AI Risk Reward

In the AI Risk Reward podcast, our host, Alec Crawford (@alec06830), Founder and CEO of Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc. aicrisk.com, interviews guests about balancing the risk and reward of Artificial Intelligence for you, your business, and society as a whole. Podcast production and sound engineering by Troutman Street Audio. You can find them on LinkedIn.In this episode, Alec Crawford sits down with Becky Reed, Chief Operating Officer of BankSocial and co-founder and board chair of Pure IT Credit Union Service Organization, to explore the intersection of innovation, technology, and risk in the credit union sector. Becky shares her career journey from operations to CEO, emphasizing the importance of continuous innovation and the adoption of emerging technologies such as cloud computing, blockchain, and stablecoins. She discusses how credit unions can leverage these advancements to remain relevant, warning of the significant risks of not adapting, including potential revenue loss and deposit outflows. The conversation covers best practices in consumer protection, regulatory compliance, and the convergence of AI and blockchain in finance. Becky also offers thoughtful advice for students entering the workforce and provides candid perspectives in a fun lightning round segment.Summary:Career Innovation: Becky Reed’s journey highlights the shift from traditional operations to technology-driven leadership in credit unions.Blockchain & Stablecoins: The episode details how decentralized finance and stablecoins can disrupt traditional banking models and why credit unions must adapt.Risk of Inaction: Becky stresses that the greatest risk is for credit unions to remain passive, risking lost revenue and deposits as technology evolves rapidly.Regulatory Compliance: She advocates for applying existing consumer protection and privacy regulations to new technologies, ensuring ethical and secure adoption.Humanities in the AI Era: For students and professionals, Becky advises focusing on human-centric skills that AI cannot replicate, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning.Companies/Organizations:BankSocialPure IT Credit Union Service OrganizationArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Lone Star Credit UnionArlington Federal Credit UnionCircleKatena LabsOpenAIAmazon (AWS)RobinhoodCoinbaseBooks: Credit Unions and DeFi, a Financial Renaissance by Becky ReedMovies: BarbieCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

In the AI Risk Reward podcast, our host, Alec Crawford (@alec06830), Founder and CEO of Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc. aicrisk.com , interviews guests about balancing the risk and reward of Artificial Intelligence for you, your business, and society as a whole. Podcast production and sound engineering by Troutman Street Audio. You can find them on LinkedIn.In this episode, Alec speaks with Javier Tordable, CEO and Founder of Pauling.AI, about the transformative potential of AI in drug discovery. Javier shares his journey from mathematics and technology roles at Microsoft and Google to launching Pauling.AI, highlighting the importance of innovation and mentorship in shaping his career. He explains how Pauling.AI aims to automate the process of moving from scientific hypothesis to molecule testing, thereby accelerating and reducing the cost of bringing new medicines to market. The discussion covers the ethical considerations of AI in life sciences, the realistic risks of misuse, and the challenges posed by today’s advanced content generation capabilities. Javier also provides practical advice for pharma CEOs considering AI adoption and reflects on the evolving role of regulators in healthcare and technology.Summary:AI for Drug Discovery: Javier Tordable outlines how Pauling.AI leverages automation and language models to speed up the process of identifying and testing new therapeutics.Career and Mentorship: Javier’s background in mathematics, technology, and leadership at Google informs his approach to building impactful AI solutions in life sciences.Ethical Considerations: The episode addresses the dual-use nature of AI in science, noting both its potential for positive impact and the manageable risks of misuse.Industry Disruption: Javier advises traditional pharma leaders to partner with AI experts rather than attempt to independently build state-of-the-art capabilities.Regulatory Perspective: The conversation highlights the complexity regulators face and suggests global best practices, particularly with reference to the U.S. FDA and China’s accelerated clinical trial environment.Companies/Organizations:Pauling.AIArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.GoogleMicrosoftNintendoMeditechSchrodingerFuture HouseEdison ScientificOpenAIFDANetflixWarner BrothersAmazonAppleBooks:Isaac Asimov’s Foundation seriesMovies:The Matrix ReloadedTV Shows: FoundationCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

In the AI Risk Reward podcast, our host, Alec Crawford (@alec06830), Founder and CEO of Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc. aicrisk.com, interviews guests about balancing the risk and reward of Artificial Intelligence for you, your business, and society as a whole. Podcast production and sound engineering by Troutman Street Audio. You can find them on LinkedIn.In this episode, Alec Crawford welcomes Bruce Randall, an enterprise and startup sales growth strategist specializing in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity, and the author of the upcoming book, The AI Human Paradox. Bruce shares insights from his diverse career journey, starting as an entrepreneur during college and progressing through pivotal roles in software and AI sales. He discusses the intersection of AI and quantum technologies, highlighting both the transformative potential and the associated risks, particularly around ethics and the speed of innovation. Bruce also emphasizes the irreplaceable qualities of human intuition and consciousness, drawing from his experiences as a Reiki master and meditation practitioner. The conversation rounds out with practical advice for students entering the workforce, focusing on the importance of technical fluency, sales creativity, and maintaining a human-centric approach in an AI-driven world.Summary:Career Journey: Bruce Randall reflects on his progression from student entrepreneur to AI-focused sales strategist.Human and AI Boundaries: The discussion explores AI’s potential, the uniqueness of human consciousness, and the ethical dilemmas at the frontier of technology.Quantum and AI Synergy: Bruce expresses both excitement and caution about the convergence of AI and quantum computing, noting the vast unknowns and risks.Sales and Human Skills: He underscores the ongoing value of sales roles, creativity, and technical fluency, especially for students navigating an AI-impacted job market.Ethics and Governance: The episode addresses the importance of ethical guardrails, international competition, and the need for AI regulation to ensure technology serves humanity.Companies/Organizations:Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Johnson and Wales UniversityMITThe Global Ethical AI InstituteLinkedInBooks:The AI Human Paradox by Bruce RandallSpin SellingMovies:RobocopSchindler's ListJurassic ParkCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

In the AI Risk Reward podcast, our host, Alec Crawford (@alec06830), Founder and CEO of Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc. aicrisk.com, interviews guests about balancing the risk and reward of Artificial Intelligence for you, your business, and society as a whole. Podcast production and sound engineering by Troutman Street Audio. You can find them on LinkedIn.In this episode, Alec welcomes William Hollis, Founder and CEO of RaiseAI, to discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence and real estate investing. William shares his journey from young computer enthusiast to self-taught software engineer and entrepreneur, highlighting how his technical background informed his approach to capital raising in commercial real estate. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities of adopting AI tools in traditionally manual real estate processes, with William emphasizing the importance of retaining human judgment and ethical oversight. Alec and William explore the risks of bias in AI-driven decision-making and the potential for AI to both democratize and transform capital raising and due diligence. The episode concludes with a lively lightning round, touching on automation, investment tools, and future trends such as blockchain in real estate.Summary:Career Journey: William Hollis shares how self-taught software skills led him to enterprise AI and, ultimately, real estate tech entrepreneurship. AI in Real Estate: Discussion on how AI can streamline capital raising, investor targeting, and due diligence while addressing legacy industry challenges. Ethical Concerns: William highlights the importance of maintaining human oversight to mitigate bias and ensure fair outcomes in AI-powered real estate decisions. Investor Advice: Practical guidance for new investors, stressing the value of personal relationships, thorough research, and aligning investment strategies with individual goals. Future Trends: Insights into blockchain, automation, and the evolving role of AI in shaping the future of real estate and job markets.Companies/Organizations: RaiseAIArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.DisneyNikeMovies: Ocean's ElevenWALL-ECopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

In the AI Risk Reward podcast, our host, Alec Crawford (@alec06830), Founder and CEO of Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc. aicrisk.com, interviews guests about balancing the risk and reward of Artificial Intelligence for you, your business, and society as a whole. Podcast production and sound engineering by Troutman Street Audio. You can find them on LinkedIn.In this episode, Alec welcomes Yaakov Sash, Founder and CEO of Casso AI, for an in-depth conversation about the evolving intersection of AI, finance, and enterprise technology. Yaakov shares insights from his extensive background in banking and digital asset technology, recounting his journey through major financial institutions and the genesis of Casso AI. He explains the concepts of “vibe coding” and “vibe crafting,” highlighting the growing need for structured AI-driven development in enterprise settings. The discussion covers the impact of AI on traditional software roles and the shifting requirements for computer science graduates, as well as the ethical considerations and risks of advanced AI systems. Alec and Yaakov also touch on influential thinkers such as Ray Kurzweil and Eliezer Yudkowsky, and conclude with a lightning round covering everything from Brooklyn pizza to the enduring value of software design principles.Summary:Career Evolution: Yaakov Sash shares his trajectory from major banks to founding Casso AI, emphasizing adaptability and industry cycles.Vibe Coding vs. Crafting: The episode details the transition from rapid AI-generated app development to thoughtful, specification-driven enterprise solutions.AI’s Workforce Impact: Yaakov discusses the changing role of developers, predicting a shift toward orchestrating and reviewing AI-generated code.Ethical and Safety Concerns: The conversation explores the risks of AI deception, safety in development, and the importance of maintaining oversight.Founders’ Mindset: Building enduring value and pivoting with purpose is highlighted as key advice for entrepreneurs navigating emerging technologies.Companies/Organizations:Casso AIArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Credit SuisseUBSMerrill LynchBank of AmericaJPMCCircleMicrosoftOpenAI (Codex)Anthropic (Claude)Books:The Singularity Is Near by Ray KurzweilThe Singularity Is Nearer by Ray KurzweilWorks by Eliezer YudkowskyWorks by Ray BradburyMovies:SpeedCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

In the AI Risk Reward podcast, our host, Alec Crawford (@alec06830), Founder and CEO of Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc. aicrisk.com, interviews guests about balancing the risk and reward of Artificial Intelligence for you, your business, and society as a whole. Podcast production and sound engineering by Troutman Street Audio. You can find them on LinkedIn.In this episode, Alec Crawford interviews Yvonne Kanner, Managing Partner and Co-founder of TRIA Capital Partners, about the future of wealth management and the impact of AI. Yvonne shares her journey from Mexico City to co-founding a venture capital firm, highlighting her experience with entrepreneurial ventures within Merrill Lynch. The discussion delves into the challenges and opportunities in wealth management, emphasizing the role of innovation and leadership in navigating industry changes. Yvonne expresses concerns about AI's ethical implications and the potential for certain populations to be left behind. The conversation concludes with advice for financial advisors on strategic AI adoption in wealth management.Summary:Yvonne's Journey: Yvonne Kanner shares her path from Mexico City to co-founding TRIA Capital Partners.Wealth Management Evolution: The episode explores the changing landscape of wealth management and AI's role.Leadership and Innovation: Emphasis on the importance of leadership and innovation in adapting to industry shifts.AI Ethical Concerns: Yvonne discusses potential ethical issues and societal impacts of AI in finance.Strategic AI Adoption: Advice for advisors on the importance of strategic planning and data management in AI implementation.Companies/Organizations: TRIA Capital PartnersMerrill LynchArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Movies: Snow White and the Seven DwarfsCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

In the AI Risk Reward podcast, our host, Alec Crawford (@alec06830), Founder and CEO of Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc. aicrisk.com, interviews guests about balancing the risk and reward of Artificial Intelligence for you, your business, and society as a whole. Podcast production and sound engineering by Troutman Street Audio. You can find them on LinkedIn.In this episode, Alec welcomes Hannah Darley, Co-Founder and Chief AI Officer at Geordie AI, to discuss the intricacies of AI agent risk management. Hannah shares her unique journey from intelligence operations to co-founding Geordie AI, highlighting the importance of structured analytics and vulnerability in leadership. She elaborates on how Geordie AI aims to mitigate risks associated with AI agents while unlocking their innovative potential. The conversation delves into ethical AI frameworks, emphasizing the need for multiple judgment layers in decision-making processes. Hannah also shares insights into her transition from employee to founder, underscoring the importance of time management and team impact.Summary:AI Agent Risk Management: Hannah Darley explains how Geordie AI helps businesses manage AI agent risks while fostering innovation.Leadership and Vulnerability: Discusses the role of vulnerability in leadership and its impact on effective decision-making.Ethical AI Frameworks: Emphasizes the necessity of multiple judgment layers in creating ethical AI systems.Human Behavior in AI Governance: Highlights the influence of human behavior on AI system effectiveness and governance.Founder's Journey: Insights into the challenges and adjustments when transitioning from an employee to a founder.Companies/Organizations: Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Geordie AIDarktraceMicrosoftSalesforceZendeskBooks: Daring Greatly by Brené BrownMovies: The Lord of the Rings Extended EditionTV Shows: Gilmore GirlsCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

In the AI Risk Reward podcast, our host, Alec Crawford (@alec06830), Founder and CEO of Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc. aicrisk.com, interviews guests about balancing the risk and reward of Artificial Intelligence for you, your business, and society as a whole. Podcast production and sound engineering by Troutman Street Audio. You can find them on LinkedIn.In this episode, Alec Crawford speaks with Jonathan Kvarfordt, Head of GTM Growth Momentum, Founder of GTM AI Academy, and Co-founder of the AI Business Network. Jonathan shares his journey from sales and enablement to becoming a leader in AI strategy and growth. The discussion delves into the importance of aligning AI strategies with business objectives, highlighting the need for data access and ethical considerations in AI applications. They explore the challenges and opportunities of implementing AI in regulated industries, emphasizing the importance of trust and compliance. Jonathan also offers insights into practical AI use cases and the significance of educating leaders and teams in leveraging AI effectively.Summary:AI Strategy Alignment: Jonathan emphasizes integrating AI strategy with overarching business goals.Data Access Challenges: AI's potential is hindered by siloed data structures in organizations.Ethical Considerations: The episode discusses the need for transparency and ethical guidelines in AI use.Practical Use Cases: Jonathan shares examples of AI's impact on CRM processes and time optimization.Trust and Compliance: Highlighting the importance of trust in AI tools, especially in regulated industries.Companies/Organizations: GTM Growth MomentumGTM AI AcademyAI Business NetworkJP Morgan ChaseMomentumArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Movies: Beverly Hills CopCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

In the AI Risk Reward podcast, our host, Alec Crawford (@alec06830), Founder and CEO of Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc. aicrisk.com, interviews guests about balancing the risk and reward of Artificial Intelligence for you, your business, and society as a whole. Podcast production and sound engineering by Troutman Street Audio. You can find them on LinkedIn and at troutmanstreetaudio.com. You can hear the difference.Jocelyn King, a leading figure in cybersecurity and founder of Smarter Online Safety, shares her compelling journey from being a cybercrime victim to becoming an advocate for online safety. The episode underscores the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures and the impact of AI in both aiding and combating cyber threats. Jocelyn discusses her personal experiences with cyber intrusions, the creation of her comprehensive checklist for digital protection, and the role of AI in contemporary cybersecurity challenges. She emphasizes the need for both individuals and companies to adopt robust security practices and highlights the psychological tactics employed by cybercriminals. Additionally, the episode covers the ethical considerations surrounding AI use, particularly in preventing data breaches and maintaining privacy.Summary:Guest Background: Jocelyn King is a renowned cybersecurity expert and the founder of Smarter Online Safety.Cybersecurity Journey: Jocelyn shares her personal experience of being targeted by cybercriminals, which led to her mission to educate others on online safety.AI and Cybercrime: The discussion highlights how AI is used by both cybercriminals and cybersecurity experts, changing the landscape of digital threats.Digital Self-Defense: Jocelyn outlines key steps individuals can take to secure their digital lives, emphasizing the importance of basic security measures.Ethical AI Use: The conversation touches on the ethical responsibilities of companies in using AI technology safely and transparently.Companies/Organizations:Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Smarter Online SafetyIntelFBISilicon Valley AI CryptoWaters TechnologyFerrariCal BerkeleyHong Kong UniversityBooks:Getting Things Done by David AllenRaising AI by DekaiTV Shows:Ted LassoCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

Manuj Aggarwal, the Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at TetraNoodle Technologies, shares his inspiring journey from a small town in India to becoming a successful entrepreneur in Canada. He discusses how AI can enhance human capabilities and the importance of creating digital twins for decision-making. Manuj emphasizes the future of work, predicting that AI will transform industries and unleash creativity. He also raises concerns about AI-driven disruptions and advises startups to focus on human creativity in an increasingly automated world.