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.In this episode of AI Risk Reward, host Alec Crawford welcomes back Elie Bursztein, a cybersecurity and AI expert from Google. Elie discusses the rapid advancements in AI for cybersecurity, emphasizing its potential to transform security operations and vulnerability management. He also highlights the challenges in developing reliable AI systems and the complexities of securing AI agents against untrusted inputs and prompt injection attacks. Furthermore, Elie introduces Sec Gemini, a Google-led research project aimed at providing real-time cybersecurity insights, and teases its upcoming involvement in a CTF contest at DEF CON. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the critical developments in AI and cybersecurity.Summary: Elie Bursztein: Elie Bursztein is a cybersecurity and AI expert working at Google. He has a strong background in these fields and previously appeared on the show, making him the first returning guest.Current State of AI in Cybersecurity: Elie shares insights on the rapid advancements in AI for cybersecurity applications. He discusses the excitement around AI's potential to revolutionize security operations, vulnerability detection, and attacker capabilities. He also highlights the challenges in developing reliable AI systems for practical, production-level use.Difficulties in Vulnerability Detection and Patching: Elie elaborates on the complexities of using AI for finding and patching vulnerabilities. He mentions Google's internal efforts and the extensive tooling and customization required to make AI systems effective in these areas. Despite progress, he notes that achieving the necessary level of reliability and utility remains a significant hurdle.Agent Security and Prompt Injection Risks: Elie highlights the unique security challenges posed by AI agents, especially those that perform autonomous or semi-autonomous tasks. He explains the risks associated with untrusted inputs, such as prompt injection attacks, and the potential for these vulnerabilities to compromise agent behavior and security.Introduction to Sec Gemini: The episode introduces Sec Gemini, a research project led by Elie at Google. The invitation-only research project aims to provide real-time, up-to-date cybersecurity insights using AI. Elie discusses the goals of Sec Gemini, its current capabilities, and the collaborative approach with various organizations to refine and enhance the model. He also mentions upcoming announcements and the project's involvement in a new CTF (Capture The Flag) contest at DEF CON.Companies: Google Apple OpenAIGiskardMLCommons Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Copyright (c) 2025 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 episode of the AI Risk Reward Podcast, host Alec Crawford sits down with Jon Kutsmeda, the CEO and co-creator of LendZen.com. With nearly 20 years of experience in residential mortgage lending, Jon shares his journey from Philadelphia to Hawaii and the entrepreneurial spirit that led him to co-create LendZen.com. The discussion dives into the criticisms of pre-GFC mortgage practices, the impact of AI on the mortgage industry, and how AI can streamline mortgage processes. Jon also offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs and founders, emphasizing perseverance and the importance of understanding whether a business can scale.Summary: Guest Background: Jon Kutsmeda is the CEO and co-creator of LendZen.com, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in residential mortgage lending to the world of fintech and AI. Originally from near Philadelphia, Jon moved to Hawaii and pursued an entrepreneurial path in the mortgage industry.Criticisms of Pre-GFC Mortgage Practices: Jon discusses the negative aspects of subprime loans and industry practices before the Great Financial Crisis, emphasizing the importance of ethical standards and the impact of regulatory changes post-Dodd-Frank.Impact of AI on Mortgage Industry Employment: The conversation highlights how technology and AI are likely to reduce the number of jobs in the mortgage industry, while also exploring the broader implications for global employment and GDP.Streamlining Mortgage Processes with AI: Jon explains how AI can automate and simplify the mortgage approval process, making it more transparent and efficient for consumers, while still requiring human oversight in critical areas.Advice for Entrepreneurs and Founders: Jon shares insights on the importance of perseverance in entrepreneurship, the need to distinguish between small business ownership and scalable startups, and practical advice for founders focusing on AI technology.Movies: The Big ShortCompanies: LendZen.comFannie MaeFreddie MacGinnie MaeFidelityFirst AmericanUberArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Copyright (c) 2025 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 the AI Risk Reward Podcast, Kevin Dean, CEO of ManoByte, shares his journey from automating tasks at Sears with AI to