Reza Rassool is the CEO of Kwaai (kwaai.ai), a nonprofit AI lab and movement focused on building open-source, distributed, and sustainable AI infrastructure for the common good. With a background that includes 75 patents, Oscar-winning technology, and an exit to Google, Reza now leads Kwaai with the goal of democratizing AI and restoring individual agency.

In this episode of Mind the Machine, Reza and Cheryl dive into the urgent need for personal AI that works for people—not against them. They explore Kwaai’s innovative platform, discuss the ethical and environmental consequences of centralized AI, and unpack why he believes we’re heading toward a “game over” moment unless we change course. Reza also shares his origin story, growing up in apartheid South Africa and how that shaped his activist mindset. This conversation is a masterclass in AI for humanity—actionable, radical, and full of hope.

00:00 – Intro: From lucky breaks to ethical breakthroughs

03:24 – Reza’s origin story: Activism, apartheid, and a sense of duty

09:15 – What is Kwaai AI? Building open-source, peer-to-peer AI infrastructure

14:30 – The 3 pillars of ethical AI: Agency, monopoly, sustainability

21:02 – How personal AI can serve you (not monetize you)

25:40 – A decentralized AI network powered by everyday machines

30:48 – Why your data is more valuable than you think

36:10 – Volunteers, developers, donors: How to get involved

42:30 – PIOS: A personal AI operating system explained

47:55 – Why open source is AI’s best hope for the future

53:40 – Weekly calls, how to join the movement, final thoughts

Learn more and get involved: https://www.kwaai.ai

Follow Cheryl:

Website: https://findgood.tech

Instagram: https://instagram.com/findgood.tech

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckgoodman/