
Eye On A.I.
Eye on A.I. is a biweekly podcast, hosted by longtime New York Times correspondent Craig S. Smith. In each episode, Craig will talk to people making a difference in artificial intelligence. The podcast aims to put incremental advances into a broader context and consider the global implications of the developing technology. AI is about to change your world, so pay attention.
Latest episodes

Jul 17, 2025 • 42min
#271 Steve Lucas: Why AI Agents Will Automate 75% of Business Operations by 2026
Steve Lucas, CEO of Boomi and a software veteran with over 30 years of experience, discusses the radical future of business driven by AI agents. He predicts that these agents will automate 75% of operations by 2026. Steve delves into the evolution of data integration, the shift toward a self-driving enterprise, and how companies can benefit from no-code automation. He highlights challenges in connecting modern and legacy systems and emphasizes the need for robust governance in AI usage to enhance efficiency across various industries.

Jul 15, 2025 • 53min
#270 Thomas Dohmke: GitHub CEO Reveals How AI Will Change Coding Forever
Thomas Dohmke, CEO of GitHub, shares insights on the future of software development shaped by AI. He discusses the transformative role of tools like Copilot, which shift the coding paradigm towards natural language. Dohmke highlights the concept of human-to-agent collaboration and explores how AI agents are revolutionizing coding for both novices and experts. He also reflects on his journey from East Berlin to leading GitHub, offering a unique perspective on technology and education in a post-reunification world.

Jul 11, 2025 • 56min
#269 Jason Hardy: How Hitachi Vantara Is Powering the Future of Enterprise AI
In a captivating discussion, Jason Hardy, Chief Technology Officer for AI at Hitachi Vantara, shares insights on deploying AI at scale. He sheds light on the concept of pragmatic AI and how it integrates into various industries like manufacturing and transport. Jason emphasizes the challenges of data quality and realistic goal-setting, while also exploring the partnership with NVIDIA to build a model-agnostic AI stack. He highlights the importance of sustainability in AI development and rethinking ROI by leveraging failures as strategic advantages.

Jul 6, 2025 • 56min
#268 Kiren Sekar: The Future of Physical Operations Is AI-Powered (Here's Why)
In this engaging discussion, Kiren Sekar, Chief Product Officer at Samsara, shares his insights on how AI is transforming physical operations across industries. He highlights the innovative integration of AI and IoT, providing real-time safety alerts and optimizing processes in sectors like logistics and agriculture. Sekar also delves into the impact of the company's public transition and the importance of data visibility for enhancing efficiency and safety. This conversation uncovers how technology is reshaping the backbone of frontline businesses in the modern era.

18 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 55min
#267 Nabil Bukhari: Exploring the Future of AI-Powered Enterprise Networking with Extreme Networks
Nabil Bukhari, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Extreme Networks, delves into the transformative role of AI in enterprise networking. He discusses the shift from traditional systems to agentic AI that enhances collaboration and troubleshooting. The conversation highlights the importance of secure, explainable AI and the ARC framework for aligning AI initiatives. Bukhari also explores the distinctions between enterprise and public networks, emphasizing the need for resilience and effective data management in an increasingly complex connectivity landscape.

Jun 29, 2025 • 48min
#266 Andy Kurtzig: How Pearl Uses AI + Human Experts In Professional Services
Andy Kurtzig, the founder and CEO of Pearl, discusses how his platform combines AI with human experts to tackle challenges in critical fields like healthcare and law. He explains Pearl's approach to reducing AI hallucinations through human validation and building trust in AI responses. Kurtzig dives into the complexities of AI reliability, monetization, and the legal implications of AI services. By blending large language models with expert input, Pearl aims to enhance accuracy and efficiency in professional consultations across over 700 categories.

Jun 27, 2025 • 45min
#265 Jeff Lu: How Akool Uses Gen AI to Make Live AI Avatars & Voices
Jeff Liu, the founder and CEO of Akool, shares his journey from tech giant to innovator in AI video technology. He discusses how Akool’s avatars are revolutionizing communication by enabling real-time language translation. Imagine a world where learning new languages becomes obsolete! Jeff dives into the technical wonders behind lip syncing, facial cloning, and emotional nuance in live streaming, showcasing how his company competes with major players like Google while bridging global language gaps.

Jun 22, 2025 • 39min
#264 Amr Awadallah: Vectara’s Mission To Make AI Hallucination-Free & Enterprise Ready
Amr Awadallah, CEO and co-founder of Vectara, is on a mission to make AI accurate and secure. He discusses the challenges of AI hallucinations and how his innovative strategies tackle this issue. Awadallah highlights the importance of data quality, real-time hallucination detection, and the collaborative approach to enhance AI performance. He also delves into the significance of trust and transparency in AI for enterprises. This conversation offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of reliable, production-ready AI.

Jun 18, 2025 • 54min
#263 Jarek Kutylowski: How DeepL Is Using AI to Break Language Barriers
Jarek Kutylowski, Founder and CEO of DeepL, shares his journey in revolutionizing language translation using AI. He discusses the importance of seamless communication for businesses operating globally and the balance between accuracy and naturalness in translations. Jarek highlights advancements in real-time speech tools and their integration into corporate workflows. The impact of these technologies on multilingual communication and how they enhance productivity while preserving linguistic diversity are key topics, making this a vital listen for anyone involved in global business.

6 snips
Jun 15, 2025 • 53min
#262 Deepak Chopra: How to Use AI to Expand Human Consciousness
Deepak Chopra, a leading medical doctor and expert in integrative medicine, discusses the intersection of AI and human consciousness. He explores whether AI can truly enhance our spiritual journeys or simply simulate wisdom. Chopra introduces his AI model, DeepakChopra.ai, designed to serve as a digital health guide, and shares insights from his book, 'Digital Dharma.' The conversation delves into innovative AI methodologies for health and spirituality, pondering the potential of AI to help individuals achieve personal growth and greater awareness.