Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson

What role should government, regulation, and society play in the next chapter of Big Tech and AI.Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative reporter, Gary Rivlin.Gary has been writing about technology since the mid-1990s and the rise of the internet. He is the author of AI Valley and 9 previous books, including Saving Main Street and Katrina: After the Flood. His work has appeared in the New York Times, Newsweek, Fortune, GQ, and Wired, among other publications. He is a two-time Gerald Loeb Award winner and former reporter for the New York Times. He lives in New York with his wife, theater director Daisy Walker, and two sons.Gary sits down with Geoff to discuss the unchecked power of Big Tech and the evolving role of AI as a political force. From the myth of the benevolent tech founder to the real-world implications of surveillance, misinformation, and election interference, he discusses the dangers of unregulated tech influence on policy and the urgent need for greater transparency, ethical responsibility, and accountability in emerging technologies. This conversation highlights the role of venture capital in fueling today’s tech giants, what history tells us about the future of digital disruption, and whether regulation can truly govern AI and platform power. In this episode:00:00 Intro02:45 The early promise of Silicon Valley06:30 What changed in tech: From innovation to power10:55 The role of venture capital in shaping Big Tech15:40 Tech disruption vs. systemic control20:15 The shift from public good to private gain24:50 How Big Tech wields power over democracy29:30 Can AI be regulated in time?33:45 Lessons from tech history38:20 Government’s role in tech oversight43:05 Gary’s thoughts on tech accountability47:30 Future risks of an unchecked tech industry51:10 Hope for the next generation of innovators55:00 Tech is at the center of politics58:00 What should change?1:09:00 Journalists using AI are more powerfulConnect with Gary:Website: https://garyrivlin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-rivlin/Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

In a world of rising cyber threats, what keeps the CIA’s former head of cybersecurity up at night?Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Andy Boyd, former Head of the CIA’s Center for Cyber Intelligence.Andy was a Senior Intelligence Service officer in the Central Intelligence Agency’s Directorate of Operations (DO). His most recent assignment was Director of the CIA’s Center for Cyber Intelligence (CCI) which is responsible for intelligence collection, analysis, and operations focused on foreign cyber threats to US interests. Andy has experience leading worldwide intelligence operations and has in-depth knowledge of geopolitics, cyber operations, security practices, and risk mitigation.Andy sits down with Geoff to discuss the future of cybersecurity in a rapidly evolving digital world. With decades of experience in cyber intelligence, Andy explains how global threats are evolving, from traditional espionage to AI-driven cyberattacks and disinformation. He dives into how intelligence agencies like the CIA assess and respond to state-sponsored cyber threats from China and Russia, and why the private sector is now a primary target. Andy breaks down how emerging technologies like generative AI are changing both offensive and defensive cyber strategies, and what this means for governments, businesses, and people. Andy also shares how one of the world’s leading professional services firms is navigating this new landscape, using culture, data, and innovation to stay ahead of cyber risks. In this episode:00:00 Intro02:45 What the CIA's Cyber Intelligence Center actually does05:30 Leading transformation across a global enterprise 07:20 Evolution of cyber threats from nation-states08:15 Building trust and transparency with business stakeholders11:10 The critical role of data in decision-making 13:00 How the CIA detects and responds to cyber attacks17:05 Creating a culture of innovation and adaptability17:45 The private sector as a frontline target20:40 How Aon is approaching talent and upskilling 23:10 Offensive cyber operations: how far should the U.S. go?27:30 Key leadership lessons and advice for future CIOs29:50 China's cyber capabilities vs. Russia's tactics35:25 The role of intelligence in election security40:50 Why disinformation is more dangerous than hacking45:30 How AI is transforming cyber espionage50:10 What keeps Andy Boyd up at night54:40 The importance of public awareness and resilienceConnect with Andy:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-g-boyd-12194673/Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

