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 and at troutmanstreetaudio.com. You can hear the difference.George Swetlitz, co-founder of RightResponse AI, 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.

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.Maya Ackerman, a professor at Santa Clara University and co-founder of Wave AI, shares her journey from aspiring programmer to a pioneering figure in AI-generated creativity. The episode delves into the concept of AI as a reflection of society’s collective unconscious and explores how generative AI can enhance human creativity rather than replace it. Maya discusses her book, "Creative Machines," which envisions AI as a tool to elevate human creativity through humble collaboration. The conversation also touches on AI’s potential impact on employment and the ethical considerations of AI development. Maya emphasizes the importance of authentic connections and strong team dynamics in startup success and advises leaders to shape AI's future responsibly.Summary:Guest Background: Maya Ackerman is a professor at Santa Clara University and co-founder of Wave AI, with a focus on AI and creativity.Creative Machines: Her book explores AI as a mirror reflecting societal biases and envisions AI enhancing human creativity.AI and Society: Maya discusses AI’s potential impact on employment and stresses the need for ethical development.Startup Insights: She highlights the importance of strong team dynamics and authentic connections for entrepreneurial success.Vision for AI: Maya advocates for AI as a humble partner that elevates human creativity rather than replacing it.Companies/Organizations:Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Wave AISanta Clara UniversitySound MicrosystemsNvidiaA16 ZLightspeedGEMorgan StanleyTroutman Street AudioBooks:Creative Machines by Maya AckermanBeing You by Anil SethJack Welch’s biographyMovies:Before MidnightTV Shows:Game 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 and at troutmanstreetaudio.com. You can hear the difference.Tristan Pelloux, an entrepreneur and visiting professor at SRH in Germany, shares his journey from corporate finance to strategic innovation, leveraging new technologies. The episode delves into the essence of strategy, highlighting Michael Porter's influential piece, "What is Strategy?" and its foundational impact on business decision-making. Tristan discusses the current AI landscape, emphasizing the importance of starting with a clear business case before integrating AI solutions. Key discussions include the role of AI in improving operational efficiency and governance, along with potential risks such as data privacy and regulatory compliance. Tristan also shares his insights on how students and professionals can embrace AI tools to enhance their skills and adapt to changing job landscapes.Summary:Guest Background: Tristan Pelloux is an entrepreneur and visiting professor at SRH in Germany, with a background in corporate finance and strategy.Strategy Simplified: Discusses Michael Porter's "What is Strategy?" and its importance in understanding business positioning and differentiation.AI Hype and Reality: Emphasizes starting with a business case and avoiding the pitfall of adopting AI without a clear problem-solving focus.AI and Governance: Highlights the importance of considering data privacy, regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity risks when implementing AI.Adapting to AI: Advises students and professionals to leverage AI tools for skill enhancement and to remain adaptable to technological changes.Companies/Organizations: SRHHarvard Business ReviewOpenAIMicrosoft Co-pilotPrince Charles CinemaArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Books: "What is Strategy?" by Michael Porter"Bulletproof Problem Solving" by Charles R. Conn and Robert McLeanMovies: CommandoCopyright © 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.Al Kushner, founder and CEO of LinkedVantage, joins the podcast to discuss the transformative impact of AI on LinkedIn. Known for his expertise in leveraging AI for professional networking, Al shares insights from his career, which began in sales, and his journey to becoming a thought leader in the AI space. The episode delves into the ever-evolving landscape of LinkedIn, discussing how AI-generated content is becoming increasingly prevalent. Al emphasizes the importance of profile optimization and personal branding, offering concrete steps for job seekers. He also addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the job market, highlighting the emerging field of prompt engineering. Finally, Al provides guidance for aspiring authors and reflects on the significance of authenticity in leveraging AI.Summary:Guest Background: Al Kushner is the founder and CEO of LinkedVantage and an award-winning author of "The AI LinkedIn Advantage."Sales and Thought Leadership: Al emphasizes the importance of starting a career in sales and becoming a thought leader.AI's Impact on LinkedIn: The episode discusses the growing use of AI in generating social media content and its implications for LinkedIn.Profile Optimization: Al provides practical advice for job seekers on improving LinkedIn profiles and using AI tools effectively.Job Market and AI: The discussion includes insights on the future of the job market with AI, including the rise of prompt engineering.Companies/Organizations:LinkedVantageArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.MicrosoftFacebookAmazonAudibleSpotifyBooks:"The AI LinkedIn Advantage" by Al Kushner"Atomic Habits" by James ClearMovies:"Pursuit of Happyness"Copyright © 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.Vinay Chaudhri, a principal at Knowledge Systems Research, LLC, shares his journey from obtaining a PhD in the 1990s to supporting a National Science Foundation initiative focused on integrating deep learning with knowledge graphs. The episode emphasizes the importance of explicitly representing knowledge and utilizing it for reasoning. Vinay discusses his transition from a significant role at JP Morgan to his current position, highlighting the differences in technological adoption between corporate and research settings. He also explores how AI can enhance human reasoning, rather than merely mimic it. Additionally, Vinay shares insights on the potential of AI in various fields, from education to environmental sustainability.Summary:Guest Background: Vinay Chaudhri is a principal at Knowledge Systems Research, LLC, supporting a National Science Foundation AI initiative.AI History: Vinay started his AI journey in the 1990s, focusing on knowledge bases and human-like reasoning.Career Transition: He transitioned from JP Morgan to research, valuing intellectual challenge and family goals.AI Research: Emphasizes explicit knowledge representation and AI's potential to enhance human reasoning.Technological Adoption: Contrasts JP Morgan's proactive approach to AI with more conservative institutions.Companies/OrganizationsKnowledge Systems Research, LLCNational Science FoundationUniversity of TorontoStanfordJP MorganSRI InternationalSanta Fe Institute of ComplexityArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.BooksYoga SutrasMoviesThe Sound of MusicCopyright © 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.In this enlightening episode, Alec Crawford welcomes Steve Endacott, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Life's Echo. Steve shares his fascinating journey from disrupting the UK travel industry with dynamic packaging to pioneering AI-driven solutions. He discusses how AI is reshaping the travel sector, particularly through the innovative projects of his AI incubator, Neural River. Key topics include the transformative potential of AI in voice technology and the ethical considerations surrounding AI usage. Steve also introduces Life's Echo, a platform for creating personal autobiographies through AI. The conversation underscores the rapid pace of AI adoption and the need for strategic planning to address potential societal impacts.Summary:Guest Background: Steve Endacott is a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Life's Echo, with a history of innovation in the travel and tech industries.AI Incubator: Steve discusses Neural River, an AI incubator that nurtures young talent and spins out new AI-driven businesses.AI in Travel: The conversation explores how AI is poised to revolutionize the travel industry, particularly through AI Search and voice technology.Life's Echo: Steve introduces Life's Echo, a service that uses AI to create personal autobiographies and digital twins for future generations.Ethical Considerations: The discussion touches on the ethical implications of AI, including job displacement and the importance of data security.Companies/Organizations:Life's EchoArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.GoogleTripAdvisorRedditKongaBooking.comThomas CookMy TravelTroutman Street AudioMovies:AmadeusCopyright © 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.Dan Nestle, Chief Curiosity Officer at Inquisitive Communications, shares his unique journey from a communications novice to an AI ethics advocate. The episode centers around resolving AI ethical dilemmas, highlighting Dan's emphasis on transparency and accurate representation in content creation. He discusses his transition from corporate roles to founding Inquisitive Communications and the impact of AI on strategic communications. The conversation also delves into his favorite AI tools and the importance of maintaining ethical standards while leveraging AI for content creation. Dan offers insights on how CEOs can integrate AI into their business strategies, emphasizing the need for education, flexibility, and cultural adaptation.Summary:Guest Background: Dan Nestle is the Chief Curiosity Officer at Inquisitive Communications with a rich history in strategic communications and AI ethics.AI Tools: Dan actively uses AI tools like Perplexity, Notebook LM, and Claude for content creation and strategic advising.Ethical Content Creation: He emphasizes transparency and the importance of accurately representing original thought when using AI in content creation.Corporate AI Integration: Dan advises CEOs on the importance of educating their workforce and adopting flexible AI strategies.Community Influence: He discusses the impact of the Rise community and the significance of dark social platforms in modern communications.Companies/OrganizationsInquisitive CommunicationsTroutman Street AudioUPennLIXILPage SocietyPRSAWeber-ShandwickArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.BooksRich Dad Poor DadThe New Rules of Marketing and PRCo-IntelligenceMoviesMoneyballTV ShowsSiloCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.