The AI CEO with Seema Alexander

What does Gen Z really think about AI in school, cheating with ChatGPT, and the future of jobs? Their answers will shock you. 😳 In this special MINI edition of The AI CEO Podcast, host Seema Alexander sits down with Aria Ponda (11th grader, Winston Churchill HS) and Sareena Alexander (11th grader, Whitman HS) for an unfiltered, family edition conversation on how teens view AI. This episode gauged their candid insights on AI in education and dives into how students view AI tools—as both a potential form of cheating and a helpful research aid—along with the challenges teachers face in adapting to AI’s presence in the classroom. Aria shares insights from her own experience with AI in school projects and highlights the need for integrating AI responsibly and thoughtfully into education, including the concept of custom AI tools with safeguards. This episode offers a valuable glimpse into the evolving relationship between youth and AI technology, aiming to inform educators, business leaders, and anyone curious about the future of learning. 👉Key takeaways  Why Gen Z is skeptical of AI beyond ChatGPT The debate: Is using AI in homework cheating or efficiency? What schools and teachers must do to guide safe AI use Could AI tutors replace human ones? Fears about AI taking jobs vs. hopes for AI in medicine & social good High school teachers are generally resistant to or not yet embracing AI integration in classrooms. Custom AI tools with guardrails can help students use AI responsibly without cheating. There is a knowledge gap among students about how to effectively and ethically use AI technology. 👉 In this episode (01:08) High School Students' Perspective on AI (01:59) AI and Cheating in Education (02:23) Teachers' Attitudes Towards AI (03:43) Using AI as a Learning Tool (07:28) Concerns About AI in the Future  (15:02) The Role of AI in Future Jobs (16:15) Excitement and Skepticism About AI (17:35) Conclusion and Final Thoughts     🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander Disruptive AI https://www.disruptive.ceo/ Follow Seema on LinkedIn for daily insights: linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander IG: @seemaalexander @theaiceopodcast   👉 If you’re a parent, educator, startup founder, edtech innovator, or business leader, this is a must-watch to understand how the next generation is really thinking about AI.   📌 Subscribe for more real conversations on AI, leadership, and the future of business: @AICEOPodcast   🎧 Loved this episode? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps more leaders discover conversations like this.   Production Studio: Legacy Sessions    #GenZ #AICEOPodcast #AIinEducation #ChatGPT #FutureOfWork #EdTech #AIForBusiness #edtech #aiandteens #teenagers

From “Black Box” to Business Breakthroughs: Sid Banerjee on AI, Customer Experience & The Future of Agency DESCRIPTION: What happens when a billion-dollar founder who was building “AI” before it was even a buzzword sits down to talk about where it’s all headed? In this episode of The AI CEO Podcast, host Seema Alexander welcomes Sid Banerjee—founder of Clarabridge (acquired for $1B), former Chief Strategy Officer at Medallia, and Board Chair of Prolific—to unpack the future of customer experience, the rise of agentic AI, and the leadership mindset shifts every CEO will need to make. Sid reveals why AI today still operates like a “black box” and why transparency, data stitching, and multi-tech collaboration will define the next era. He shares the aha moment that changed how he saw AgTech, and why giving AI “true agency” could fundamentally reshape entire industries. But this isn’t just about technology—it’s about responsibility. Sid warns of AI’s dual-edged nature: its ability to increase profitability and efficiency, but also its potential to erode human connection or enable addictive, harmful experiences. From real-world Clarabridge case studies to the coming bot-to-bot economy, and from personalized hospitality experiences to why governance can’t wait 10 years, this conversation is a masterclass in building with foresight, precision, and impact. You’ll learn: Why AI customer experiences still “suck” and how to fix them The difference between tasks, to-dos, and true agentic action How to move from lagging metrics to leading indicators in CX The 4-part ROI framework for AI adoption When AI adoption will actually cross the chasm—and where first TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro 01:47 Meet Sid Banerjee 04:39 Why customer experience is still broken 10:45 The role of agentic AI 13:44 Clarabridge: Building before the AI hype 23:26 AI’s evolution in business 35:08 Precision + personalization in decision-making 38:25 The future of hospitality and personalization 41:23 Mattel, OpenAI & the ethics of AI in toys 45:14 Why AI governance can’t wait 50:39 Data privacy & security 55:03 The ROI framework for AI projects 58:44 Future predictions & rapid fire Connect with Sid: LinkedIn: Sid Banerjee Medallia: Sid’s Author Page Connect with Seema: Virgent AI: virgent.ai Disruptive CEO Advisory: disruptive.ceo LinkedIn: Seema Alexander Instagram: @seemaalexander 🎧 Loved this episode? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps more leaders discover conversations like this. Production Studio: Legacy Sessions

Is this the end of work as we know it? Or the beginning of a new kind of freedom? In this provocative episode of The AI CEO Podcast, host Seema Alexander sits down with Catherine McMillan, founding director of the AI Collective — a global grassroots movement redefining the role of humans in the age of AI. What started in a living room is now a 70,000+ member movement across 25 cities and 7 countries, united by one mission: to center humanity in the AI revolution. Together, Seema and Catherine unpack: The moment Catherine knew ChatGPT was the “end of work as we know it” Why today’s students feel betrayed by traditional career paths How AI is erasing critical thinking — and what we must protect Why “taste, agency, and relationships” will define the next generation of leaders The real reason we need a new education system NOW This episode will challenge how you think about the future of work, technology, and your own role in shaping it. 👇 Whether you're a founder, policymaker, or just AI-curious — don’t miss this one. 🧠 What You’ll Learn: How AI is quietly collapsing traditional white-collar paths Why “digital natives” see this as the next civil rights movement The 3 human traits that AI can’t replace — and how to sharpen them How grassroots AI communities like AI Collective are shaping global policy and innovation ⏱️ Episode Timestamps: (00:00) Intro & setup (01:54) Who is Catherine McMillan? (04:30) Origin of the AI Collective (70K members globally) (10:55) The moment ChatGPT changed everything (21:56) Why taste, agency, and human connection matter more than ever (28:00) Education, creativity, and what we’re doing wrong (43:15) Why this isn’t just tech — it’s a humanity mission 📌 LINKS & RESOURCES: Catherine McMillan 🌐 AI Collective 🔗 LinkedIn Seema AlexanderAI is Rewriting Business. I Work with CEOs Who Refuse to Be Disrupted—Ready to Lead in the AI Era. I speak, educate and build AI solutions to accelerate AI Adoption in businesses and industry safely and responsibily. 🌐 Host, The AI CEO Podcast 📈 Disruptive CEO Advisory 📲 LinkedIn 📸 Instagram 🎧 Like what you hear? 📩 Subscribe for future episodes 🌟 Leave a rating + review on Apple Podcasts 📢 Share this with a founder or business leader who needs to hear it

