Digital Disruption with Geoff Nielson

If you're not ready for the speed of change — you're already behind.Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Steve Brown, a leading voice in the field of artificial intelligence and a former executive at Google DeepMind and Intel.Steve has delivered hundreds of engaging keynotes and AI innovation workshops across five continents. With over 25 years of experience in AI and emerging technologies, Steve helps organizations build winning strategies that drive innovation, boost productivity, and fuel growth. He has advised leading brands including Nike, JP Morgan, Samsung, Comcast, Audi, Bank of America, PepsiCo, and Disney. Steve is the co-founder of The Provenance Chain Network, a BCG Luminary, and an advisor to multiple AI startups. He has been featured on CNN, BBC, Bloomberg, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. His book, The Innovation Ultimatum, explores how six strategic technologies will reshape every business in the 2020s. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Micro-Electronic Systems Engineering from Manchester University and lives in Portland, Oregon.Steve sits down with Geoff Nielson to explore how AI, robotics, and automation are reshaping business, education, and the future of work. Steve reflects on the six emerging technologies he forecasted in The Innovation Ultimatum, where he got it right, and what surprised him — from the power of process orchestration and the quiet rise of blockchain, to the next potential “ChatGPT moment.” Steve also shares a preview of his upcoming book, The AI Ultimatum, and what business leaders need to know now to stay relevant and human in an AI-powered economy. In this episode:0:00 Intro0:42 Revisiting 2019's predictions2:04 The Rise of process orchestration3:11 Process orchestration5:12 AI and sales enablement6:33 Blockchain’s future11:14 The mixed reality opportunity13:49 What’s the next “ChatGPT moment”?15:12 Robotics, Quantum & what's next18:40 The real AI transformation opportunity20:10 Top 3 areas where AI is impacting businesses21:37 AI-enabled employee experiences22:54 From lockdown to enablement24:36 Getting started with AI transformation28:01 Unexpected use cases31:29 The education disruption is coming36:20 Learn to get the most out of AI37:48 How to become robot-proof40:39 What gives life meaning43:20 Creativity in the age of AI45:42 The rise of one-person enterprise 49:19 Do we need AGI50:50 Hype vs. reality52:10 The AI Ultimatum 53:36 Speed of change  Connect with Steve:Website: https://www.stevebrown.ai/aboutLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/futuresteve/Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

Marty Cagan, a product thought leader and founder of the Silicon Valley Product Group, dives into the evolving world of product management amid AI advancements. He discusses three product management models and how organizations must adapt to maintain a competitive edge. Cagan emphasizes the role of visionary leadership and innovation, drawing insights from successful companies like Amazon and Tesla. He also shares insights from his latest book, addressing the need for structural shifts and effective decision-making in product development.

Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Ian Beacraft, Chief Futurist and Founder of Signal and Cipher.He is one of the leading voices in AI and the future of work. As Chief Futurist and Founder of Signal and Cipher, Ian helps organizations become AI-ready through strategic workforce transformation, training, and innovation. Ian has advised top global brands including Samsung, Google, Microsoft, and Nike. A former agency executive, he now pioneers immersive presentations that bring AI and extended reality to life. Ian is also the co-owner of a production studio designing virtual worlds and the first person ever to host a news segment as a synthetic human, streaming to over 100 million devices around the world. A classically trained musician and passionate educator, he champions the responsible, creative use of emerging technologies—and remains an optimist about the future of humanity in a tech-driven world. Ian sits down with Geoff Nielson to unpack the real impact of artificial intelligence on the workplace. They discuss why outdated leadership mindsets are more harmful than AI itself, how organizations must evolve beyond rigid roles and job descriptions, and why the future of work is less about replacing people and more about reshaping how we define value, productivity, and collaboration. Ian explains that it’s not about eliminating jobs, but about eliminating the artificial boundaries that confine people to specific roles within an organization. In this episode:0:00 Intro0:45 The real threat is not AI, but outdated leadership2:15 The era of unending exponential growth4:30 AI is changing the definition of work8:15 Where leaders should begin with AI12:35 Using AI tools to align leadership team15:30 What AI really needs to succeed 17:00 The loss of job descriptions19:02 The shift in career thinking21:50 Who’s at more risk – junior roles or long-time workers?25:30 The future of work in practice31:00 Digital Twins in the workplace36:00 Build AI ready teams41:00 Rethinking education46:01 What role does Signal and Cipher play to help accelerate traditional enterprises52:35 What’s next58:00 Tracking innovation and adaptability 1:04:00 Building a future-ready organization Connect with Ian:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianbeacraft/X: https://x.com/IanbcraftWebsite: https://signalandcipher.com/Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

