The Brave Technologist

Andrew Rabinovich, VP and Head of AI and Machine Learning at UpWork, discusses how artificial intelligence is transforming freelance work into a human-machine partnership that amplifies rather than replaces talent. He also discusses job security in the age of AI, and ways the freelance economy is already responding to its opportunities and challenges. Key Takeaways:  Why 2025 is predicted to be "the year of agents"  Ways that AI agents will turn workers into managers who are managing the machines How human-centered AI focuses on amplifying human capabilities rather than replacing them Why the missing piece in AI development is creating natural interfaces between humans and machines Guest Bio: Andrew Rabinovich is the VP and Head of AI and Machine Learning at UpWork, and a prominent figure in the field of computer vision and machine learning. He is known for his work in deep learning, particularly in applications such as object recognition, scene understanding, augmented reality, and multitask learning. Rabinovich has held influential roles in both academia and industry, contributing to cutting-edge research and technology development at Google and Magic Leap. In 2020, he founded Headroom, an AI video collaboration platform, which was acquired in 2023. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

John K Thompson, Global AI Leader at EY, addresses pressing questions about education, regulation, and society's AI readiness. He challenges the traditional educational divide between technical and creative disciplines among current students, and shares why the biggest risk with AI tools is giving powerful technology to people without training in structured thinking. Key Takeaways:  How AI technology has evolved from working with just 10% of the world's structured information to accessing 90-95% through generative AI EY's implementation of EYQ, a generative AI platform with nearly 100% adoption among 300,000 eligible employees worldwide Risks associated with generative AI and the importance of education in preparing the next generation for AI The necessity of regulation in the industry, and the holistic view needed to understand the interplay between data and analytics Preparing students and the next generation of our workforce for employment Guest Bio: John K Thompson is an international technology executive with over 38 years of experience in the fields of data, advanced analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI). He’s currently responsible for the global AI function at EY. His role is to actively lead the design, development, implementation, and use of innovative AI solutions—including generative AI, traditional/classical AI, and causal AI—across all of EY’s internal service lines and functions, and for EY's clients. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

James Massa, Senior Executive Director of Engineering and Architecture at JPMorgan Chase—and holder of six AI-related patents—emphasizes the evolving role of human experts in managing AI technologies and offers insights into the future convergence of AI and crypto. He also shares how major financial institutions are implementing guardrails around their AI systems, using techniques like retrieval augmented generation (RAG) with enterprise chatbots. Key Takeaways:  How he’s succeeded in applying trust scores to blockchain and DeFi projects by analyzing code vulnerabilities, suspicious transactions, and social media sentiment Using retrieval augmented generation (RAG) to ensure chatbots provide only pre-approved responses Balancing precision (always giving correct results) with recall (not missing any compliance issues) The importance of trust in AI, particularly in the context of blockchain and decentralized finance A practical roadmap for organizations navigating the AI revolution, bridging the gap between innovation and responsible governance Guest Bio: James Massa is the Senior Executive Director of Engineering and Architecture at JPMorganChase. He holds six patents covering subjects such as AI Data Quality, cloud cost management, multi-teacher LLM distillation, and model self-healing. In 2024, James led a team that won the FSTech award for Best Financial Services IT Team, migrated 53 apps to AWS, published two IEEE papers on LLM blockchain security, and presented 14 keynotes, including one at UCSD. He holds a master’s degree from the computer science department of Harvard University, and a master’s degree in finance from the City University of New York.   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte

Rooshana Purnyn, Director of Data Architecture and Platform Engineering at Hyatt, discusses the potential of Generative AI in the hospitality sector, and how Hyatt is integrating AI to enhance guest experiences in their 1300 properties worldwide. She also emphasizes the need for balancing technology with human interaction, and fostering a culture of continuous learning within her team. Key Takeaways: How AI is used to understand, anticipate, and enhance the unique needs and travel habits of each guest. How Hyatt leverages AI to deliver seamless, highly personalized guest experiences across its 1,300 worldwide properties. The critical role of robust data architecture and pipeline design in supporting hospitality analytics. How a culture of innovation and a growth mindset drive the recruitment and development of Hyatt’s teams. Guest Bio: Rooshana Purnyn is an innovative and strategic technology leader with extensive experience across the hospitality, healthcare, retail, finance, and marketing sectors. With over a decade of expertise in data and analytics, Rooshana serves as the Director of Data Architecture and Platform Engineering at Hyatt, where she is celebrated for designing, building, and managing large-scale, cutting-edge technology platforms that support data-driven decision making. A visionary in leveraging technology for business growth, Rooshana led the development of an advanced analytics platform optimized for AI/ML and generative AI workloads, enabling real-time data processing and supporting algorithmic product development to drive revenue and customer engagement. In her role, Rooshana has overseen the deployment of secure, globally accessible analytics applications, including the implementation of an AI-powered self-service analytics tool that empowers stakeholders with data insights. Her work in the AI/ML and generative AI space includes establishing scalable infrastructure and pipelines for machine learning operations (MLOps), allowing for seamless deployment of personalized customer experiences. Rooshana's commitment to innovation keeps her at the forefront of industry trends, while her customer-focused and data-centric approach consistently drives value and growth. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

Dr. Jeff Esposito, Engineering Lead at Lenovo R&D, shares how his team is shaping the future of AI with innovations like the Hive Transformer and EdgeGuard. He emphasizes the importance of ethical innovation and building technologies that are intended to serve society’s greater good. He also stresses the value of collective contributions and diverse perspectives in shaping a future where technology effectively addresses real-world challenges. Key Takeaways: AI’s role in building smarter cities through Lenovo’s collaborations with NVIDIA and other partners. How AI security is evolving with EdgeGuard and other cutting-edge protections. The role of hybrid AI in combining machine learning and symbolic logic for real-world applications. Corporate responsibility in AI development and the balance between open-source innovation and commercialization. Why diverse perspectives are essential in shaping AI that benefits everyone. Guest Bio: Dr. Jeff Esposito has over 40 patent submissions,  with a long background in research and development at Dell, Microsoft, and Lenovo. He lectures on advanced technological development at various US government research labs, and believes that technology is at its best when serving the greater good and social justice. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

Alaa Moussawi, Chief Data Scientist for the New York City Council, shares how AI is reshaping legislative processes through smarter, data-driven laws. He discusses the council’s use of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) models, and open-source AI solutions to streamline workflows and ensure legislative originality. He also shares his perspective on the future of AI in government, the importance of transparency in policy-making, and why generative AI should assist with—but never make—decisions. Key Takeaways:  How the New York City Council team leverages AI and data science to drive evidence-based policymaking The importance of transparent, statistically-driven legislation The debate between cloud-based vs. on-premise AI solutions in government Common misconceptions about generative AI and decision-making The future of AI in government and its role in shaping policy Guest Bio: Alaa Moussawi serves as Chief Data Scientist for the New York City Council, leading teams of data scientists and software engineers. His data team analyzes issues like pay equity, rats, and school bus delays to support data-driven legislation, emphasizing transparency and reproducibility. The software team works to streamline council workflows, automate tasks, and improve efficiency, developing open-source tools like CRMs, dashboards, and paperless hearing systems. They’ve deployed machine learning models, including a RAG model for simplifying legal research. Dr. Moussawi is also producing a LinkedIn Learning course on developing RAG models in secure environments. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte

Chris Ghent, Chief Growth Officer at Input Output, dives into the synergy between blockchain and AI, emphasizing user empowerment through decentralization and privacy. He discusses strategies for effective community engagement and the crucial role of privacy in digital transactions. Ghent explores challenges in the cryptocurrency market, the future of digital identities, and how AI can enhance user experience. He also reflects on marketing tactics pivotal for driving adoption in the fast-evolving tech landscape.

Daniel Hulme, a leading AI expert and Chief AI Officer at WPP, dives into AI's game-changing impact on marketing and society. He discusses the concept of synthetic audiences and their implications for content creation. The conversation explores how AI can enhance human creativity while reshaping the job landscape. Hulme highlights the crucial need for ethical considerations in AI development and navigates the complex relationship between data privacy and marketing strategies, urging a hands-on approach to adapt to these technological advances.

Kai Zenner, Head of Office and Digital Policy Adviser for MEP Axel Voss, dives into the EU's digital regulatory landscape. He discusses the complexities of the AI Act, including implementation hurdles like a lack of AI expertise and enforcement across 27 member states. Kai shares insights on balancing innovation with regulation, lessons from GDPR revisions, and how digital policies impact innovation for SMEs. He emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement in shaping future digital policies.

Katie Winterbottom, Director of AI (Digital and Merch) at Nordstrom, discusses a new pilot program that uses AI-powered trend reports and agentic architecture to craft unique fashion journeys. She also emphasizes the need for tech education within companies, and updating antiquated processes to leverage the benefits of emerging tech. Key Takeaways: How AI is revolutionizing the fashion industry by capturing precise fashion trends and assisting in areas such as product surfacing, merchandising, and customer personalization. Operational challenges of integrating AI, and the importance of infrastructure scalability. The development of AI-powered trend reports and agentic architecture to enhance customer experiences. Limitations of recommendation models, and the importance of modern architectures like sequential transformers. Guest Bio: Katie Winterbottom leads AI innovation at Nordstrom, where she directs a team of 32 data scientists and engineers building next-generation personalization and recommendation systems. She's particularly passionate about responsible AI deployment, and has pioneered frameworks for measuring and monitoring AI's business impact while ensuring ethical implementation. Prior to her current role, Katie scaled multiple data science organizations and built enterprise-wide platforms that transformed Nordstrom's digital capabilities. Her teams' innovations have generated hundreds of millions in revenue through enhanced personalization, fraud prevention, and automated merchandising solutions. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte