Tools and Weapons with Brad Smith

Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s former CEO and current owner of the LA Clippers, shares his journey from scaling Microsoft to becoming a sports mogul. He reflects on the company's early days and the bold pitch that drew him in. Ballmer emphasizes the significance of three traits: irrational confidence, realism, and persistence, which fueled his success. He also draws fascinating parallels between leadership in tech and sports, highlighting the importance of accountability and innovation in navigating competition and ensuring long-term growth.

In this engaging conversation, Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and a pioneer in the personal computer revolution, reflects on the tech giant's 50-year journey. He shares insights from his new memoir, exploring the evolution of leadership and innovation at Microsoft. Gates discusses exciting advancements in technology, especially in health and education, and highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach to tackle global challenges. He also recounts personal anecdotes from intense legal battles, illustrating the power of humor in high-pressure situations.

What will it take for a great power today to remain one? Based on research from Jeffrey Ding, a professor at George Washington University, it’s probably not the flashy technology everyone is focused on. We discuss his recent book, Technology and the Rise of Great Powers, as he challenges conventional wisdom about how technology has shaped the rise of great powers like the United States.Click here for the episode transcript

Fei-Fei Li, a pioneering AI scientist and Stanford professor, dives into the essence of curiosity driving AI innovation. She shares insights from her memoir, emphasizing humanity’s role in AI development. The conversation highlights the transformative impact of her creation, ImageNet, on machine learning. Li advocates for government-funded research, focusing on exploration over profit to unlock profound discoveries. She underscores the importance of a supportive ecosystem for nurturing talent and innovation, blending personal anecdotes with her vision for a human-centered AI future.

You may not know Norma Kamali by name, but you certainly know the designer’s fashions – from the iconic Sleeping Bag Coat, to dresses worn by celebrities like Jessica Biel. 57 years into her career, she’s added AI to her design toolbox and has never been more excited about what’s coming out of her studio. In this episode, Norma makes the case for AI as a valuable tool to enhance creativity for artists of all types, and walks Brad through her process for crafting a great AI prompt.Click here for the episode transcript

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Maria Ressa, and her co-founders created Rappler to harness social media’s connecting power to bring journalists directly to audiences. But those same social networks were then used by others against her – as a weapon – to spread disinformation and to seek to silence her. Brad and Maria also discuss turning crisis to opportunities and how the golden rule she learned as a child influences her decisions today. Click here for the full transcript

In a dynamic conversation with Trevor Noah, Brad Smith, the Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, dives into the evolving realm of AI. He shares why he believes AI won't lead to humanity's downfall and emphasizes the importance of using technology responsibly. They tackle the dual nature of tech, discussing both its potential to enhance lives and the ethical concerns surrounding misinformation and cybersecurity. Brad also highlights how strategic investments in technology can help navigate global challenges while fostering trust and collaboration among nations.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, President of COP28 and CEO of ADNOC, dives into the synergy between AI and sustainable energy solutions. He discusses how AI can drive decarbonization efforts and enhance energy management, addressing the soaring demand for energy as data center power consumption is set to double by 2030. Sultan also highlights the pivotal commitments made during COP28 and the importance of inclusivity, sharing experiences with indigenous communities that shape global climate strategies.

Bayer CEO Bill Anderson shares insights on using AI to combat hunger, empowering smallholder farmers, accelerating agricultural breakthroughs, and promoting innovation within the company. The podcast explores the intersection of science, technology, and sustainability in addressing global food security issues.

Brad Smith explores how generative AI is creating a new economy akin to the impact of the printing press. He emphasizes the need for partnerships, infrastructure, and skills development for the AI economy. Microsoft's AI Access Principles promote innovation while ensuring access, fairness, and responsibility.