Pioneers of AI

Aza Raskin, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology and founder of the Earth Species Project, dives deep into the human-centered design of AI. He discusses the unintended consequences of his invention, the infinite scroll, and debates the ethical responsibilities of technologists. Raskin highlights the potential of AI to decode animal communication, revealing fascinating discoveries about animal behavior and culture. He advocates for a collective approach to guide AI development with safety and ethical considerations at its core.

Baratunde Thurston, a comedian and writer known for his podcast Life with Machines, discusses how AI can enrich our human experience rather than diminish it. He emphasizes the need for interdependence between technology and humanity. Thurston shares his journey of integrating an AI co-producer named Blair into his show, the challenges it poses, and the importance of feedback loops. He advocates for democratizing AI access and power, insisting that our emotional and collective agency should guide our relationship with technology.

Joe Liemandt, Principal of Alpha School and seasoned software developer, discusses transforming K-12 education with an AI-driven, mastery-based model. He highlights how students complete core subjects in just two hours, dedicating the rest of the day to social-emotional learning and projects. High school senior Alex Matthew shares insights on creating an AI-powered mental health stuffed animal, Barry, emphasizing the value of feedback and resilience. They explore redefining teachers' roles and the importance of equipping students for an AI-centric future.

Anton Osika, co-founder and CEO of Lovable, discusses the revolutionary concept of vibe coding, where users can create apps simply by chatting with AI. He reveals how Lovable achieved a rapid $4 billion valuation and highlights its role as a technical co-founder for solo entrepreneurs. Osika explores the impact of vibe coding on traditional software engineering and predicts that most new software will be built using plain-English prompts in the future, empowering global innovation and preserving human creativity.

Cristóbal Valenzuela, Co-founder and CEO of Runway, shares insights on how AI is revolutionizing creative workflows, particularly in Hollywood. He discusses the balance between leveraging AI tools and maintaining artistic integrity, emphasizing that filmmakers still need skill and intent. Cristóbal contrasts historical media shifts with today's AI advancements and highlights the tool's roles in pre- and post-production. He stresses the responsibility of AI creators to prevent misuse and envisions a future where AI assists in expanding creative possibilities.

Gabe Pereyra, Co-founder and President of Harvey, is on a mission to revolutionize the legal industry using AI. He discusses how Harvey’s tools assist lawyers with research and drafting, making their work more efficient. Gabe dives into the importance of pairing AI tech with legal expertise and shares insights on addressing challenges like legal data hallucinations. He highlights how AI can reshape career paths in law, enhance enterprise collaboration, and even drive new billing models, all while ensuring client confidentiality remains paramount.

Arianna Huffington, the wellness entrepreneur and co-founder of The Huffington Post, discusses her journey into the realm of health and AI. She believes AI can serve as a 'GPS for the soul,' providing personalized nudges to enhance well-being. Huffington shares insights on the importance of self-care for leaders and identifies key daily habits that promote health over genetics. She emphasizes the role of memory in long-term behavior change and the necessity of combining purpose with profit in AI-driven health tools.

In this engaging discussion, Sarah Bird, Chief Product Officer of Responsible AI at Microsoft, sheds light on the company's commitment to ethical AI development. She explains how Microsoft integrates responsibility from the outset of AI projects, focusing on safety and accessibility. The conversation dives into the role of red teams in addressing biases and risk, the evolving job market for AI security experts, and the need for transparency in AI tools. Bird emphasizes the balance between innovation and safety, likening it to the importance of seatbelts in cars.

Join Jeffrey Katzenberg, co-founder of DreamWorks, and ChenLi Wang, managing partner at WndrCo and Dropbox early hire, as they dive into the enchanting world of storytelling in business. They explore how storytelling is pivotal for startups and investments, particularly in tech and AI. Discover the transformative impact of AI across industries and the role of tools like Granola in enhancing human connections. They also discuss WndrCo's innovative investments, including a drone company, and how narratives shape the future of entrepreneurship.

Hilke Schellmann, a journalist and author of "The Algorithm," dives deep into how AI is reshaping the job market. She discusses the transformative impact of AI on hiring practices and the challenges job seekers face, revealing biases in algorithm-driven selection. Hilke emphasizes the importance of transparency and diversity in AI tools to combat inequality. Additionally, she shares strategies for job seekers to leverage AI for an edge, highlighting both the opportunities and ethical concerns of AI surveillance in remote work.