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.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.

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.Mark Andrews, the founder and CEO of AI Prophets, brings a rich background in finance and digital marketing to the AI landscape. This episode focuses on leveraging AI as a practical tool for businesses and individuals, emphasizing the importance of AI literacy. Key topics include the democratization of data through AI, the impact of internal data on AI effectiveness, and the potential pitfalls of over-relying on AI without understanding its limits. Mark shares insights on how companies can enhance productivity by integrating AI into their operations, and he discusses the evolving role of AI in the workplace and its implications for new graduates. The conversation also delves into ethical considerations and the societal impact of AI technologies.Summary:Guest Background: Mark Andrews is an AI literacy expert and the founder and CEO of AI Prophets.AI as a Tool: He emphasizes using AI to enhance productivity and save time in the workplace.Data Democratization: Discusses the importance of using internal data with AI for better decision-making.AI Literacy for Graduates: Offers advice to new graduates on embracing AI to improve job prospects.AI Ethics: Highlights the need for careful consideration of AI's societal and employment impacts.Companies/Organizations: AI ProphetsArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Troutman Street AudioBryant UniversitySyracuse UniversityAnthropicBooks: MoneyballMovies: Field of DreamsTV Shows: It's Always Sunny in PhiladelphiaCopyright © 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.Jason Barnard, CEO and founder of Kalicube, joins Alec Crawford to discuss his unconventional journey from musician and cartoon creator to a leading expert in Digital Brand Engineering. Barnard emphasizes the importance of controlling one's digital footprint to shape the Digital Brand Echo that AI Assistive Engines perceive. The episode explores his personal transformation under mentor Itamar Morani, the challenges of AI-generated misinformation, and how to strategically position brands in an AI-driven world. Jason shares insights from his career, including his innovative approach, The Kalicube Process, and the development of Kalicube’s powerful SaaS platform. The discussion also touches on the future of AI in marketing and the importance of maintaining human creativity and emotion in business.Summary:Guest Background: Jason Barnard is a former musician and cartoon creator turned CEO and founder of Kalicube, specializing in how brands are represented in an AI-first world.Personal Branding: He discusses the critical role of a digital footprint in shaping a brand's narrative in its Brand SERP and the AI Résumé that machines generate.Mentorship Influence: Jason shares how Itamar Morani helped him transition from a hands-on creator to an effective CEO.AI Challenges: Concerns about AI's role in spreading misinformation and the importance of establishing a single source of truth (an Entity Home).Future of AI in Marketing: Jason outlines how AI Assistive Engines create a Conversational Acquisition Funnel, guiding consumers and why brands must become Top of Algorithmic Mind to be recommended.Companies/Organizations:KalicubeKajabiGoogleMicrosoftChatGPTDeepSeekGeminiCopilotInstagramFacebookArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc. Books:Confucius from the HeartMovies:Cool RunningsSome Like It HotTV Shows:IT CrowdCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk

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.Stan Sukhinin, owner of SORSO Fractional CFO Services, shares his journey from the financial sector, including his tenure at institutions like Societe Generale, to founding his own company. The episode delves into why AI is not yet ready for many business processes, emphasizing the importance of consistency and the risks of hallucinations in AI models. Stan discusses the critical role of financial management in business success and the potential for AI to automate and streamline these processes. He also provides insights into his strategic vision for SORSO, focusing on integrating AI to enhance financial operations. Furthermore, Stan highlights the ethical concerns surrounding AI, such as job displacement and the potential for manipulation. He concludes by offering advice for CFOs on adopting AI tools and preparing for the future.Summary:Guest Background: Stan Sukhinin is the owner of SORSO Fractional CFO Services with a rich background in banking and finance.AI Limitations: Discusses AI's current inconsistency and hallucination issues in business applications.Financial Management: Emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing business finances to avoid failures.AI in Finance: Explores the potential of AI to automate financial tasks and improve efficiency.Ethical Concerns: Highlights ethical challenges, including job displacement and AI’s potential for manipulation.Companies/Organizations:SORSO Fractional CFO ServicesSociete GeneraleUniCreditSpotifyKlarnaArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Books:Never Enough: From Barista to Billionaire by Andrew WilkinsonMovies:Bend It Like BeckhamCopyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk