In this episode of AI Leadership Lab, host Ryan Heath sits down with Miriam Vogel, President and CEO of EqualAI, to explore the critical intersection of AI governance, literacy, and trust.
With half of Americans more concerned than excited about AI, Miriam offers a roadmap for building responsible AI systems that deserve public trust.
From discussing the litigation boom around AI to sharing real-world examples of companies getting it right, this conversation provides actionable insights for leaders navigating the AI revolution.
Trust is Earned, Not Assumed
AI adoption requires governance and transparency. Companies that deploy AI responsibly—with CEO involvement and clear accountability—see significantly higher trust and adoption rates than those that don't.
AI Literacy is Essential
Most people don't realize they're already using AI daily through GPS, news feeds, and streaming services. Closing the literacy gap requires acknowledging fears, explaining mitigation strategies, and demonstrating realworld benefits.
Speed Up Responsibility, Not Just Innovation
Rather than slowing down AI development, leaders should accelerate responsible practices. Existing laws already apply to AI, and litigation has increased six-fold over six years—expected to double or more.
Good AI Hygiene is Universal
Smart companies across industries—from banks to consumer goods—are converging on similar best practices: transparency, accountability, employee involvement, and continuous monitoring for model drift and new use cases.
Leadership Matters
Organizations that involve senior executives in AI rollout, prioritize employee upskilling, and treat workers as ambassadors rather than obstacles see dramatically better outcomes in both adoption and innovation.
Miriam Vogel is the President and CEO of EqualAI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting artificial intelligence governance. A former policymaker, lawyer, and general counsel, Miriam brings practical expertise in helping senior executives, boards, and organizations implement responsible AI practices. She works with leading companies across industries—from financial institutions to consumer goods—advising on governance frameworks, risk mitigation, and building trust through transparency and accountability.
Miriam is the co-author of "Governing the Machine" (released October 28th), which examines AI gone wrong while spotlighting governance done right, showing that we don't need to slow innovation—we need to speed up responsibility. The book distills lessons from Microsoft, Google DeepMind, PepsiCo, and Accenture, as well as regulators from Singapore to the United States, giving executives a concrete, global playbook for safe, effective adoption. Her work emphasizes the inseparability of AI governance and AI literacy, viewing them as "hand in glove" necessities for successful AI adoption.
EqualAI Website: https://www.equalai.org/about-us/leadership/miriam-vogel/
Book: "Governing the Machine" - https://www.bloomsbury.com/au/governing-the-machine9781399426275/
AI Leadership Lab interviews C-suite leaders about their AI journeys, covering what's working, where they're getting stuck, how they pivot, and the lessons they take from the losses.
Host: Ryan Heath
Website: RyanHeathConsulting.com