founding ManoByte, a company focused on leveraging AI to enhance business processes. He discusses the transformative experience of the MIT X pro program for AI and the importance of continuous education. Kevin elaborates on ManoByte's origin, inspired by his passion for water and technology, and highlights a case where TripAdvisor used AI to drastically reduce customer support tickets. The conversation also delves into the ethical implications of AI, emphasizing the need for better data and regulations to ensure fairness and accountability. Kevin's insights underscore the dynamic changes AI brings to business and society.Summary: Kevin Dean's First Entrepreneurial Success: Kevin shared an intriguing story about how he automated a task at Sears using AI, which led him to quit his job and then come back to pitch and sell his AI solution to Sears, marking the start of his entrepreneurial journey.MIT AI Program Experience: Kevin described the MIT X pro program for AI as a transformative experience, emphasizing the high-quality education and invaluable networking opportunities with fellow learners from around the world.Manabyte's Origin Story: Kevin revealed that the name "ManoByte" is inspired by his love for water and scuba diving, combining "Mano," the Hawaiian word for shark, with "Byte" to represent technology, creating a unique blend of his passions.AI Revolutionizing Customer Support: Kevin shared an impressive case where TripAdvisor used AI to reduce their inbound customer support tickets by 90%, highlighting the significant cost savings and efficiency improvements achieved through AI.Ethical AI and Data Challenges: In a lively discussion, Kevin and Alec delved into the ethical implications of AI, with Kevin emphasizing that the real issue lies in biased data rather than the technology itself. They also discussed the need for ongoing improvements and regulations to ensure fairness and accountability in AI-driven decisions.Movies: 1. Minority Report2. InceptionCompanies: 1. ManoByte 2. Sears3. Eaton Corporation4. TripAdvisor5. SalesforceArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.Copyright (c) 2025 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.On this episode of the AI Risk Reward Podcast, host Alec Crawford welcomes Naveen Kumar Krishnan, an AI expert at Microsoft, to discuss his extensive experience and insights into the world of AI. Naveen shares his career journey, which began in India as a software engineer and led him to work for prominent companies like Infosys, PepsiCo, and Morgan Stanley before joining Microsoft. They explore the transformative role of AI in various sectors, including finance and retail, highlighting AI's potential in fraud detection, customer experience enhancement, and automation. Naveen emphasizes the importance of AI security, governance, and ethical considerations, stressing the need for unbiased data and responsible AI use. He also offers advice for aspiring AI professionals, encouraging them to gain practical experience, participate in hackathons, and continuously learn to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.Summary: ·      Guest Background: Naveen Kumar Krishnan, an AI expert at Microsoft, shares his extensive career journey, starting as a software engineer in India, working at Infosys and PepsiCo, and moving to roles in financial companies like Morgan Stanley before joining Microsoft in 2021. He is currently pursuing a master's degree at the University of Texas, Austin.·      AI in Finance: Naveen discusses the transformative role of AI in the finance sector, emphasizing its potential to enhance trading technologies, improve customer experiences, and combat fraud through anomaly detection and other technical capabilities.·      Current AI Trends: The conversation highlights current trends in AI, including generative AI, large language models, and the growing interest in AI agents for automation and enhanced decision-making within enterprises.·      AI Security and Governance: Naveen addresses the importance of AI security, governance, and regulatory compliance, particularly for high-risk AI applications in sectors like finance and healthcare. He emphasizes the need for secure data handling and implementing appropriate guardrails.·      Ethical Considerations: The discussion covers ethical considerations in AI development, stressing the importance of unbiased data, ethical use of AI, and ensuring that AI technologies serve all users equitably. Naveen also touches on strategies for effectively communicating complex AI concepts to diverse audiences.Companies:MicrosoftInfosysPepsiCoMorgan StanleyAptoJPMorgan Chase (JPMC)OpenAIArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.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.In this episode, Alec Crawford, our host, welcomes Lucia Dore, founder of the Lucia Dore Consultancy, to discuss the multifaceted world of AI and its impact on various sectors. Lucia shares her unique journey from a macroeconomist at the New Zealand Treasury to an award-winning journalist, climbing Mount Everest along the way. Together, they delve into the ethical dilemmas and cultural biases in AI, its role in journalism, and the ambitious AI developments in the Middle East. Lucia also offers valuable insights into how AI is reshaping communication, education, and the lives of seniors. