Tech Talks Daily

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I'm joined by Dr. Marc Warner, the visionary founder of Faculty, a company dedicated to deploying safe AI systems that merge human expertise with artificial intelligence to deliver exceptional performance. With a rich background that spans over a decade of working with government agencies and leading brands, Marc is at the forefront of helping organizations harness the power of AI to make better decisions. Before founding Faculty, Marc was a Marie Curie Research Fellow in Physics at Harvard University, and his academic work has been featured in prestigious journals like Nature. Recently, he was one of the few London business leaders selected to attend the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park. In our conversation, Marc makes a grounded and pragmatic case for the regulation of AI, emphasizing the importance of what he terms “mundane” or sensible AI regulation. He argues that while AI is often overhyped in the short term, it represents the most significant technological transformation of our time. Over the next decade, Marc believes that every business will need to evolve into a tech-driven AI business to survive and thrive. Those who lead in AI safety, he suggests, will not only protect their organizations but also set the standard for the industry, while those who remain on the sidelines risk falling behind. Marc also shares insights into Faculty’s innovative AI solutions, which have had a profound impact on various sectors. From enabling large-scale terrorist content moderation, demanded by the UK Prime Minister, to powering NHS pandemic forecasting and optimizing millions of call center interactions, Faculty's AI applications demonstrate the tangible benefits of integrating AI into business strategies. Marc stresses that AI should not be siloed but instead woven into the fabric of an organization, enabling better human decisions and driving measurable business outcomes. Throughout our discussion, Marc underscores the need for humility in engaging AI experts and the boldness required to overcome organizational barriers. He advocates for aligning AI initiatives with core business strategies rather than pursuing disconnected AI strategies, which often lead to wasted resources and missed opportunities. Join us as we explore the future of AI with Dr. Marc Warner and discuss how businesses can effectively integrate AI to not only stay competitive but also lead in this new era of technological advancement. How will your business adapt to the AI-driven future, and what steps can you take today to ensure you’re on the right path? Tune in to discover Marc’s expert perspective on navigating these challenges.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I'm joined by Jeremy Epling, the Chief Product Officer at Vanta, a leading trust management platform that has been recognized as the #1 Most Innovative Security Company of 2024 by Fast Company. Jeremy brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, with an impressive career that includes over 16 years at Microsoft and 4 years at GitHub, where he played pivotal roles in product development and innovation. Now at Vanta, Jeremy is driving the company’s AI strategy to strengthen cybersecurity and compliance for organizations of all sizes. During our discussion, Jeremy provides an insightful overview of his journey from major tech giants to his current role at Vanta. He shares how his deep-rooted passion for programming and product development led him to Vanta, where he is now focused on leveraging AI to revolutionize the way businesses approach security and compliance. With AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, Vanta’s solutions are helping companies streamline their compliance processes, saving them significant time while ensuring greater accuracy and trustworthiness. Jeremy also delves into Vanta’s innovative use of AI in their product offerings, such as automated security questionnaires and trust centers, which are designed to bring tangible value directly to customers. He discusses how Vanta prioritizes transparency in their AI practices, ensuring that customers retain control over their data and processes. As the conversation progresses, we explore the findings from Vanta’s State of Trust report, revealing critical insights into how AI is shaping the future of cybersecurity. From the limited allocation of IT budgets to security to the growing comfort with AI regulations among UK leaders, Jeremy offers a comprehensive view of the current landscape and the role Vanta plays in navigating these challenges. Join us as we uncover the potential of AI to fortify cybersecurity defenses, enhance compliance, and build trust in an increasingly complex digital world. Where do you see the future of AI in cybersecurity heading, and how can businesses stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field? Tune in to hear Jeremy Epling’s expert perspective and discover how Vanta is leading the charge in trust management.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m joined by Steven Read, an industry veteran who plays a pivotal role at adMarketplace, a company at the forefront of search advertising innovation. With over two decades of experience, adMarketplace has been instrumental in connecting high-purchase intent consumers with leading global brands like Home Depot, Wayfair, Best Buy, and Samsung through strategic, data-driven advertising. Steven brings a wealth of knowledge on how the rapidly evolving landscape of search advertising is being shaped by emerging technologies like conversational AI, large knowledge models (LKMs), and AI-driven automation. During our conversation, Steven dives into the significant challenges of integrating search ads with conversational agents, a frontier that is both promising and complex. We explore the intricate process of aligning ads with these new AI-driven interfaces, focusing on user experience, alignment, and the critical role of incrementality in measuring success. Steven shares his insights into how these technologies are transforming search into a more engaging and conversational experience, and what that means for the future of digital advertising. Another key topic we tackle is the decentralization of data. Steven provides a nuanced perspective on whether this trend is beneficial or detrimental to companies striving to optimize user experiences. We discuss how decentralizing data can empower better-informed decisions, yet also introduce challenges in measurement and consistency across different channels. Steven also sheds light on the impact of large knowledge models (LKMs) and their potential to revolutionize the search ads industry. With LKMs reducing reliance on personal data and enhancing the ability to understand user intent, the landscape of search is poised for a transformation that could democratize access to advanced AI capabilities, enabling innovation beyond just the tech giants. Finally, we delve into how adMarketplace is leveraging AI for automating processes like A/B testing and campaign optimization, allowing brands to gain deeper insights and accelerate development timelines. Steven emphasizes the importance of transparency, trust, and the evolving strategies required to connect with high-intent consumers in today’s fragmented search ecosystem. Where do you see the future of search advertising heading, and how will AI continue to reshape this vital industry? Tune in to gain expert insights from Steven Read, and learn how adMarketplace is driving performance at scale in the ever-evolving world of search advertising.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I'm joined by Vishal Garg, the dynamic CEO of Better.com, who is leading the charge to revolutionize the home buying experience. Vishal brings a wealth of knowledge about the mortgage industry and a forward-thinking perspective on how technology is reshaping the future of homeownership. Our conversation delves into his predictions for the housing market in 2024 and beyond, offering listeners an exclusive look at the trends that will define the real estate landscape in the coming years. As we discuss the housing market's current state, Vishal shares his belief that 2024 will be a year of gradual recovery, with the market poised for a strong rebound in 2025. Despite the challenges of high-interest rates and limited inventory, recent improvements in market conditions and potential rate cuts hint at a promising outlook. Vishal contrasts his optimism with more conservative projections, highlighting how recent financial indicators and a potential economic soft landing could spur a quicker recovery than anticipated. A key focus of our discussion is how Better.com is leveraging cutting-edge technology to streamline and digitize the mortgage process. Vishal explains how AI-driven innovations at Better.com are transforming the traditionally manual aspects of securing a mortgage, enabling customers to obtain pre-approvals in as little as three minutes and commitment letters within eight hours. He envisions a future where "buy it now" buttons on property websites will make purchasing a home as seamless as buying a product online, akin to the e-commerce revolution sparked by Amazon. We also explore the broader challenges and opportunities within the mortgage industry, particularly the need to meet the evolving expectations of next-generation consumers who demand seamless digital experiences. Vishal discusses the competitive edge that Better.com has over traditional lenders, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the rapid pace of technology adoption to remain relevant in this ever-changing market. Join us for this insightful conversation with Vishal Garg, where we uncover how Better.com is not just redefining the home buying process but also setting the stage for the future of digital homeownership. Where do you see the housing market heading in 2024, and how will technology continue to shape our experiences in real estate? Tune in to find out.