⚠️ If you think legal can wait until launch—you’re already behind. In this episode of The AI CEO, I sat down with powerhouse attorneys Ambur Smith (Founder, Ambur Smith Law) and Cameron Powell (Founding Partner, Deep Law) for a no-BS conversation on the legal landmines, ethical dilemmas, and massive opportunities AI is creating across startups, scaleups, and enterprise. We unpacked: • Why “automating innovation” can easily become “automating liability” • The IP, contract, and privacy red flags that kill valuation at due diligence • Why GenAI isn’t exempt from copyright—and what the courts actually look at • The myth of the AI-free workplace (spoiler: shadow AI is everywhere) • How to actually mitigate risk using AI as a legal tool (and yes—some lawyers use GPT in court) • What happens when an AI chatbot misquotes company policy in front of a judge 👀 • The biggest legal edge for founders in 2025 (hint: audit trail = valuation moat) Whether you’re a tech CEO, in-house counsel, or just trying to stay out of the headlines—this one’s essential. ⏱️ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Introduction to the AI CEO Podcast (02:09) Meet the Expert Guests: ambur Smith and Cameron Powell (03:30) Legal Dynamics and AI (08:36) AI in Legal Practice: Tools and Trust (19:58) Challenges and Responsibilities in AI Adoption (45:11) Understanding AI in Legal Practice (46:03) Diverse Perspectives in Law and Technology (47:54) Use Cases: Successes and Failures (48:22) Risk Hierarchy and AI Implementation (50:38) Guardrails and Legal Research Tools (51:50) AI in Marketing and Real Estate (53:32) Innovations in Regulated Industries (55:30) Data Privacy and Ethical Considerations (57:54) Navigating Legal Risks in AI (01:13:25) The Future of AI in Legal Representation (01:20:29) Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS Liability-as-a-Service – Without legal vetting, your AI product isn’t a SaaS. It’s a ticking time bomb. Copyright ≠ AI Immunity – If your content was auto-generated, you may not own it—and can’t enforce it. Red Line Rule – If you didn’t revise the AI’s draft, you may not hold the copyright. Shadow AI Is Real – Banning AI tools doesn’t stop your team from using them (secretly). Trust, but Verify – From discovery tools to ChatGPT, the best lawyers use AI—just not blindly. Generalist Advantage – The most valuable legal minds are those who blend tech, product, and policy fluency. 🌐 LINKS & RESOURCES • Ambur Smith Law – https://ambursmithlaw.com • Deep Law (Cameron Powell) – [Insert Link] • Virgent AI (show sponsor) – https://virgent.ai • Seema Alexander – https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander 🙌 CONNECT WITH ME Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander Newsletter + consulting – https://www.disruptive.ceo/ ⭐️ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Smash the like button. Tap 5 stars on Apple Podcasts. Share this episode with someone launching an AI product today—before the lawsuits hit tomorrow.

“If your focus group still needs pizza and a two-way mirror, you’re already outdated.” In this episode of The AI CEO I sit down with Felipe Restrepo—CEO & co-founder of Odaptos—to unpack the first ‘empathy-enabled’ AI that reads micro-expressions, voice tone, and body language to predict a purchase eight seconds before it happens. We talked about: • Why 90 % of customer truth is non-verbal—and how to capture it • Slashing research costs from $40K focus groups to a $400 AI sprint • The “camera-amnesia” signal that tells Odaptos you’ve forgotten you’re on film • Building a content engine straight from raw customer interviews (good-bye writer’s block) • The REAL future of AGI (hint: EQ > IQ) and which human skills become priceless • Ethical lines, biased data, and why regulated banks jumped in first Whether you’re a product lead at a Fortune 500 or a bootstrapped founder chasing product–market fit, this conversation will change how you think about research, marketing, and the next wave of AI. ⏱️ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro — “Feelings vs. Words” 01:36 From France to Techstars: The origin of Odaptos 03:49 Emotions = Customer Experience Currency 08:05 Why focus groups fail (and what replaces them) 10:32 Industrializing research with AI 20:03 Case studies: Banks, insurers & 100× ROI 29:34 What emotional AI looks like in 2025 35:11 Secret sauce: Predicting a buy 8 s early 38:07 Building a moat in the age of copy-paste AI 42:16 Turning interviews into blogs, decks & ads 47:41 Zero-UI futures & “research agents” 53:36 Human skills that matter in 2030 57:26 Ethics, regulation & the path to EQ-GPT 1:04:43 Rapid-fire + final takeaways 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS Emotion > Opinion – People love products for how they feel, not what they do. Affordable at Scale – 20 interviews for $400 means weekly iterations, not annual bets. 8-Second Window – Odaptos spots the precise moment intent flips to action. Content Flywheel – Customer voice → AI summary → ready-to-post copy in minutes. EQ-GPT – The next intelligence leap isn’t bigger models, it’s emotionally aware ones. 🌐 LINKS & RESOURCES • Odaptos (Felipe’s company) – https://odaptos.com • Virgent AI (our show sponsor) – https://Virgent.ai • Felipe on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/felipelebrun/ • Seema Alexander on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander 🙌 CONNECT WITH ME Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander Newsletter + consulting – https://www.disruptive.ceo/ ⭐️ ENJOYING THE SHOW? If this episode sparked an aha-moment, tap 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and leave a one-sentence review—helps us land more game-changing guests like Felipe!

Jerome Johnson II, Director of Solutions Architecture at AWS, dives into the pressing issues surrounding AI security. He emphasizes the urgent need for high-growth companies to prioritize AI infrastructure protection. Topics like the risks of agent-based threats, the necessity of AI governance, and the importance of protecting data integrity are thoroughly explored. Johnson also discusses the evolving landscape of digital identity theft, deepfakes, and proactive strategies that businesses can implement to navigate the AI-first future.

She Gave Her Team Permission to AI… You Won’t Believe What Happened Next | Laura Seuschek, COO of WiseWire What actually happens when a COO tells her entire team: “You’re allowed to experiment with AI”? In this episode of The AI CEO Podcast, host Seema Alexander sits down with Laura Seuschek, Chief Operating Officer of WiseWire, a trailblazing edtech company reshaping how content is designed, delivered, and optimized using AI. Over the past two years, Laura has helped lead WiseWire through an intentional AI adoption journey—building internal capabilities, setting bold KPIs, and challenging her team to reimagine their roles. The result? Increased creativity, reduced operational costs, and a new level of team engagement. 🎯 What you'll learn: How to create a culture of AI experimentation—without chaos Why AI doesn’t make employees lazy, it makes them leaders The measurable impact of automation on team productivity and cost savings What every mid-sized company needs to know before scaling AI 🧠 If you're a founder, COO, or functional leader navigating AI integration, this episode will give you a practical playbook—and inspiration to act.   🌎Reach out to Laura Seuschek LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-seuschek Twitter https://twitter.com/lauraseus?lang=es Wisewire https://www.wisewire.com/for-teachers/   🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander Virgent AI: www.Virgent.ai LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en 📌Make sure to check out Virgent.ai https://virgent.ai/ and WiseWire https://www.wisewire.com/ 👉 In this episode (00:00) Coming Up Next (00:31) Welcome to the AI CEO Podcast (01:12) Introducing Laura WiseWire (03:03) The Impact of AI on Employee Productivity (06:24) Laura's Background and Journey (09:01) Wise Wire's Evolution and AI Integration (12:23) Implementing AI: Challenges and Strategies (16:21) Prototyping and Experimentation with AI (29:15) Operationalizing AI for Cost Savings and Efficiency (35:34) Building a Culture of Innovation (40:24) Startup Mentality in Established Organizations (41:27) AI's Role in Content Alignment (44:07) Cost and Efficiency of AI in Education (45:37) Shifting Employee Mindsets for AI Adoption (51:46) Transparency and Ethical Use of AI (01:00:08) Future of Learning and AI Integration (01:05:02) Empowering Learners with AI (01:18:45) Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here.  #AIAdoption #AITransformation #AIinBusiness #AIAutomation #AIIntegration 🎤 Production Studio: Legacy Sessions 🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

