Tech Talks Daily

How can businesses stay ahead of the rapidly evolving risks of AI-driven fraud? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Bradley Niedzielski, Audit & Assurance Partner, Digital Transformation at Deloitte, to explore the growing threat of generative AI in financial fraud and how organizations can strengthen their defenses. With deepfake technology, synthetic identities, and AI-generated forgeries becoming more sophisticated, traditional fraud detection methods are struggling to keep up. Deloitte projects that AI-driven fraud losses in the U.S. could reach $40 billion by 2027—more than tripling from 2023. Bradley shares insights from Deloitte’s latest research, including a startling statistic: over 25% of businesses have already faced a deepfake financial fraud attack, and more than half expect these threats to escalate within the next year. Despite this growing concern, only 7.4% of companies prioritize technology as their primary defense, and less than half feel confident in their ability to combat AI-powered fraud. So, what’s holding them back? And what steps should organizations be taking right now to strengthen their fraud risk management frameworks? We discuss the critical role of AI governance, the importance of transparency in AI decision-making, and why human oversight is still essential—even as AI becomes more autonomous. Bradley also highlights how finance departments increasingly embed AI into their workflows, from automating financial close processes to leveraging AI-driven scenario planning. But as AI becomes a core part of financial operations, ensuring data integrity and preventing blind trust in AI-generated outputs is more critical than ever. Beyond risk mitigation, we explore how businesses can prepare their teams for the AI-driven future. Bradley shares best practices for upskilling finance professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, and ensuring AI adoption aligns with broader organizational goals. With AI reshaping finance functions at an unprecedented pace, how can companies implement it securely while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational efficiency? As generative AI continues to disrupt the financial landscape, how can businesses balance innovation and risk management? And what strategies will define the next generation of AI-powered finance operations? Tune in to hear Bradley Niedzielski’s expert take on navigating the opportunities and challenges of AI in finance.

What does the future of work look like in an era of hybrid models and AI-powered collaboration? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with James Campanini from Logitech to explore how workplace technology is evolving to empower productivity, foster inclusivity, and reshape how we think about collaboration—beyond office walls. For over 45 years, Logitech has connected people to the digital world, from early peripherals like mice and keyboards to today's advanced video conferencing and AI-driven solutions. James shares how Logitech's approach to hybrid work isn't about forcing employees back into the office but rather about ensuring that work happens effectively—whether in an office, at home, or on the move. Businesses focusing on how people work rather than where they work are seeing higher engagement, reduced burnout, and better overall productivity. We also dive into AI's role in Logitech's innovations for years, from intelligent camera systems that automatically adjust lighting to noise-canceling technology that ensures remote workers are heard as clearly as those in the room. As AI continues transforming business operations, James explains why it's not about replacing human decision-making but optimizing workflows, reducing time spent on repetitive tasks, and making meetings more inclusive for everyone—regardless of location. Beyond technology, we discuss a growing concern in the corporate world: employee monitoring. With increasing companies turning to surveillance tools, Logitech advocates for a different approach—focusing on presence rather than policing. By equipping teams with the right tools, organizations can create an environment of trust and collaboration rather than scrutiny and micromanagement. We also explore real estate trends as businesses rethink office spaces, shifting from rows of desks to more flexible, multi-purpose environments that better support hybrid collaboration. What's the right balance between in-person and remote work? And how can technology ensure all employees have an equal seat at the table—physically and digitally? With AI reshaping the way we work and businesses needing to do more with less, how can organizations create productive but also inclusive and engaging workplaces? Tune in to hear how Logitech is leading the way in redefining the future of work.

How can businesses deploy AI with full transparency, accountability, and trust? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with David Villalón, co-founder of Maisa AI, to explore how their agentic AI technology is transforming enterprise decision-making. With many organizations still hesitant to integrate AI due to concerns over trust, hallucinations, and lack of explainability, Maisa has taken a different approach—ensuring full traceability in AI-driven processes. David introduces Maisa's Vinci KPU and its "Chain-of-Work" concept, which moves beyond traditional generative AI models to create structured, deterministic decision-making processes. Unlike black-box AI systems that provide probabilistic answers, this approach allows organizations to see exactly how AI reaches its conclusions, making compliance and regulatory approval far more achievable. We discuss why this is a game-changer for industries like finance, oil & gas, and automotive—sectors where AI decisions carry high stakes and require robust governance. With AI agents becoming increasingly autonomous, businesses must balance efficiency and oversight. David explains how Maisa's model allows for independent AI operation while ensuring humans remain in the loop for critical decision-making. He also shares best practices for mitigating AI-related risks, including financial losses and reputational damage, through governance frameworks and real-time intervention capabilities. Beyond today's AI applications, we look at the bigger picture—how agentic AI reshapes leadership and organizational structures. As AI takes on more operational tasks, leaders are shifting from hands-on execution to managing networks of AI-powered "digital knowledge workers." What does this mean for the future of work? How will businesses adapt to remain competitive in an AI-driven economy? Looking ahead, David shares his insights on the biggest opportunities and challenges facing AI adoption over the next five years. With AI evolving rapidly, how can companies future-proof their AI strategies while maintaining trust and control? Tune in to hear how Maisa is pioneering a new era of AI-powered decision-making.

Are you getting what you need from Tech Talks Daily? Or is there something missing? In this episode, I’m stepping back from interviews to check in with you—my incredible listeners. I know I’m guilty of keeping my head down, recording back-to-back conversations, and pushing out episodes without stopping to ask: What do you want to hear more of? What should I cover less? Are there industries or tech trends you think deserve more attention? This show is all about exploring the impact of technology in and outside the workplace, breaking down the ROI and measurable impact of every innovation in a way that everyone can understand. But I want to make sure I’m asking the right questions and featuring the right voices.  So, tell me—what’s on your mind? I’m also taking Tech Talks Daily on the road! If you’re attending IGEL Now & Next 2025 in Miami or the Qualtrics X4 Summit in Salt Lake City or the Bay Area, why not grab a coffee or a beer and chat in person? Beyond the podcast, I work with businesses, leaders, and brands to help them share their stories—whether through thought leadership blogs, ghostwriting, or launching their own podcasts. If time constraints have been holding you back from stepping up your content game, let’s talk. So, what do you think? What’s next for Tech Talks Daily? What trends should I chase down? Who should I be speaking with? Let’s make this a two-way conversation. Reach out, and let’s make it happen. I’m listening. Are you in?    

Join Sarah Salter, Global Head of Innovation and Platforms at Wavemaker, as she shares her expertise on harnessing AI, AR, and VR to transform brand engagement. With over 15 years in the industry, Sarah emphasizes the importance of setting clear KPIs to tackle real business challenges. She discusses innovative campaigns from brands like L’Oréal and Dove, the rise of gaming in marketing, and the lessons learned from the NHS's COVID response. Sarah also highlights the need for collaboration and inclusivity in navigating the fast-paced tech landscape.

Miya McClain, VP of Product Management at Smartsheet, is on a mission to enhance project management through AI. She discusses how AI tools are simplifying workflows and tackling challenges like data overload and team burnout. Miya shares insights on how AI can proactively prevent project risks and improve decision-making. With over half of Smartsheet users already leveraging AI, she highlights the need for responsible AI use while predicting a future where AI can recommend projects and streamline team operations. Expect innovation without the chaos!

Christian Lund, co-founder of Templafy, an AI-driven document generation platform, discusses the transformative impact of AI on business productivity. He predicts that by 2025, AI will redefine document automation while emphasizing the importance of context for effective AI usage. Lund explains how Templafy streamlines workflows, reduces compliance risks, and frees up employee time. He also highlights the significance of quality data and the need for businesses to embrace AI responsibly to enhance efficiency and foster growth.

Gary Collier, CTO of Man Group, a leader in tech-powered investment strategies, discusses the evolution of hedge funds driven by AI and machine learning. He reveals how their proprietary systems, like ManGPT, support real-time insights and decision-making. Gary also dives into ArcticDB, their open-source database that enhances data processing efficiency. With his background in coding and physics, he believes AI will soon revolutionize quantitative research, generating new strategies rather than merely refining old ones. It's a fascinating look into the future of finance!

Randy Weakley, Chief AI Architect at ImageSource, shares insights from his extensive background in aerospace engineering and work at NASA. He delves into the future of agentic AI, highlighting its role as a collaborative partner rather than just an assistant. Randy discusses the integration of natural language processing and computer vision for document management across sectors like healthcare and finance. He also emphasizes the importance of a human-in-the-loop approach and governance frameworks to ensure ethical AI deployment, predicting significant transformations in business operations by 2025.

In this engaging discussion, Seena Rejal, Chief Commercial Officer at NetMind.AI, shares his extensive experience in deep tech and his mission to democratize AI access. He explores how decentralized GPU computing can disrupt Big Tech's grip on resources, making AI affordable for all. Seena highlights the rise of agentic AI and its potential to enhance efficiency in decision-making across various sectors. He also addresses the current challenges in AI development and the importance of ethical practices in this rapidly evolving landscape.