encouraging leaders to embrace calculated risks.

If CEOs want to transform their companies, they must lead with AI and agentic AI—that’s the key to winning a competitive advantage. So says Paul Hudson, CEO of leading pharmaceutical company Sanofi, on this episode of the At the Edge podcast. He speaks with McKinsey Senior Partners Hemant Ahlawat and Lareina Yee about his leadership of a company-wide effort to use AI to expedite drug discovery, gain efficiencies, and remake the company.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Karlie Kloss, founder of Kode With Klossy, and Osi Imeokparia, its CEO, discuss the importance of coding for young women and gender-expansive teens. They highlight how learning to code fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing students for future careers in tech. The conversation delves into the need for diversity in tech and the transformative power of education in empowering women. The duo also addresses challenges in the workforce and the impact of AI on creativity, emphasizing mentorship and community support in navigating these changes.

Rodrigo Liang, Cofounder and CEO of SambaNova Systems, delves into the revolutionary concept of agentic AI and the pressing need for businesses to adapt their infrastructure. He emphasizes the staggering $5 trillion required for data centers to handle AI workloads, alongside the necessity of hybrid AI models. With a focus on enterprise integration, Rodrigo highlights how balancing large and specialized AI models can transform industries, enhance efficiency, and improve customer engagement—all while ensuring a secure and adaptable future.

John Chambers, founder and CEO of JC2 Ventures and former Cisco CEO, discusses the transformative power of AI, likening it to the internet revolution. He emphasizes the vital urgency for companies to adopt AI to remain competitive, contrasting the agility of new firms with traditional giants. Chambers highlights the role of mergers and education in navigating this shift and advocates for leaders to foster innovation through strategic partnerships. He also shares insights about intergenerational lessons in focus and commitment amid rapid change.

Join tech visionaries Naveen Chaddha, Kiran Prasad, and Naba Banerjee as they dive into the future of generative AI. Naveen predicts rapid advancements akin to semiconductor evolution. Kiran contrasts heavy daily AI use at startups with slow enterprise adoption due to IT and legal hurdles. Naba shares insights on AI's role in trust and safety at Airbnb, addressing real-world problems. The trio discusses future leadership dynamics, emphasizing strategy and communication while tackling the risks of bias and trust failures in AI.