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges conventional views on technology and ethics.Summary:• Lucia Dore's Background: Lucia Dore started her career as a macroeconomist with the New Zealand Treasury before shifting to journalism. She climbed Mount Everest and won the Robert Bell Travelling Scholarship to improve financial journalism in New Zealand.• AI in Journalism: Lucia discussed how AI is used to handle mundane journalistic tasks but emphasized the importance of human oversight. She highlighted studies on AI in media and journalism, noting that AI should free up journalists for more significant tasks.• AI Development in the Middle East: Lucia talked about the Middle East's ambition to become an AI hub, particularly focusing on Saudi Arabia and the UAE. She emphasized the region's advancements in cryptocurrencies and AI, driven by investments and regulatory reforms.• Cultural Perspectives on AI Ethics: Lucia pointed out the different ethical perspectives between Western and Eastern cultures regarding AI. She stressed the need to consider varied cultural understandings of ethics, especially in regions like Africa and the Middle East.• AI's Role in Communication and Education: Lucia believes AI will significantly boost communication and education by enhancing outreach and information accessibility. She mentioned her work with AI in education and how it is transforming teaching and learning practices.Books and Movies: "The Magus" by John Fowles"Lord of the Rings" (Movie Trilogy) "Dr. Zhivago" (Movie)Companies: Microsoft Xero Canva Financial Times Group Nikkei NVIDIA PearsonArtificial Intelligence Risk, Inc. 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.In today's episode, Alec sits down with Dr. Jill Fain Lehman, an AI research pioneer and senior project scientist at Carnegie Mellon University. Jill is also the recent author of "Private I," a compelling exploration of AI's potential and pitfalls – in the show, she says if you give her the money, she can build the future. Together, they embark on a fascinating discussion about the historical evolution of AI, its current trajectory, and the ethical considerations that accompany its rapid development.·      Historical Context of AI: Dr. Jill Fain Lehman provides a rich historical perspective on artificial intelligence, tracing its roots back to the 1950s and highlighting significant developments through the decades. She emphasizes the cyclical nature of AI's evolution, noting how past advancements have set the stage for current innovations. Understanding this historical context is crucial for appreciating AI's current state and anticipating future trends.·      The Importance of Ethical AI Development: The conversation underscores the necessity of integrating ethics into AI development. Jill and Alec discuss the potential societal impacts of AI and the importance of establishing clear guidelines and regulations to ensure AI technologies are developed and used responsibly. This aligns with the ongoing global discourse on AI ethics and the need for frameworks that prioritize human well-being.·      AI's Role in Enhancing Human Capabilities: Throughout the episode, Jill highlights AI's potential to augment human capabilities rather than replace them. This perspective encourages a collaborative approach to AI, where technology and human skills are seen as complementary.·      Insights from "Private I": Jill discusses her book "Private I," co-authored with Ashley Watson and Paul Pangara. The novel explores AI that will soon go from fiction to fact, providing readers with a narrative framework to understand AI's potential impacts on society. It serves as a thought-provoking tool for imagining future AI interactions and the ethical questions they may raise.·      The Future Trajectory of AI: The episode delves into what might come after large language models (LLMs), suggesting that future advancements might involve new technologies or methodologies that further push the boundaries of AI. Jill emphasizes the importance of staying informed and adaptable as AI continues to evolve, encouraging listeners to engage with ongoing research and discussions in the field. ReferencesJill Fain Lehman, PhD, is a Senior Project Scientist at Carnegie Mellon University’s Human-Computer Interaction Institute. With over 40 years of experience in artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and machine learning, Jill has worked with leading organizations like Disney Research, The Rand Corporation, and Carnegie Learning. Jill is the co-author of  Private I, a speculative fiction novel with Ashlei E. Watson and Paul Pangaro, PhD. A new take on classic noir themes, Private I is a mystery thriller rooted in today’s headlines. For fans of speculative fiction and sci-fi thrillers, Private I offers a gripping narrative that combines edge-of-your-seat mystery with profound philosophical questions about AI and humanity. Private I is available on Amazon. The authors appreciate any reviews shared on Goodreads or other social media platforms!Books:·      "Private I" by Dr. Jill Fain Lehman, Ashlei Watson, and Paul Pangaro·      “And then There Were None” by Agatha Christie Movies:·      When Harry Met Sally"·      "Saving Private Ryan" Companies/Schools:·      Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.