What if everything you thought you knew about AI was wrong?Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Dr. Michael Littman, Division Director for Information and Intelligent Systems at the National Science Foundation.The Information and Intelligent Systems division is home to the programs and program officers that support researchers in artificial intelligence, human-centered computing, data management, and assistive technologies, as well as those exploring the impact of intelligent information systems on society. He is also University Professor of Computer Science at Brown University, where he studies machine learning and decision-making under uncertainty. He has earned multiple university-level awards for teaching and his research has been recognized with three best-paper awards and three influential paper awards. Littman is a Fellow of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence and the Association for Computing Machinery. Summer of 2025, he will become Brown University's inaugural Associate Provost for Artificial Intelligence.Dr. Michael Littman sits down with Geoff Nielson to explore the misconceptions about AI, its real-world applications, and what the future holds. Dr. Littman challenges common fears about AI replacing humans, emphasizing the importance of human-AI collaboration rather than competition. He talks about ethical considerations, the evolution of AI decision-making, and the balance between automation and human oversight. They unpack what is next in the world of artificial intelligence and why understanding the technology's limitations is just as important as embracing its potential.In this episode:0:00 Intro0:50 How AI technology has evolved3:24 Is the public ready for AI6:30 Sci-fi view of AI7:46 The underlying fear12:40 Society is adaptive16:00 This current round of AI gives us new tools20:15 New era of computer science23:16 AI is creating new roles27:25 The different kinds of education32:40 Dissemination mechanism 34:36 How AI works as an organization36:45 Importance of AI education38:28 How the National Science Foundation supports AI research43:23 What about AGI48:27 Future predictions52:34 The goal is to help organizations make the best use of this moment54:00 AI in the 80s to nowConnect with Dr. Michael Littman:Website: https://www.littmania.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-littman-b26351/X: https://x.com/mlittmancsVisit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

The future of work is changing, and organizations will need to rethink what an “office” truly means.Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Daniel Pink, New York Times best-selling author and workplace expert.Daniel Pink is the author of five New York Times bestsellers, including his latest, The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward. His other books include the New York Times bestsellers When and A Whole New Mind — as well as the #1 New York Times bestsellers Drive and To Sell is Human. Dan’s books have won multiple awards, have been translated into 46 languages, and have sold millions of copies around the world. Daniel sat down with Geoff at Info-Tech LIVE 2024 in Las Vegas for an insightful conversation about the future of work — what’s next, what to expect, and where it’s all headed. Daniel shares his perspectives on the evolving world of work and the challenges leaders face in navigating uncertainty. He talks about the importance of experimenting with new approaches and discovering meaningful work. Dan challenges the notion that anyone has all the answers about the future of work and instead encourages leaders to try, learn, and adapt.Interested in attending Info-Tech LIVE this year? We’re back in Vegas this June 10 - 12, and tickets are still available! Check the link to learn more. https://www.infotech.com/events/las-vegas-live-june-10-12-2025In this episode:0:00 Intro0:25 Info-Tech LIVE 20251:51 Time of uncertainty2:20: Fundamental questions about work and the ‘office’5:32: The importance of making progress 5:52: Uncomfortable behaviors as leaders7:45 Burnout10:50 Entering a world of permanent hybrid14:41: The power of regret17:20 What is the new normal?21:53 How are technological advancements shaping society24:40 Things will get better Connect with Daniel:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielpink/X: https://x.com/DanielPinkWebsite: https://www.danpink.com/Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

Will AI be able to reconstruct lost memories?Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Pau Aleikum Garcia, media designer and founder of Domestic Data Streamers.Pau is a media designer and the founder of Domestic Data Streamers, a Barcelona-based studio that has been creating immersive “info-experiences” and generative AI projects since 2013. His work spans over 45 countries, collaborating with institutions like the United Nations, Barcelona City Hall, and Citizen Lab. Pau is the chair of the Master in Data in Design program at ELISAVA University and is a guest lecturer at institutions including the School of Visual Arts (NY), the Hong Kong Design Institute, the Royal College of Art (London), and the Barcelona School of Economics. In 2021, he founded HeyHuman!, an artist residency program that merges music, journalism, and data to drive artistic research and social justice.Pau sits down with Geoff to talk about how his organization is unlocking some of the most human experiences through synthetic memories. This initiative uses generative AI to recreate lost visual memories, particularly for refugees, migrants, and those affected by war or displacement. They explain how AI is not just shaping the future but also helping to reclaim the past, as well as the conversation that led to the creation of this technology. They also discuss ethical considerations of working with vulnerable communities. The project is also being explored in dementia care, where AI-generated memories are being tested as a tool for reminiscence therapy. In this episode:0:00 Intro0:52 What are synthetic memories?2:18 The making of Domestic Data Steamers3:39 Why images and physical spaces matter for cultural identity5:00 Dystopian, futuristic idea8:33 Working with migrant communities 9:47 Where this technology is being deployed 12:11 Low-cost and accessible technology 13:50 The importance of emotional connections15:08 The images are artificially generated representations of memory vectors17:30 Working with memories21:40 Commercial interest22:43 AI is never neutral  23:55 Skeptic reader30:09 Understanding the data34:14 The cost of corruption36:37 How to stay informed 40:41 The future of AI is bright44:20 Domestic Data Streamers and the many projects48:30 Accomplishments and the futureConnect with Pau:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauerrr/Twitter: https://x.com/pau_aleikumWebsite: https://www.domesticstreamers.com/Visit our website: https://www.infotech.com/Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

A new era of intelligent technology is here.Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Ramin Hasani, co-founder and CEO of Liquid AI and a machine learning Scientist.Ramin Hasani is the co-founder and CEO of Liquid AI and a machine learning scientist at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab (CSAIL). Previously, he was a Principal AI & ML Scientist at Vanguard and a Research Affiliate at MIT. His work focuses on robust deep learning and decision-making in complex dynamical systems. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Vienna University of Technology, with his research on Liquid Neural Networks receiving global recognition with numerous nominations and awards such as TÜV Austria Dissertation Award nomination in 2020, and HPC Innovation Excellence Award in 2022. Ramin is also a frequent TEDx speaker.Ramin sits down with Geoff to share his new and unique approach to AI, inspired by biological and physical systems that could redefine how businesses use machine learning.Ramin shares insights from biology, specifically the neural structures of simple organisms that have led to the development of Liquid Neural Networks (LNNs). Unlike traditional neural networks, LNNs use differential equations to model dynamic decision-making processes, making them more adaptable for real-world applications. They discuss the advantages of these approaches and the scaling of these models. They also talk about the future of AI and how it may not just be about bigger models but smarter, biologically inspired intelligence capable of transforming how we interact with technology today and into the future. In this episode:0:00 Intro0:38 The story of Liquid AI technology 6:13 Transparent worm vs. traditional neural networks14:15 Liquid AI’s mission to build powerful AI systems18:12 Liquid AI will help you to develop the best kind ofmodels20:03 Compelling use cases22:12 Agentic behavior26:30 The most surprising use cases29:35 This is a better learning system32:01 Efficiency of liquid foundation models as opposed toGPT35:33 Is this tech ready for the market?38:30 The ‘white box’ philosophy and how it works with this model43:07 Where do you see this technology in 3 to 5 years?44:40 Trusted and understandable technology46:00 The new platform for AI that replaces it all48:40 Is there a quantum play here?51:05 Passion turned to reality 54:20 Cracked the equation 55:40 The future of intelligence Connect with Ramin:Website: https://www.raminhasani.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raminhasani/X: https://x.com/ramin_m_hVisit our website: Information Technology Research & IT Advisory Company | Info-Tech Research GroupFollow us on YouTube: Info-Tech Research Group - YouTube