What if you could control technology using only your thoughts?Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by an expert in the space of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), Tan Le. Tan is the founder and CEO of EMOTIV, a Silicon Valley-based company pioneering EEG-based BCI technology. Her work centers on non-invasive “brainwear” that enables direct interaction between the human brain and computers. Tan is an advocate for democratizing neurotechnology to empower individuals, researchers, and organizations to drive innovation. In February 2020, she published her first book, The NeuroGeneration: The New Era of Brain Enhancement Revolutionizing the Way We Think, Work and Heal. Tan sits down with Geoff to talk about how her company is making it possible to connect your brain directly to digital systems, no hype, just science. From decoding mental commands to enhancing human cognition, they dive into the ethical challenges of reading brain data, what it really means to give technology access to your mind, and why non-invasive headsets are reshaping human-computer interaction. In this episode:00:00 Intro03:00 Tan Le’s background06:00 What is Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)?09:00 The current state of BCI in 202512:00 Non-invasive vs. implantable tech15:00 How BCIs read brain signals18:00 Real-world applications: Healthcare and beyond21:00 Consumer use cases and accessibility24:00 The role of AI in brain signal interpretation27:00 Ethics of brain data and consent30:00 Mental wellness and performance insights33:00 Government and regulatory perspectives36:00 EMOTIV’s vision and tech stack39:00 Human enhancement and neuroplasticity42:00 Risks and misconceptions around BCI45:00 Collaborations and research partnerships48:00 Global adoption trends51:00 Tan Le’s advice to future innovators54:00 Predictions for the next 10 yearsConnect with Tan:Website: https://www.emotiv.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanle/X: https://x.com/TanTTLeVisit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

What if your data worked for you and not the platforms controlling it?Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by John Bruce, CEO and Co-Founder of Inrupt.With a background as both a founder and an executive at global tech firms, John Bruce is uniquely qualified to help engineer the next phase of the web alongside his co-founder Sir Tim Berners-Lee. He brings to bear decades of successful business leadership and experience creating new markets around innovative software. Prior to partnering with Tim, he was the co-founder and CEO of Resilient, now an IBM company, that developed a new approach to cybersecurity. Through Resilient and four other successful startups, John has experienced first-hand the strategic challenges that the current structure of the web causes for users, developers, and organizations around the world. John Bruce sits down with Geoff Nielson to talk about a future where individuals and not platforms own their data. John shares how AI, consent-driven data sharing, and a decentralized digital wallet called, Charlie could fundamentally reshape how we interact with technology, institutions, and each other. He explains why we must reclaim personal data from tech giants and what “agentic wallets” are and how they work. In this video:0:00 Intro1:25 Rebuilding the Web3:30 From Tim Berners-Lee to today5:10 Data ownership vs. data surveillance7:00 Moving from platforms to people9:15 What Is an Agentic AI wallet? 11:00 Why consent must be baked into AI and data flows13:45 Use cases in healthcare, government & enterprise16:10 “Decentralized” doesn’t mean disorganized18:30 What leaders get wrong about data control20:45 Enterprise integration23:00 The ROI of giving users control of their own data25:30 Why this moment feels like the early days of the web27:00 What’s next for Inrupt, Solid, and the Internet itself29:00 How We rebuild digital trust31:00 Inrupt's vision beyond 203034:00 Partnering with institutions to scale Solid37:00 Global digital identity and governance challenges40:00 Building public trust in data ecosystems43:00 A non-linear view of it allConnect with John:Website: https://www.inrupt.com/aboutLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwbruce/Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

Is your business ready for a world where AI agents act, adapt, and make decisions for you?Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Global Chief AI Engineer at PwC, Scott Likens.Scott Likens serves as the Chief AI Engineer at PwC, overseeing both the Global and U.S. teams. He leads the AI Engineering and Emerging Technology R&D groups, driving the firm’s strategy across AI, blockchain, VR, quantum computing, and other disruptive technologies. With over 30 years of experience in emerging tech, Scott has helped clients across industries transform their customer experience, digital strategy, and operations. He began his career in software engineering during the early days of the internet, working with major multinationals to apply a localized lens to global digital and innovation trends. Scott’s diverse technical background spans advanced analytics, digital architecture, AI engineering, and innovation. During his time at PwC, he has lived and worked in both China and the U.S., serving as a global technology leader and advisor to key clients. He is a regular speaker at international conferences on emerging technologies, including AI and generative AI, blockchain and crypto, IoT, quantum computing, and advanced robotics.Scott Likens sits down with Geoff Nielson for a look into what’s actually happening across the front lines of AI and innovation. Scott shares insights from the edge of tech, from AI agents and embodied intelligence to quantum computing and synthetic identities. He explains why most enterprise AI efforts fail to scale, how to think in innovation “horizons,” and what separates real value from hype. He touches on many topics including, how holographic AI and digital twins are already reshaping communication and the skills, and structures shaping the IT organization of the future. In this video:0:00 Intro1:55 GenAI hype vs. real Value in the enterprise4:20 Embodied AI and the rise of holographic humans6:00 Multilingual synthetic avatars7:30 Deepfakes, trust & the role of blockchain in authentication9:00 Responsible AI12:15 Innovation is moving faster than trust14:00 Speed or scale?16:00 Defining true innovation vs. incremental tech18:00 A Framework for emerging tech20:30 From quantum to satellites: What’s next23:00 Digital Twins, IoT, and Bipedal Robotics25:30 AI at the edge28:45 AI agents in action30:20 Legacy system modernization without rewriting code34:00 Enterprise use cases36:30 What business leaders get wrong about tech39:00 Moving from pilot projects to organization-wide impact42:30 Balancing speed, risk & innovation in enterprise ai44:00 How PwC enables innovation without losing control47:00 Why “waiting” is not an ai strategy48:15 The most important investment is your workforce50:00 Upskilling, hiring, and culture shift at scale52:00 Quantum, cryptography & the real threat timeline54:30 What’s next for leaders and innovatorsConnect with Scott:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottlikens/X: https://x.com/ScottLikensVisit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

