Today in Tech

In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw is joined by Sydnee Mayers, Product Lead for AI at Cribl, to explore the fast-growing world of AI certifications. As tech companies, cloud providers, and universities race to offer AI training programs, how can professionals know which certifications matter — and which ones might be outdated before you even finish them? We break down: The explosion of AI certifications post-ChatGPT The most popular programs (Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Andrew Ng) Why developer skills don’t always translate to working with AI The difference between a “course” and a real certification How employers actually view AI certs in hiring decisions The skills (like prompt engineering) that still aren’t being formally taught The lack of certifications for non-technical roles (sales, marketing) Why AI certifications may never become standardized — and what to do instead

AI is reshaping both sides of the job market—from how companies hire to how freelancers win work. In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw talks with Dave Bottoms (SVP & GM of Marketplace at Upwork) about AI-powered hiring, instant interviews, the surge in demand for AI skills, and how freelancers can stay competitive without losing the human creativity and judgment that clients value. What you’ll learn: How AI is changing recruiting and interviews (speed, fairness, transparency) The freelance skills in highest demand (prompting, model training, AI integration) Smart ways freelancers use AI to boost productivity—without sacrificing quality Trust, bias, and the future role of AI agents in the freelance economy Watch to see how to thrive in the new freelance economy shaped by AI.

Most companies are racing to adopt generative and agentic AI — but many are skipping the most important steps. In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw is joined by Prem Natarajan, EVP, Chief Scientist, and Head of Enterprise AI at Capital One, for a candid discussion about what true AI readiness looks like in the enterprise. Learn why flashy demos aren’t enough — and what organizations must invest in to move beyond experimentation: Why data quality, cloud architecture, and talent are non-negotiables How Capital One built its own AI agent platform (and why most companies can’t yet) The difference between outputs vs. outcomes in agentic AI What “human in the loop” really means in 2025 Why trust must be earned — by the technology The overlooked role of governance, risk, and strategic patience AI success starts long before the first model is deployed.

Murray Thom, VP of Quantum Technology Evangelism at D-Wave and a pioneer in the commercial quantum computing field, discusses the groundbreaking shift in quantum technology set for 2025. He highlights how it's already impacting industries like finance and retail through improved scheduling and logistics. Thom addresses misconceptions, emphasizing that quantum will enhance, not replace, classical computing. He envisions exciting future applications, including advancements in personalized medicine and climate solutions, signaling a transformative era ahead.

As enterprises embrace agentic AI, the cybersecurity challenges are multiplying. In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw sits down with Lee Klarich, Chief Product Officer at Palo Alto Networks, to explore the growing concerns around AI security — from prompt injection and rogue agents to emerging attack vectors enabled by autonomous AI systems. Lee breaks down the three core risk categories facing companies in 2025: Misuse and lack of visibility into generative AI tools New attack surfaces opened by copilots and embedded agents The looming threat of AI-powered attackers and autonomous red teaming tools They also cover: The evolution of security from generative AI to agentic AI Real-world vulnerabilities already observed in agent communication protocols (MCP) Why discovery and control are the first steps in protecting AI deployments How security teams can evolve their playbooks without slowing down innovation The optimistic case for AI as a force multiplier for defenders—not just attackers Will the defenders stay one step ahead, or are we building systems we can’t control? This episode delivers must-watch insights for CISOs, security engineers, and tech leaders navigating the next phase of AI adoption.

Artificial intelligence is powerful, but are businesses using it the wrong way? In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw sits down with Alan Trefler, Founder and CEO of Pega, to discuss why so many AI projects are failing and how companies can still unlock real value from generative AI and agentic AI. Alan shares why organizations confuse design-time AI (for creativity and planning) with run-time AI (for execution and reliability), and why that mistake leads to unscalable, risky, and sometimes embarrassing outcomes. From failed AI pilots to the hype around agents, Alan breaks down: Why at least 40% of AI projects fail The dangers of running your business on “prompts” The three categories of AI every business leader must understand How workflows, not prompts, create predictability and trust The future of agentic AI, and how to avoid repeating today’s mistakes

From spotting weapons and detecting smoke to predicting where incidents are most likely to occur, artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of physical security. In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw and guest James Benum explore how AI-powered cameras, drones, and large language models are improving response times, reducing false alarms, and helping security teams work smarter. They also discuss the balance between safety and privacy, the convergence of cyber and physical security, and why humans will always play a vital role in protecting people and property.

Is AI helping or hurting your job search? In this episode of Today in Tech, host Keith Shaw sits down with Cliff Jurkiewicz, Vice President of Global Strategy at Phenom, to uncover the truth behind applicant tracking systems (ATS), the rise of generative engine optimization (GEO), and the new AI-powered job hunt. Discover why your traditional resume may be getting ignored, how AI is quietly reshaping hiring from both the company and candidate side, and what you can do to stand out. Cliff explains the difference between old-school ATS systems and modern intelligent talent platforms, warns about ethical lines job seekers are crossing with prompt injection and fraud, and shares why storytelling and networking are now essential job-seeking strategies. :fire: Key Takeaways: Why legacy ATS systems are like "taping an iPad to a school bus" How to write resumes for AI using GEO and semantic relevance The dangers of resume fraud and prompt injection How to practice interviews with ChatGPT (the right way) Why face-to-face networking is more valuable than ever :pushpin: Whether you're job hunting now or preparing for the future, this episode is packed with real-world strategies and surprising truths.

Ketan Karkhanis, CEO of ThoughtSpot and an expert in AI-driven analytics, discusses the real value and challenges of generative AI. He emphasizes AI’s role in enhancing employee onboarding and customer service, calling it a tool for job enhancement rather than displacement. Ketan also explores how businesses can adopt AI strategically to foster innovation, particularly for small companies vying against larger rivals. With insights on navigating the adoption landscape and ensuring trust in AI, he sets the stage for a future where AI drives real results.

In a fascinating discussion, Byron Cook, a Distinguished Scientist and VP at AWS, dives into the world of AI hallucinations. He explains how these inaccuracies can be both misleading and surprisingly useful. The conversation covers the essential role of automated reasoning as a 'logic cop' to enhance AI reliability and the challenges in defining truth within business contexts. Cook emphasizes the need for safeguards around agentic AI and shares insights on when AI missteps can have serious consequences for users.