How prepared is your organization to tackle the growing threat of client-side attacks? In this episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I sit down with Lynn Marks, Senior Product Director at Imperva, a Thales company, to discuss the rise of Magecart attacks and the implications of the newly updated PCI DSS 4.0 standards. Client-side attacks, like Magecart, have been a looming threat since 2015, gaining significant traction as digital transformation accelerated during the global pandemic. As more businesses moved their operations online, the landscape for these attacks became increasingly fertile, putting sensitive customer data at risk. With the recent release of PCI DSS 4.0, the stakes have never been higher for organizations processing payments online. Lynn dives into the specifics of how these attacks operate, targeting vulnerable JavaScript to steal data directly from users, often without detection. We explore the key updates in PCI DSS 4.0, particularly the new requirements that demand businesses inventory, authorize, and monitor client-side scripts more rigorously. Lynn shares practical insights on how companies can navigate these requirements, mitigate risks, and enhance cross-team communication to protect against these sophisticated threats. What strategies should your business adopt to stay ahead of client-side attackers, and how can you ensure compliance with the evolving security standards? Tune in to this episode for an in-depth conversation on safeguarding your online transactions and staying resilient in the face of emerging cyber threats. After listening, I’d love to hear your thoughts—how is your organization adapting to the new PCI DSS 4.0 requirements?

What does it take to truly harness the power of AI in a way that augments rather than replaces human capabilities? In this episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I sit down with Ash Gawthorp, Chief Academy Officer at Ten10, to explore the critical intersection of AI and human-centric innovation. With a backdrop of PwC's 2024 Global CEO Survey revealing that 69% of CEOs anticipate the need for their workforce to develop new skills due to AI, Ash sheds light on how Ten10 is pioneering comprehensive training programs that equip employees with both technical expertise and essential soft skills. Ash delves into how Ten10's training initiatives demystify AI, emphasizing its mathematical foundations rather than presenting it as a "magic" solution. By providing hands-on experiences that foster confidence and understanding, Ten10 empowers employees to evaluate, pilot, and implement AI tools securely and effectively. Ash also discusses the importance of holistic development, blending technical proficiency with communication, collaboration, and adaptability, ensuring that workers are prepared to navigate the evolving landscape of AI with confidence. How can organizations foster a culture of continuous learning and ensure their teams are ready to drive meaningful innovation with AI? Join us as we explore these themes and more. Tune in, and don't forget to share your thoughts—how do you see AI shaping the future of work in your organization?

How can businesses navigate the complexities of cloud costs while maximizing value across their operations? In this episode, we welcome Aviram Levy, Tech Evangelist at Zesty, to explore the current state of cloud usage and waste, and how companies can effectively manage and reduce these costs. With nearly two decades of experience in IT and cloud technology, Aviram offers valuable insights into the challenges that businesses face when transitioning to the cloud’s on-demand model. He sheds light on the common pitfalls, such as the lack of visibility into cloud consumption, which often leads to unexpected and inflated bills. Aviram discusses the critical role of FinOps in cloud cost optimization, explaining how dedicated teams and processes can bridge the gap between engineering and finance. He highlights best practices for implementing FinOps strategies, including the use of tools and automation to gain better visibility into cloud usage and to drive efficiency across cloud operations.  With economic volatility adding to the unpredictability of cloud costs, Aviram emphasizes the importance of proactive management and strategic planning. At the heart of this discussion is Zesty’s innovative approach to cloud cost optimization. Aviram introduces Zesty’s solutions, which provide real-time visibility into cloud usage and offer automated recommendations to reduce waste and optimize resources. He alsoexplains how Zesty’s automation engines can dynamically scale resources based on demand, ensuring that businesses only pay for what they truly need. Additionally, the newly launched platform, "Insights," is designed to help organizations prioritize and automate optimization opportunities, making cloud management more efficient and cost-effective. Looking to the future, Aviram shares his vision for the next wave of cloud cost optimization, which will include deep tech solutions tailored to specific workloads like databases and containers. He also discusses the growing importance of multi-cloud support and the continuous advancements in automation that will further enhance cloud efficiency. As businesses increasingly rely on cloud services, one pressing question remains: Are you doing enough to optimize your cloud costs and maximize the value of your cloud investments?

How is e-invoicing revolutionizing global trade, and why should businesses take notice? In this episode, we speak with Alex Baulf, VP of Global Tax at Avalara, to explore the rise of e-invoicing and its profound impact on commerce around the world.  As governments increasingly mandate e-invoicing across various geographies, businesses must adapt to this new digital era or risk falling behind. Alex, who serves on the European Commission's eInvoicing Technical Advisory Group and is a Board Member of the Digital Business Networks Alliance, offers a deep dive into e-invoicing, how it works, and why it's becoming a critical component of international trade. E-invoicing, a digital document with structured, machine-readable data, is not just about compliance but transforming how businesses operate. Alex explains how e-invoicing streamlines processes, reduces costs, and enhances data quality, all while ensuring tax compliance in an increasingly regulated environment. He also discusses the role of tax authorities in driving this shift, particularly in the EU, where harmonization efforts are well underway, and in the US, where market-driven approaches are gaining traction. The conversation delves into the regulatory landscape, highlighting how countries are mandating e-invoicing to close the "VAT gap" and increase tax revenue. By 2030, most countries are expected to have e-invoicing mandates, making it essential for businesses to prepare now. Alex shares practical advice on how companies can embrace e-invoicing strategically, from investing in scalable global solutions to focusing on data quality and integration. He emphasizes that e-invoicing should be seen as an opportunity for process automation and efficiency rather than just a compliance obligation. Looking ahead, Alex touches on future trends in e-invoicing, including the growth of standardized formats like the PEPPOL network, the use of QR codes for public validation, and the expansion from e-invoicing to full e-document exchange. As businesses navigate this digital transformation, one question remains: Are you ready to harness the benefits of e-invoicing and stay ahead in the global marketplace?

What does it take for a business to survive and thrive in the face of cyber threats? In this episode, I sit down with Muhammad Yahya Patel from Check Point Software to explore the crucial concept of business resiliency in cybersecurity. As cyber attacks become more sophisticated and widespread, a business's ability to continue operating during and after an attack is more critical than ever.  Muhammad delves into the strategies that companies need to adopt to build a resilient cybersecurity framework, starting with identifying critical assets, ongoing risk assessments, and implementing multi-layered security measures. We also discuss the significance of having a robust incident response plan and the importance of offsite backups and disaster recovery plans. In a world where email remains a primary attack vector—accounting for over 80% of initial cyber attacks in 2023—Muhammad emphasizes the need for advanced email security solutions. He shares insights on how AI and machine learning play a pivotal role in preventing email-based threats, from phishing to business email compromise. The conversation then shifts to vulnerability management, which is essential to maintaining a solid security posture. Muhammad explains the importance of regularly patching vulnerabilities in software and hardware to prevent exploitation by attackers. He provides practical advice on how organizations can effectively identify, prioritize, and manage these vulnerabilities to reduce risks and maintain operational continuity. Looking ahead, Muhammad is excited about quantum computing's potential to revolutionize data protection and enhance cybersecurity. He also highlights the ongoing advancements in AI and machine learning that push the boundaries of what’s possible in cybersecurity, ensuring that the field remains dynamic and ever-evolving. As we conclude the episode, one question remains: Is your business truly prepared to withstand the inevitable challenges of the cybersecurity landscape? What immediate steps can you take today to ensure long-term resiliency? The time to act is now.

How can the tech industry foster a more inclusive environment, and what role does diversity play in driving innovation? In this episode, I sit with Aleks Bass, Chief Product Officer at Typeform, to explore these critical questions and more. Aleks shares her experiences with gender bias throughout her career, offering valuable advice for women navigating the challenges of the tech world. With a commitment to diversity, Aleks discusses why having more women in leadership roles is essential and how companies can support this journey. At Typeform, diversity goes beyond gender; it creates a space where different perspectives and leadership styles thrive. Aleks reveals how Typeform, with a 50% female composition in its executive team, stays true to this commitment, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. We also dive into Typeform's latest innovation, the Typeform for Growth suite, designed to help businesses capture, qualify, and convert leads more effectively. This new suite showcases how Typeform is leading the way in making data collection more engaging and intuitive, all while leveraging the power of AI to enhance customer acquisition. Aleks also highlights the broader impact of these technologies on the industry. As businesses increasingly rely on personalized, data-driven interactions, tools like Typeform for Growth become essential in staying competitive. With features like interactive video forms, automated data enrichment, and AI-powered analysis, companies can create more profound, meaningful connections with their audiences. As we wrap up the conversation, Aleks reflects on the future of tech and the importance of continuing to push for diversity and innovation. This episode sheds light on the challenges and opportunities within the tech industry. It leaves us with an important question: How can we all contribute to creating a more inclusive and innovative future in tech?