·      Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook)·      Carnegie Mellon University·      Yale University·      Stanford UniversityCopyright © 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.This week, Alec Crawford engages with Shiva Rajgopal, Professor at Columbia Business School, to explore AI's transformative impact on the business world. Shiva discusses how AI is reshaping business education, challenging traditional teaching methods, and redefining creativity and judgment in decision-making. They examine AI's role helping the CFO, in back-office automation and research, and how business schools are adapting to prepare future leaders for a tech-driven landscape. This episode offers a compelling look at AI's opportunities and challenges in business and management.Summary·      AI in Education: Shiva highlights that AI is a game-changer in business education, enabling access to vast information and challenging traditional teaching methods. It pushes educators to focus more on developing students' critical thinking and judgment skills.·      Automation in Business: The discussion reveals that AI is revolutionizing back-office operations by automating routine tasks, which could lead to significant shifts in employment dynamics. Businesses need to adapt to these changes by upskilling their workforce.·      AI's Limitations and Opportunities: While AI excels at pattern recognition and handling large datasets, Shiva points out that it still lacks in areas requiring deep logical reasoning and nuanced understanding, which opens opportunities for human collaboration with AI.·      AI in Decision-Making: Shiva emphasizes the importance of using AI as a tool to enhance decision-making rather than replace it. The focus should be on leveraging AI to provide valuable insights while maintaining human oversight for critical judgments.·      Future of Business Schools: AI's integration into education is prompting business schools to rethink their value proposition, focusing on social learning and networking opportunities that AI cannot replicate, ensuring they remain relevant in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.ReferencesBooks/Movies:The Fountainhead by Ayn RandThe Intelligent Investor by Benjamin GrahamDelhi Belly (Bollywood movie)Companies/Schools:Columbia Business School: (https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/)Procter & Gamble (https://us.pg.com/)Citibank (https://www.citi.com/)Tesla (https://www.tesla.com/)Apple (https://www.apple.com/)AI Risk (https://www.aicrisk.com/) Copyright © 2025 by Artificial Intelligence Risk, Inc.

Alec Crawford, CEO of www.aicrisk.com and noted investment risk management expert interviews Adam Parker, super-analyst from Trivariate and Trivector research. He has a strong background in Market strategy and he was a top-ranked Institutional Investor award winner in Semiconductors earlier in his career.Embrace healthcare (Adam's top sector pick) and tech innovations for growth opportunities in evolving sectors. Adam likes NVDA even better today after its retreat in price. Adam notes that at the MS conference two weeks ago, none of the tech titans cut back on their commitments to buy NVDA chips.Otherwise, stay cautious amid policy changes, as tariffs and trade policies can drive market volatility. Wait for positive signals from management later this year before jumping in.Stocks mentioned: NVDA, AVGO, LLY, INTCCheck it out below!https://trivariateresearch.com/

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 episode of the AI Risk Reward Podcast, we explore the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence and creativity with our special guest, David Griffiths. David is the CEO of Content Creating Academy and a digital creator with an impressive background in music education and performance from institutions like Peabody Conservatory and Columbia Union College. With his extensive expertise in vocal training, songwriting, and digital content creation, David shares his unique insights into the transformative role of AI in music and other creative fields. Tune in as we discuss how AI is reshaping creative processes, the ethical considerations it brings, and the innovative strategies David employs to engage and expand his audience in the digital age. This episode is a must-listen for tech enthusiasts, creative artists, and anyone interested in the future of AI in creative industries.Summary·     AI in Creative Processes: David Griffiths discusses using AI tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini to aid in refining his ebook. He treats these AI tools as team members, leveraging their diverse feedback to improve his work. This approach highlights AI's utility in enhancing content creation processes by providing varied insights and suggestions. Nevertheless, given how fast and easy AI tools are, they could strongly discourage human creativity.