In this episode of The AI CEO Podcast, Seema Alexander—AI strategist, business futurist, and co-founder of Virgent AI—sits down with Rob Richardson, founder of Disruption Now and MidwestCon, to explore what true leadership looks like when AI knows more than you do. 🧠 Topics Covered: Why clarity—not knowledge—is the new differentiator What “artistic intelligence” means in an AI world The role of AI in government (real case study!) How CEOs should balance automation vs. people Why trust—not tools—is your most critical asset 💡 “If you’re reading this in 3 years, it’s already too late.” —Rob Whether you're an AI-curious founder or already building AI-first orgs, this episode will reshape how you lead, hire, and build in the era of autonomous intelligence. 🎙️ Hosted by Seema Alexander Founder of Virgent AI | Host of The AI CEO Podcast | AI Keynote Speaker & Workshop Host I Strategic Growth Advisor to Founders & Mid-Market CEOs 📅 Don’t forget to subscribe, drop a comment, and share this episode with a leader who needs to hear it. 🔗 MidwestCon: https://midwestcon.com 🌐 Learn more about Virgent AI: https://virgent.ai 🎧 Also on Apple Podcasts & Spotify #AICEOPodcast #SeemaAlexander #RobRichardson #AILeadership #EmergingTech #FutureOfWork #AIandBusiness #Automation #TrustInAI 🎙️ The AI CEO Podcast Where business leadership meets the future. Hosted by Seema Alexander, AI strategist, futurist, and co-founder of Virgent AI, The AI CEO Podcast is the go-to show for founders, CEOs, and business leaders ready to lead boldly in the age of artificial intelligence. Each week, Seema sits down with top AI experts, visionary executives, and disruptive founders to decode what’s actually working in AI—beyond the hype. From enterprise adoption and autonomous agents to the future of work, trust, and transformation—you’ll hear candid conversations that blend strategic insight with practical action. No jargon. No fluff. Just real talk about how to build, scale, and lead in an AI-powered world. 🎯 Perfect for: Non-technical CEOs and founders Corporate innovators and strategists Operators navigating the next wave of disruption From AI-curious to AI-powered—this is your playbook. 🎧 Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and more. 🔗 Learn more: https://virgent.ai #AICEOPodcast #AILeadership #FutureOfWork #AIandBusiness #SeemaAlexander    

📌Make sure to check out Virgent.ai https://virgent.ai/ and BootupStudios.ai https://www.bootupstudios.ai/ In this episode of the AI CEO Podcast, Seema sits down with Chandler Malone, CEO of BootUp Studios, to discuss the disruptive impact of AI on the labor market and the burgeoning opportunities for entrepreneurs.  We explore various topics including the ethical implications of AI, the evolving role of non-technical founders, and the necessity for personalized education in the AI age. Chandler outlines his latest venture, an AI-enabled venture studio designed to support new entrepreneurs. From the democratization of tech tools to the importance of reading and writing skills, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to stay ahead in the rapidly changing landscape of AI and entrepreneurship.  🌎Reach out to Chandler Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chanoouttathere/?hl=en Twitter https://x.com/chanoouttathere Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandler-malone-1a398392 👉 In this episode (00:00) The Looming AI Disruption in Entry-Level Jobs  (00:32) Introduction to the AI CEO Podcast (01:20) Meet Chandler Malone: CEO of Boot Up Studios (02:12) The Power of AI for Young Entrepreneurs (03:04) Building Credibility and Community with Technology (04:09) Chandler's Entrepreneurial Journey (06:32) From Venture Capital to EdTech (07:07) The Impact of AI on Agriculture (08:49) Launching a Software Company in Event Ticketing (11:25) Navigating the Tech Hiring Landscape (18:44) The Rise of Generative AI in Test Prep (22:10) The Future of AI-Driven Businesses (24:21) The Role of AI in Entrepreneurship (33:09) The Concept of Vibe Coding (38:45) The Changing Job Market and AI's Impact (40:21) AI's Impact on the Labor Market (40:42) Empowering Individuals with AI Tools (41:55) The Future of Business and AI (45:59) The Role of Education in the AI Era (47:59) Challenges and Opportunities in EdTech (48:20) The Importance of Reading and Writing (50:41) AI Tools for Entrepreneurs (51:49) The Future of AI in Business (01:05:14) Boot Up Studios and the Future of Entrepreneurship (01:10:45) Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts  🌎Reach out to Seema Ponda Alexander Virgent AI: www.Virgent.ai Disruptive CEO Advisory https://www.disruptive.ceo/ LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander IG: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating on Apple podcasts by clicking here. 🎤 Powered by Legacy Studio & Virgent AI 🎤 Podcast post-production EZPZ Podcasting

Gerald Kierce, CEO of Trustible AI, discusses the vital role of AI governance in business. He shares how organizations can leverage AI governance as a revenue strategy to enhance growth and customer trust. Gerald emphasizes the importance of AI literacy for employees and outlines the challenges of implementing effective governance frameworks. The conversation also touches on the future impact of AI on labor and innovation, showcasing real-world examples of effective AI integration and the necessity of balancing innovation with responsible practices.