Tech Talks Daily

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Nauman Hafiz, Chief Technical Officer at Constellation, to explore the cutting-edge intersection of AI, data security, and marketing innovation. With over a decade of experience leading technology teams at R/GA, Nauman now spearheads Constellation’s efforts to revolutionize how Fortune 100 companies approach social listening and data protection. One of the key topics we delve into is Constellation’s proprietary technology, Aurora. Nauman explains how Aurora harnesses the power of AI to perform contextual social listening, enabling companies to refine their marketing strategies and drive significant revenue growth. This AI-driven approach not only offers deeper insights into consumer behavior but also helps brands stay ahead in a highly competitive marketplace. As we navigate through the conversation, Nauman shares his perspective on the rapid advancements in AI by tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. He offers his predictions on how other companies might follow suit, emphasizing the transformative potential of AI across various industries. His insights provide a glimpse into the future of AI, highlighting the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Data security is another critical area we discuss, especially in the context of AI’s growing influence. Nauman offers valuable advice on how companies can safeguard their data while leveraging AI technologies. With increasing concerns around data privacy and regulatory compliance, his expertise sheds light on practical strategies to maintain robust security measures without stifling innovation.    

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Dr. Mfon Akpan, an expert in accounting and finance from Methodist University, to explore the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in the accounting profession. As AI technologies continue to advance, they are increasingly outperforming humans in various domains, including those within the accounting sector. Dr. Akpan shares insights on how AI is reshaping workflows, boosting productivity, and introducing a new paradigm where AI-generated drafts are refined by human professionals—a process that is not only enhancing efficiency but also challenging traditional approaches. A significant focus of our discussion centers on the ethical considerations that accompany AI's integration into accounting. Dr. Akpan raises critical concerns about privacy, the need for transparency in disclosing AI usage to clients, and the potential for a digital divide created by unequal access to AI tools. As major accounting firms invest heavily in AI, the question of how to implement these technologies responsibly becomes ever more pressing. Dr. Akpan also delves into the impact of AI on education, emphasizing the importance of exposing students to these tools to ensure they are workforce-ready while also teaching them to navigate the ethical complexities that arise. Dr. Akpan's work, including his recent publication on aligning AI with ethical accountancy, introduces frameworks designed to ensure that AI adoption in the accounting profession remains aligned with the core values of trust and integrity. As we explore these themes, Dr. Akpan also reflects on the challenges facing educators, policymakers, and practitioners as they collaborate to keep pace with the rapid advancements in AI and ensure that ethical standards are upheld. Join us as we discuss the transformative potential of AI in accounting, the ethical challenges it presents, and the crucial role of lifelong learning in preparing the next generation of professionals for a future where AI plays an integral role in their work.        

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Tiago Cardoso, Group Product Manager at Hyland Solutions, a company known for its industry-leading intelligent content solutions. With a solid background in Computer Science and AI, Tiago brings over a decade of experience in developing cutting-edge interfaces across web, mobile, and 3D applications. Our conversation delves into the transformative power of AI in enterprise content management, particularly in sectors like healthcare, insurance, and banking. We explore how AI is revolutionizing these industries by streamlining processes, enhancing decision-making, and ultimately improving customer experiences. Tiago also shares insights on how AI is reshaping higher education, specifically within computer science programs. He discusses the growing importance of integrating AI into the curriculum, preparing the next generation of tech professionals to meet the demands of an AI-driven world. This naturally leads us into a discussion about AI implementation readiness in the workforce. As AI continues to advance, its impact on jobs and the skills required to thrive in a tech-oriented workplace is a topic of critical importance.  Tiago offers his perspective on how organizations can better prepare their employees for the changes AI will bring, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation. Throughout our conversation, Tiago emphasizes the need for a thoughtful and strategic approach to AI adoption, one that balances innovation with ethical considerations and a focus on the human element. Whether you’re curious about the future of AI in enterprise settings or interested in how AI is influencing education and the job market, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of AI and its far-reaching implications. How will AI reshape the industries that matter most to you? What steps should organizations take to ensure they are ready for the AI-driven future? Don’t miss this engaging discussion that could help shape your perspective on the opportunities and challenges ahead.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Niki Manby, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Mutual of Omaha, a company with over a century of experience in providing insurance and financial solutions. Niki, an expert in consumer financial services, shares insights into how Mutual of Omaha, a Fortune 300 company, is evolving to meet the changing needs of its nearly 24 million customers while maintaining its core mission of helping people protect what they care about. We explore how Mutual of Omaha is embracing digital transformation within the insurance industry. As customer expectations shift, driven by tech giants like Meta, Amazon, and TikTok, even traditionally tech-averse demographics, such as seniors, are becoming more digitally savvy. Niki discusses the company’s approach to integrating self-service options and digital learning journeys, all while balancing innovation with the privacy concerns that come with health information. Niki also dives into the emerging trends within the insurance industry, such as micro-insurance, on-demand insurance, and embedded insurance models. We discuss how these new models are reshaping the industry and the role insurtechs play in supporting carriers rather than competing directly with them. Throughout our conversation, we look at the challenges and opportunities that come with integrating new technologies into long-standing insurance products, the importance of maintaining a customer-centric approach, and how Mutual of Omaha is positioning itself for future growth. Niki offers a forward-looking perspective on how the company plans to expand its scope beyond traditional insurance to include broader financial and wellness solutions, ensuring it remains at the forefront of industry innovation. Tune in to discover how a century-old company like Mutual of Omaha is not just adapting but leading in the rapidly changing landscape of insurance and financial services.    

