GeekWire

Jeff Shulman, a marketing professor and civic advocate at the University of Washington's Foster School, dives into Seattle's dynamic landscape amidst the AI boom. He discusses the city’s struggle to nurture superstar startups and the evolving role of AI in marketing education. Shulman also reflects on Seattle's rich tech history in contrast to Silicon Valley and shares passionate insights about the potential revival of the Seattle Supersonics, illustrating the deep connections between sports, identity, and innovation in the region.

In this engaging discussion, Adam Brotman, co-author of AI First and former chief digital officer at Starbucks, teams up with Andy Sack, co-author and tech investor, to explore the transformative power of AI in business. They share their 'holy-shit' moment with Sam Altman and reveal how AI can boost customer engagement. The duo emphasizes the necessity of an AI-first mindset for leaders, touching on innovative strategies for integrating AI into company culture and making the technology accessible and enjoyable for employees.

Ed Lazowska, a longtime professor at the University of Washington and a pivotal figure in computer science, dives into the dramatic evolution of tech education. He discusses how AI is reshaping learning paradigms, shifting focus from coding to crucial skills like design and teamwork. Ed also reflects on his impressive career, mentorship's role in tech, and how universities can bolster Seattle’s startup scene. Looking ahead, he emphasizes the importance of independence in academia to foster innovation and tackle pressing challenges in the tech landscape.

Microsoft's stock surges as it hits a $4 trillion valuation, while Amazon grapples with its AI strategy amidst financial scrutiny. The hosts dissect the dynamics between these tech giants, exploring the competition in AI and the contrasting user engagement of products like Microsoft's Copilot. Insights from industry leaders highlight the pressing need for innovation in Seattle's tech scene. Also, a nostalgic look at the Zune reveals vital lessons in timing and market strategy that resonate in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Brad Anderson, President at Qualtrics and former Microsoft VP, shares insights on the intersection of AI and technology. He discusses how AI is transforming survey methods and enhancing user experiences. Brad reflects on the evolution of Qualtrics and the vital role that cloud services play in business engagement. The conversation touches on security challenges in AI development and the changing landscape of engineering roles. Finally, he shares a personal story about leadership and empathy, revealing how family experiences influenced his professional approach.

Francessca Vasquez, VP at Amazon Web Services, leads AI innovation efforts at AWS and brings insight into AI's real-world impact. She discusses how businesses are using generative and agentic AI, the hurdles they face, and effective strategies for integrating AI solutions. Topics include the establishment of AWS’s Generative AI Innovation Center to support organizations lacking data science skills and the transformative effects of AI in industries like sports and finance. Vasquez also emphasizes the need for companies to adapt to AI trends for future success.

Colin Sebastian, a senior research analyst at Baird, shares his insights on the tech giants navigating the AI landscape. He discusses Amazon's Alexa enhancements, Google's balance between search and chatbots, and Meta's aggressive AI recruitment. Colin analyzes the current investment climate, contrasting it with the dot-com era, and predicts the next wave in gaming. He emphasizes how AI is transforming research processes, earnings calls, and the entire tech ecosystem.

In this engaging discussion, Sabina Nawaz, an executive coach and former Microsoft leader, shares insights from her book, "You're the Boss." She argues that pressure, not power, corrupts leaders and delves into the challenges of diminished middle management. Topics include the transformative role of AI in leadership, actionable strategies like Micro Habits, and the risks of promotion. Reflecting on her experiences with Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer, Sabina highlights how managers can better support their teams while avoiding burnout.

Hanson Hosein, an Emmy Award-winning journalist and digital storytelling pioneer, shares captivating insights on creativity and media's future. He discusses his latest documentary, "American Dignity," which connects civil rights past to present. The conversation explores how AI is reshaping storytelling, making it both challenging and exciting for creators. Hosein also reflects on his unique journey of converting a chicken coop into a studio, showcasing how constraints can elevate creativity in today's landscape.

AI is revolutionizing how tech giants operate and changing the essence of work. Employees at Amazon are faced with choosing AI training or updating their resumes as company dynamics shift. The concept of the 'infinite workday' raises concerns about constant connectivity altering traditional work hours. Meanwhile, the introduction of the AI-enhanced Alexa Plus sparks curiosity about AI's role in managing daily tasks. Personal anecdotes reveal the blurred lines between human and machine in everyday interactions, highlighting the humorous side of this transformation.