Behind The Tech with Kevin Scott

Lisa Su, Chair and CEO of AMD, shares her inspiring journey from a curious child fascinated by engineering to a leading figure in high-performance computing. She discusses the importance of hands-on experiences and STEM education, and highlights the current groundbreaking innovations in semiconductor technology. Su emphasizes the role of collaboration in both her leadership style and the rapid advancements in AI, painting a picture of an exciting era for hardware that mirrors the early internet days.

As 2023 comes to an end, we look back at compelling conversations with guests like Bill Gates, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Mira Murati, Tobi Lutke, and more. Topics include equity in tech, advocating for science, and the transformative power of AI.

David Kirtley, co-founder and CEO of Helion, discusses his childhood interest in science, the potential of fusion power for clean energy, and Helion's mission to build fusion generators. The podcast also touches on finding passion, the importance of fusion as a renewable energy source, unlocking space and material science, and expressing gratitude for previous achievements.

William A. Adams, a software engineer, DEI innovator, and philanthropist, discusses his early interest in STEM, founding a software development company, and his career at Microsoft. They also highlight the importance of equity and diversity in tech, the significance of networking, and the success of apprenticeship programs for underrepresented individuals.

Kevin Roose is a technology columnist for The New York Times covering technology innovation, including AI. He’s also the author of three books: his latest, Futureproof, is a “guide to surviving the technological future,” including nine rules to help people more confidently navigate a machine-filled world. In this episode, Roose discusses how he developed an interest in technology at a young age, how he became a journalist and an author (and how technology has impacted both industries), what it’s like writing about AI right now, and the importance of media and journalism to hold companies accountable.   Kevin Roose | The New York Times Kevin Scott   Behind the Tech with Kevin Scott  Discover and listen to other Microsoft Podcasts. 

will.i.am is most well-known as the founder and lead member of the Black Eyed Peas. Simultaneously, he is also an entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of FYI.AI, a Web 3.0 AI messenger, where he spends a lot of his time investing in software and operating systems incorporating AI, natural language understanding, and voice computing. In this episode, Kevin and will.i.am discuss his upbringing and how he got interested in technology, his optimism around AI and where it’s going (especially in creative fields), how he started his foundation providing STEAM education for disadvantaged youth, and much more.  This episode includes strong language and may not be appropriate for all audiences. will.i.am | FYI.AI  will.i.am also co-hosts the Changemakers podcast with Omar Abbosh. Check it out here. Kevin Scott   Behind the Tech with Kevin Scott  Discover and listen to other Microsoft Podcasts. 

Mira Murati is one of the most innovative tech leaders of our time. She has helped to scale OpenAI to the company it is today and lead teams to build innovative technologies and products including ChatGPT, DALL-E, and GPT-4. In this episode, Kevin and Mira discuss how she became interested in the sciences and technology, her innate sense of curiosity which led her to a career in artificial intelligence, and how OpenAI is deploying their technology responsibly for developers and consumers.   Mira Murati | OpenAI   Kevin Scott   Behind the Tech with Kevin Scott   Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at aka.ms/microsoft/podcasts.

Neil deGrasse Tyson is one of America’s best-known astrophysicists and a huge advocate for the sciences and scientific thinking. Neil has a great talent for presenting complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner, a critical aspect of his role as an educator and director of the Hayden Planetarium. In this episode, Kevin talks with Neil about his interest in the sciences and innate curiosity, how he stays up to date in pop culture, topics he explores in his book Starry Messenger, and so much more!  Neil deGrasse Tyson | StarTalk  Kevin Scott   Behind the Tech with Kevin Scott   Discover and listen to other Microsoft podcasts.     

Adrian Tchaikovsky is an award-winning science fiction and fantasy writer and probably one of our favorite authors right now. He is best known for his series Shadows of the Apt and Children of Time. In this episode, Kevin talks with Adrian about his upbringing and how he got interested in science fiction, his unique storytelling abilities, and how current AI technology such as ChatGPT will impact the future of sci-fi novels.   Adrian Tchaikovsky  Kevin Scott   Behind the Tech with Kevin Scott   Discover and listen to other Microsoft podcasts.   

Today, we have a special guest joining us on the podcast—Bill Gates. With the rapidly evolving AI landscape, including the release of products like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and the new Bing, it was the perfect time to have Bill join to talk about this unique moment in the history of computing. In this episode, Kevin talks with Bill about the latest in AI research, including the release of GPT-4, how past technology revolutions have led us to where we are today, how AI is evolving his philanthropic work, his love of reading, and so much more!   Bill Gates | GatesNotes  Kevin Scott   Behind the Tech with Kevin Scott   Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at aka.ms/microsoft/podcasts.