Cathy Hackl, the 'Godmother of the Metaverse' and CEO of Future Dynamics, dives into the evolving landscape of spatial technology. She discusses the innovative Google Beam, enabling realistic, headset-free 3D communication. The conversation also tackles AI's emotional influence on relationships and explores insights from Japan on robotics and societal connections. Cathy emphasizes the need for ethical considerations in tech's growth, particularly in dating, while highlighting a future where intimacy blends seamlessly with technology.

Can generative AI help us close the gap between expertise and access?This week on a special episode of Digital Disruption, we're joined by New York Times best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell, recorded live in Las Vegas at Info-Tech Research Group's LIVE tech conference.Malcolm Gladwell is the author of eight New York Times bestsellers, including his latest, Revenge of the Tipping Point. Named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People and one of Foreign Policy’s Top Global Thinkers, he is renowned for his unique perspective on the forces shaping human behavior and society. An extraordinary speaker, Gladwell combines eloquence, warmth, and humor to both entertain and challenge audiences. Through masterful storytelling, he unpacks complex and often misunderstood ideas, from decision-making in Blink and the roots of success in Outliers, to our underestimation of adversity in David and Goliath, and the missteps we make when interacting with strangers in Talking to Strangers.Malcolm Gladwell sits with Geoff Nielson for an engaging conversation on the future of AI, the power of storytelling, and the evolving forces that shape society. From AI’s role in closing the expertise gap to how unexpected narratives drive lasting cultural change, Gladwell offers his signature perspective: thoughtful, contrarian, and always surprising. He talks about why the most transformative uses of AI may be the simplest, how generative tools can elevate human capability, and why culture never changes in ways we expect. Malcolm provides insight into how the media, brands and politics are changing and what that could mean for leadership, while touching on the surprising truth about misinformation, expertise, and AI as a corrective tool. In this episode:0:00 Intro0:24 AI's biggest promise? Strengthening weak links1:33 AI in developing vs developed countries2:12 Should AI replace or empower teachers?3:13 Closing the expertise gap with AI4:18 AI as a safe place to learn without embarrassment5:08 The human side of AI5:32 AI in surprising places6:15 Malcolm’s personal use of AI7:57 Where Malcolm finds ideas and why AI can’t replicate them9:52 Why creativity can’t be automated12:42 Will AI ever replace storytellers and thinkers?14:24 Paul Simon’s genius explained17:27 What makes a great story? Tesla example22:26 Are people the new brand? Apple vs Chevy25:13 The power of "overstories" in shaping behavior26:57 We live in multiple narratives at once29:26 Can organizational culture be changed?30:37 How cultural narratives evolve31:37 Politics, power, and social media’s new role35:07 We’re still figuring out what tech is for38:10 Why AI disruption might not be as bad as we fear39:34 Is Malcolm an optimist or just realistic?41:22 Can AI restore trust in expertise?43:43 The power of narrative over facts44:15 Poking the bearConnect with Malcolm:Website: https://www.gladwellbooks.com/X: https://x.com/GladwellInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/malcolmgladwell/Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

Join former Amazon executive and bestselling author John Rossman as he shares insights on bold leadership and digital transformation. He discusses why many companies struggle with change and reveals the three megatrends currently disrupting business. John offers strategies for effective scaling and risk-smart decision-making, emphasizing the importance of clarity in communication over traditional presentations. Prepare to reshape your thinking about leadership and tackle the challenges of a hyper-digital era!

What if the biggest threat to progress isn’t technology? Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Tom Goodwin, Co-Founder of All We Have Is Now.Tom Goodwin is a four-time LinkedIn “#1 Voice in Marketing.” He is also the Co-Founder of, All We Have Is Now, a digital transformation consultancy helping businesses harness emerging technologies. A sought-after speaker, writer, and advisor, Tom also hosts The Edge, a tech-focused TV series, and My Wildest Prediction, a podcast with Euronews. In 2021 Tom published the second edition of his book “Digital Darwinism” with Kogan Page, in 2023 Tom launched a comprehensive online Digital Transformation course, and has now spoken in over 100 cities in 50 countries around the world.Tom sits down with Geoff to share his perspective on the evolving digital landscape and how to cut through the noise especially around AI, digital transformation, and innovation — to focus on what truly matters for organizations today. He argues that in a time of rapid technological change, the smartest move may be to slow down, ignore the hype, and prioritize people, processes, and a long-term strategic vision. Tom urges leaders to think critically, stay grounded in fundamentals, and embrace thoughtful, human-centered progress over flashy solutions.In this video:00:00 Intro01:11 Why tech hype needs a reality check02:06 What actually matters in 202503:04 Business first, not tech first04:11 Why not every company needs to chase every trend05:16 The problem with constant agility07:13 Why disruption isn’t always real10:18 Are we avoiding hard truths about our business models?12:12 Who wins: legacy companies or startups?15:28 Will AI-native companies dominate?17:09 Why real change still takes time19:07 Hype vs. reality in AI adoption22:47 Technology adoption is slower than you think24:02 Advice to leaders on using AI strategically26:44 Why short-term thinking is overrated29:05 Planning for what really matters31:00 A better approach to technology prioritization33:18 Why digital transformation usually fails34:49 The Heathrow metaphor: patchwork vs. reinvention39:06 The promise of AI for real reinvention42:20 Are IT leaders being left behind?44:00 Why the CTO must be more strategic47:03 What it takes to lead digital transformation48:22 Why we need more ambitious use of existing tech50:01 Tom’s book: Digital Darwinism51:40 What happens when AI becomes invisible tech53:13 We need clearer conversations around AIConnect with Tom:Website: https://www.tomgoodwin.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomfgoodwin/X: https://x.com/tomfgoodwinVisit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

Is AI coming for your job, or just the parts that you hate doing?Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Rory Richardson, Director of Go-To-Market for Generative AI at Amazon Web Services (AWS). With over a decade of experience at AWS, she has been instrumental in launching and scaling breakthrough technologies, including non-relational databases and serverless computing. Rory has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of cloud development through her strategic leadership in go-to-market initiatives, empowering developers to expand the boundaries of what’s possible in the cloud. Driven by a passion for innovation, her current focus is on harnessing the potential of generative AI to transform developer tools, enabling more efficient, creative, and human-centered development processes. Rory sits down with Geoff to explain how generative AI can supercharge the developer experience, helping teams write better code, faster, and with fewer headaches. She shares her perspective that AI isn’t about replacing people, but about helping us do less of what we dislike, and why embracing AI now is one of the smartest moves leaders can make. Rory shares real-world examples from AWS, insights from developer culture, and a human-centered view on the rapidly changing AI landscape. In this episode:00:00 Intro01:04 Recap of Info-Tech LIVE 2024 in Las Vegas01:35 What’s new in AI & developer tools02:53 The rise of AI-powered command line tools03:32 Why Amazon is paying people to play06:44 “Vibe Coding”08:10 Differential equations & development tools12:00 Risks of rapid AI adoption13:32 What does coding look like in 2028?16:20 Creativity, context-switching & grit18:07 How play drives innovation19:34 Teaching AI in schools23:10 Is age the biggest barrier to AI adoption?28:20 What should junior Devs expect?30:38 Better AI boundaries35:01 Will AI replace Developers?37:25 Accelerating innovation, not replacing humans42:24 Why AI works best on repetitive tasks44:11 Let AI do the dishes, not the art46:04 From Paris, Texas to Amazon Web Services48:19 Everything is learnable49:09 The grit factorConnect with Rory:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roryr/Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG