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 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.

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.George Swetlitz, co-founder of RightResponse AI (https://www.rightresponseai.com/), brings a wealth of experience from consulting and operational roles, including significant leadership positions at McKinsey and Sara Lee Corporation. This episode delves into the evolving landscape of AI in reputation management, emphasizing the transition from traditional customer feedback to AI-driven insights. Swetlitz discusses the implications of AI-generated responses and the importance of maintaining brand consistency in digital interactions. He explores the challenges of adapting to generative engine optimization, highlighting how companies can leverage AI to enhance their digital footprint. Additionally, the conversation touches on ethical concerns, including privacy and the balance between automation and human interaction in customer service.Summary:Guest Background: George Swetlitz is a seasoned consultant and business leader, now co-founder of RightResponse AI.AI in Reputation Management: RightResponse AI uses AI to enhance how businesses manage and respond to customer reviews, focusing on brand consistency.Generative Engine Optimization: Swetlitz highlights the shift from traditional SEO to generative engine optimization, crucial for reaching younger audiences.Ethical AI Concerns: The episode covers privacy and the ethical use of AI, emphasizing the need for real personalization over fake personalization.AI Implementation Advice: Swetlitz advises CEOs to start with simple AI projects and choose vendors carefully to manage risks effectively.Companies/Organizations: Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.RightResponse AIMcKinseySara Lee CorporationHarvardJ.P. MorganTrader Joe'sCrate and BarrelBooks: Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel KahnemanMovies: CasablancaCopyright © 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 Sean Neville, Co-founder and CEO of Catena Labs, as well as Co-founder and Board Member at Circle. Sean shares the origin story of Circle, reflecting on its mission to democratize finance using internet technology. The discussion covers the transformative potential of AI and blockchain, emphasizing the need for robust AI governance frameworks to ensure safety and compliance. Sean highlights the importance of programmable money and the integration of stablecoins within financial systems. The episode concludes with Sean offering insights on various topics from blockchain security to AI's role in economic transactions.Summary:Circle's Origin: Sean Neville discusses the founding of Circle and its goal to democratize finance using global internet standards.AI and Blockchain: The convergence of AI and blockchain technologies is explored, highlighting their potential to transform global financial systems.Programmable Money: Sean explains the concept of programmable money and its implications for financial transactions.AI Governance: The necessity of developing AI governance frameworks for safe and compliant economic participation is emphasized.Final Insights: Sean shares perspectives on topics ranging from blockchain security to AI agents in finance.Companies/Organizations: Catena LabsCircleBrightcoveGeneral CatalystArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Books: Super Agency by Greg Beato and Reid HoffmanMovies: The Social NetworkCopyright © 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 Andriy Burkov, who holds a PhD in artificial intelligence and is the author of several books including "The Hundred Page Machine Learning Book" and "Machine Learning Engineering." The conversation dives into Andriy's academic background in multi-agent systems and computational game theory, highlighting his significant contributions to algorithms for Nash Equilibrium in multi-turn games. Andriy shares insights into his transition from academia to industry, recounting his experiences with companies like Fujitsu and innovative startups in Quebec. The discussion shifts to how AI is revolutionizing software development, with Andriy emphasizing the increased productivity for experienced engineers and the challenges faced by recent computer science graduates in a competitive job market. The episode concludes with Andriy's perspectives on the ethical implications of AI and his advice for businesses starting their AI journey.Summary:Guest Introduction: Andriy Burkov discusses his academic background and contributions to AI, particularly in multi-agent systems.Career Transition: Shares experiences moving from academia to industry, working with Fujitsu and innovative startups.AI in Software Development: Explores how AI is enhancing productivity for experienced software engineers.Challenges for Graduates: Addresses the competitive job market for computer science graduates and offers advice for gaining experience.Ethical Considerations: Discusses the importance of understanding AI's limitations and the potential risks in its deployment.Companies/Organizations: Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.FujitsuBooks: The Hundred Page Machine Learning BookArtificial Intelligence: A Modern ApproachMovies: Terminator 2Alien Harry PotterThe Lord of the RingsTV Shows: Breaking BadGame of ThronesCopyright © 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.Nicole Carignan, Senior Vice President of Security and AI Strategy at Darktrace, shares her journey from a computer science background to leading AI security strategies. The episode explores the necessity of using AI to combat AI-driven cyber threats, highlighting the importance of autonomous systems in defending against sophisticated attacks like those from Scattered Spider. Nicole discusses the evolving landscape of AI agents, emphasizing the blend of human intuition and AI analytics for optimal decision-making. She also reflects on the ethical implications of AI in cybersecurity and the importance of embedding security into AI innovations. Additionally, Nicole offers insights into her daily role at Darktrace and her predictions for AI's future impact on security.Summary:Guest Background: Nicole Carignan is the Senior Vice President of Security and AI Strategy at Darktrace.AI in Cybersecurity: Nicole emphasizes the critical role of AI in defending against AI-powered cyber threats, advocating for autonomous response systems.Human vs. AI Decision Making: She discusses the importance of combining human intuition with AI analytics to enhance decision-making processes.AI Agents & Autonomy: Nicole explains the concept of AI agents and the need for diverse models to achieve reliable autonomous systems.Ethical Considerations: The conversation touches on the ethical challenges of AI in cybersecurity, urging for responsible innovation and security by design.Companies/Organizations:Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Troutman Street AudioDarktraceNASALockheed MartinCISABooks:AI Snake OilMovies:The MatrixCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.