·     AI in Music Leadership: As a Minister of Music, Griffiths utilized AI to plan and propose future activities. He used AI to create a podcast from a document, which he found effective in conveying ideas to his team. This demonstrates AI's potential in streamlining communication and project management within music-related fields.·     AI and Songwriting: Griffiths shared his personal experience that AI-generated content lacks the emotional depth of human-created songs. He believes that while AI can assist in content creation, the personal touch in songwriting remains irreplaceable, particularly for personal expressions and connections.·     Ethical Considerations: The discussion touched on the ethical implications of AI in music, with Griffiths expressing concern about AI's impact on creativity and originality. He notes that while AI can produce content quickly, it may also diminish the uniqueness of human creativity.·     AI's Role in Future Music Creation: Griffiths acknowledges that those who effectively harness AI tools will likely excel in the evolving landscape. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to AI's capabilities to remain competitive in music creation and performance.References AI Tools·      Claude, ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini·      Notebook LM for creating podcasts·      Fathom (note-taking during Zoom meetings)·      Opus Clips and video.ai (video editing tools)·      Riverside (for creating reels)Books and Movies"10X is Easier Than 2X" by Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan - "The One Thing" by Gary Keller"Sister Act II""The Terminator" Companies/Platforms/Schools:·      Content Creating Academy (David Griffiths' company)·      Carpe Diem (community choir directed by Griffiths)·      AI Risk, Inc.·      Dude Chat (Zoom gathering initiated during the pandemic)·      Generationology (Jeff Vargas' public speaking initiative)·      Peabody Conservatory·      Columbia Union College (now Washington Adventist University)·      Oakwood University - Andrews University

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 episode, Alec interviews Jesse Hamel, the dynamic founder of Victus Technologies, as they delve into a compelling conversation about Jesse's remarkable journey from a military career to entrepreneurship. Jesse shares insights from his 20-year tenure in the Air Force, including his experiences with AC-130 gunships, commanding drone squadrons and the pivotal moments that shaped his path. Learn about "the stack", the future of drone warfare and other thought-provoking topics such as the future role of AI in national security and the potential challenges it poses. Please like, comment, and review the show!Key Takeaways1. Military Service and Its Impact: Jesse Hamel's career in the military started after 9/11, leading to a 20-year active duty career in the Air Force, including 800 hours of combat duty in an AC-130 gunship. His experience in the military shaped his leadership skills and his ability to handle complex situations .2. Technological Integration in Combat: Jesse highlighted the use of advanced unmanned systems and the integration of multiple aircraft types during combat missions. This combination of manned and unmanned systems became a significant interest for him, showing the potential of technology in modern warfare .3. Leadership and Mentorship: His experience working with General Mark Schwartz during his time in Germany was pivotal. He learned valuable lessons on leadership and the importance of building and leading new teams effectively, which influenced his approach to founding and running Victus Technologies .4. Challenges and Adaptations in Transition: Transitioning from military to civilian life involved a significant learning curve. Jesse emphasized the importance of networking, continuous learning, and adapting military skills to the private sector. He also highlighted the unique advantages veterans have in entrepreneurship due to their resilience and experience in handling difficult situations .5. Victus Technologies' Innovations: Jesse founded Victus Technologies to address the limitations of existing autonomous systems, particularly the reliance on GPS. The company focuses on developing advanced autonomous software solutions that enhance the capabilities of drones and other robotic systems, aiming to revolutionize various sectors, including national security and commercial industries .References·     Zero to One by Peter Thiel·     Clear and Present Danger by Tom Clancy·     Apocalypse Now