Is adopting AI more about behavior than technology?Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Conor Grennan, Chief AI Architect at NYU Stern School of Business and a best-selling author.At NYU Stern School of Business, Conor builds generative AI fluency across the institution. He is also CEO and Founder of AI Mindset, an AI consulting company that trains professionals, leaders and organizations on a new and effective framework for generative AI. Conor has worked with teams across industry, including OpenAI, McKinsey, NASA, Google, Amazon, and many more.Conor sits down with Geoff to share his unconventional takes on successful change management in AI adoption. They discuss why integrating AI isn’t just about implementing new tools, it’s about changing behaviors, training senior leadership, adapting talent strategies, and redefining productivity.He explains that AI adoption rates are low because AI itself doesn’t teach new skills but rather requires a change in behavior. Simply instructing employees to use AI isn’t enough; organizations need to recognize and address the psychological resistance to change. In this episode:0:00 Intro0:21 The importance of AI adoption and change management 0:38 AI is not like normal technology1:55 AI doesn’t require you to learn anything3:05 Use cases don’t really work5:22 Organizational use of AI for managers and leaders7:12 Train senior leaders first9:33 Do we need to separate the AI from the person?10:03 Laws and limitations12:33 Helping organizations understand AI14:44 Who is going to win17:49 Use AI as a tool to attract the best talent19:42 The framework and how it works23:40 The story of AI use cases26:18 Is everyone struggling to adopt AI?28:42 Are we playing catchup with technology forever?30:55 How to drive AI adoption and understanding34:33 The age of AI agents37:13 The potential and possibilities40:11 Two types of bubbles43:58 The autonomous enterprise47:03 Prompt engineeringConnect with Conor:Website: https://www.ai-mindset.ai/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorgrennan_official/X: https://x.com/conorgrennanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conorgrennan/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCS9HfvYleu3t8MDqsZr8lLATik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@conorgrennan_officialFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

Are we on the verge of the most profound industrial revolution in human history?Today on Digital Disruption, we’re joined by Zack Kass, an AI futurist and former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI. As a leading expert in applied AI, he harnesses its capabilities to develop business strategies and applications that enhance human potential. Zack has been at the forefront of AI and played a key role in early efforts at commercializing AI and large language models, channeling OpenAI’s innovative research into tangible business solutions. Today, Zack is dedicated to guiding businesses, nonprofits, and governments through the fast-changing AI landscape. His expertise has been highlighted in leading publications, including Fortune, Newsweek, Entrepreneur, and Business Insider. Zack sits down with Geoff Nielson to give the inside scoop on the future of AI and the broader impact of digital disruption. They discuss the future of work, how organizations need to respond to survive, and the human skills that will become increasingly valued. Zack describes this transformation as the next Renaissance. In this episode:0:00 Intro0:44 The next Renaissance1:47 First major expansion of human potential2:58 The way we understand the universe is changing4:31 Supercharging the experts6:12 We will see the biggest changes in the next 50 to 100 years7:42 Human social structure is potentially disruptive10:03: Conflict12:04 Facing the new normal14:12: Future conflict between people and the state15:15 The future of work is changing23:06 Who are the new competitors? 25:35 AI on your device27:18 Where the economy is going28:56 The rise of passion projects29:30 Disruption in the workforce32:33 The Fortune 1000 heading towards dramatic change35:36 T big negative space of AI37:09 What AI is going to solve for and what it will not40:30 Creating a humanistic place44:11 Telling the story matters48:46 The challenge51:11 Technological hegemony and corporate greed52:06 Building the future Connect with Zack:Website: https://zackkass.com/ X: https://x.com/iamthezackLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackkassYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZackKassAIFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InfoTechRG

Which emerging technologies are most likely to collide – and what does this mean for the future?Today on Digital Disruption, we are joined by Creative Technologist Taryn Southern, a pioneering storyteller known for her work at the intersection of emerging technology, creativity, and human potential.Taryn’s journey with AI began in 2017 with a groundbreaking creative experiment—to compose an entire music album using artificial intelligence. The result, I AM AI, became one of the first AI-assisted pop albums and reached the Top 100 on the U.S. Radio Charts in 2018.Taryn sits down with Geoff Nielson to reveal the overlooked, hair-raising technologies shaping our future—and why she’s optimistic about AI as a force for good.What we talk about:0:00 Intro1:48 Hair-raising moments3:08 Predictions4:43 AI taking over creative tasks9:09 Is using an AI tool more challenging than just doing it yourself?11:35 Any one person can be a merchant13:50 These organizations need to be on their toes15:08 What role do major tech companies play17:24 The algorithms19:00 Trusting the tech companies19:48 Where is this going24:28 Impact on individual and collective well-being26:06 What is the state of Neurotechnology 30:54 Brain computer interface and mass adoption32:00 The scope of creativity is unlimited with BCI33:32 Hair-raising moments35:13 Will we lose a lot of human connection with AI?36: 44 Your perfect reality38:35 A better path to success39:36 AI therapists? Connect with Taryn:Website: https://tarynsouthern.com/Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/tarynsouthern/X: ⁠https://x.com/TarynSouthernFacebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/tarynsouthernYouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TarynSouthernFollow us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oKIgSAFcAkI