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I enjoy a conversation with Eddy Badrina, CEO of Eden Green, a company on a mission to reshape agriculture through cutting-edge vertical indoor greenhouse technology. With a focus on sustainability, Eddy shares how Eden Green is pioneering new methods to grow fresh produce more efficiently, using less water, energy, and reducing carbon emissions. We discuss Eden Green's innovative approach, where their patented microclimate technology creates optimal growing conditions for each plant. This precise control over water, light, and nutrients not only enhances the growth process but also significantly reduces resource consumption. The result is fresher, safer produce that reaches grocery shelves within 48 hours, addressing the long-standing issue of food miles and waste in the supply chain. Eddy also introduces us to their groundbreaking herb program, which stands as a first in the industry. Unlike the traditional model that relies on fragmented, global supply chains, Eden Green's approach allows for the growth, packaging, and distribution of over ten herb varieties from a single location. This innovation reduces the complexity and environmental impact associated with herb distribution, offering retailers a more sustainable and efficient solution. Throughout our discussion, Eddy provides a forward-looking perspective on the future of agriculture. He outlines Eden Green's ambitious plans to expand across the U.S., with the goal of establishing 20 production facilities within the next five years. This expansion is not just about scaling their operations but also about setting a new standard for how fresh produce can be grown and distributed sustainably.  

Blake Johnson, Quantum Engine Lead at IBM Quantum, dives into the evolution of Qiskit, which has transformed from an experimental tool into a powerful software platform for quantum computing. He discusses AI-powered tools that optimize problem mapping to quantum circuits and the significance of the latest version, Qiskit 1.0, with 16x faster performance. Blake highlights IBM's collaborative efforts with a global community of over 600,000 users to push for quantum advantage and outlines the vision for achieving fault-tolerant quantum computing by 2029.

Artem Kroupenev, VP of Strategy at Augury, emphasizes the vital role of AI literacy in today's workforce. He argues that understanding AI is as essential as reading and writing. The discussion highlights how AI enhances productivity and transforms entry-level jobs. Artem advocates for integrating AI literacy through collaborative strategies, breaking down organizational silos. He reassures listeners that AI won't replace jobs but will augment abilities, pushing professionals toward strategic thinking and better decision-making.

In a captivating conversation, Nick Gernert, CEO of WordPress VIP, discusses how the platform enhances content creation for major brands like CNN and The White House. He emphasizes the transformative role of AI in streamlining mundane tasks, allowing creators to focus on quality and creativity. Nick also introduces Parsley, their analytics tool, which empowers content creators with real-time data to boost engagement. As AI reshapes search and information retrieval, he highlights the need for a balance between technology and the human touch in content.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I have a conversation with Michael Raduga, the innovative CEO of REMspace, who is pushing the boundaries of brain science and consciousness.  Michael's journey from Siberia to Silicon Valley is nothing short of extraordinary. After experiencing lucid dreams and sleep paralysis as a teenager, he became fascinated with the dream world and its potential. This fascination led him to perform a self-implantation of a neural chip, a bold experiment aimed at exploring the power of REM sleep. We explore how REMspace is at the forefront of developing groundbreaking technologies designed to harness lucid dreaming, with implications that could transform mental health, education, and entertainment. Michael explains how his personal experiences shaped his vision and how his self-experimentation might pave the way for future innovations in neuroscience. We also discuss the ethical challenges that come with such advancements, including the risks of dream "hacking" and the importance of developing these technologies responsibly. Michael shares his hopes for a future where lucid dreaming becomes a widely accessible tool, offering experiences that go beyond the limitations of physical reality. Join us as we explore the fascinating possibilities of merging dream and reality with Michael Raduga on Tech Talks Daily. Could this be the next step in unlocking the full potential of the human mind?

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Marna Ricker, EY's Global Vice Chair of Tax, to explore the intersection of emerging technologies, diversity, and the evolving landscape of global tax regulation. With over 28 years at EY, Marna is a transformational leader whose passion for authentic leadership and inclusive empowerment has not only shaped her career but also the future of the tax profession. We begin our conversation by diving into the impact of AI and generative AI on the tax industry. Marna shares insights on how these technologies are revolutionizing the way tax professionals manage and analyze vast amounts of data, automating processes that once required hours of manual effort. However, with innovation comes risk, and Marna highlights the common pitfalls that tax departments face when adopting new technologies without a clear strategy. From getting lost in the allure of shiny new tools to the importance of starting simple and focusing on data standardization, Marna offers a balanced perspective on how to navigate the tech landscape effectively. But the future of tax isn't just about technology. As global regulations evolve to create a fairer and greener world, tax professionals must adapt not only to new rules but also to changing workforce dynamics. Marna discusses the trends shaping the future of tax, including the influence of sustainability initiatives, and how companies can leverage tax policies to drive ESG goals. She also delves into the human side of this transformation, emphasizing the need for inclusive leadership and a human-centered approach to change management. Marna's leadership at EY is a testament to the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion in building high-performing teams. She shares the initiatives that EY has implemented, from inclusive leadership training to neurodiversity hiring programs, and how these efforts are making a meaningful impact across the organization. Tune in to hear Marna's unique perspective on the future of tax, the role of technology in driving innovation, and the importance of fostering an inclusive culture in today's rapidly changing world. What steps can you take to future-proof your tax function and ensure you're not falling into the technology trap?