
Pioneers of AI
Pioneers of AI is your guide to the latest technological frontier. Each week, host Rana el Kaliouby (AI scientist, investor, author, co-founder of Affectiva) is joined by the leading creators, critics, and thinkers behind mind-blowing technology and asks the important questions about how artificial intelligence is changing the way we live. As we venture together into the unknown, Pioneers is your tool to understanding and anticipating what comes next.
Latest episodes

Apr 16, 2025 • 36min
Preparing the next generation of AI scientists, with Taniya Mishra
Dr. Taniya Mishra, Founder and CEO of SureStart, is on a mission to prepare the next generation for an AI-driven world by promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech space. She emphasizes the critical need for AI literacy and how diverse technologists can create safer AI tools. Taniya shares inspiring stories of students transforming through innovative projects and mentorship, highlighting the importance of empowering underrepresented groups in technology. With a focus on inclusivity, she encourages young people to actively shape the future of AI.

13 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 35min
With Groq, Jonathan Ross is taking AI inference to new speeds
Jonathan Ross, Founder of Groq and former Google TPU pioneer, discusses the rapid evolution of AI chips capable of fast inference. He emphasizes that quicker processing not only enhances user experience but also slashes energy and compute costs. The conversation covers how Groq is shaking up the chip market and the global dynamics of AI inference. Ross highlights the emerging role of prompt engineering in AI and its potential to democratize access to technology while raising concerns about data safety.

22 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 30min
From Abundance Summit: How AI is shaking up the start-up ecosystem
Anj Midha, a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, and Dave Blundin, founder of Exponential Ventures, delve into the seismic shifts AI is causing in the startup ecosystem. They explore how AI startups are attracting substantial investments while scaling with less capital. The duo discusses the controversial valuations of these companies, the essential role of AI in transforming industries, and the importance of product-market fit over inflated numbers. Their insights shed light on the evolving landscape of venture funding and the future of innovation.

5 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 37min
Your next manager could be powered by AI, with Katherine von Jan
Katherine von Jan, CEO and co-founder of Tough Day, discusses her mission to revolutionize workplace management with AI tools. She shares insights on the transformative role of AI for Gen Z, including the concept of 'unbossing' that promotes self-management. Von Jan explains how AI like Tuffy can address workplace conflicts and improve communication, while highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity and human feedback in AI development. The conversation emphasizes adapting to technology to foster inclusion and enhance employee experiences.

Mar 19, 2025 • 37min
Alicia Chong Rodriguez is keeping wearable AI tech close to the chest
Wearable technology tracking your health has become commonplace, helping us to take charge of our wellness. Alicia Chong Rodriguez, founder and CEO of BloomerTech, is creating specialized wearables in the form of bras that can help women gain insight into their heart health and provide tools to help improve it. In this episode of Pioneers of AI, we’ll learn more about how his technology can help women better understand their cardiovascular health, the challenges of developing technology you can wear, and what inspired Chong Rodriguez to create this life-saving device.Learn more about Pioneers of AI: http://pioneersof.ai/Follow Pioneers of AI on all channels: https://linktr.ee/pioneersofaiAt the center of AI is people, so we want to hear from you! Share your experiences with AI — or ask us a burning question — by leaving a voicemail at 601-633-2424. Your voice could be featured in a future episode!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

10 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 28min
Why AI agents are the future of work, with Marc Benioff
Marc Benioff, Co-founder and CEO of Salesforce, discusses the groundbreaking shift towards AI agents in the workplace. He reveals how Agentforce enhances productivity by integrating with human teams, transforming business practices and customer service. The conversation dives into the unique features of Agentforce compared to competitors like Microsoft's CoPilot and explores the broader implications of AI on job dynamics and workforce strategies. Benioff also highlights the need for young professionals to embrace AI and prioritize transparency in tech's future.

Mar 5, 2025 • 30min
Etched is ready to disrupt the AI chip market, with Gavin Uberti
Gavin Uberti thinks that his company Etched can be the “biggest company of all time.” His competitive advantage: faster, specialized AI chips that drive down the cost of inference. In this episode, we explore how cheaper chips could democratize AI, the big bet Uberti is making on transformer models, and how Etched is standing up to chip giant Nvidia.Learn more about Pioneers of AI: http://pioneersof.ai/Follow Pioneers of AI on all channels: https://linktr.ee/pioneersofaiAt the center of AI is people, so we want to hear from you! Share your experiences with AI — or ask us a burning question — by leaving a voicemail at 601-633-2424. Your voice could be featured in a future episode!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 26, 2025 • 37min
The making of an AI clone, with Natalie Monbiot
Natalie Monbiot, an expert in the virtual human economy and a strategist for Hour One, sheds light on the fascinating world of AI clones. She discusses how these digital avatars can replicate a person's voice and appearance, raising intriguing ethical questions. The conversation explores the potential of AI twins to enhance personal efficiency and emotional engagement. Natalie highlights advancements in voice cloning and the future role of digital avatars in education and income generation, emphasizing the impact on personal and professional life.

38 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 36min
AI as your career coach, with Logan Currie
Logan Currie, co-founder of Careerspan and an education expert, discusses how AI can help with career transitions. She explains the importance of self-reflection and personalized coaching, comparing AI tools to human mentors. The conversation dives into how technology can reduce job-search stress while enhancing career growth. Currie also highlights the need for responsible AI and data security, emphasizing how personalized AI can unlock job potential and transform the landscape of career development.

Feb 12, 2025 • 49min
Love in the age of AI
Will Wu, Chief Technology Officer at Match Group, reveals how AI is revolutionizing online dating by enhancing profile selections and match accuracy. Rafael Lesa, CEO of Gottman Inc., discusses AI's role in improving relationships through better communication and therapeutic tools. Fascinatingly, a personal story showcases a woman's connection with her AI husband, challenging conventional notions of love. From swiping to deeper connections, this conversation dives into how technology is reshaping romance in the modern age.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.